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: $950. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: None

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: $950. 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: $950. 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: $750. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I & II

Instructor: Chris Thornton
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: $750. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Script Analysis, Scene Study Beginning, Scene Study Intermediate, Scene Study Advanced, Character, & On-Camera

Instructor: Jade Gordon
Location: Studio C

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: $850. 8 Weeks
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Scene Study Beginning, Scene Study Intermediate, Scene Study Advanced & Shakespeare I

Instructor: Diego Parada
Location: Adler

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.

Instructor: Bonnie McNeil
Location: Studio A

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.
Prerequisite: Technique I & II

Instructors: Zachariah Payne
Location: Dance

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. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I, Technique II, Movement I and Movement II​

Instructor: Caitlin Apparcel
Location: Adler Theatre

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.

Instructor: Caitlin Apparcel
Location: Adler Theatre

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.
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: $750. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Movement I, II & III

Instructor: Tim Craig
Location: Studio C

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.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Scene Study Beginning, On-Camera Acting

Instructor: Rick Peters
Location: Studio C

Group Warm-up: M/T/W/TH 9:00a-10:00a, Tim Kopacz/Elias Wygodny, Larsen

Mandatory one hour vocal and body workout prior to rehearsal.

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.

Cost: $2300. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Script Analysis, Scene Study Beginning & Intermediate Scene Study

Instructor: Victoria Kemsley
Location: Larsen

Group Warm-up: T/W/TH 9:00a-10:00a; Tim Kopacz/Elias Wygodny, Larsen

Mandatory one hour vocal and body workout prior to rehearsal.

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.

Cost: $3500. 16 Weeks.
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

Instructor: Chris Thornton
Location: Studio B

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.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown

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: $850. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown & Scene Study Beginning

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: $850. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Scene Study Beginning & Scene Study Intermediate

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

Cost: $750. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III

Instructor: Peter Wittrock
Location: Studio B

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.

Instructor: Peter Wittrock
Location: Adler Theatre

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.
Prerequisite: Shakespeare I​

Instructor: Tim Kopacz
Location: Studio G

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.

Instructor: Tim Kopacz
Location: Studio G

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.
Prerequisite: Speech I & II

Instructor: Tim Kopacz
Location: Studio G

Private classes for those needing more extensive work.

Cost: $700. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Speech I

Instructor: Peter Wittrock
Location: Adler Theatre

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.

Instructor: Peter Wittrock
Location: Adler Theatre

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.
Prerequisite: Voice I