Highland Stage producer offers acting class through SCCC

sussex county -The Highland Stage's founder and producing director, Bill Donald, is offering an acting class through the community/corporate education division of Sussex County Community College. The course begins on Sept. 20 and runs on consecutive Monday nights from 7-8:30 p.m. for 10 weeks. The class, called "Four Steps to Quality Acting," costs $125. Registration is arranged through the college. Donald, best known locally as the teacher/director who built the Vernon High program to one of the best in the state between 1985 and 2000, has recently retired from his position as the arts administrator for the Teaneck Schools in Bergen County. A member of Actor's Equity, Donald holds two degrees in theatre, a doctorate in arts education, and has directed well over 200 plays. A "method" teacher whose approach to acting stems from the work of Russia's Eugene Vakhtangov, the director has taught key principles to hundreds of young actors. His three adult daughters are professionals in the theatre business. "I teach from the principle that everyone can be an actor," Donald said. "Some fall into good, truthful, communicative, human acting quite readily. Others require conscientious development. But all benefit from learned technique and serious rehearsal." He said that students are expected to attend ready to be physically active. They also will be required to memorize some scenes during the ten weeks. For more information, call 973-875-3039.