Class Catalog
core acting progression
Curious about acting? Or, do you have experience performing, but are just feeling a little rusty? Maybe you just want to get to know your authentic self a little better? If so, our Step I Acting course is a great place to explore. You will develop or deepen the fundamental acting tools we use as the foundation for all of our acting classes at Freehold: living truthfully under imaginary circumstances, connecting to your own personal material, investing in playing an action, and working with a partner. If you are coming to the table with more experience, this class will provide an opportunity to dive deeper into some of the tools of your craft. If you are trying this out for the first time, this class will be an entry in an exciting and safe environment.
Intro to Acting is the first class in our three-step acting progression, introducing you to a vocabulary and approach that will form the basis of Step II: Acting with Text and Step III: Basic Scene Study.
Prerequisites: None
Prerequisite: Step I: Intro to Acting or entrance interview
Please note:
- This class requires you to be able to meet with your scene partner outside of regularly scheduled class time.
- If you have not taken Step I: Intro to Acting but have received equivalent training elsewhere, you will be asked to meet with a faculty member to evaluate your eligibility for the class. We accept only a limited number of students who have not taken Step I into each Step II section each quarter.
In Basic Scene Study, students will bring longer scenes to life through textual analysis and improvisation. You’ll broaden and deepen your understanding of rehearsal techniques and hone your understanding of playing action to really affect a change in your scene partner, enough to compel you to both act and react authentically. You will explore ways to create work with your own imagination that is rich, creative and exciting.
Prerequisite: Step II: Acting with Text or entrance interview
Please note:
- This class requires you to be able to meet with your scene partner at least once per week outside of regularly scheduled class time.
- If you have not taken Step II: Acting with Text but have received equivalent training elsewhere, you will be asked to meet with a faculty member to evaluate your eligibility for the class. We accept only a limited number of students who have not taken Step II into each Step III section each quarter.
In R&P, students will rehearse and then perform a play. This process will include casting, read-throughs, text discussions, contextual research, and the practical work of translating the drama from the page to the stage. The instructor will lead the student-actors through the process of making choices that support both the playwright’s and the director’s intent, creating characters that are physically and vocally distinct, and working with the complexity of multi-character scenes. Each student-actor will participate in all aspects of production, including costumes, makeup, sets & props, music, and tech rehearsals. The class culminates in a weekend of performances in Freehold’s Black Box Theatre. (Note: performance text will be chosen by the instructor based on the enrolled ensemble).
Advanced Acting Classes
The Meisner Progression at Freehold is based on the work of Constantin Stanislavski, Joseph Chaikin, and Sanford Meisner.
Through cumulative exercises based on the work of Sanford Meisner, the actor learns to be habitually available to and affected by life that is actually happening in the moment, and to fully release instinctive, uninhibited responses. The class culminates in a work with text.
Through cumulative exercises based on the work of Sanford Meisner, the actor learns to be habitually available to and affected by life that is actually happening in the moment, and to fully release instinctive, uninhibited responses. The class culminates in a work with text.
Prerequisite: Step III: Basic Scene Study, Rehearsal and Performance or entrance interview
Students continue the exercises from Foundation, supplementing them with work in personalization, preparation, and other tools in order to access a meaningful inner life and “make real” the text and imaginary circumstances.
Prerequisite: Meisner I: Foundation
Applying the work from Foundation and Instrument to scenes, students focus on detailed, in-depth text and character work — analysis, subtext, particularization, and moment-to-moment process work on scenes.
Using scenes selected from modern award-winning and noteworthy plays or musicals, students of this online class will focus on and further develop their acting and performing skills and techniques for building a character, making interesting choices, risk-taking and in-depth bookwork exploration of clues to enhance and support the effectiveness of their
performance and scene work.
Paired with different combinations of classmates and working together on overlapping acting scenes with the instructor, participants will work to discover the varying nuances and possible choices that different casting combinations can make on the scripts.
Prerequisite: Step III: Basic Scene Study or entrance interview
Demystify the audition experience. Take control of your process in auditions, gain confidence, discover how to relax and enjoy the experience!
We’ll cover each stage of the audition; preparation, monologue work, putting your best self forward and follow-up. This course will focus primarily on theatrical auditions, but we will cover self-tape and many other skills that are foundational for on-camera auditions as well. Great for the actor just starting with auditions or for experienced actors wanting to hone their auditioning skills.
