Act Your Page

Service Description

Experience Level: Some Prior Training Recommended Recommended For: Actors with foundational training who want to deepen character work, strengthen text analysis, and build original material through writing and performance. Act Your Page is a hands-on workshop that bridges creative writing and performance, inviting actors to step into the role of creator to build fuller, more specific characters. Through guided writing and on-your-feet work, students generate their own scenes, monologues, and backstories, then bring that material to life in performance. By developing writing skills alongside acting technique, this workshop gives actors practical tools to fill in gaps scripts don’t always provide, clarifying intention, sharpening text analysis, and deepening emotional truth. Across four three-hour sessions, the class blends discussion, creative writing prompts (including Shakespeare and chance-based work using a deck of cards), partnered scene work, and performance. All material is student-generated, creating an active, collaborative environment that encourages exploration and risk-taking. Ideal for actors looking to expand storytelling skills, increase artistic self-sufficiency, and gain confidence originating material. Writers interested in the actor’s process are also welcome. You’ll walk away with: Expanded range beyond familiar types Tools for building backstory, intention, and motivation Greater confidence creating original material A clearer creative voice as an actor and storyteller Advance Registration Ends February 27 About the Instructor Matthew Wayne Roberts is an award-winning SAG-AFTRA actor, filmmaker, and writer. He earned his degree in Creative Writing with a concentration in Theatrical Performance from Southern Illinois University, with additional studies in cinema. Matthew was a member of The Loft Ensemble Theatre for eleven years, performing onstage and having original work produced, including Hard to Believe, his first full-length play. He later produced original short films through ToeNale Productions, reinforcing his belief that developing your own material is essential to artistic growth. His teaching emphasizes writing and acting as complementary tools that deepen character, connection, and performance. What to Bring A notebook, something to write with, and a water bottle. Comfortable clothing recommended.