The Atlantic Stage Theatre Training program is in season with its series of spring acting classes for the public beginning April 18 at Coastal Carolina University's Myrtle Beach Education Center at 79th Avenue North and U.S. 17 Bypass North.

This is the first time Atlantic Stage has hosted acting classes. The theatre company has produced Broadway, off-Broadway and new plays for three seasons. The following courses, taught by Atlantic Stage theatre professionals, will meet once a week for eight weeks:

• Acting for the Camera, to be held 7 to 9 p.m. on Mondays from April 18 through June 6, will be taught by stage and screen veteran Steve Earnest, founding member of Atlantic Stage and professor of theatre at CCU. Activities will include cold readings, audition tips and techniques, and performing brief scenes in front of the camera. The class is limited to 12 students who are at least 16 years old. No experience is necessary, although actors with experience may also benefit from this course. The cost is $165.

• Acting for Teens, also taught by Earnest, will be held 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from April 20 through June 8. Students will become familiar with stage terminology and will gain some understanding of dramatic literature. Activities will include monologue and scene work, as well as theatre games and exercises that aid in instructing the principles of acting. The class is limited to 15 students between the ages of 13 and 18. No previous experience is necessary. The cost is $125, with a discount available for any family enrolling more than one student in the class.

• Adult Stage Acting, to be held 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays from April 21 through June 9, will be taught by Eric LaVoie, who earned a bachelor╒s degree in theatre from CCU and an MFA in acting from Florida Atlantic University. He appeared as Emil in this season's "Three Viewings" at Atlantic Stage. Students will learn the vocabulary of the theatre and become familiar with the theories of method acting. Activities will include monologue and scene work, as well as exercises that aid in instructing the principles of stage performance. The class is limited to 12 students who are at least 18 years old. No previous experience is necessary. The cost is $165.

For additional information, or to enroll in any of the three acting classes, call Sandi Shackelford at 843-438-8409 or 843-503-2665, or visit www.atlanticstage.com. Payment can be made on the first day of class.