Held online via Zoom: Over the course of this three-session workshop, Theresa will take you on a deep dive into the basic skills and valuable practices of cartoon and videogame voiceover performance. First, you will dip into the basics: common terms, valuable warm-ups and tricks, audition and performance techniques, differentiation from other areas of voice acting, what your voice brings to the table, and more. Then, you will put these into practice: character development, performing copy, and examining your versatility. You will be sent home with vocal homework and material to practice, and you will have the opportunity to perform an in-class expanded audition. You will present your copy, receive quick and specific direction, followed by notes and critique. Theresa Buchheister has directed hundreds of cartoons and video games, including Cartoon Network’s Pokémon XYZ, Nickelodeon’s The Winx Club, and Disney's Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese. As a performer, they have voiced cartoon characters on Pokémon, The Winx Club, Milly, and many more.

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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all.

This class is for actors who have begun to establish reliable technique and amass a serious résumé. We will continue to hone technique through exercises and we will concern ourselves with the power of rhythm, of silence, of synchronicity, and the random wellsprings that open when the actor is 100% present in the moment. You will receive a link to register for this class upon acceptance of your application. 

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• Registration Prerequisite: Prior approval for enrollment in this class

In this 4-session movement course for actors, we explore the creation of a character with physical conditions, altered states and impediments, such as: cold, hot, sleepy, drunk or drugged. Referencing both Uta Hagen’s and Loyd Williamson's exercises for “Altered States,” we practice how the body processes experience through the five senses into truthful behavior, while exploring circumstances and relationships of the imaginary world. Through this work, you develop a responsive, emotionally available and vocally alive instrument. You will develop a character monologue, learning the changes in speech and physical qualities of a person who is drunk or drugged. We apply archetypal essences, qualities and atmospheres for activating the body in space, with a variety of ensemble building, storytelling and devising methods for finding gesture, action and story leading to devised, emotionally charged and atmospheric movement improvisations.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all.

Theater auditions increasingly happen on self-tape—even for rich, complex classical and contemporary material. Led by Emmy-nominated Alex Hurt—actor of Broadway (Patriots), film (Before and After), and TV (The Rehearsal, Homeland)—this class helps actors develop a practical, personal process for preparing quickly without sacrificing spontaneity. We’ll work on how to enter demanding text, ask the essential questions, make strong choices, and build enough of a foundation that you can let go when the camera turns on. We’ll also explore scale, framing, eyelines, physicality, stillness, and the relationship to the reader—finding a way to honor the size of theatrical material without “performing for the stage” on camera. The goal is not to create a finished performance in 48 hours. It is to arrive prepared enough to be fully present: alive, specific, responsive, and free. Prepare deeply. Then go before you’re ready.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all
• Refunds will be issued only through Nov 21, two weeks prior to the class start date. Applicable fees will apply.

Experience HB Studio’s Premier Masterclass with Emmy-nominated actor Alex Hurt – focusing on how to prepare self-tape auditions for roles in the theater – from the audience of HB's First Floor Studio.

Observer Access offers the opportunity to attend this intensive masterclass and learn through close observation of Hurt's work with participating actors. Watch as Hurt helps actors develop a practical, personal process for preparing quickly without sacrificing spontaneity, work on how to enter demanding text, make strong choices, and build enough of a foundation to let go when the camera turns on. Topics explored will also include scale, framing, eyelines, physicality, stillness, and the relationship to the reader—finding a way to honor the size of theatrical material without “performing for the stage” on camera.

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• Please note: Observer Access is for observation only and does not include the opportunity to present or work on material
  
• Refunds will be issued only through Nov 21, two weeks prior to the class start date. Fees will apply.

This hands-on workshop introduces actors to the safe and convincing use of prop firearms on camera. Participants will learn essential on-set safety protocols, pistol and rifle handling, and the physical techniques used to portray military and law enforcement professionals authentically. Through practical exercises and on-camera work, actors will gain experience handling prop firearms and have the opportunity to capture footage demonstrating their skills for future auditions, reels, and casting opportunities. No previous firearms experience required.

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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all.