This course applies the skills developed in Acting 1 and 2 to musical performance—to the presentation and articulation of a song, as it arises from the scene and from the life of the character. You will work to balance correct vocal technique and sound production with the effort to bring truth and specificity, both to the song and to the role. Class material addressed may include solo performance, duet, or group scenes and is appropriate for both the professional and aspiring singing actor in whatever genre you may choose to focus your efforts (musical theatre, opera, concert/cabaret). Accompanist provided. Come prepared with a song (memorized and with sheet music properly prepared and in a binder for use by the accompanist).

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Recommended reading: A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen.
• Prerequisite: Open to Singing Level 2 and up. New to HB? Submit online for level placement.

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. 

For professional performers who desire to return to, or maintain an ongoing relationship with a dynamic and fertile state of learning. The goal: to use the specifics of language, action, subtext, circumstance, and relationships in order to connect with the work at the deepest most personal level. You are encouraged to push boundaries with the aim of building ever more complex characters and situations, allowing and exploring what is powerfully, unexpectedly revealed. Expected rehearsal time outside of class: 6+ hours / week

• Learn more about the instructor
• Prerequisite: Open to Acting Level Studio Practice (Level 4). New to HB? Submit online for level placement.

Singing and the ability to use the voice as an expressive instrument are an essential part of your skill set as an actor. Most actors will be called upon to sing at some point, regardless of whether your interests and talents run to musical theater. The study and practice of singing enhances your sense of musical form, pitch, rhythm, and language, and brings greater freedom, range and timbre to the speaking voice. Level 1 Singing is open to all — from total beginners to those who want to reinforce basic technique or strengthen your vocal instrument. The focus is on freeing, developing and strengthening the voice. Exercises emphasize relaxation and the most effective use of breath, an even use of the voice throughout the range, and awareness of how the entire body contributes to the production of sound. Level 1 will incorporate group and individual exercises, and work on songs of different genres. (Accompanist provided.)

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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all.

In a climate when many acting classes are focused on performing, this workshop is focused on Being. It is deceptively simple, but only something we can learn by doing, and by watching and listening to each other. This workshop, geared towards actors with some prior acting experience, is designed to help you learn and refine on-camera skills in a supportive and exciting environment. First day on set? Don’t worry – We got you covered. Making the move to on-camera acting is a big challenge. If you’re new to film or TV (or if it’s been a few years), the set can be intimidating and very confusing. What you’ve experienced in rehearsal and on stage won’t prepare you for the technical challenges of on-screen performance. And when you get that first on- camera job, no one is there to guide you through it. Until now. Being on Camera is presented by two acclaimed actors each with 20 plus years experience on stage and on both sides of the camera. It is an intensive immersion into the practical, nuts & bolts work of on-screen acting. Through discussion and on-camera exercises we’ll explore basic film techniques and cover all fundamentals that go into realizing a filmed scene.

• Learn more about the instructors: Amelia Campbell & Anthony Arkin
• Prerequisite: Previous experience acting on-camera is required, such as prior enrollment in Being on Camera 1, Acting with the Camera 1, or equivalent.

In Scene Study 2, you will apply the lessons of Acting 1 and 2 to the preparation, rehearsal, and presentation of scenes, focusing on contemporary realist plays (mid-20th century to present). Scenes are presented in class for critique, then reworked to explore and apply feedback. Technique exercises may be introduced diagnostically to address problems as they arise.

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

Singing Voice 2 is for you if you have some foundation in singing technique, having developed a connection of the voice to the breath, a practiced and heightened listening ability, a sense of phrasing and an ability to practice on your own. Class work will continue to develop singing technique and musicianship, with exercises to support the development of vocal control, flexibility and range. You will be asked to treat the song lyric as text not unlike that of a script, toward the goal of memorized presentation and interpretation of the song. (Accompanist provided.)

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Registration Prerequisite: Open to Singing Level 2 and up. New to HB? Audition or submit online for level placement.

Jessica Hecht leads this special 2-session scene and script analysis workshop. This workshop is for professional performers who desire to return to, or maintain an ongoing relationship with a dynamic and fertile state of learning. The goal: to use the specifics of language, action, subtext, circumstance, and relationships in order to connect with the work at the deepest most personal level. You are encouraged to push boundaries with the aim of building ever more complex characters and situations, allowing and exploring what is powerfully, unexpectedly revealed. Note, this is not a performance oriented class, but rather a process oriented one.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Prerequisite: Application required. Apply Online