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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 E

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: Celio Da Silveira
Location: Studio D

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.

Instructor: Celio Da Silveira
Location: Studio D

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: $750. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Alexander I

Instructor: Chris Thornton
Location: Studio G

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, Rehearsal Technique, 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: $750. 8 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Technique I, II & III, Script Breakdown, Scene Study Beginning, Scene Study Intermediate

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

Instructors: Zachariah Payne
Location: Larsen

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: Studio D

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. 6 Weeks.
Prerequisite: Movement I & II

Instructor: Caitlin Apparcel
Location: Adler

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: Robert Sprayberry
Location: Studio D

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.

Instructor: Rick Peters
Location: Studio F

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

Instructor: Bonnie McNeil
Location: Larsen

Group Warm-up: M/T/W/TH 6:00p-7:00p, Elias Wygodny, Larsen

Mandatory one hour vocal and body workout prior to rehearsal.

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.

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

Instructor: Victoria Kemsley
Location: Studio C/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: Adler Theatre

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: Tim Kopacz
Location: Studio G

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.
Prerequisite: Speech I

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.