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. 

• 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

Held online via Zoom: Do you want to feel confident on set and deliver self-tapes that stand out? This class is an opportunity for actors to create great self-tapes and be prepared to work on a professional film set. A priority of the class is self-taping and self-filming, helping you develop a clear, repeatable process for auditions and professional work, and to be present on film. Having the class on Zoom allows us to focus on your close-ups. Ongoing students will write and create their own short films. Many of these films have gone on to win awards at film festivals. Let’s find freedom, joy, and presence in the technical world of film. I look forward to working with you. Expected rehearsal time outside of class: 3+ hours/week.

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• New Students must: schedule a Zoom meeting with Lisa Pelikan prior to your first day of class. Email her at lpelikan@hbstudio.org
• Prerequisite: Open to Acting Level 2 and up. New to HB? Submit online for level placement

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

This class offers actors the opportunity to use the full range of their craft while exploring how scenes of conflict are shaped through both dialogue and physical action. We will break down and rehearse scenes that require physical engagement with a partner, including fight choreography, staged intimacy, or moments of heightened physical tension, always in service of character, objective, and story. You will receive professional guidance and coaching in how to build complex physical and emotional scenes in a way that is clear, responsible, and repeatable. Emphasis is placed on communication, consent, and sustainable practices that protect both the actor and their partner physically and emotionally, while meeting the demands of professional rehearsal and performance. The goal of the class is for you to leave with a fluid, practical understanding of how to navigate challenging material involving physical conflict or intimacy. You will develop the ability to make specific, empowered choices and to clearly articulate and maintain agency and boundaries throughout the rehearsal and performance process. You will be offered a range of scenes to choose from, including Shakespeare, as well as classical and contemporary material from Broadway, film, and television. You are also encouraged to bring in scenes you would like to explore, including original work.

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• Registration 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

Weapons training for actors. Learn how to sword fight for stage and screen. Practice safety protocols for working with prop guns on set. Expand your special skills as an actor training with the Sordelet, Inc. team, who bring decades of experience and expertise in the field of safely creating extraordinary fight scenes with weapons.

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• Registration Prerequisite: Some stage combat experience recommended but not required

Open to everyone, from first-time writers to experienced playwrights who want to go back to the basics. This class will introduce a variety of dramatic tools in order to build a strong sense of craft. Assignments, written as scenes, will explore elements such as character, relationship, time, place, structure, plot, story, and language. Note: This course will primarily meet in person. However, due to Instructor Ben Benne's professional travel as an actively producing playwright, some class sessions may be held via Zoom.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all

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