SHORT TERM CLASSES
Weekday classes for US residents and visiting internationals.
Varying from 2 hours a week to 6 hours a week, depending on the class, these independent courses are not progressive, but will provide basic instruction in each specialized subject.
We require $100 on registration and balance is due at course commencement.
Acting I
Beginning with the assumption that there are as many different methods of acting as there are actors, our classes will start with a basic exploration of the best-known acting methods, all the while incorporating exercises to demonstrate each method. We will delve into Stanislavski, Strasberg, Adler, Meisner, Uta Hagen, Viola Spolin, Michael Chekhov, Suzuki & Viewpoints, in hopes that an overview will inspire each student to begin to find their own ways into their own discipline. We will then move into exercises directly incorporating observation & imagination, where the student’s perception of objects studied leads to a recreation of them for the class. Finally we will move into scene work, incorporating the skills of perception and imagination to find characterization.
Voice I
Voice I addresses the fundamentals needed to enable this vital component of the actor’s instrument. Several aspects of vocal technique will be explored in this class including diction, articulation, voice color, tone and projection. In support of these areas of focus; physical and vocal relaxation exercises will be practiced in addition to essential diaphragmatic breathing techniques inspired by Cicely Berry.
Script Breakdown
We will begin by exploring a monologue together, and then each bring in favorite texts of our own to analyze. And then the homework begins. Outside of class, we will read a new script every week, beginning with stage plays and then moving into screenplays & television scripts. In each class, we will break down several scenes from these scripts, as we dissect their texts for keys to theme and characterization. By the end of the class, we will work on sides – when one must find important clues in partial scripts. And finally, cold text analysis. Getting to the heart of a scene with limited time.
Improvisation
In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of performing short form improvisational exercises and scenes. In short form improvisation, the objective is to create imaginatively in the moment, using the tools of agreement, playfulness, and storytelling. The course is designed to allow the actor the freedom to explore character, environment, and situations freely without a script. Scene analysis and dramatic structure are two elements introduced through a series of playful improvisational exercises. The idea of "Yes-And" is explored throughout the course, encouraging the beginning actor to always except and agree with an acting partner's offer or contribution to the scene. Later in the course, more advanced exercises such as the "Switch" exercises and the long form "Harold" are introduced, allowing actors to work towards a longer form improvisational technique.
Theater History
This is a course on the history of world drama from its inception through the classic periods of dramatic literature to the present day. Students will read a selection of plays from each period and discuss the historical and political context, achieve a perspective of dramatic and comedic styles and examine the job of an actor in interpreting the text while developing a sense of period style. Comparing and contrasting these plays will give the student a wide range of intellectual psychological and emotional understanding of how the playwright and actor can truly contribute to one another in the realization of the creative process of designing work for the stage.
Movement Fundamentals
This course introduces the student to body awareness, physical intention, and the development of character movement, using Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, Pilates and yoga to further explore the connection between character and physical expression. Students discuss the time periods of social acceptance of movement, dance, gestures and manners. Games are introduced to facilitate freedom of movement and assignments include "silent monologues" and "musical monologues". At the end of the course, students will have mastered and be able to present a series of warm ups, movement combinations and a cool down.