Prerequisite: Step III: Basic Scene Study or entrance interview
In Basic Scene Study: Shakespeare, you will apply the tools learned in Introduction to Shakespeare and Step II to a scene from a Shakespeare play. Continuing our detective work to investigate clues within the text and as Hamlet says “Suit the action to the word, the word to the action”.
Please note: This class requires you to be able to meet with your scene partner at least once per week outside of regularly scheduled class time.
If you have not taken Step II: Acting with Text or Introduction to Shakespeare, but have received equivalent training elsewhere, you will be asked to meet with a faculty member to evaluate your eligibility for the class.
Prerequisite: Intro to Shakespeare AND Step I-II, or entrance interview
Playwriting Progression Classes
Working with a step-by-step approach, the courses in the Playwriting Progression move from the smallest units of dramatic energy to the full landscape of a compelling theatrical story.
Theatre tells stories through actors using scripts that are armed with powerful themes, context and objectives and live at a specific moment in time. Explore the many ways playwrights create compelling, truthful characters, and dynamic monologues, scenes and short plays using the language of the stage: words, movement, light, sound, and silence. This interactive class includes both real time writing exercises and some “on your feet” work, so please dress comfortably.
Prerequisite: None
In a play, the story and the vessel you use to tell it are inexorably connected. Change one thing and you automatically effect the other. Force a full-length story into a 10-minute structure and every short bit of it will sound trite. By exploring established works written in 5 different theatrical genres (naturalism, magic realism, absurdism, comedy, and docudrama) we will explore classic dramatic vessels and discover how modern dramatists find ways to blend these styles to match the specific needs of their stories. Using prompts that spring from these genres, you will generate several short scenes and two wildly different one-act plays by the end of the session.
Prerequisite: None
Take the opportunity to go for broke and work to finish a full-length or one-act play in 8 short weeks! Start from scratch on Week 1 (or from something you’ve already started but still have much to do) and build weekly from there. This ONLINE interactive class will explore a variety of useful structural forms and writing techniques designed to keep your work alive and moving forward towards a satisfying conclusion.
Expect to write at least 5-10 pages per week! This class is meant for writers who have taken Freehold’s Playwriting I and/or II (or have other playwriting experience).
Prerequisite: Playwriting I or Playwriting II, or entrance interview
Unlock your storytelling potential in this playwriting class! Start with creative writing exercises to spark your imagination, then explore real-world inspiration from personal experiences, news, and social issues. Learn the key elements of playwriting through hands-on exercises and theory. In the final sessions, you’ll write a 10-minute play, hear it performed in class, and get valuable feedback from peers and the instructor to refine your work.
Prerequisite: None
Craft and Instrument Classes
Delve deep into the life of a character with this on-line Character Development Lab. Our goal is to explore character in a way that supports transformation, where the actor’s being is so engaged with the character’s life and needs that there is no room left in the actors’ mind for doubt and fear.
This approach encourages a working process where subconscious instincts and the ever-changing present fuel dynamism and transformation in the performer.
Students will dive into selected scripts to look for clues in the text, which will serve as a jumping off point for their work. We will engage with various approaches to finding connection to the inner life of a character through exercises, journaling, readings, and in-class discussions.
Each student will apply this work to a particular character, and a selected monologue or scene as we work.
Prerequisite: Step III: Basic Scene Study or entrance interview
In this unprecedented time of world-wide pandemic bodied by waves of civil rights protest, we all play a crucial role in fighting for and securing the social change we want to see.
This requires activism. What your activism looks and feels like is unique to you, just like your artistic practice.
In this introductory course we will confront and investigate the systemic, institutional, interpersonal, and internalized layers of American social injustices in order to better understand the conscious and unconscious ways we are all complicit in oppression and therefore all responsible for liberation.
We will do this through: individual meditative journaling, group symposium, and weekly creative projects.
Students will need a journal exclusively for this class.
Prerequisite: None
Your voice is unique, and it’s an essential component of fulfilling your artistic potential. In this course, students will move through a series of voice/mind/body exercises based on Fitzmaurice Voicework®, aimed at strengthening vocal flexibility and dynamism. Class exercises will also give you tools for self-regulation of your nervous system through breathwork and meditation.
