Acting classes can be the start of a lifetime career or an enjoyable way to make new friends and acquire self-confidence. Either way, Kumu Kahua Theatre’s new series of acting classes starts Monday. A second session runs from January through April.

Veteran actor, director and teacher Eden-Lee Murray comes to Kumu Kahua after seven years at the Hawaii Theatre Center. Murray developed the Hawaii Theatre youth program and directed student productions.

“I think it’s very important for the kids who started with me at the Hawaii Theater to be able to continue, and also to continue the classes for new students,” Murray said, emphasizing that newcomers are welcome. “They don’t have to have any experience; they can come here and have fun with theater. If they enjoy the Junior Ensemble, they can continue with the Intermediate Ensemble and move up toward real theater.”

Junior Ensemble is an introductory acting program for middle school students. Classes focus on improvisation, creative dramatics and basic acting techniques, with an emphasis on creative collaboration among cast members as well as performance skills. Classes begin Monday; no prior acting experience is required.

Intermediate Ensemble is designed for students who have prior theater experience and are interested in learning more about performance technique. Classes include theater games and improvisation; students are also introduced to techniques for character creation and script analysis — techniques that are useful for audition monologues and playing short scenes. Classes start Wednesday.

Admission for both classes is by interview.

Murray’s students benefit from her years of practical experience as a working actor. Her most recent stage performance was last month when she had a major supporting role in the Hawaii Shakespeare Festival production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

For information, visit kumukahua.org or call 536-4222.