Acting Class Teaches Life Lessons, Too

Spring break brings with it an assortment of activities for learners young and old.

A new class in Kapolei aims to bring out the actor in children, youths and adults. Chris Riel and his company Play 4 Life will teach “Easy as PAI: Play, Act, Improvise” on Sundays, from March 3 to May 5 (no class St. Patrick’s Day or Easter). The program operates out of Smart Karate Kapolei, 338 Kamokila Blvd. #201.

Hours are noon-1:30 p.m. for keiki, 1:30-3:30 p.m. for youths and 4-6 p.m. for adults. A limit of 10 students will be accepted in each class at a cost of $160 per student, or $25 for drop-ins per class.

Students will play roles and scenes, and use their voice, emotions and physicality while exploring the essentials of artistic performance. For the younger students in particular, Riel said that participants will build confidence, practice creative thinking and learn to work together.

“In addition to the obvious skills of acting and improvising, I think students in this class will learn to see the possibilities all around them, in everyday moments, all the choices we make, all the choices we could be making, the potential to live richer, fuller lives, both on and off stage,” Riel said.

Riel, who also founded the performance group In Yo Face Improve, is a comedian, performer and all-around entertainer. Originally from Waipahu, Riel got his start in the Leeward Community College theater department.

“There truly are no limits to what we can create if we give 100 percent every scene, every show, every day,” he noted.

Prospective students are encouraged to register as soon as possible in order to guarantee a spot.

For more information, call 630-4392 or visit play4lifehawaii.com.