Games, text work (memorized and cold readings), discussion, and a greater understanding of human anatomy, students will enhance students’ vocal self-expression in all areas of life, including stage & film acting, job interviews, public speaking, voice-over, and more.
This class is physical, and you will need a yoga mat, movement clothes, water, and writing materials. You will also need to memorize a piece of text between 1 – 2 minutes in length.
Prerequisite: None
This course empowers students with tools and techniques to build confidence and become more effective communicators, presenters, and performers. Unlike traditional public speaking workshops, we focus on strengthening students mentally by addressing what undermines their confidence. You’ll learn to embrace your true power, confront your fears, boost your self-worth, and practice techniques used by professional performers.
Prerequisite: None
Imagine reading a character description stating, “role requires Maltese accent.”
Now imagine that instead of panicking and backing out of the audition altogether, you actually feel confident about what to do!
It’s not impossible, and this class will show you why. Studying accents is a fun and remarkable way of deepening your connection to a character, improving the quality of your auditions and performances, and understanding, clarifying, and appreciating your own dialect. (Oh yes, everybody has one).
In this class, we will take a primarily physical approach to learning how to break down sounds from all over the world. Then, using short monologues, you will learn RP (aka a “standard” British accent), and finally take on any accent of your choosing.
We will also discuss how accents are typically used in the media, what’s changing, and what responsibilities we have as artists and global citizens to understand this powerful storytelling tool.
Prerequisite: None
This Improv class is perfect for both beginners and experienced performers. You’ll dive into the core principles and theories of improv, with a mix of fun exercises and hands-on practice. Whether you’re new to improv or have taken the class before, you’ll find plenty to challenge you—including the chance to elevate some exercises to a performance level. Come ready to learn, laugh, and grow your improv skills!
Prerequisite: None
Take what you’ve learned from the basics of improv to the next level. We will delve further into scene-building through games & open scenes, learn new long forms like “Harold”, & explore creating narrative & monologues through developed characters. This class is for anyone who’s had some previous improvisational experience. It works great for actors, writers & directors alike.
Prerequisite: None, but previous Improv experience is recommended
This is a 4 week class that uses Improv (and other) exercises that pertain to Narrative. Certain exercises emphasize “advancing” the story, others “coloring” , and others use memory in a disciplined way to create, hone and balance your writing and performance. This class would be great for anyone: film makers, school teachers, care givers, “Moth” storytellers. You can improvise every week, or develop material and workshop it the last few weeks. On the last class we will perform for each-other, friends and family on Zoom. This class will culminate in an invited virtual performance.
Prerequisite: None
Solo Performance is a generative workshop where we will explore different generative techniques, performance strategies, development methods and creative approaches for crafting stories to perform as a single body on stage. Students will be introduced to produced solo work references to inform the breadth of possibilities and as jumping off points for exploring your own aesthetic. Students should come prepared to move, write, play, witness and collaborate. Participants will get a chance to create and experiment with generating a variety of content before selecting an idea to investigate and hone for an in-progress sharing at the end of the course.
Prerequisite: None
Create, Rehearse, and Perform an original solo show, applying the Alexander Technique every step of the way for greater creativity and coordination.
By the end of this course, you’ll have your own six-minute solo show as well as working knowledge of how the Integrative Alexander Technique can be used to open the doors of your imagination and bring your ideas to life, as you intend them.
Prerequisite: None
A 8 week movement class for the actor to awaken the physical self during this time of social isolation.
You will work on a yoga mat, with a concentrated focus on physicality for performance.
Classes will consist of warm ups, improvisational play, minimal homework and sharings.
You will learn to enhance your senses, create distinct characters through targeted gestures and centers, use body language to communicate subtext and learn to physically enhance your audition monologue.
NEED: a good internet connection, a computer or smart phone, a yoga mat, and an able and willing body in moveable clothing. Blocks & straps.
Prerequisite: None
An introductory course in presence, mask, mime, and movement. Come learn the powerful language of the body. We will dive into Neutral Mask to discover our own personal movement signature; Laban Movement Analysis to explore movement qualities; Mime to focus articulation; Character Mask to connect the body to expression and Viewpoints to explore composition.
Prerequisite: None
This course will introduce how Integrative Alexander Technique and can be applied by performers for greater freedom on stage.
Students will learn a simple yet powerful tool that can be used in-the-moment, at any moment.
