Shelby County theater teachers and students will have an opportunity to learn a specific acting technique from a master teacher during a special professional development workshop on August 29.

Jeanmarie Collins, a master teacher of the Spolin Method, will teach the workshop, which is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center.

“We are very excited to welcome Jeanmarie Collins to Shelby County Schools,”  said Michelle Hall, Supervisor of Library Media and Fine Arts for Shelby County Schools. “Ms. Collins studied at the Drama Studio in London and is one of only a handful of actors formally trained to teach the Spolin Technique.  A veteran of film and stage she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with the theater teachers and students in Shelby County.”

Collins, who is also an award-winning playwright, was trained at Mercer University and the National Drama Studio of London.  In addition to being a master teacher of the Spolin Method, she also is a master teacher for Nashville Shakespeare Festival, with established classes throughout the Southeast.  She has also served as and former adjunct professor at The University of Montevallo and as the Drama Coordinator for the Conservatory at Birmingham-Southern College.

Based on the works of the renowned grandmother of improvisational theater, Viola Spolin, the Spolin technique focuses on the ensemble and the respect and responsibility that comes with the followers of the technique. Along with the basics of acting, with a large emphasis on listening skills and versatility, exercises are worked to free the actor for creativity and exploration.