This class is designed for actors with prior training (Acting Level 2 and above) who are interested in deepening their on-camera work while creating strong, usable material for a professional reel. This class will guide you through the process of selecting, developing, rehearsing, and filming short scenes that highlight your unique strengths and casting potential. We will work with material from film or television—or develop original scenes—with an emphasis on making you the central focus. We will explore how to tailor material that showcases your range and versatility, whether in dramatic, comedic, or mixed tones. Special attention will be given to creating clips that are concise, compelling, and effective for submissions on platforms such as Actors Access, personal websites, and auditions. The goal is for you to complete the term with two to three polished, recorded scenes that reflect different facets of your work and can be used as high-quality clips for your reel. In collaboration with videographer Horacio Rojas, the class will emphasize strong visual storytelling, incorporating thoughtful camera work and lighting to ensure a professional and cinematic result.

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• Prerequisite: Open to Acting Level 2 and up. New to HB? Submit online for level placement

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.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all

Viewpoints is a dynamic, physical approach to actor training rooted in post-modern dance. Developed by Mary Overlie and expanded by Anne Bogart’s SITI Company, the technique breaks performance into key elements of time and space—initially Mary Overlie’s Six Viewpoints (Shape, Space, Time, Emotion, Movement, Story), later extended by Anne Bogart to Nine (Spatial Relationship, Kinesthetic Response, Shape, Gesture, Repetition, Architecture, Tempo, Duration, and Topography). This course uses movement improvisation, ensemble-building exercises, and composition techniques to explore Viewpoints as both a physical practice and a creative framework. Students will engage in solo and group work to build ensemble awareness, spontaneity, and theatrical invention. Through rigorous physical training and collaborative exploration, actors learn to create meaningfully in time and space, applying Viewpoints in rehearsal and devised performance. As a group, the class will create Viewpoint driven ensemble improvised events and compositions with text. Emphasis is placed on honest expression, creative risk-taking, and working as a cohesive ensemble.

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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all

Singing Voice 2 is for you if you have some foundation in singing technique, having developed a connection of the voice to the breath, a practiced and heightened listening ability, a sense of phrasing and an ability to practice on your own. Class work will continue to develop singing technique and musicianship, with exercises to support the development of vocal control, flexibility and range. You will be asked to treat the song lyric as text not unlike that of a script, toward the goal of memorized presentation and interpretation of the song. (Accompanist provided.)

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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to Singing Level 2 and up. New to HB? Audition or 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.

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• Prerequisite: Open to All

This Level 1 acting class provides an introduction to the technique of working truthfully in front of the camera. Students will explore the fundamental elements of a grounded technique as they practice the craft of acting while the camera rolls. Students will develop their listening skills as they challenge themselves to become more spontaneous, present and specific in their explorations of character. Actors will use exercises and text from tv/film/theater to stretch themselves outside of their comfort zones in a safe, nurturing and fun environment. Actors in this class will learn preparation and memorization techniques, and be asked to learn through collaboration with their classmates. Actors will receive video files of the on-camera footage from the scenes they bring into class. This class is open to all levels and will be tailored to each individual's ability as they work in front of the camera. 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; English proficiency is required.

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).

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• 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.