The aim of this class is to help artists fully embody their creative ideas and discover new choices in how they move.
Participants will be asked to bring a piece of text they would like to work on, as well as questions to each class.
Alyssa Franks is an apprentice-teacher of the Integrative Alexander Technique under the mentorship of Cathy Madden
Prerequisite: None
In each of us there lives a clown who is profoundly comical and comically profound. Our approach to discovering this clown involves taking the part of ourselves that is revealed in the moment when everything falls apart… and expanding it to the ridiculous. We will be playing with tools and techniques to extend this moment, and to expand and transform ourselves physically and vocally. To play freely. The heart of the work is the courage to be completely present in front of an audience just as we are, and the freedom and availability of spirit to laugh at the strange ways in which we dance with our humanity.
Prerequisite: None
Interested in learning about stage combat? Come explore a variety of stage combat weapons and styles- perfect for the actor looking to take the ‘lunge’ and learn how to incorporate combat into their actor’s toolkit. We will be studying techniques based on the 8 weapon disciplines of the SAFD, with a little history thrown in!
Prerequisite: None
A study of 18th century swordplay. The evolutionary result of over 300 years of civilian sword technique adopted to theatrical training for the actor. Think Les Liaison Dangerous, and the works of Richard Brinesley Sheridan. The fencing Salon vs. the reality of the duel, with a little ballet footwork thrown in.
The famous double fence technique of the Elizabethan era.
Based on the historical techniques of fight masters famously referred to in The Princess Bride! A foundational must for the classical actor.
Some sword experience recommended, and certification will be offered by The Society of American Fight Directors
Prerequisite: None
Come and explore the theatrical and historical aspects of this challenging system of sword combat.
Debunk the myth of this style as “Hacking and slashing, and only the strongest need apply!”
Flexible and whip fast, Longsword was efficient and exemplified many of the qualities of the smaller swords that followed!
Certification by The Society of American Fight Directors is offered.
Prerequisite: None
Explore the art of two-handed theatrical sword fighting, blending techniques from multiple cultures. This class is grounded in stage combat skills that every actor can apply to their craft, whether for historical dramas or fantasy roles. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn certification in Two-Handed Sword through The Society of American Fight Directors. Some prior sword experience is recommended, but not required.
Prerequisite: None
Every play seems to have something- a slap, a push, a fall, a struggle. Come learn the basics of unarmed combat, along with SAFE ways to execute what is asked of the actor. We will cover the basics of this fighting style with the emphasis on safety, good partnering, and acting the action! This is a must know for every actor, and yes, it’s great fun! Emphasis on safety, good partnering, acting the action, and a focus on Intimacy technique as it applies to stage fighting. Opportunity to take the Basic Skills Proficiency Test in Unarmed combat as presented by The Society of American Fight Directors will be offered.
Prerequisite: None
This course is essential for directors and actors who want to work in film and television.
Actors: Actors will learn to identify the specific demands of the scene beat by beat and how to tailor their performance to the needs of the camera and the director. Instruction emphasizes developing the ability to focus on character and intent while navigating the external distractions of a movie set. Actors will work on a variety of scenes being assigned a new director for each new scene.
Directors: Directors will explore every facet of the directorial process, learning what a set is like, how scenes are structured, how to create scene coverage by creating storyboards and shot lists and what the important issues for a director are. This class will teach you to interpret and translate the written ideas of the screenplay into cinematic form and improve your abilities to communicate with actors to elicit their best performance.
Prerequisite: None
This on-camera course focuses on film and television scripts and specific tools used in the medium. This hands-on workshop highlights quick and powerful ways to make your performance more natural and spontaneous.
Develop an awareness of the special needs of the camera and focus on your ability to be free in front of it. Work on new scenes with new scene partners every week in front of the camera, watching play back constantly for supportive and helpful feedback. Learn the importance of technique, remove self-conscious behavior, and use yourself to fill a character.
Taught by John Jacobsen, Emmy award winning director.
Please note: This class does involve scene work with a scene partner with the expectation that you will be available to rehearse outside of the scheduled class time.
Prerequisite: None
Sometimes we want to do something, like direct, but don’t know what that really means. This class will introduce you to what directors do and how they do it, and also serve as a way to show what the more involved classes in directing at Freehold entail in case you want to go further into it. We’ll look a little at text, work a little on directing actors, and talk about shooting and editing for those interested in film. Good for theatre and film/TV. Take this intro course and we’re pretty sure you’re going to want to direct.
