A revolutionary approach to new play development in which four writers and fifteen actors collaborate to create full-length plays written specifically for the actors who will perform them. Under the guidance of master playwright Eduardo Machado, writers engage in a series of exercises refined over his 30+ years of teaching—soon to be published in his forthcoming book, Playwriting for Humanity. Each day’s new scenes are immediately brought to life by the actors, using a meditative, consciousness-based technique developed by Michael Domitrovich. This process deepens collaboration and artistic intuition, enhancing traditional theatrical training rather than replacing it. Actors will gain the tools to work dynamically with playwrights in the creation of new work, empowering their own point of view while learning to embody new characters swiftly and completely—skills that translate directly to auditions and professional work. Writers will complete the workshop with a finished full-length play, culminating in two public staged readings presented at the end of the program in Spring Term 2026.

• Learn more about the instructors: Eduardo Machado & Michael Domitrovich
• Prerequisite: Open to all

Broadway actor and renowned Shakespearean actor and teacher Peter Francis James leads this special masterclass for actors, taking a contemporary look at performing and interpreting the works of Shakespeare. In this workshop for professional performers, scenes and monologues from the works of Shakespeare are explored through table work, text analysis and discussion, and then rehearsed for presentation in class for critique and development. With the text as the fundamental teacher, we employ the specifics of language, action, subtext, circumstance, and relationships, to connect with the writing at the deepest most personal level, and, while referencing history, finding the common humanity revealed in the plays, and the continuity with contemporary life.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Prerequisite: Application required. Apply Online. (Prior participants of this class may register without applying.)

For actors who want to improve their acting skills through improvisation, this class amplifies the technique work in Level 1 and supports the work with scenes in Levels 2 and 3. The first session will be dedicated to the choices you need to make to structure a viable improvisation, with emphasis placed on circumstances, relationships, tension, and subtext. In the following sessions, you will improvise scenes and explore improvisation through games and exercises. There is no work outside of class. Through this inventive process, you develop immediacy, creativity and partnering skills, and hone your instincts for making productive dramatic choices. Actors of all levels are welcome.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Prerequisite: Open to All

This class is for actors who have begun to establish reliable technique and amass a serious résumé. We will continue to hone technique through exercises and we will concern ourselves with the power of rhythm, of silence, of synchronicity, and the random wellsprings that open when the actor is 100% present in the moment. You will receive a link to register for this class upon acceptance of your application. 

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Registration Prerequisite: Application required. Apply online.

This Level 1 acting class provides an introduction to the technique of living truthfully in front of the camera. You explore the fundamental elements of a grounded acting technique as they relate to the level of intimacy the camera demands. As you practice in front of the camera, you learn to stay open and work freely without hiding or acting for the lens. You develop the ability to listen and connect truthfully with a partner, letting that interaction guide your impulses. You discover the relevance of Uta Hagen’s exercises for on camera work – building the 4th wall, creating place, connecting with sensory aspects of the environment – and begin to understand the level of preparation, specificity, and simplicity the camera demands. You will receive video files of your on-camera footage at no extra charge, included within the cost of the class.

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Prerequisite: Open to All.

An introduction to the process of preparing and rehearsing a scripted text. Using Uta Hagen’s six steps as a guide, you will work to find authentic inner connection to the character’s details and circumstances and to choose truthful, effective and lively actions. A commitment to rehearse with partners outside of class is required.

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

This course applies the skills developed in Acting 1 and 2 to musical performance—to the presentation and articulation of a song, as it arises from the scene and from the life of the character. You will work to balance correct vocal technique and sound production with the effort to bring truth and specificity, both to the song and to the role. Class material addressed may include solo performance, duet, or group scenes and is appropriate for both the professional and aspiring singing actor in whatever genre you may choose to focus your efforts (musical theatre, opera, concert/cabaret). Accompanist provided. Come prepared with a song (memorized and with sheet music properly prepared and in a binder for use by the accompanist).

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Recommended reading: A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen.
• Prerequisite: Open to Singing Level 2 and up. New to HB? Submit online for level placement.

For actors who want to improve their acting skills through improvisation, this class amplifies the technique work in Level 1 and supports the work with scenes in Levels 2 and 3. The first session will be dedicated to the choices you need to make to structure a viable improvisation, with emphasis placed on circumstances, relationships, tension, and subtext. In the following sessions, you will improvise scenes and explore improvisation through games and exercises. There is no work outside of class. Through this inventive process, you develop immediacy, creativity and partnering skills, and hone your instincts for making productive dramatic choices. Actors of all levels are welcome.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Prerequisite: Open to All