Current Schedule

Instructor: Laura Leyva
Location: Studio E

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:

1. Understanding of self through the art form of acting
2. The actor’s relationship to words and feelings
3. Physical and mental relaxation within the circumstances
4. Creative Imagination as a major acting tool
5. Application of the three levels of justification
6. Non-verbal expression through character behavior
7. Relationship with partners
8. 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: $900. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: None

Instructor: Victoria Kemsley
Location: Studio E

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:

1. Understanding of self through the art form of acting
2. The actor’s relationship to words and feelings
3. Physical and mental relaxation within the circumstances
4. Creative Imagination as a major acting tool
5. Application of the three levels of justification
6. Non-verbal expression through character behavior
7. Relationship with partners
8. 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: $900. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: None

Instructor: Tim McNeil
Location: Studio B

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: $900. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I

Instructor: Bonnie McNeil
Location: Studio A

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: $800. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I & II

Instructor: Celio Da Silveira
Location: Studio A

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.

Cost: $800. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Alexander I

Instructor: Christopher Thornton/Rick Peters
Location: Studio F

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: $800. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Script Analysis, Scene Study Beginning, Scene Study Intermediate, Scene Study Advanced, Character, & On-Camera

Instructor: Tim McNeil
Location: Studio B

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: $800. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Scene Study Beginning, Scene Study Intermediate

Instructor: Diego Parada
Location: Studio F

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: $800. 8 Weeks.

Instructor: Bonnie McNeil
Location: Studio C

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: $900. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I & II

Instructor: Caitlin Apparcel
Location: Dance

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: $800.

Instructor: Caitlin Apparcel
Location: Dance

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: $800. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Movement I

Instructor: Caitlin Apparcel
Location: Dance

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 $800. 6 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Movement I, II, III & IV

Instructor: Robert Sprayberry
Location: Studio G

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: $800. 8 Weeks.

Instructor: Chris Thornton
Location: Studio C

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: $900. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown

Instructor: Tim McNeil
Location: Studio C

A progression and advancement of the work established in Scene Study, delving more deeply into the discussion of text and character.

Cost: $900. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Scene Study Beginning & Scene Study Intermediate

Instructor: Chris Thornton
Location: Studio A

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: $800. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I

Instructor: Laura Leyva
Location: Studio E

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 playwright the actors work on their feet, on the platform.

Cost: $800. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III

Instructor: Tim Kopacz
Location: Studio G

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: $800. 8 Weeks.

Instructor: Peter Wittrock
Location: Dance

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: $800. 8 Weeks.

Instructor: Peter Wittrock
Location: Studio B

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: $800. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Voice I

Instructor: Peter Wittrock
Location: Dance

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: $800. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Voice I, Voice II