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. 

• Learn more about the instructor. 
• Required reading: Respect for Acting  by Uta Hagen; Feldenkrais Illustrated: The Art of Learning; and Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus by Marina Caldarone & Maggie Lloyd-Williams.
• Recommended viewing: Uta Hagen's Acting Class documentary. 
• Prerequisite: Open to all.

This 5-session workshop focuses on some of the most commonly used dialects in the actor’s toolbox, British Received Pronunciation (“Standard British”) and Cockney. In this workshop, you will explore the signature sounds and intonation patterns of these two accents. Topics explored include research and rehearsal techniques, finding freedom and flexibility, and the challenge of accessing emotional life while speaking in an unfamiliar way. All actors will work on a monologue of their choosing, as well as very short scenes. Texts will be drawn from the works of playwrights including Oscar Wilde, Joe Orton, Nick Payne and Kwame Kwei-Armah. Essential for every actor, skills underlying British accents can be applied to characters and plays from around the world, reaching far beyond the UK. Due to the expanse of the colonial British empire, Standard British exerted large influence on African, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian accents. Therefore, even today, non-native speakers of English are exposed to and learn English not with an American accent, but with a Standard British accent — meaning, a solid foundation in Standard British will equip you with skills for performing dialects from many cultures and nationalities across the globe.

• Learn more about the instructor.
• Registration 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.

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