Course Information
Stella Adler Academy of Acting & Theatre – Los Angeles welcomes actors from around the world to grow and foster their talent within our walls. Students need not have any performance background or previous training to apply.
Students can enroll Full-time or Part-time.
Click on the class names below to read more about the class and pricing. For a full outline of our two-year program, visit the Two-Year Program page.
Adler Technique Level I
Stella Adler Academy Technique I: Film, television and theatre are all collaborative efforts, and actors are the “doers” in each of these forms. In this very practical, yet creatively inspiring class, all concepts are made “doable” through the use of the actor’s imagination. Some of the concepts that will be covered and applied are:
- Understanding of self through the art form of acting
- The actor’s relationship to words and feelings
- Physical and mental relaxation within the circumstances
- Creative Imagination as a major acting tool
- Application of the three levels of justification
- Non-verbal expression through character behavior
- Relationship with partners
- Mental actions and their four specific types
This class is not a beginning acting class, it is an introduction to the very freeing and applicable Stella Adler Technique.
Cost $950. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Three 3 hour classes per week.
Prerequisite: None
Adler Technique Level II
The goal of technique is to enable the actor to create specific characters in specific circumstances and through those characters to communicate the themes of the play. Through Stella Adler’s imagination work we will give the actors the tools to create the background of their characters. This is accomplished through specific exercises designed to strengthen the actors imagination and allowing them to build specific background for whatever character they are given. The technique teaches actors how to be moved by the circumstance and apply that work to their characters. This is the essence of Stella Adler’s work: the communication of the play through specific characters in specific circumstances.
Cost $950. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Three 3 hour classes per week.
Prerequisite: Technique I
Adler Technique Level III
Technique III explores in depth the essentials of the Stella Adler Technique. Building a character, living in the given circumstances of a play, and playing actions and objectives are among the exercises that are covered. Translating the technique into a usable process through monologues and scenes is the central focus of the class. Pre-requisite for the class is completion of Adler Technique I and II.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: 36 hrs. 2 times per week, for 2hrs and 15 minutes per class.
Prerequisite: Technique I & II
Alexander Technique
An acclaimed method for improving the actor’s sense of mental and physical ease and flexibility. This technique provides a means to change unconscious habits of excessive tension into an integrated, poised use of the whole Self (mind, body, especially concerning breathing and voice). Students will receive hands-on guidance from the teacher in order to identify their own habitual movement patterns. This awareness provides a great sense of openness and ease, optimizing the actor’s potential. The actor learns to use the technique in performance to develop their craft, as well as in daily activities to help prevent injuries.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Alexander Technique Advanced
The confident actor uses the principles of the Alexander Technique as a tool to be present and stay connected. After having the experience of the first Alexander Technique class (Alexander Technique I), the actor is ready to come to the Advanced, in order to explore more deeply the use of the self, and to carve deeper into the actor’s craft. The understanding of this process can enable the actor learn to choose more wisely. We will explore in depth how the Alexander Technique fits in perfectly when entering the stage: Maintaining a sense of lightness (and light-heartedness) in any audition; speaking without tension and strain. Furthermore, we will apply AT “tools” to monologues, scenes, mock auditions, cold readings, and in front of the camera. You’ll still receive the hands-on guidance from the teacher, as well as practice quieting your nervous system and releasing unnecessary tension with Constructive (Active) Rest. You’ll train yourself to be highly aware of your acting instrument, having the skill to stop unwanted habits and to make clearer and more confident choices. Prerequisites: Alexander Technique I.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week
Prerequisite: Alexander I
Audition Skills
The purpose of this class is to prepare actors for the audition environment by giving a realistic idea of what is required in an audition. This is an on-camera class. Students will work a minimum of twice per class and see their work in video. A mix of the experience of “in person” auditions and “self taping.” The actor will do both types of auditions throughout the course, and all work will be critiqued in class.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: One 4 hour class per week
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Script Analysis, Scene Study Beginning, Scene Study Intermediate, Scene Study Advanced, Character, & On-Camera
Character
In this class, we deeply investigate character and the process of deepening an actor’s character work, through a series of exercises and work on actual scripts. The work in this class will be applicable to film and theater and will leave the actor with certain techniques that bring the actor closer to his or her character and give him or her a deeper sense of belief in themselves in the circumstance.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: One 4 hour class per week
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Scene Study Beginning, Scene Study Intermediate
Chekhov
An advanced class that offers an in-depth look at Chekhov’s major plays (Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, The Cherry Orchard) with an emphasis on script analysis, determining objectives, and playing actions. The mystery of Chekhov’s genius is revealed through a layer by layer exploration of character relationships and the given circumstances, and by the peeling away of extraneous, self-oriented acting impulses. The actor’s work becomes pure, simple, and direct.
