The essential forces and circumstances that underlie human behavior – and character behavior – are the same, but the way this behavior manifests itself can differ widely form medium to medium, or from one kind of material to the other. How is television and film writing different from theater writing? How are the storytelling mechanics different in live and camera performances? And how do these differences inform what we must do as actors to tell those stories? This class is dedicated to helping the working actor carry over their strengths and talents in theater into camera work. How do we maximize on our theater training when tackling television and film work? And how do we build new skills that the medium requires? And how can we help ourselves get rid of patterns that stand in the way of truthful acting in general? Taught in a hands-on environment, the class involves scene work, camera work, script analysis, and guided peer to peer discussions.

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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all actors who have prior actor training or experience.

The Lucid Body is a psycho-physical process that offers a new insight into character diagnosis and embodiment. The actor is offered a way to embody the given circumstances of a character with a deep visceral truth by rearranging the energy in your own body. Holistic acting means that the act of acting is a benefit to your system, not a drain. Lucid Body is a holistic training, based on the belief that self-knowledge is the most important ingredient to your acting. Using Carl Jung’s theories of persona and shadow, we will start with understanding why we are the way we are. Then we will bring this understanding of our own humanity to the characters that seem the farthest away from ourselves.

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• 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. 

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• Prerequisite: Open to All

Over the course of this three session workshop, we will go through the daunting task of finding the right monologue(s) for you. Then, using the Hagen technique, we will prepare the material for presentation.

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• 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.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all.

For actors who want to improve their acting skills through improvisation. 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

In this contemporary scene workshop, you will apply the lessons of Acting 1 and 2 to the preparation, rehearsal, and presentation of scenes, focusing on contemporary realist plays (mid-20th century to present). Scenes are presented in class for critique, then reworked to explore and apply feedback. Technique exercises may be introduced diagnostically to address problems as they arise.

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• Prerequisite: Open to students placed at Acting Level 3 and up. New to HB? Submit online for level placement.

This workshop is designed for the training actor to investigate what is actually involved in obtaining a deep emotional connection with the character’s psychological reality. We will use contemporary scenes and monologues to develop this technique, as most casting today deals with contemporary reality. This approach is, however, applicable to classical material as well.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all.