THE PROGRAM | CORE CLASSES

Acting Techniques

The goal of this course is to develop and nurture creativity and confidence in our actors in order to gain truth in their acting and perfect the skill of being “in the moment”.  Starting with a monologue, students learn to analyze a script into beats and objectives, making strong ‘action’ choices that will enhance their acting. The course then moves to “open scenes”, a college level exercise which uses simple dialogue as a framework to encourage actors to make bold choices in the character’s given circumstances.  Techniques in text analysis are taught to help actors build characters from the inside out in unique and organic ways.  The class culminates in partner scene work to be performed at the Final Showcase.

Duane Daniels blocks a scene for the Final Performance.

Acting Shakespeare

Actors explore how to “speak the speech” by analyzing the language and structure of Shakespeare’s rich text.  Beginning with a sonnet, actors gain confidence with meter and prose, learning specific methods to help them overcome the technical challenges of verse drama; such as scansion and imagery identification.  Moving to a monologue, actors read and research a specific play, discovering their characters motivations and learning how to layer this knowledge into their performance.  The class culminates with scene work where actors research a play with their scene partner and prepare the scene for performance at the Final Showcase.  

On-Camera Acting

In this class, actors are filmed performing cold readings from contemporary monologues and industry sides with a view to preparing for life as a working actor.  Analyzing “before and after” footage, students learn the subtlety and specificity required to perfect the skill of acting on-camera.  A special emphasis is placed on the technique of using the actor’s imagination as a means to build character and make choices quickly, particularly as it applies to an audition setting.  A series of improvisational exercises teach actors how to be genuine and spontaneous, creating truthful and bold performances on film.  Students will learn terminology used in the making of film and how it applies to the working actor.

Greg Ainsworth and Kristy Hasen host an on-camera mock audition.

Voice

In this course, actors learn how to train their voice in healthy, practical, and productive ways, exploring how words can have greater meaning if the body and voice support them properly. Actors develop a richer, stronger and more versatile speaking voice by learning vocal techniques and developing a “vocal workout” that can be used to warm-up and strengthen the voice before performance.  Students will be introduced to I.P.A., the International Phonetic Alphabet, as a guide to developing the skills of standard stage speech, as well as a variety of dialects.  Students also explore breathing techniques, posture exercises, resonation isolation, and ear training.  The course culminates in a performance of monologues, where the students choose a dialect covered over the course of the program to be performed in the Final Showcase. 

LEFT: An isolation exercise in Voice class.  RIGHT: A Movement class in the shadow of the ancient ruins of a Roman bath.

Movement

This course is designed to explore movement as a means of expression in the creation of a theatrical production.  Using the body to find essential gesture and action, the Movement Course aims to encourage in students a deep understanding of their own physical presence.  The classes will give them a repertoire of physical exercises and activities so that they know how to expertly prepare their bodies and minds for the process of rehearsing and performing.  The course will give students a taster of a wide variety a sample of techniques, including: Viewpoints, Alexander, Lecoq, Tai Chi, Yoga, Relaxation and Release, Feldenkrais, and Laban. Students will explore Ensemble work, Chorus, Contact improvisation, Tableaux, Impact work and Neutral Mask.  Returning students will get the opportunity to deepen this work and will explore the physicality of Commedia dell’Arte, Restoration drama and Melodrama.  All students will have the opportunity to develop an original movement theatre piece to be performed at the Final Showcase.