Arts on Fire

Who It’s For

Designed for adults of all experience levels - from complete beginners to those returning to acting after time away. This class is ideal for anyone interested in performance, personal growth, or discovering a creative outlet in a supportive, low-pressure studio environment. No prior acting experience is required.

What You’ll Learn

Through guided exercises, scene work, and group collaboration, students will explore the foundations of dramatic performance. The course focuses on both technical acting skills and confidence-building practices.

Students will learn to:

• Examine and break down dramatic texts, including monologues and scenes
• Work professionally and collaboratively with scene partners and readers
• Develop characters through voice, movement, intention, and emotional connection
• Prepare for auditions across a variety of styles
• Build comfort, presence, and confidence performing in front of others

Why It Matters

Acting strengthens communication, self-awareness, and creative expression. Through structured practice and supportive feedback, students learn how to speak with confidence, connect authentically with others, and tell compelling stories. These skills extend far beyond the stage, supporting personal confidence, public speaking, and everyday communication — while also offering a meaningful creative escape from routine.

Instructor Bio

A multi-disciplinary artist based in Durham region, Jessica MacNeill has over two decades of experience in the performing arts industry and she’s ready to share her knowledge and love of the arts with the aspiring performers of Arts on Fire! Select stage credits include: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Cinderella), The Sound of Music (Maria), Chicago (Roxie Hart), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Amadeus (Constanze), Tick Tick Boom (Susan), Peter and the Starcatcher (Molly). Other credits include five seasons as a principal singer/dancer at Canada’s Wonderland and performances at Broadway’s iconic cabaret venue, Feinstein’s/54 Below. Jessica is a graduate of Randolph College for the Performing Arts and has continued to hone her skills across North America, training with Dora Award and Tony Award winning legends. Whether you’re new to the stage or an experienced performer, Jessica has the right lesson plan for you and is ready to help you shine!

End Experience

By the end of the course, students will:

• Have prepared monologues suitable for real-world auditions
• Approach auditions and rehearsal rooms with greater confidence and clarity
• Demonstrate improved storytelling, character development, and stage presence
• Feel more comfortable taking creative risks and performing in front of others

Class Format & Schedule

🗓 8-week course
📅 Tuesdays, Jan 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, Mar 3, 10, 17
📍 Arts on Fire Studio, Ajax
(Classes include warm-ups, guided exercises, scene work, and group feedback.)

Adult Drama offers a rare opportunity to explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others in a welcoming studio environment. Whether pursuing acting seriously or simply looking for a fulfilling creative outlet, students leave with skills they can carry into both performance and everyday life