An instructive, hands-on directing masterclass with two-time Tony Award-nominated director Leigh Silverman, whose Broadway work includes Suffs, Yellow Face and Violet along with over 60 world-premiere new plays and musicals. Explore what directors actually “do”: how they approach text, work with actors, communicate ideas and give notes. No previous directing experience required and designed for all theater makers (directors, actors, producers, stage managers, designers) interested in learning to direct.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all
• Refunds will be issued only through Sept 20, two weeks prior to the class date. Applicable fees will apply.

Experience HB Studio’s Premier Masterclass with two-time Tony Award-nominated director Leigh Silverman – whose Broadway work includes Suffs, Yellow Face and Violet – from the audience of the HB Playwrights Theatre.

Observer Access offers the opportunity to attend this intensive masterclass and learn through close observation of Silverman's work with participating directors. Watch as she explores with the class what directors actually “do,” how they approach text, work with actors, communicate ideas and give notes. Designed for all theater makers (actors, producers, stage managers, designers) excited to learn, this is a rare opportunity to observe the work unfold in HB Studio’s intimate theatrical setting.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Please note: Observer Access is for observation only and does not include the opportunity to work on material
• Prerequisite: Open to all
• Refunds will be issued only through Sept 20, two weeks prior to the class start date. Fees will apply.

Unlock your most powerful storytelling tool — your body. In this immersive 5‑week course for actors, you’ll dive into movement, spatial awareness, and the art of silent performance to transform the way you communicate onstage. Build magnetic physical presence, sharpen emotional clarity, and learn to command attention without saying a word. You’ll train as part of a dynamic ensemble, strengthen your nonverbal storytelling instincts, and finish with a polished silent showcase that highlights your expressive range and embodied craft.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all levels

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

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.

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.

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