Cost $750 8 Weeks
Class Format: Two, 2 hour and 15 minute classes per week
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Scene Study Beginning, Scene Study Intermediate, Scene Study Advanced & Shakespeare I
Greek Theatre
Greek Drama – tragedy and comedy – is where acting derives from. Drama in ancient Greek means action; action involves thought and thought requires presence. The class explores the essential elements of the theatre – plot, character, poetry, aesthetics – and attempts to fathom the world of the heroes through exercises based on animal archetypes, primordial movement patterns and oriental healing techniques. Strong characters demand strong choices. Greek theatre is all about poetry and size, two ideas that are at the core of the Stella Adler Technique.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Movement I & II, Technique I & II and preferably Shakespeare and Theatre History.
Group Warm-up
Mandatory one hour vocal and body workout prior to Play Production I, II and III rehearsal.
Improvisation
Through the use of theatre games, improvisational exercises, and scene work, the actor learns to leap past boundaries and move forward into strong choices in role playing, characterization, and interrelating. It is a class to explore freedom of imagination and experience acting.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Improvisation to Scene
Utilizing the basic tools learned in Techniques I, II and III, this class will introduce “on-your-feet” ways to approach characters in scene work. Using scripted material (monologues and scenes) as the starting point, emphasis will be placed on improvisational work as it relates specifically to the character’s opening moment, inner dialogue/life, relationship to other characters and the all important “circumstances” of the scene. The student-actor will learn a thorough and freeing “active” process that can be used in all aspects of their acting, both alone and with their scene partner.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Prerequisite: Technique I & II
Intimacy and Violence
An introductory course in the design, practice, and performance of theatrical intimacy and violence. Students will navigate power dynamics, consent, and emotional fitness, explore techniques used to create physical intimacy and the illusion of danger, and apply these principles to scenes of heightened physicality, for more evocative storytelling. The course will cover basic unarmed stage combat, along with emerging practices in intimacy direction for the stage. Emphasis will be placed on safety, partnering, acting, and physical specificity. The course will culminate in a performance of scenes with violence, intimacy, or both.
Cost: $750
Prerequisite: Technique I, Technique II, Movement I and Movement II
Masks
The presence of the Mask is a universal cultural phenomenon. Used in rituals, ceremonies, and theatrical performances, it possesses the minds of the wearer and the observer. The mask is the permission giver. In the mask, an actor can do anything, be anyone. In this course, students will learn performance techniques that draw from Commedia dell’Arte, archetype, experimental movement, presentational performance and improvisational comedy. Students will develop characters, participate in games and exercises, and create original work.
Cost: $750, 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week
Movement I: Foundation Technique (Lucid Body Introduction)
An intensive psycho-physical approach to movement training. In this class, actors develop a detailed technique for how the thoughts and feeling of their characters are expressed through physical movement and behavior. During this introductory term, a large emphasis is placed on self-awareness. Actors develop an understanding of their own physical habits and learn techniques for moving beyond those habits. This gives actors the freedom to engage their bodies in new ways in their acting and to make choices that serve the truth of their characters. This is a valuable class for students of all levels.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Prerequisite: None
Movement II: Foundation Technique (Lucid Body Advanced)
In this class, in addition to exploring the more advanced exercises of the Lucid Body technique, students have an opportunity to deepen their experience of the work and to explore the connection between their movement foundation and their acting process.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Prerequisite: Movement I
Movement III: Embodying Imagination (Release Technique & LeCoq Technique)
In this course actors explore techniques for developing ‘Presence’ in acting and they develop skills for connecting, or relating, the body to the many relationships and circumstances of a play.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Prerequisite: Movement I & II
Movement IV: Application to Scene (Michael Chekov Technique & Rasa Aesthetics)
In this class students explore physical acting techniques that can be applied directly to monologues and scenes. Throughout the class students develop a process for making ‘physical choices’ in their performance work.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Prerequisite: Movement I, II & III
Movement V: Character Process
Students work on three different character projects that are applied to two dramatic monologues and a scene. Each project will be developed using a different set of physical theatre techniques, which are explored in depth, so that students are able to apply them to their outside acting work.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: One 5 hour class per week.
