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.

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all actors who have prior actor training or experience.

A deep look at the close up: We live in a fast, result-driven culture. Our industry is just as frantic. Social media has us pointing phones at ourselves all day. But if we are hoping to learn, or re-investigate screen acting, we need time to explore our relationship to the camera. What is “too big”? What does it feel like to “trust the mic”? How much can you bring to simply listening? This workshop offers a space to slow down and experience these questions for yourself. Through monologues, scene analysis and on-camera rehearsals, you’ll have the opportunity to find you in your character; to breathe and to BE. Created and led by two acclaimed actors each with 30 plus years experience on stage and on both sides of the camera. 

• Learn more about the instructors: Amelia Campbell & Anthony Arkin
• Prerequisite: Open to theater actors with some on camera experience

This advanced scene study track is geared to the particular circumstances of working with the camera on film or video and assumes you are already well grounded in acting technique, text analysis, and contemporary scene work. The class will address the adjustment you must make to the intimacy and immediacy of film, so you become accustomed to doing your best detailed, honest, layered work under the watchful eye of the lens. You learn to manage the tough realities of the film or television job, developing strategies for applying your own technique to the demands of the set. We consider angles, lenses, distances, continuity, and your relationship to the composition of the scene. You learn to work more quickly and more intimately, and to prepare effectively for a performance situation in which it is little or no rehearsal and scenes often occur out of sequence. You learn to respect and understand the financial, technical, and time considerations that govern film production, and cultivate the absolute discipline required to meet them. You will receive video files of your on-camera footage at no extra charge, included within the cost of the class.

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Prerequisite: Open to Acting Level 2 and up. New to HB? Submit online for level placement.

This beginner-friendly course introduces actors to the craft and realities of acting for film and television while helping adapt theater techniques for the camera. Through scene study, improvisation, script analysis, movement work, and on-camera exercises, you will develop tools for creating authentic, grounded performances under the technical demands of production. You will explore: on-camera presence and stillness; eyeline and framing; behavioral truth and listening; subtext and objective; continuity and blocking; taking direction and adjusting quickly; and working truthfully within technical constraints. The course also introduces you to the rhythm and workflow of a professional set environment while incorporating techniques inspired by Uta Hagen, Michael Chekhov, Lucid Body, and Feldenkrais awareness work. Acting is doing — not playing emotion. Throughout the session, you will work on scenes that culminate in the final 2–3 weeks of the term, during which you will have the opportunity to shoot at least two scenes in a simulated on-set environment while applying the techniques explored throughout the course. You will receive video files of your on-camera footage at no extra charge, included within the cost of the class.

This class is designed for actors with prior training (Acting Level 2 and above) who are interested in deepening their on-camera work while creating strong, usable material for a professional reel. This class will guide you through the process of selecting, developing, rehearsing, and filming short scenes that highlight your unique strengths and casting potential. We will work with material from film or television—or develop original scenes—with an emphasis on making you the central focus. We will explore how to tailor material that showcases your range and versatility, whether in dramatic, comedic, or mixed tones. Special attention will be given to creating clips that are concise, compelling, and effective for submissions on platforms such as Actors Access, personal websites, and auditions. The goal is for you to complete the term with two to three polished, recorded scenes that reflect different facets of your work and can be used as high-quality clips for your reel. In collaboration with videographer Horacio Rojas, the class will emphasize strong visual storytelling, incorporating thoughtful camera work and lighting to ensure a professional and cinematic result.

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Prerequisite: Open to Acting Level 2 and up. New to HB? Submit online for level placement. 

This Level 1 acting class provides an introduction to the technique of working truthfully in front of the camera. Students will explore the fundamental elements of a grounded technique as they practice the craft of acting while the camera rolls. Students will develop their listening skills as they challenge themselves to become more spontaneous, present and specific in their explorations of character. Actors will use exercises and text from tv/film/theater to stretch themselves outside of their comfort zones in a safe, nurturing and fun environment. Actors in this class will learn preparation and memorization techniques, and be asked to learn through collaboration with their classmates. Actors will receive video files of the on-camera footage from the scenes they bring into class. This class is open to all levels and will be tailored to each individual's ability as they work in front of the camera. You will receive video files of your on-camera footage at no extra charge, included within the cost of the class.

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Prerequisite: Open to All.

This beginner-friendly course introduces actors to the craft and realities of acting for film and television while helping adapt theater techniques for the camera. Through scene study, improvisation, script analysis, movement work, and on-camera exercises, you will develop tools for creating authentic, grounded performances under the technical demands of production. You will explore: on-camera presence and stillness; eyeline and framing; behavioral truth and listening; subtext and objective; continuity and blocking; taking direction and adjusting quickly; and working truthfully within technical constraints. The course also introduces you to the rhythm and workflow of a professional set environment while incorporating techniques inspired by Uta Hagen, Michael Chekhov, Lucid Body, and Feldenkrais awareness work. Acting is doing — not playing emotion. Throughout the session, you will work on scenes that culminate in the final 2–3 weeks of the term, during which you will have the opportunity to shoot at least two scenes in a simulated on-set environment while applying the techniques explored throughout the course. You will receive video files of your on-camera footage at no extra charge, included within the cost of the class.

Held online via Zoom: This is an opportunity for beginning film actors with some film experience to learn the steps needed to prepare to work on a professional film set before the director calls, “Action!” and for the working actor with film experience to stretch, risk, and own their performance at an advanced level after the director calls, “Action!” Let’s integrate your imagination, voice, body, and acting techniques to allow your most truthful work to be seen by the intimate eye of the camera lens. We will practice the art of bringing all your acting skills together, with vulnerability, to be present on film. We will incorporate self-filming as an integral component of this course. Actors will experience creating work through the practice of filming themselves, in class and at home. Let’s find freedom, joy, and presence in the technical world of film. Expected rehearsal time outside of class: 3+ hours/week.

• Learn more about the instructor.
• 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.