For artists who are interested in developing their own projects, this is an independent class working solo or with a partner on an independent study project that you devise, under the guidance of HB faculty, Snezhana Chernova. Examples of projects include: Writing a screenplay/play, doing a live stream performance series, monologues or scenes, creating a TV pilot, writing music, shooting a documentary or short/feature film, writing poetry etc. You must submit an application at this link for review and approval prior to registering. Within the application you will be asked to include a work-plan, proposed outcome, and the estimated number of hours required to complete the project. Creative projects might be shared in public presentations at the end of the term and/or on HB Studio’s social media channels. Undertaking this Lab requires a commitment to the tech and performance schedule at the end of term, check-ins with the instructor, and weekly 2.5 hour group meetings to report objectives, progress, trouble shoot, present projects, and exchange ideas.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Performance schedule:
  • Tech rehearsal: Sat, 3-7PM, November 21, 2026
  • Performance: Sun, 3-5:30PM, November 22, 2026
• Prerequisite: Application required. Apply online

An instructive, hands-on directing masterclass with two-time Tony Award-nominated director Leigh Silverman, whose Broadway work includes Suffs, Yellow Face and Violet along with over 60 world-premiere new plays and musicals. Explore what directors actually “do”: how they approach text, work with actors, communicate ideas and give notes. No previous directing experience required and designed for all theater makers (directors, actors, producers, stage managers, designers) interested in learning to direct.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Prerequisite: Open to all
• Refunds will be issued only through Sept 20, two weeks prior to the class date. Applicable fees will apply.

Experience HB Studio’s Premier Masterclass with two-time Tony Award-nominated director Leigh Silverman – whose Broadway work includes Suffs, Yellow Face and Violet – from the audience of the HB Playwrights Theatre.

Observer Access offers the opportunity to attend this intensive masterclass and learn through close observation of Silverman's work with participating directors. Watch as she explores with the class what directors actually “do,” how they approach text, work with actors, communicate ideas and give notes. Designed for all theater makers (actors, producers, stage managers, designers) excited to learn, this is a rare opportunity to observe the work unfold in HB Studio’s intimate theatrical setting.

• Learn more about the instructor
• Please note: Observer Access is for observation only and does not include the opportunity to work on material
• Prerequisite: Open to all
• Refunds will be issued only through Sept 20, two weeks prior to the class start date. Fees will apply.

Unlock your most powerful storytelling tool — your body. In this immersive 5‑week course for actors, you’ll dive into movement, spatial awareness, and the art of silent performance to transform the way you communicate onstage. Build magnetic physical presence, sharpen emotional clarity, and learn to command attention without saying a word. You’ll train as part of a dynamic ensemble, strengthen your nonverbal storytelling instincts, and finish with a polished silent showcase that highlights your expressive range and embodied craft.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all levels

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

This class is designed for aspiring, early career and professional actors looking to hone audition technique for theater, film, and TV. Topics covered will include cold readings, working with sides, selecting and perfecting monologues, taking direction in the audition room, and how to put your best foot forward and nail the role.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all

In this workshop, we will explore the fundamental tools and concepts necessary for rehearsing and performing a Shakespeare play. We will begin with two assumptions. First, even if you don’t realize it, you already have everything you need to perform Shakespeare. And second, the best way to understand Shakespeare’s work is to engage with the text actively. His work is meant to be spoken out loud, shared, and performed. His language cries out to exist in the here and now, and an actor’s job is to bring these words out into this moment and time. We will explore a series of speeches and scenes as a group, utilizing the tools that allow an actor to unlock the text and take ownership over the language. Each actor will also be invited to bring in a speech of their own to work on individually in front of the group. Finally, we will spend some time exploring how these tools can be applied to any text, classical or contemporary. By the end of this workshop you will have gained practical experience working on heightened language, a basic understanding of an actor’s main tools for rehearsing Shakespeare’s plays, including use of iambic pentameter, scansion, melody, rhythm, antithesis, pitch, and operative words, and begun the foundational work on a new classical monologue to add to your repertoire. An exciting speech coming from a place of personal truth. For the First Day of Class: Bring a speech that you want to work on from any Shakespeare play. Please be sure to read the full play.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all levels, but prior acting training or experience is required

This 5-week course combines character-driven vocal performance with practical skills for musical theater. We will focus on acting the song and building your audition book. We will apply foundational acting techniques to the solo performance of a song, developing your vocal technique while bringing truth, specificity, and the life of the character to each piece. You will also learn about preparation for auditions and what to expect both in ‘In Person’ and ’Self Tape’ scenarios. The course culminates in polished selections and a stronger, more confident presence. Come prepared with a song. Accompanist provided.

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