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

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. 
• Prerequisite: Open to all.

When the actor believes, we believe. The child’s natural instinct for play is the foundation of the actor’s process. Using the game of make believe to get into the “shoes” of the character, we begin to play with the possibilities that game invites in us. In order to believe I am the character, I must begin to learn all I can about who “I” am in the role: what surrounds and affects me, what I know, where I have been and where I am going; what I want, and what I do to get it or to make it happen. We use improvisation to awaken and explore creative impulses. Theatre games and exercises expand imagination, awareness, concentration, expressivity, and help build skills of communication, cooperation, and collaboration. Through text work designed for the young performer, we make strong, specific, meaningful connection to the language and circumstances of the play, bringing the author’s words to life. Through acting, young people gain compassionate insight about themselves and about the world around them; gain poise and confidence; develop problem-solving skills; and engage with peers and mentors in a joyful, collaborative process.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Prerequiste: Open to All (ages 9-13)

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.

This class is oriented to helping the trained actor develop a set of tools for building a character. Acting is doing. The major question is: “What do I DO to get what I want?” The structure of this class is based on Uta Hagen’s brilliant Physical Destination Exercise. The actor will discover the profound depth of the Destination Exercise and will learn how it can provide the actor with the necessary foundation for living truthfully under the given circumstances on stage or in front of a camera. You will learn through the application and exploration of the Destination Exercise, and possibly the other exercises, how to use these methods towards finding the emotional core of the character and most importantly how to play moment to moment. We will start by working individually on Uta Hagen’s Destination exercise to establish the fundamental understanding of this base exercise. (Actors that have studied the Hagen exercises before can combine exercises.) In the following sessions, we will work on the Destination Exercise set in the context of an assigned character of a scene. You will be asked to re-work this exercise taking in consideration all the text analysis that will take place in class. The destination exercise will become our tool to embody not only our character but also all the text analysis that will happen during class. Finally, we will move into scene work and possibly applying Double Destinations (guided paired improvisations using Hagen’s exercises) in the context of the assigned scenes. Our final purpose is to build a bridge between the acquired technique and the scene work. Students will be assigned specific scenes and characters as well as the Destination exercise.  Students must meet for rehearsal via zoom outside of class at least once before bringing work to class (preferably a minimum of two rehearsals).

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Required Reading: A Challenege for the Actor by Uta Hagen, and the play from which the scene is assigned
• Prerequisite: For actors who are actively pursuing work or have some prior acting training or experience.