In this workshop, led by Reza Salazar, participants are invited to explore the clown not just as an entertainer, but as a vehicle for exploration and discovery. Actors will develop a deep understanding of the transformative power of clowning. Reza will guide each individual toward uncovering their unique clown—the one that transcends the traditional red nose. The clown here is an expression of vulnerability, authenticity, and a tool for embracing the absurdity of life. Through laughter, physicality, free-form writing techniques and play, this workshop encourages actors to break free from societal constraints, tapping into the unfiltered, joyful part of themselves that exists in everything, everywhere.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all

Held online via Zoom: A combined-level class for actors at level 1 and level 2. Scenes are presented in class for critique, then reworked to explore and apply feedback. Actors at Level 1: For those at the beginning of their acting training, this class will be an introduction to the process of preparing and rehearsing a scripted text. You will work to find authentic inner connection to the character’s details and circumstances and to choose truthful, effective and lively actions. Actors at Level 2: For those at the intermediate level 2, you apply the lessons of Acting 1 and 2 to the preparation, rehearsal, and presentation of scenes from contemporary realist plays (mid-20th century to present). Technique exercises may be introduced diagnostically to address problems as they arise. A commitment to rehearse with partners outside of class is required.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all

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

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

For actors who want to improve their acting skills through improvisation, this class amplifies the technique work in Level 1 and supports the work with scenes in Levels 2 and 3. 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 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, for you to consider using for your reel. You will receive video files of your on-camera footage at no extra charge, included within the cost of the class.

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• Prerequisite: Prior (or simultaneous) enrollment in an Acting Technique class recommended

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.

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