Actor Training
Classes are conducted on-camera, so students learn to relax on-set and adjust their performance for the medium.
INTRODUCTION
This program was developed with a great deal of thought and consideration, based on decades of teaching, acting and working on-set. It has one goal: to fully prepare actors for successful careers in film and television. The successes of our students reflect our program’s effectiveness.
Each class requires students to work and grow in the CRAFT of acting, enables them to gain a greater familiarity with and proficiency being ON-CAMERA and provides an array of extracurricular tools and opportunities to enhance their artistic and professional DEVELOPMENT. We accept a very select group of students, because it’s our belief that it’s not only the teacher, but the challenge from your dedicated peers that inspires you to get better, faster.
BEGINNING CLASS
Price: $190/month
Schedule: TBD
BEGINNING - Dedication to the Beginning Class work is most important. It makes the great actor who they are and gives them a relaxed confidence that they carry forever.
- CRAFT 101 - Functioning through Meisner Technique - Acting is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances. There are many "variations" of Mr. Meisner's work out there, but the idea behind the real thing is always simple and the same. Doing this work, you learn to be human and have a real experience when you act. You will learn to be honest, emotionally present and spontaneous. In a very short time, people won't know your "acting" from your most honest, personal, alive, in the moment self. Mr. Meisner's work, taught properly, doesn't restrict you, but allows your talent to flourish. It brings out the best of you and your personality - the very thing that casting directors need to see to hire you. We recommend that all students also take the Improv class when it's offered.
- ON-CAMERA 101 - It takes no extra effort to master on-camera technique at the same time you learn to act. Our one-of-a kind program is very effective and saves you valuable time and money, so there’s no need to take a separate on-camera class. From your first class on, you will gain valuable on-camera knowledge and experience. Our students go into auditions better prepared and relaxed.
- DEVELOPMENT 101 – Each student will receive a copy of our New Student Resource Binder (one-time charge of $15), which includes a variety of materials designed to help keep you organized and inspired. Our “Reading Plan” will deepen you as an artist and give you a wide knowledge base from which to set your career strategy. Our “Acting Entrepreneur” program will inspire you and teach you to think outside the box in your career and artistic development.
INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED CLASS
Price: $190/month
Schedule: TBD
INTERMEDIATE – When you nail an audition, it’s because you know what to do with a particular scene. You know what to do, because you’ve already done that kind of scene in Intermediate Class. It’s where you start to pay your dues.
- CRAFT 201
- Emotional Preparation – Films are shot in tiny pieces, which are edited together. An actor’s ability to create real emotional life in his or herself, in order to begin a take (or scene) truthfully, has never been more important. You’ll learn to use your limitless imagination to bring deep emotional truth to your work.
- Scene Study – This is where you’ll learn a complete professional approach to scene work. You will learn a rehearsal process that is organic and never leaves you in a rut with only one way to do a scene, or stuck in “line readings.” You’ll also learn to bring yourself to a scene and genuinely experience it fresh each take or performance. We recommend that Intermediate students also take the Script Analysis class when it's offered.
- ON-CAMERA 201 - All of your lead-in preparation and scenes will be on-camera. As you become more camera-savvy, we will begin to challenge you with particular shooting situations you might experience on-set. To catch up, we recommend that new students also take the On-Camera Intensive when it is offered.
- DEVELOPMENT 201 - Students are encouraged to participate in study groups to view and discuss films, review books and exchange business ideas. Periodically, guest industry speakers (e.g. screenwriters, directors, actors) will be invited to share their experiences and answer questions.
ADVANCED - The Advanced Class prepares you for a long-term career. You’ll learn in-depth research techniques, characterization and interpretation. Beginning and Intermediate will mainly challenge your gut and emotions, while the Advanced Class will challenge your creative and analytical mind. Many of our advanced students are working in the industry and are actively auditioning, so class is flexible to allow us to help an actor work on a professional role or audition.
- CRAFT 301 - Characterizations & Advanced Texts – You will be given the tools to get inside and play characters very different from yourself. Learn how to master accents, impediments, deal with period pieces and develop character traits that bring authenticity and make your scenes vivid and memorable. We recommend that Advanced students also take the Screenwriting class when it is offered.
- ON-CAMERA 301 – You’ll learn to work with direction from take to take and deal with real-world issues stemming from difficult auditions, directors, set situations and even bad writing. We’ll help you refine your performance for master shots, two shots and close ups, and lock down technical skills. You will be prepared before you walk on-set.
- DEVELOPMENT 301 - Production & Promotion – There is no substitute for experience, so you can get that experience here. In the past, students have produced, written, directed and acted in ASLA short films using our equipment and technology. They've also put up a one-man shows, plays and showcases with our support. We don’t want our actors to work in an isolated bubble. We want to help you get in front of an audience and on-camera for a film festival or Internet audience.