Mermaid Acting and Etiquette Classes

Shellebrations Merfolk Land Liaison (MLL)

Become the essential “voice on land” with the Shellebrations Merfolk Land Liaison (MLL) training course. This specialized class teaches participants how to support merfolk by managing logistics, crowd control, and safety during events. Key skills include the “Pirate Carry,” “Coral Carry,” and mastering the professional “Call Sheet” to ensure every event goes swimmingly. Perfect for friends, partners, or those seeking contract opportunities as a professional mermaid assistant.

Ages: 16 – 99 years
e-Learning: N/A
Prerequisites: Must be in good physical health and able to lift/pull 200+ lbs to support merfolk transport.
Estimated Class Duration: 90 minutes
Equipment: Students should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that they do not mind getting wet.
Cost: $40
Certification: Shellebrations MLL Certification and ID card earned upon successful completion.

Mer-Etiquette Basics 1 – Merformance Essentials

Go deep into the heart of your identity with Mer-Etiquette Basics 1 – Merformance Essentials, a foundational class designed for adults ready to develop their unique “Mersona.” Held in a supportive classroom environment, this session introduces students to the “Method Mermaiding” acting technique, character backstory development, and a general “Reef Talk” introduction to being a merfessional. Participants will learn the framework behind maintaining the magic of their character from the moment they put on their tail. Perfect for both passionate enthusiasts and aspiring professionals—no prior acting experience required!

Ages: 16 – 99 years
e-Learning: N/A
Prerequisites: Participants must have an interest in character development, and be able to physically sit, sit on the ground, walk, stand, and repeatedly don/doff a monofin.
Estimated Class Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
Equipment: Students should bring an easy-to-use monofin, comfortable walking shoes and activewear, a towel or blanket, a cellphone for pictures, and extra note taking supplies.
Photography: In-class photography is a mandatory part of the curriculum. These visuals are essential to being able to replicate movement and evaluate your progress in coursework.
Cost: $175
Provided With Purchase: Student worksheet, water-resistant Shellebrations folder, mermaid wand gel pen.
Certification: Shellebrations ME1 Certification and ID card earned upon successful completion.

Mer-Etiquette Basics 2 – Essential Audience Interaction

Take your guest interactions to the next level with Mer-Etiquette Basics 2 – Essential Audience Interaction, focusing on the art of communication without breaking character. This session covers body motions, verbal “Mercabulary,” and the use of props to engage audiences of all ages. Students will practice non-verbal greetings and learn how to navigate “human” questions with oceanic wit and grace. Ideal for merfolk who want to feel more confident and “pro-fish-ient” during all types of appearances.

Ages: 16 – 99 years
e-Learning: N/A
Prerequisites: Completion of Mer-Etiquette Basics 1
Estimated Class Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
Equipment: Students should bring their favorite merfolk prop(s), a monofin, and a towel or blanket to sit on. Comfortable activewear and shoes are recommended.
Photography: In-class photography is a mandatory part of the curriculum. These visuals are essential to being able to replicate movement and evaluate your progress in coursework.
Cost: $175
Provided With Purchase: Student worksheet, and a special curriculum based sea-prise.
Certification: Shellebrations ME2 Certification and ID card earned upon successful completion.

Mer-Etiquette Basics 3 – Mermaid Modeling and Posing

Dip into the aesthetics of mermaiding with Mer-Etiquette Basics 3 – Mermaid Modeling and Posing, an exploration into the visual standards of the mermaid world. This class focuses on photo-ready techniques, including “Shellfie” mastery, basic cosmetic application, and understanding lighting for land and water. Participants will also learn “Photo Timeline” management to ensure they always look their best during long appearances. Designed for anyone wanting to capture the perfect magical moment, whether for a professional portfolio or a personal treasure chest of memories.

Ages: 16 – 99 years
e-Learning: N/A
Prerequisites: Completion of Mer-Etiquette Basics 1 & 2
Estimated Class Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
Equipment: Students should bring their camera/smartphone for practice, and wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Photography: In-class photography is a mandatory part of the curriculum. These visuals are essential to being able to replicate movement and evaluate your progress in coursework.
Cost: $175
Provided With Purchase: Student worksheet, and a special curriculum based sea-prise.
Certification: Shellebrations ME3 Certification and ID card earned upon successful completion.

Mer-Etiquette Basics 4 – Aquatic Choreography

Splash into the final level of the Basics series with Mer-Etiquette Basics 4 – Aquatic Choreography, where your Mersona finally meets the water. This class introduces aquatic character posing, and dazzling audience interaction tricks that you can always fall back on. Students will learn how to maintain their performance grace while managing movement in a tail. This is the ultimate “bridge” class for enthusiasts and professionals ready to shine in front of friends or an audience.

Ages: 16 – 99 years
e-Learning: N/A
Prerequisites: Completion of Mer-Etiquette Basics 1-3; must hold a PADI Mermaid or PFI Aquatic Mermaid certification (or equivalent) and be able to swim comfortably in a tail.
Estimated Class Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours), sometimes broken into two sessions: 90 min classroom, and 90 min physical swim time
Equipment: Students must supply the following: mask, monofin, tail skin, associated mermaid swim gear, tail protection, and towels.
Photography: In-class photography is a mandatory part of the curriculum. These visuals are essential to being able to replicate movement and evaluate your progress in coursework.
Cost: $175
Provided With Purchase: Student worksheet, and a special curriculum based sea-prise.
Certification: Shellebrations ME4 Certification and ID card earned upon successful completion.

Advanced Mer-Etiquette 5 – Merformance Appearance and Maintenance

Elevate your mermaid experience to the highest tide with Advanced Mer-Etiquette 5 – Merformance Appearance and Maintenance, an intensive 4-hour course for dedicated merfolk. This immersive experience covers advanced waterproof cosmetics, color mapping pursuant to your mersona, wig use, hair styling for water, makeup maintenance, and troubleshooting costume malfunctions. Participants will engage in an entire makeup application session under guidance of an instructor with the goal of creating a repeatable look for use when mermaiding.

Ages: 16 – 99 years
e-Learning: N/A
Prerequisites: Completion of Mer-Etiquette Basics 1-4. Students must arrive to class with a full makeup application for water performance.
Estimated Class Duration: 240 minutes (4 hours)
Equipment: Students should bring their professional makeup kit, monofin, tail skin, associated mermaid swim gear (including mask), and a change of clothes.
Photography: In-class photography is a mandatory part of the curriculum. These visuals are essential to being able to replicate movement and evaluate your progress in coursework.
Cost: $350
Provided With Purchase: Student worksheet, and a special curriculum based sea-prise.
Certification: Shellebrations ME5 Certification and ID card earned upon successful completion.