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

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

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.

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.