This class is designed for aspiring, early career and professional actors looking to hone audition technique for theater, film, and TV. Topics covered will include cold readings, working with sides, selecting and perfecting monologues, taking direction in the audition room, and how to put your best foot forward and nail the role.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all

In this workshop, we will explore the fundamental tools and concepts necessary for rehearsing and performing a Shakespeare play. We will begin with two assumptions. First, even if you don’t realize it, you already have everything you need to perform Shakespeare. And second, the best way to understand Shakespeare’s work is to engage with the text actively. His work is meant to be spoken out loud, shared, and performed. His language cries out to exist in the here and now, and an actor’s job is to bring these words out into this moment and time. We will explore a series of speeches and scenes as a group, utilizing the tools that allow an actor to unlock the text and take ownership over the language. Each actor will also be invited to bring in a speech of their own to work on individually in front of the group. Finally, we will spend some time exploring how these tools can be applied to any text, classical or contemporary. By the end of this workshop you will have gained practical experience working on heightened language, a basic understanding of an actor’s main tools for rehearsing Shakespeare’s plays, including use of iambic pentameter, scansion, melody, rhythm, antithesis, pitch, and operative words, and begun the foundational work on a new classical monologue to add to your repertoire. An exciting speech coming from a place of personal truth. For the First Day of Class: Bring a speech that you want to work on from any Shakespeare play. Please be sure to read the full play.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all levels, but prior acting training or experience is required

Led by Oscar-winning actor Mercedes Ruehl, 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. 

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• Registration Prerequisite: Application required. Apply online

This 5-week course combines character-driven vocal performance with practical skills for musical theater. We will focus on acting the song and building your audition book. We will apply foundational acting techniques to the solo performance of a song, developing your vocal technique while bringing truth, specificity, and the life of the character to each piece. You will also learn about preparation for auditions and what to expect both in ‘In Person’ and ’Self Tape’ scenarios. The course culminates in polished selections and a stronger, more confident presence. Come prepared with a song. Accompanist provided.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all

Held online via Zoom: 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. 

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• Required reading: A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen
• Recommended viewing: Uta Hagen's Acting Class documentary 
• Prerequisite: Open to all

Whether you are new to acting or have some experience, this workshop is designed for those who are interested in exploring acting as a means of expression. Specifically designed exercises, improvisations, and micro scenes and monologues ease newcomers into the craft of acting, help discover one’s true self, and foster a strong connection with others. Comfortability on stage is a priority as well as a clear understanding of acting technique: choosing a specific action as the means to work through obstacles and achieve objectives.

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• 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.

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• 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 extremely practical acting exercises found in Uta Hagen’s world-famous books, Respect for Acting and A Challenge for the Actor, probe the depths and heights of human behavior. They offer the actor a structure for lifelong practice exploring the dynamic interaction between sensory/emotional experience and the creative imagination. Uta Hagen’s approach to acting works. She challenges the actor to develop skills continually. She offers avenues of creativity that, with an open imagination and expanding sense of self, are unlimited. Her ongoing process of self-observation and self-discovery fortifies your ability to respond truthfully, dynamically, and vividly with fellow actors, releasing unpremeditated truthful behavior in performance. Over time, you find yourself creatively alive and present in the process. Taught by Kelly Wolf, who trained directly with Uta Hagen. Held at HB Studio, the birthplace of the Hagen exercises.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Required Reading: A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen
• Recommended viewing: Uta Hagen's Acting Class documentary
• Prerequisite: Open to all