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.

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.

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

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.

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.

This class is oriented to helping the trained actor develop a set of tools for building a character. Acting is doing. The major question is: “What do I DO to get what I want?” The structure of this class is based on Uta Hagen’s brilliant Physical Destination Exercise. The actor will discover the profound depth of the Destination Exercise and will learn how it can provide the actor with the necessary foundation for living truthfully under the given circumstances on stage or in front of a camera. You will learn through the application and exploration of the Destination Exercise, and possibly the other exercises, how to use these methods towards finding the emotional core of the character and most importantly how to play moment to moment. We will start by working individually on Uta Hagen’s Destination exercise to establish the fundamental understanding of this base exercise. (Actors that have studied the Hagen exercises before can combine exercises.) In the following sessions, we will work on the Destination Exercise set in the context of an assigned character of a scene. You will be asked to re-work this exercise taking in consideration all the text analysis that will take place in class. The destination exercise will become our tool to embody not only our character but also all the text analysis that will happen during class. Finally, we will move into scene work and possibly applying Double Destinations (guided paired improvisations using Hagen’s exercises) in the context of the assigned scenes. Our final purpose is to build a bridge between the acquired technique and the scene work. Students will be assigned specific scenes and characters as well as the Destination exercise.  Students must meet for rehearsal via zoom outside of class at least once before bringing work to class (preferably a minimum of two rehearsals).

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• Required Reading: A Challenege for the Actor by Uta Hagen, and the play from which the scene is assigned
• Prerequisite: For actors who are actively pursuing work or have some prior acting training or experience.

Explore the powerful world of two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage through scene work drawn from SWEAT and CLYDE'S. Led by actor Reza Salazar, who performed in both original productions, this class gives actors firsthand insight into Nottage’s richly textured language, complex characters, and social urgency. The work emphasizes authenticity, emotional truth, and deeply grounded contemporary performance.

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