BIO

Elaina Shaver is a storyteller in many forms.

She taught creative writing and theatre at Whole Heart Family Tutorial in Franklin for 8 years. Prior to that, she was the Youth Programming Coordinator at Street Theatre Company in Nashville for 6 years where she wrote and directed several plays for students ages 6-18. Most recently, she has taught for the Discipleship Tutorial Co-op for 3 years on a variety of subjects including Creative Writing, Folklore & Fairytales, Literature, Art and Science. In 2024 she and her husband created a performing theater program on their family farm in Lascassas.

Elaina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with a minor in Photography from Belmont University and before she had children, Elaina worked in the marketing industry, helping local businesses tell their stories through photography, written copy, and graphic design.

Elaina has written over a dozen stage plays that have been performed at several theaters around the middle TN area, has co-written two staged musicals, and is always in the process of writing another story. She has also directed over 35 staged productions throughout middle TN. She is a mother of 4 and is married to Aaron Shaver who is a published author and storyteller as well. She and her family have been homeschooling since 2020 and attend North Blvd Church of Christ.

Acting for the Stage (Spring)

16 WEEK CLASS

 

Tutor Name: Elaina Shaver

Course Name: Acting for the Stage (Spring)

Required Texts: 

Other Required Materials:

Copy Fee: $45 (additional printing and staging costs)

Minimum Number of Students: 12

Maximum Number of Students: 20

Course Description/Outline/Objectives:

Using monologues and scenes from some of the great playwrights of our language, this class will dig into the craft of acting! This class will culminate with a lightly staged Student Showcase Performance at the end of the spring semester to perform the pieces they focus on throughout the semester.

This class will focus on:

• Separating self from character (& how this helps with nerves!)
• Performing various genres
• Audition Prep
• Accent Work
• Character Analysis
• Monologue Work
• Scene Work
• Film Acting
• Theatre Games
• Stage Craft & Props

Expected Weekly Time Commitment for Homework: 30 mins- 1 hour

Prerequisites: None

Recommended Grade Level: 5th-12th Grades 

More Courses
  by Elaina Shaver

  • Creative Writing

  • Photography

  • Junior Creative Writing