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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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all actors who have prior actor training or experience.

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

Over the course of this three session workshop, we will go through the daunting task of finding the right monologue(s) for you. Then, using the Hagen technique, we will prepare the material for presentation.

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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.

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.

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all.