Esta clase, dirigida en Español, consiste en un programa dinámico de 10 semanas dividido en dos partes de 5 semanas. La clase indagará en las aplicaciones prácticas de la técnica de Uta Hagen discutidas en su libro “Un reto para el actor”. Se usarán los ejercicios de Uta Hagen como herramienta para enfrentar retos y desbloquear el proceso de ensayo; y se pondrán en práctica mediante el trabajo de escenas, monólogos o soliloquios extraídos a partir de obras hispanas contemporáneas. A través del análisis de texto, trabajo de mesa, y ensayos guiados, se trabajará en conseguir una conexión auténtica con las circunstancias del personaje, escogiendo las acciones más honestas acordes con las circunstancias y buscando la organicidad y liberación de los impulsos. Las escenas se presentarán en clase, y luego se trabajarán y presentarán de nuevo para explorar y aplicar los comentarios recibidos. Se espera, por parte de los estudiantes, investigación extensa, preparación y ensayos fuera de la clase. El curso está abierto a la comunidad hispana así como a los actores cuya segunda lengua es el español y quieran usar sus habilidades lingüísticas a varios niveles, mejorando su habilidad para actuar en español.

• Aprende más sobre la instructora
• Libro necesario para el curso: Uta Hagen: Un Reto Para El Actor (Artes Escénicas)
• Requisito previo: Esta clase está abierta a estudiantes de todos los niveles que hablen español de manera fluida

The primary objective of this class is to free up the artist’s channel through intensive physical training. Think of it like the actor’s gym. Our work together happens under the notion that the body is a channel through which we process our experiences into motion and sound — whether that be through acting, filmmaking, writing, etc. When the channel is open, you learn to connect with and respond more spontaneously to an environment without tension or pushing. A large portion of the freeing-up process is psychological, which requires an understanding of and connection to your emotional and physical self. The mindfulness component of the movement work encourages you to be permissive with your habits, experiences and emotions as they develop in the body. However, this is never accomplished in a vacuum. The unique insight of this training is the necessity for you to be in contact in order for the work to take-hold. This happens through regularly practiced ensemble and partner exercises. The concept of “play,” begins to take hold, as you understand improvisational movement without tension or anxiety – working less cerebrally and more kinesthetically.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all

Held online via Zoom: This ongoing class is reserved for performers who have previously studied with Austin Pendleton and wish to continue their artistic relationship with him in a focused, collaborative setting. This is a working laboratory for experienced participants. You are expected to bring in scenes or monologues that are already in progress, along with specific artistic questions or challenges you would like to explore. The work is guided by the needs of each actor, with Austin offering his unique insight into language, action, subtext, circumstance, relationships, and the personal discoveries that emerge through the rehearsal process. The class provides a space for you to deepen your craft, challenge your assumptions, and remain in conversation with an artist and teacher whose work has shaped you over many years. Expected rehearsal time outside of class: 3-6 hours per week.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Prerequisite: Enrollment is limited to students who have previously studied with Austin Pendleton. Past students of Austin will receive a link to register. Didn't receive a link? Contact us

The Fundamentals of an HB acting technique: Here, you develop the ability to respond truthfully, dynamically, and vividly with fellow actors and the ability to access sensory elements. You tap into the power of imagination and the reservoir of memory. You gain a working understanding of the terms: previous circumstances, destination, inner and outer objects, intentions, obstacles, and conflicts. You develop an awareness of the power, function, and dynamics of “place”, and learn to be in a state of discovery, which leads to actions. You develop tools of research and observation and you get comfortable improvising. You begin to measure yourself against professional standards and develop habits of discipline and a strong work ethic. Do understand that these practices take time to master. It takes about a year (20-30 weeks) at this level to really own the skills addressed. Further scene study or performance work will then take root in this fertile ground. 

• Learn more about the instructor
• Recommended viewing: Uta Hagen's Acting Class documentary
• Prerequisite: Open to all

For actors who have English as a second language. The question “How do I make these words my own?” is at the core of the actor’s craft. If you are speaking English as a second language, you may encounter additional stumbling blocks like getting stuck in “translator” mode, feeling emotionally disconnected from the language, and fearing being misunderstood. This course is designed to help you bridge the gap between the text and the self by unlocking the full expressive power of the language skills you already possess. The class guides you through activities to fully access your natural and learned language tools so that you can express yourself more freely, listen more intently and contribute more meaningfully in English. Voice and movement exercises will uncover the expressive musicality and physical experience of embodied language. Through text analysis, table reading, and guided rehearsal, you explore the vocabulary, grammar, subtext and context of a given script. The goal is to develop your language skills on multiple levels with a focus on improving your ability to perform in English. All of this serves the actor’s calling to make meaningful connections with others through collaborative dialogue.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Prerequisite: Prior completion of one full term (10 weeks) of Speech 1

Speech 1 is designed to develop your awareness of the physiological components and physical actions of speech. You will learn speech anatomy, with exploration and play through the vocal tract. The class will make a careful study of all the possible consonant actions and experiment with oral postures. You will begin to explore an international range of possible speech sounds, developing the ability to perceive and experience shades of difference. These fundamental practices will be useful to both native and non-native American speakers. This class draws upon Knight Thompson Speechwork.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all

This class applies the definition of acting as “behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances” to the stage combat world. You must have the skills to tell the physical story with as much accuracy and commitment as you bring to the spoken word. You must be able to meld truthful emotional life with a performance that remains collaborative, repeatable and safe. You will learn advanced hand to hand and grappling techniques, and should time allow, knife and sword work for the stage. With the instructor’s’ guidance you will learn the process of crafting your own staged fights.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all

This class will give students the tools needed to read scripts with active curiosity, so that you can bring the script to life in unique and specific ways. Your enhanced understanding of the script will improve your performance. You will explore specific techniques that allow you to identify inciting events, main events, character relationships, themes and genre and all the particulars that make storytelling powerful and clear. The course begins with an introduction to the approach, followed by in-depth analysis of assigned scripts each week. We will be breaking down a screenplay, a play and a popular TV pilot together. You will each explore a character from each of the scripts, and perform excerpts from scripts and/or sides analyzed in this class.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Prerequisite: Open to Acting Level 2 and up. New to HB? Submit online for level placement