314 W. Main St• Grass Valley, CA
Intro to Scene Study:
Instructor: Judy Merrick
Dates: September 17, 24 October 1, 8, 22, 29 November 5, 12, 19 (9 classes)
Time: 3:45-5:00
Where: Thursdays Studio # 2
Ages: 7-11
Cost: $285
This CONSENT FORM must be completed before September 1st, to avoid being moved to a waitlist.
Ever wonder what makes a character tick? In this hands-on class, young actors become script detectives — digging into the story, figuring out what their character wants, and building a whole backstory for them. Then it’s time to bring it to life! Students will practice real scene work: making bold choices, truly listening to their scene partner, and reacting in the moment. By the end of our 10 weeks, everyone will show off their scenes in a final sharing. It’s the perfect compliment to our improv and musical theater classes — all about the craft of becoming someone else, one scene at a time.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
🌼 Instructor Bio: Judy Merrick
Judy Merrick is a professional actress, director, and teaching artist with over 25 years of experience bringing stories to life on stage. Based in the Nevada City area, she is a proud board member and director at Lyric Rose Theatre, where she is deeply committed to fostering a vibrant local arts community.
Judy spent 13 years working in the New York City theater scene and has performed on stages across the United States, as well as in Europe and Mexico. Locally, audiences have seen her in productions such as Present Laughter, What We’re Up Against, The Moors (Sierra Theatre), Rent, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Lyric Rose Theatre), along with a variety of immersive theater experiences.
She is a three-time consecutive Best Actress award winner (BroadwayWorld), a recognition of both her artistry and dedication to her craft.
As a director, Judy most recently led Beetlejuice Junior, and has also assistant directed Into the Woods and The Last 5 Years, bringing creativity, care, and precision to every production.
For the past five years, Judy has taught actors of all ages through local after-school programs, musicals, and plays. She is passionate about helping students of every experience level grow in confidence, creativity, and joy.
Her philosophy: Great acting isn’t about pretending—it’s about finding the truth in a character and making it your own.
EXPLORE MORE CLASSES & PROGRAMS