Prerequisite: None
Specialty Classes
Speciality classes are designed to expand and explore your range as a performer/deviser.
“I speak to faeries who have forgotten the pouches of pixie dust in their possession…I encourage these children to craft limbering language out of lofty aspirations.”
– Mission Statement by Daemond Arrindell
Spoken Word is the writing craft of poetry brought to life through the art of performance. And while its origins go back to the ancient African griots its prevalence in today’s society is prolific. From commercials for beer and soda to YouTube videos to speeches made to Congress, you can find Spoken Word anywhere and everywhere, for numerous reasons: its level of accessibility and the simple fact that everyone has a story worth sharing. What will be yours?
In this course we will explore the art of Spoken Word performance poetry, engage in critique/analysis of past and present performers and poetic styles through text, video and audio samplings, find/develop/refine our own voices through writing exercises and take written poems on the journey to become engaging and dynamic performance pieces.
Prerequisite: None
This course focuses on how to structure your story, and while we examine great movies and screenplays, good structure applies to all stories, whether it is for a book, a play, a short film, or TV show. We’ll move from watching how good stories are structured into how to execute structure yourself by writing scenes, beat sheets, and designing.
Do not underestimate how vital design is to all art and your story, and don’t be a “panster”. A panster is a person who just sits down and types a story, writing from the seat of his/her pants. Typing is not writing. Yes, you might type 100 pages, but that doesn’t mean your story works because, well, it rarely does without designing it first.
I have news for you: art is formulaic. Composition and structure are inherently involved in its creation. And for those of you that think design or structure or formula inhibit creativity, think again. I’ve discovered this: there is plenty of discovery and magic to be had. First off, may spontaneity strike you when you are working very hard. Second, while the act of being creative and taking risks and living passionately needs no structure, the process of converting this into something someone wants to read does. Without a system in place for curating your ideas, your innovation process will fall at the first hurdle.
The most popular movies and books of all time almost always strictly follow the rules of structure — most screenplays in fact are rejected because they have structure problems. I am hired to read, help, rewrite and doctor these scripts all the time and the place I almost always find the problem is in the journey of the hero and its structure.
Think of a pop song — The Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” for example. Verse, verse, bridge, chorus, verse, chorus. That’s part of the structure, another part being the key and chords involved. Formulaic? Yes. Does the structure allow for enormous creativity and variety? Yes. Because guess what? Songwriters from Henry Rollins to June Carter to Michael Jackson have used that same formula with widely differing — but brilliant — results.
You want to go highbrow? Consider sonata-allegro form, used by composers from Mozart to Vaughan Williams. Exposition-development-recapitulation-coda. It’s a formula. It produced Mozart’s Serenade in G major, K, Hayden’s Symphony No. 43, and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.
The magic is this: you don’t see the formula (or principles of good writing) when you are absorbed in the artwork (unless you’re looking for it). Instead, you see the characters coming to life before you in a world that makes you forget your own. But the formula is one of the crucial factors that makes the story work and helps keep the story transparent for you. Almost every film, book, play, short story or movie you love has this structure.
Good filmmaking and screenwriting isn’t about clever dialog and flashy camera angles. The success of a movie relies on its overall shape, the unsexy utilitarianism of its underlying scaffolding. Much like a house: you can paint the house a great color, you can do some bold things on the interior, but if the structure of the house isn’t sound – if for instance, we can’t find the front door – no one is going to enter into your work.
Structure is key to success – if you define “success” as “people enjoying your work.”
So stop fighting it and learn it. Then you can master it and learn how and when to break the principles to invent something completely new and exciting.
Prerequisite: None
This course is both a beginning and brush up course on textual analysis for Shakespeare. It will be detective work on what the elements of the language are, how the language is structured, what clues this gives us to the character speaking and how to speak the language based on is structure and clues using all of the acting information from both a modern and Elizabethan point of view.
Through discussion, games, word play, reading plays memorization and presentation of monologues we will explore the world of text given to us by Shakespeare and put it into action.