Prerequisite: Movement I, II, III & IV
Musical Voice
A program designed to help the actor find and explore the use of their voice in a musical theater context. “Give me a great actor that can sing a little over a great singer that can’t act!” -Stephen Sondheim. Learning vocal techniques to strengthen your voice and build confidence. Breathing, phrasing, lyric interpretation and delivery. Choosing songs. Understanding your instrument.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
On-Camera Adler Technique
A step by step process for the advanced actor, covering the preparatory work that is done before the final callback audition and the acting breakdown of the full script before the actor arrives on set to shoot. Only film scripts are used and all work is done on camera. Adjusting the actor’s instrument from Stage to film is emphasized.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour classes per week.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown & Scene Study Beginning
On-Camera Adler Technique II
A continuation and expansion of the foundation camera work from Adler On-Camera Technique I. The demands of shot size, angles and coverage will be emphasized, while learning how to keep multiple “takes” consistent, yet spontaneous, will be practiced. Some scenes will be “shot” quickly and with little rehearsal, so the actor becomes familiar with the pressures of episodic television work. Again, actual screenplays will be used for all in-class work. An additional emphasis will be added to burnish the students self-tape skills, and all work will be viewed and evaluated in class.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour classes per week.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Scene Study Beginning & On-Camera Adler Technique I
On-Camera Craft
A continuation of the Adler On-Camera Technique for the advanced actor covering the technical work that is done after the actor arrives on set to shoot and the camera begins rolling. Scenes which are already at performance level are taped with specific practice in the differences in scale, eyeline and pacing that occur from changes in camera angles. Comfort with continuity, and keeping the performance alive through multiple takes will be examined in playback.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: One 4 hour class per week.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Scene Study Beginning, On-Camera Acting
Play Production I
After completing the first year classes, which are the building blocks that a serious actor uses to confidently approach and create great characters, the student-actor is now ready to go into the excitement and work of the full production of a play. The energy and demands of a full production differ from individual scene work. Also, more will be expected of the student-actor, as he/she carries his/her part of the responsibility of bringing a full play to life. Under the guidance of the teacher/director, student-actors will be responsible for working on the script and their character. They will be expected to bring that work into rehearsals. The teacher/director will provide feedback, while adding to – and shaping – the student-actor’s work.
Mandatory one hour vocal and body workout prior to rehearsal.
Cost $2300. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Four 3 hour classes per week.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Script Analysis, Scene Study Beginning & Intermediate Scene Study
Play Production II
The student-actor is now ready to take on more independence and responsibility for character development in his/her second full play production. More independent script and Technique work will be expected of the student/actor as the director/teacher guides him/her and the whole production to performance level.
Mandatory one hour vocal and body workout prior to rehearsal.
Cost $2300. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Four 3 hour classes per week.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Script Analysis, Scene Study Beginning, Scene Study Intermediate, Scene Study Advanced, Character & Play Production I
Play Production III
This is the final production of the Full Program. By this point, the student-actor is expected to work independently on all script analysis and character work so that his/her individual work contributes to the play and the ensemble in each progressive rehearsal. This reinforces the purpose of the Two Year Program: to train actors to be self motivated to work on all aspects of his/her character on their own, so that he/she can come into ALL acting roles armed with interesting, creative choices that lead to fully realized characters. The student-actor learns not to need the director (or anyone else) to hold their hand, yet that same student-actor learns to be able to take direction and make it doable.
Mandatory one hour vocal and body workout prior to rehearsal.
Cost $3500. 192 hours
Class Format: Four 3 hour classes per week.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Script Analysis, Scene Study Beginning, Scene Study Intermediate, Scene Study Advanced, Intimacy & Violence, Character, Play Production I & II, Voice I & II, Movement I- IV, Shakespeare I & II, Greek Theatre, Theatre History, Musical Voice, On-Camera, On-Camera Craft, Alexander Technique I & II, Improvisation, Improv to Scene, Speech I, II & III
Scene Study Beginning
Having completed Technique I & II and Script Breakdown, the actor will present scenes where they will receive analysis and criticism that will provide insight into the playwright and his meaning. The actor will acquire a new heightened understanding, which will lead to an interpretation of the playwright in light of the actor’s own talent and creativity.
Cost $850. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: 52 hrs. 2 times per week, for 3 hrs and 15 minutes per class.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown
Scene Study Intermediate
Having completed Technique I & II and Script Breakdown, the actor will present scenes where they will receive analysis and criticism that will provide insight into the playwright and his meaning. The actor will acquire a new heightened understanding, which will lead to an interpretation of the playwright in light of the actor’s own talent and creativity.
Cost $850. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 3 hour classes per week.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown & Scene Study Beginning
Scene Study Advanced
A progression and advancement of the work established in Scene Study, delving more deeply into the discussion of text and character.
Cost $850. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 3 hour classes per week.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Scene Study Beginning & Scene Study Intermediate
Script Analysis
This class explores the very first steps of creating a role. It can be described as the “table work” that the serious actor must do. From the title to the closing scene, the script is analyzed for the writer’s intent, theme and genre. At the same time, research into the time-period, place, socio-economic background of the character, etc. is discussed. This information is then used to begin building a character that serves the script and brings the character to life in a creative, truthful way. The work learned in this class sets the actor on the right course, and is a big step toward the student-actor becoming a creative, independent actor who can handle any type of script with confidence.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: 32 hrs. Two times per week for 2 hours per class.
