In Acting 2, you continue developing the techniques from Acting 1, now applied toward scene work and the demands of crafting and scoring a role. You’ll use Uta Hagen’s object exercises to build habits of attention and unlock your rehearsal process. You’ll apply improvisation to the exploration of character and circumstances, and develop an approach to preparation. Among the skills you’ll practice: discerning beats, intentions, obstacles, and conflict; choosing actions; sensing the turning points in the text; substitution/personalization; endowment of sensory conditions; working with expectations and previous circumstances; finding immediacy in the give and take.

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• Required reading: A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen
• Prerequisite: Open to Acting Level 2 and up. New to HB? Submit online for level placement

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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

Held online via Zoom: 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: A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen
• Recommended viewing: Uta Hagen's Acting Class documentary 
• Prerequisite: Open to all

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

Whether you are new to acting or have some experience, this workshop is designed for those who are interested in exploring acting as a means of expression. Specifically designed exercises, improvisations, and micro scenes and monologues ease newcomers into the craft of acting, help discover one’s true self, and foster a strong connection with others. Comfortability on stage is a priority as well as a clear understanding of acting technique: choosing a specific action as the means to work through obstacles and achieve objectives.

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• Prerequisite: Open to all

This class offers actors the opportunity to use the full range of their craft while exploring how scenes of conflict are shaped through both dialogue and physical action. We will break down and rehearse scenes that require physical engagement with a partner, including fight choreography, staged intimacy, or moments of heightened physical tension, always in service of character, objective, and story. You will receive professional guidance and coaching in how to build complex physical and emotional scenes in a way that is clear, responsible, and repeatable. Emphasis is placed on communication, consent, and sustainable practices that protect both the actor and their partner physically and emotionally, while meeting the demands of professional rehearsal and performance. The goal of the class is for you to leave with a fluid, practical understanding of how to navigate challenging material involving physical conflict or intimacy. You will develop the ability to make specific, empowered choices and to clearly articulate and maintain agency and boundaries throughout the rehearsal and performance process. You will be offered a range of scenes to choose from, including Shakespeare, as well as classical and contemporary material from Broadway, film, and television. You are also encouraged to bring in scenes you would like to explore, including original work.

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• Registration Prerequisite: Open to all