Classes will be held on Zoom, students will be required to have a good copy of the complete works of Shakespeare, be able to be on line for class without interruption. Do the assigned work outside of class which will include memorization, participate in the class discussions and activities. Materials in the form of pdf’s will be sent pre and post class to review and cover the material taken up in each class.
Prerequisite: None
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the world of voice-over work, this is a great place to start.
Students will develop cold-reading skills, learn to look behind the phrasing of ad copy to identify possible client desires, quickly and effectively interpret copy, and learn how to take direction in the studio.
Genres covered will include audiobook narration, radio & television ad copy, technical narration, and character work for video games and animation.
You’ll learn what to expect in a recording session, from audition to booking, as well as have the opportunity to explore and utilize your individual voice, culminating with a recording session in a professional recording studio.
A few things to note about the online version of this class: our recording studio time will be scheduled for a date when can can all safely meet in person (hopefully over the summer – this means that the last class of this series will likely be postponed). Also, as students will not be able to hear playback live in class they will be required to listen to their parts of a recorded version of each session in order to hear the vocal changes that took place after they received coaching and direction from the instructor.
Prerequisite: None
Students who have already taken an introductory voiceover class or who have some voiceover training under their belt may take this class to further their skills and begin to prepare for cutting a demo.
Each week students will spend a short time looking at the more advanced aspects of the voiceover industry including quick-paced legal, effort noises, and technical jargon. Then they will move on for more intensive coaching on ads that best suit their voice and would be appropriate to record on a demo.
If needed, editing skills for auditions will be revisited and looked into with more depth. This is a great option for students who feel they need a bit more coaching before cutting a demo but would like to ultimately pursue a career in the voiceover industry.
Note: This class does not include the actually creation of a demo. Students will be required to do homework each week.
Prerequisite: None
The pandemic has made it very easy for people to make their own home studios and create content. Media is also changing. New media outlets like Podcasts, Audio-dramas, and animation are providing avenues for more voice over work. Want to know how to get started and to learn some of the basics? This is the class that will help with that.
Prerequisite: None
Are you thinking of auditioning for Musical Theatre? Are you unsure of how to take your acting skills and apply them to song? Are you already auditioning and want to build a better book of song choices or feel that your acting through song technique could be stronger?
Each week you’ll bring a song of choice to perform and receive acting and vocal coaching. You’ll learn how to create a “scene” out of a song (even if you are the only one singing), how to connect with both the music and the person you are singing to, how to build a song book that suits all auditions as well as how to find the right cuts if only 32 bars is asked for.
But above all else you will learn how to truly explore the text and context of a song so that you can use your voice to bring the story to life.
Participants can choose to bring one song multiple times, a new song each week, or something in between and will have the chance to discuss song choice for the next week after each session.
Students should have enough singing experience to follow a backing track or accompaniment. You will be asked to purchase sheet music that will be run through an app that creates backing tracks. We will start each class with a short vocal warm up.
An interview with the instructor is required before you are officially registered. Plan to bring a little something to sing (it doesn’t have to be with sheet music or a backing track, but it can be).
Prerequisite: Entrance interview
Whether speaking in an in-person setting or in a Zoom room, whether speaking to an audience of 1 or 100, public speaking can challenge us in a variety of ways. Some struggle with confidence, some have a hard time being heard and understood, others wonder what to do with their hands while speaking.
The best way to become a better public speaker is through practice! In this class, students will have opportunities to do just that in a safe and supportive atmosphere. You’ll learn a wide range of skills related to public speaking, including breath and voice techniques, body language, speech styles, and more.
This eight-week class will take place on the Zoom platform. In order to fully participate, students will need:
–a computer or tablet with a built-in camera & microphone, and Internet access (*An inexpensive lavalier mic is highly recommended but not required. I like the Power DeWise Lavalier Microphone)
–a free Zoom account (we will be using Zoom for all classes)
–space to sit or lie on the floor (the size of a yoga mat will do)
–space that allows you to use your voice with a certain amount of freedom (meaning: a space where you have permission to make sounds, sometimes loud sounds, sometimes weird sounds)
This class can be physical at times, so wear comfortable clothes that allow for physical freedom.
Prerequisite: None
This course will guide you to develop a disciplined ritual of daily self-care so that you have the energy and resource to create.
In this class, we will explore why mindfulness matters for artists. By the end, you will also have skills for building a mindful way in and way out of actor readiness.
