Fall Master Acting Classes

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The cast of 'Romeo and Juliet.'  Photo by Scott Suchman.

An Actor Begins (ages nine to 12)
Saturdays, September 19–November 7 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Instructor: Michelle Jackson
Tuition: $330
This class introduces students to the tools an actor needs to develop a character for the stage. The adventure begins with a series of games and exercises to develop concentration, control, coordination, creativity and awareness while exploring character’s objectives, tactics and given circumstances. The class culminates in workshop performances of scenes and monologues. Prior acting experience is not required.

Audition Techniques (ages 13 to 17)
Saturdays, September 19–November 7 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Instructor: Lorraine Ressegger
Tuition: $330
The first steps to a good audition are selecting an appropriate piece and being as prepared as possible. In this class, students will learn how to prepare for and perform at auditions. Students should be ready to memorize a monologue quickly as class time will focus on examining all aspects of character and text, culminating in a monologue performance in an environment similar to a professional audition. Prior acting experience is strongly recommended.

Improvisation for the Spontaneous Actor (ages 13 to 17)
Saturdays, September 19–November 7 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Instructor: Wyckham Avery
Tuition: $330
Experience the fun of improvisation—using your own creativity and imagination to create motivated characters and dynamic scenes in the moment! Through exercises and games that engage the actor’s entire physical and vocal instrument, students will develop greater awareness, stronger scene partnerships and a healthy sense of risk-taking. Prior acting experience is not required.

Exploring Shakespeare (ages 13 to 17)
Saturdays, September 19–November 7 from 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Instructor: Casey Kaleba
Tuition: $330
Shakespeare was meant to be heard, not read! For those students just starting to explore the world and language of Shakespeare’s plays, this class will explore his canon of work through a mixture of performance and historical context. Students will gain a strong understanding of verse, prose, meter, character and intent to prepare them for continuing study. Prior acting experience is not required.

Acting Shakespeare (ages 18 and over)
Instructor: Floyd King
Saturdays, September 19–November 21 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Tuition: $380
By closely examining Shakespeare’s texts, students investigate the complexities of the language and learn how to use spoken verse, stage movement and personal reflection to create a living character. This experience with classical monologues and short scenes allows students to further develop their skills as actors. Prior acting experience is recommended.

Acting for Business Professionals (ages 18 and over)
Instructor: Vanessa Buono
Mondays, September 21–November 30 (no class on October 12) from 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Tuition: $380
This course helps professionals become more relaxed, present and persuasive in public through the study of techniques used by actors and directors in the theatre. Exploring exercises and improvisations in a safe and relaxed atmosphere, participants will learn how to listen and communicate more effectively, whether speaking to a client, a supervisor or an employee, in a cubicle or conference hall. Prior acting experience is not required.

Introduction to Acting (ages 18 and over)
Instructor: Audra Polk
Mondays, September 21–November 30 (no class on October 12) from 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Tuition: $380
The journey begins here with students’ exploration of the actor’s vocal, physical and psychological instrument, the key skills and core understandings from which to pursue further study. Lessons will include interactive, physical workshops on communication, character, objectives, tactics and given circumstances. Prior acting experience is not required.

Notes from the Other Side of the Table (ages 18 and over)
Instructors: Timothy Douglas, David Muse, Steven Scott Mazzola
Mondays, September 21–November 2 from 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Tuition: $200 for one director, $300 for two directors, $400 for three directors
Auditions approaching? With only two minutes to leave your stamp, the audition monologue is the actor’s calling card and one of the most important elements in the actor’s toolbox. In this advanced course, three directors will each teach two consecutive classes: the first class will provide an opportunity for actors to present monologues and receive criticism and feedback and the subsequent class will allow actors to present their monologues again and receive more feedback. Through this unique exposure to each director’s distinctive vision, methodology and aesthetic, actors will hone their skills and master the art of the audition monologue. Prior acting experience is required (please contact the Education Department for registration information).

Timothy Douglas: September 21 and 28
David Muse: October 5 and 19
Steven Scott Mazzola: October 26 and November 2

Shakespeare Monologue Workshop (ages 18 and over)
Instructor: Floyd King
Mondays, November 9–30 from 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Tuition: $280
Students in this advanced course will have the opportunity to work with Floyd King in order to gain insight and skills for developing Shakespeare audition monologues. Please come prepared for the first class with a two-minute Shakespeare monologue in verse. 

Voice, Text and Movement (ages 18 and over)
Instructor: Elizabeth Alman
Mondays, September 21–November 30 (no class on October 12) from 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Tuition: $380
Focusing on creating a bridge between body and voice, this class is designed to foster a deeper connection between the actor’s imagination and text. Using Fitzmaurice Voicework as a cornerstone, participants will leave with a greater understanding of acting with the whole physical instrument. Students will work from a Shakespeare monologue of their choice. Prior acting experience is recommended.

Shakespeare Scene Study (ages 18 and over)
Instructor: Esther Williamson
Mondays, September 21–November 30 (no class on October 12) from 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Tuition: $380
Designed for actors who have experience with Shakespeare's text and would like to continue their exploration through scene work. The class will focus on textual clarity, beats, physicalizing actions and intentions, active listening and making bold choices with scenes from Shakespeare’s canon. Prior acting experience is recommended.

Creative Process (ages 18 and over)
Instructor: Oran Sandel
Tuesdays, September 22–November 10 from 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Tuition: $330
This follow-up to In the Moment provides students with multiple opportunities to deepen their exploration of improvisational theatre and ensemble work. These include deeper character and scene work, increased focus on sensitivity to other players, and a continued emphasis on physical expression and characterization. Students will also find opportunities in this class to create individualized performances and explore the creation of original work. Prior acting experience is recommended.

Fundamentals of Scene Study (ages 18 and over)
Instructor: Dat Ngo
Tuesdays, September 22–November 24 from 7 p.m.– 9 p.m.
Tuition: $380
Plunge into scene work through in-depth text analysis, concentrated partner work and full investment in given circumstances! Ideal for students who have just taken Introduction to Acting, this class will help participants explore ways to activate contemporary texts in both rehearsal and performance. Prior acting experience is recommended.

 

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Education Hotline: 202.547.5688
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