Jumping into the fray: A five-week immersion into the creative realities of on-screen acting. If you are new to on-camera work the process can be quite daunting; if you are a theater actor, what you’ve experienced in rehearsal rooms and on stage won’t prepare you for the unique challenges ahead. Even if you’ve worked in front of the camera before, there's the question of how to maximize your limited time with material. From your audition moment to the rehearsal process to the shoot itself, we’ll actually go through these experiences. We’ll explore crucial on-cam techniques and cover all the fundamentals that go into realizing a filmed scene. Geared toward actors with some prior experience, Being On Camera is designed to refine your on-screen skills in a supportive and exciting environment. Created and led by two acclaimed actors each with 30 plus years of work on stage and on both sides of the camera.

• 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

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

Led by Oscar-winning actor Mercedes Ruehl, this class is for actors who have begun to establish reliable technique and amass a serious résumé. We will continue to hone technique through exercises and we will concern ourselves with the power of rhythm, of silence, of synchronicity, and the random wellsprings that open when the actor is 100% present in the moment. You will receive a link to register for this class upon acceptance of your application. 

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

Held online via Zoom: Do you want to feel confident on set and deliver self-tapes that stand out? This class is an opportunity for actors to create great self-tapes and be prepared to work on a professional film set. A priority of the class is self-taping and self-filming, helping you develop a clear, repeatable process for auditions and professional work, and to be present on film. Having the class on Zoom allows us to focus on your close-ups. Ongoing students will write and create their own short films. Many of these films have gone on to win awards at film festivals. Let’s find freedom, joy, and presence in the technical world of film. I look forward to working with you. 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

Held online via Zoom: This ongoing class is reserved for performers who have previously studied with Austin Pendleton and wish to continue their artistic relationship with him in a focused, collaborative setting. This is a working laboratory for experienced participants. You are expected to bring in scenes or monologues that are already in progress, along with specific artistic questions or challenges you would like to explore. The work is guided by the needs of each actor, with Austin offering his unique insight into language, action, subtext, circumstance, relationships, and the personal discoveries that emerge through the rehearsal process. The class provides a space for you to deepen your craft, challenge your assumptions, and remain in conversation with an artist and teacher whose work has shaped you over many years. Expected rehearsal time outside of class: 3-6 hours per week.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Prerequisite: Enrollment is limited to students who have previously studied with Austin Pendleton. Past students of Austin will receive a link to register. Didn't receive a link? Contact us