Conscious pathways to cross the threshold to performance enable you to go deeper. Taking care of yourself means taking care of your creative work.
Prerequisite: None
Discover the “art of the tease” as you explore the power, confidence and creativity of performing Neo-Burlesque! Learn the tools and techniques specific to this genre as we get you in touch with your inner-sexy and guide you through the creation of your own original burlesque solo act. Course includes group exercises to increase your body-positivity and expression, burlesque acting techniques for captivating an audience, plus generative techniques to develop characterization and creativity. We’ll get glamorous in a hair & make-up workshop, explore working with boas, gloves and stockings, and learn choreography for a sultry chair dance! Everyone receives a half hour private act coaching session with the instructor (in addition to in-class feedback), plus there is the option to participate in an Add-On experience of an Pin-Up Photoshoot with a professional burlesque photographer (discounted price of $75 for on-camera session, coaching and 2 digital images; separate enrollment through instructor, date/time TBD) This 8 week course culminates in a fabulous showcase on Sat. June 20, where you can feel the thrill of an adoring audience! No previous dance or acting training required; any nudity (pasties/gstring) is optional. All genders are welcome!
Prerequisite: None
Take control of your process in auditions, gain confidence, discover how to excel & enjoy the experience! We’ll cover each stage of the audition; preparation, monologue work, putting your best self forward & follow-up. Great for actors starting out or for experienced actors wanting to hone skills. Includes a 1 on 1 coaching session!
Prerequisite: None
Have you ever wanted to start a podcast but don’t know where to start? Then this workshop is the place for you. Led by Kira Dorrian, producer and co-host of the successful podcast Raising Adults and host of The Edge Conservation Podcast, this class will cover all the steps you will need to consider before starting your own show.
Topics covered on the first day include podcast editing, creating your show’s formula, the pros and cons to being a “guest heavy” show, how to market your show, steps for releasing your show to all of the podcast platforms and more.
On the second day, students will have the opportunity for a private 15 minutes virtual meeting with Kira to talk about your ideas and work through the various details which may be unique to your show.
Prerequisite: None
In “Exploring Solo Performance”, participants will conceive, create, and develop original solo work in a creative laboratory-type setting.
We will ignite our imaginations and evolve the material by exploring various written, physical, improvisational, and generative exercises.
Students will receive constructive feedback from their classmates in a supportive ensemble-type atmosphere, safe for risk, exploration and play.
This course will culminate in an in-class showing of our works-in-progress (for invited guests only).
Prerequisite: None
“Tell the T!” This phrase, which originated in Black drag and Trans culture, means “Tell the Truth!” And that’s our jobs as artists, no matter what our artistic practice is. Whether you’re a writer, an actor, a public speaker, a clown, whatever … identifying and being present with your truth is an essential artistic skill to cultivate, no matter where you are in your creative journey. The vulnerable gnarliness of this practice makes this a difficult skill to explore on one’s own, however, and we often prefer to cling to the illusion that our creative wells have run dry, or even believe we have nothing to say at all, rather than listen to our inner truths. This multisensory class, which engages your writing, vocal, physical and presentation skills, will help you explore your truth in a consistent, thoughtful way. It will show you that your creative well will be abundantly present for you so long as you’re willing to be present for it. Tell the T will be work, but it will also be an eye-opening, exciting (and likely humorous) way to “discover the you that you don’t know.”
Prerequisite: None
Integrative Alexander Technique is conscious, constructive kindness towards yourself, cooperating with your design, in service of your desires and dreams.” – Cathy Madden
The Alexander Technique is a simple and elegant tool that you can use in-the-moment, at any moment: whether you’re eating breakfast or playing Hamlet. This process serves to restore your natural coordination, creativity and presence. Incorporating the Alexander Technique can help you fully embody and elevate your performance from the moment you first pick up your script straight through to the final curtain call.
Through this playful 5-week course, students will receive an introduction and develop an experiential understanding of the Alexander Technique process. Because the best way to learn it is through using it, everyone in the class will have the opportunity to explore it applied directly to a wide variety of daily activities and performance skills. Classes will be student-led, and everyone will be asked to come with a question or activity they care about so we can take turns applying the process. Between Saturdays, there will be tutorial time scheduled for additional coaching and support mid-week. Students will be given a short reading each week to support their learning and will be asked to for a brief written response.
Prerequisite: None