Prerequisite: Technique I
Script Breakdown Application
This class is the practical application of the principles and technique’s that have been taught in the first year. We pick up at the “table work“ from Script Analysis with a step-by-step process for breaking down the material, building a character, applying a practical, do-able understanding of sequence, playing of actions and rehearsal technique. Using a full published play by a major playwrite the actors work on their feet, on the platform.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III
Shakespeare
This course is an introduction and a step-by-step approach to the authentic speaking of Shakespeare’s text. The course will explore one Shakespeare play in depth, focusing on developing an approach to understanding the language as well as developing a method of speaking the language with truth, clarity and a range of vocal expression. Students will learn 1 Shakespearean sonnet and 2 monologues.
Students will develop an understanding of, and practice the verbal expression of structure of the verse, including iambic pentameter, line endings, verse and prose alteration, and rhyme.
The course will also examine the Elizabethan world view and explore the historical, religions, and social issues of the day.
Cost $850. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 3 hour classes per week.
Prerequisite: Voice I
Shakespeare II
A continuation of the work from Shakespeare I, students produce scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. There is further emphasis on script analysis and deep character development based on the embedded clues provided by Shakespeare.
Cost $850. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour classes per week.
Prerequisite: Shakespeare I, Voice I
Speech I
In this course, students are introduced to the sounds inherent in General American Speech and learn to identify the sounds they are making in comparison with this standard. Sounds are taught using the International Phonetic Alphabet, a notation system which allows students to visualize sounds and apply the correct sounds to their text work. Students leave with an awareness of their own speech patterns and tools with which to make changes. Required text: Speak With Distinction, by Edith Skinner.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Speech II
Building on the awareness gained in Speech I, students learn to use words and sounds more effectively to create a deeper emotional/personal connection to the text. Students also continue to work on speech habits as they relate to General American Speech and elements of Good Classical Speech are introduced. Students leave with the ability to speak classical and modern texts with physical and emotional clarity. Required text: Speak With Distinction, by Edith Skinner. Pre-requisite: Speech One.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Prerequisite: Speech I
Speech III
Having concluded work in the General American dialect in the first two levels of Speech training, students will now branch into accents and dialects from around the world. The application of the lessons learned in Speech 1, assessing dialects phonetically, meet the lessons of application in Speech 2 to give students the ability and confidence to teach themselves dialects and accents in the professional world, as well as deepen their understanding and ability to make choices with speech in performance. Pre-requisite: Speech I and II.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Prerequisite: Speech I & II
Speech Intensives
Private classes for those needing more extensive work.
Cost $700. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Speech I
Theatre History
Throughout human history, Theatre Acting, and all performing arts, have been a necessity for the human psyche, and have become spiritual and educational vehicles that have helped individuals and societies move forward. In this on your feet, active class (not lecture only), the most important Theatre/Acting movements through history are identified and explored. Ancient Greek Theatre, Roman, Sanskrit, Noh, Kabuki, Intermezzi, Comedia del’ Arte and Elizabethan Theatre are just some of the stops on our journey though time and human exploration. This knowledge of our Theatrical and Acting Heritage can become a powerful tool in the hands of an actor.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour classes per week.
Voice I
This class trains the actor to free the natural speaking voice by learning and exploring the classic progression of the Linklater voice work. The actor will learn a series of physical and vocal exercises that will free the voice from tensions and negative habits while developing, strengthening and expanding vocal range, power, resonance and clarity. The actor will explore a piece of modern text in this class.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Voice II
This class continues the Linklater voice progression with a strong focus on development of the speaking range, articulation, and emotional-vocal connections for the actor. They develop the tools of pitch, rate and volume to structure the work, and learn to allow their voice to respond to their imagination and interpretation of the material. The actor will explore a piece of classical text in this class.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Prerequisite: Voice I
Voice III
This is an advanced voice class for actors who have finished Voice I and II. The actor will continue to reinforce the voice progression they have learned, and will have more opportunity to practically apply their voice technique in monologue and scene work every week. The actor will explore both modern and classical texts in this class.
Cost $750. 8 Weeks.
Class Format: Two 2 hour 15 minute classes per week.
Prerequisite: Voice I, Voice II
Term Dates
2024
Late Summer
September 3 – October 25
Fall
October 28 – December 20
2025
Winter
January 6 - February 28
Spring
March 3 - April 25
SCHOOL BREAK: April 28 - May 2
Late Spring
May 5 - June 27
Summer
June 30 - August 22
SCHOOL BREAK: August 25 - August 29
Late Summer
September 1 - October 24
Fall
October 27 - December 19
Contact Us with Any Questions!
6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Fl.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 465-4446
theadler@stellaadler-la.com