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.

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• 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.

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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all.

For professional performers who desire to return to, or maintain an ongoing relationship with a dynamic and fertile state of learning. The goal: to use the specifics of language, action, subtext, circumstance, and relationships in order to connect with the work at the deepest most personal level. You are encouraged to push boundaries with the aim of building ever more complex characters and situations, allowing and exploring what is powerfully, unexpectedly revealed. Expected rehearsal time outside of class: 6+ hours / week

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• Prerequisite: Open to Acting Level Studio Practice (Level 4). New to HB? Submit online for level placement.

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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• 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.

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• Prerequisite: Prior completion of one full term (10 weeks) of Speech 1.

Body Intelligence focuses on developing the physical and emotional intelligence of the actor. Class utilizes Allan Wayne Work exercises to build physical and mental stamina. These repetitive, circular exercises condition the muscles and break up fascial adhesions while unveiling emotional availability, eroding habitual tension and preventing injury. There are guided creative movement explorations, ensemble, partner and solo work that allow the actor to fully experience moving from their body’s impulses as opposed to being ‘in their head’ to make choices. The focus on embodiment work leads the actor to greater emotional access and safety. Class references concepts from Alexander Technique, Fitzmaurice vocal technique, integral anatomy, Lucid Body, meditation and modern dance.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all.

We put a mask on to take a mask off… The mask is an incredible tool that reveals more than it conceals. Its ability to give the actor permission to “let themselves go” increases the opportunity to surprise oneself and ultimately ignite the viewer’s excitement for watching. This workshop will investigate half masks and their function in heightening and specifying the actor’s range of performance. We will look at aspects of how to play space to inform the inner life of the character as well as how to engage with other characters. A mask will strengthen spontaneity, listening, and presence; in a way it is a style of play that harks to playing dress up as a child. The more masks you put on, the more yourself you become.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all levels.

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.

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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all.