Held online via Zoom: This is a practical voice over class for actors designed to acquaint you with the specific techniques involved in performing commercial voice over and radio copy. You will practice the basics of mic technique, acquire tools to discover the point of view demanded by the commercial copy, and will learn how to translate that understanding into a compelling performance at an audition or a recording session. You will also gain perspective on demo tapes, casting directors, agents and the audition process.

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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all

For people who lean toward performing AND writing. Most of us have stories to tell; what makes a personal story dramatic? This workshop challenges the solo performer to discover and craft the dramatic structure of the solo play, not just what is on the stage, but what is on the page; with emphasis on imagination, characterization, story, and plot.

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• Prerequisite: Open to writers with some prior experience: either prior enrollment in a playwriting class or professional experience as a playwright

This class is designed for early career actors who want to gain a useful understanding of how the acting industry actually works to further their careers. Many early career actors don’t necessarily know what this profession really entails until they are deep into it. Yet art and capital intersect heavily in what we do, and having a better understanding of how things work is essential to gaining a platform. This class is part-acting practice, part-discussion. Based in camera work, you are first invited to navigate the acting part of the work, and from that, open yourself up to a wider discussion of the business aspect of the work. How does employment (or casting) intersect with acting? How can we build actionable goals? How do we navigate work/life balance in a volatile landscape? What is required of us to function at that critical intersection of commerce and art? Are there helpful paradigms that we can individualize? How can we stay away from one-size-fits all advice, quick fixes, and scams?

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• Prerequisite: Open to all

This 5-week workshop is for actors who have some prior experience with Shakespeare but are seeking an introduction to and exploration of Shakespeare's Way With Words. Shakespeare the actor knows how to write for actors-- his characters say what they are thinking and feeling at the very moment they are thinking and feeling it. Shakespeare holds the mirror up to Nature, then and now. Through Shakespeare's monologues and scenes, you'll learn how to liberate the poetry and feeling in yourself by hearing the verse as Shakespeare heard it when writing it: "in character."

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

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

Join Reed Birney, Tony Award-winning actor of stage (The Humans) and screen (Blue Film, Mass, The Menu, Silo, House of Cards), for HB Studio's inaugural Premier Masterclass. This two-day masterclass is a unique opportunity for actors at all stages of their career to receive hands-on direction and critique on material of your choice. Bring in a piece you would like to explore – whether it's a monologue, scene, audition piece, song, original work, etc. Mr. Birney will work with you to bring immediacy, truth, specificity, circumstance, and clarity to your performance, leaving you with greater confidence and inspiration to bring your acting career to the next level. 

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• Please bring: 
  • A short monologue, scene, song you would like to work on
  • Water and a snack
• Prerequisite: Open to all
• Refunds will be issued only through Sept 11, one week prior to the class start date. Applicable fees will apply.

Experience HB Studio’s inaugural Premier Masterclass with Reed Birney, Tony Award-winning actor of stage (The Humans) and screen (Blue Film, Mass, The Menu, Silo, House of Cards), from the audience of the HB Playwrights Theatre.

Observer Access offers the opportunity to attend both days of this intensive masterclass and learn through close observation of Birney’s work with participating actors. Watch as he offers direction, insight, and critique on monologues, scenes, audition pieces, songs, and original work, illuminating both the actor’s process and the choices that shape a performance. For actors interested in deepening their craft, sharpening their eye, and gaining insight into how an accomplished artist approaches performance, this is a rare opportunity to observe the work unfold in HB Studio’s intimate theatrical setting.

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• Please note: Observer Access is for observation only and does not include the opportunity to present or work on material
• Please bring: Water and a snack
• Prerequisite: Open to all
• Refunds will be issued only through Sept 11, one week prior to the class start date. Fees will apply.