This class is designed for aspiring, early career and professional actors looking to hone audition technique for theater, film, and TV. Topics covered will include cold readings, working with sides, selecting and perfecting monologues, taking direction in the audition room, and how to put your best foot forward and nail the role.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all

In this workshop, we will explore the fundamental tools and concepts necessary for rehearsing and performing a Shakespeare play. We will begin with two assumptions. First, even if you don’t realize it, you already have everything you need to perform Shakespeare. And second, the best way to understand Shakespeare’s work is to engage with the text actively. His work is meant to be spoken out loud, shared, and performed. His language cries out to exist in the here and now, and an actor’s job is to bring these words out into this moment and time. We will explore a series of speeches and scenes as a group, utilizing the tools that allow an actor to unlock the text and take ownership over the language. Each actor will also be invited to bring in a speech of their own to work on individually in front of the group. Finally, we will spend some time exploring how these tools can be applied to any text, classical or contemporary. By the end of this workshop you will have gained practical experience working on heightened language, a basic understanding of an actor’s main tools for rehearsing Shakespeare’s plays, including use of iambic pentameter, scansion, melody, rhythm, antithesis, pitch, and operative words, and begun the foundational work on a new classical monologue to add to your repertoire. An exciting speech coming from a place of personal truth. For the First Day of Class: Bring a speech that you want to work on from any Shakespeare play. Please be sure to read the full play.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all levels, but prior acting training or experience is required

Led by Oscar-winning actor Mercedes Ruehl, 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: Application required. Apply online

This 5-week course combines character-driven vocal performance with practical skills for musical theater. We will focus on acting the song and building your audition book. We will apply foundational acting techniques to the solo performance of a song, developing your vocal technique while bringing truth, specificity, and the life of the character to each piece. You will also learn about preparation for auditions and what to expect both in ‘In Person’ and ’Self Tape’ scenarios. The course culminates in polished selections and a stronger, more confident presence. Come prepared with a song. Accompanist provided.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all

Body Intelligence focuses on developing the physical and emotional intelligence of the actor. Class utilizes Allan Wayne Work exercises to build physical and mental stamina. These repetitive, circular exercises condition the muscles and break up fascial adhesions while unveiling emotional availability, eroding habitual tension and preventing injury. There are guided creative movement explorations, ensemble, partner and solo work that allow the actor to fully experience moving from their body’s impulses as opposed to being ‘in their head’ to make choices. The focus on embodiment work leads the actor to greater emotional access and safety. Class references concepts from Alexander Technique, Fitzmaurice vocal technique, integral anatomy, Lucid Body, meditation and modern dance.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all.

This 5-week intensive introduces teens (ages 14-17) to physical acting, expressive movement, and silent storytelling. Each class builds skills in body awareness, character creation, and nonverbal communication — boosting confidence, focus and creative freedom in young actors. This class will include building skills in movement basics, silent expression, stage awareness, and body awareness. You will learn to move safely and clearly on stage and explore stage directions, entrances and exits. You will learn the art of communicating without words using gesture, emotion and visual expression. You will develop clear emotional expression, and practice readable gestures and facial expressions. We will practice building characters from the outside in, exploring how posture and rhythm create character. We will also practice the skills of finding occupation while waiting, silent storytelling, structuring a silent scene, and working within an ensemble.

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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all teens aged 14-17 years old

Communication and Presentation Skills are required at various professional levels, as well as in everyday situations. Executives, educators, team leaders and managers, can all benefit from sharpening communication skills. A great message can get lost if the delivery is less than impactful. Whether the goal is to persuade, inspire, inform, tell a story, or offer a toast at a wedding, this course will offer tools to help you speak with confidence and clarity, and make an impact. You’ll learn about the importance of delivery, how to refine your message, learn strategies for working with visual aids such as PowerPoint, and how to engage your audience – whether on Zoom, in the conference room or on a stage. Lead by Theresa McElwee, a voice and speech coach who works with actors, broadcasters, news anchors, and corporate clients. Open to first time participants, as well as those who have previously taken this class and are looking to deepen and broaden the work.

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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all

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. 

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• Required reading: A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen
• Recommended viewing: Uta Hagen's Acting Class documentary 
• Prerequisite: Open to all