Fall 2025 Class Schedule
Sep 15–Nov 10
September 15 – November 10*
*Some classes continue through November 17.
PLEASE NOTE:
Studio A.C.T. classes are divided into Intro courses for people new to the given subject, and repeatable courses providing an experience that allows each student to progress to their fullest.
Full-length classes generally meet once a week for eight weeks during the above dates.
One-day classes meet on a single designated date.
Class schedules may vary. Check exact dates and times in each class description.
The Make-Up Date for any full-length class is scheduled for the next weekly date following the originally scheduled final date of the given class. The Make-Up Date will only be used if the teacher cancels a regularly scheduled class date. Please hold this date in reserve.
To select the best class for your goals and experience level, please read the individual course descriptions carefully. Some classes have prerequisites.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all faculty and students, Studio A.C.T. will adhere to the most updated safety precautions recommended by San Francisco, county and state guidance in effect at the time of classes.* These policies are subject to change. Our standard withdrawal and refund policies apply.
Showing proof of vaccination is no longer required for Studio A.C.T. students. Masks are welcome but not required for all faculty and students while indoors at 30 Grant Avenue. This mask policy will be in effect when CDC COVID-19 Bay Area case levels are rated as "low." When levels are rated as "medium" or higher, masks will be required for all. CDC COVID-19 Regional Case Levels can be accessed at this link: COVID data tracker
*Some additional precautions may apply in consideration of the wide range of students, staff and artists using our facilities, including young children, adults of every age, and professional artists whose unions maintain specific COVID precautionary measures. We appreciate your participation in upholding our safety precautions.
For further information or specific questions about Studio A.C.T. in-person classes with regard to COVID-19 precautions, please email us at studio@act-sf.org
FULL-LENGTH CLASSES
All full-length classes meet in person within the above dates. Exact schedules appear within the class description
Three Courses, Eight Classes each
Designed to be taken either individually, in succession, and/or repeatedly.
Acting 1, Acting 2, and Acting 3 are three different courses designed to be taken either individually or in succession. Each class may also be repeated to further solidify the student’s foundation in the practices learned. Together, these courses comprise the Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence, and feature the most prevalent training practices used by professional actors. These practices address awareness, truthful playing, use of language and physical action, psychology, emotion, and script analysis. Students will develop a working understanding of common practical concepts such as action, objective, obstacle, conflict, tactic, intention, motivation, trigger, target, and acting “beats.”
Refer to each class’s individual description for further details, including scheduling, tuition, and this session’s faculty.
The Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence is for you if:
- You have already taken Intro to Acting at Studio A.C.T. or have other introductory acting experience, and you wish to develop a more solid foundation in the most commonly utilized and effective acting practices.
- You’re interested in exploring acting as a serious interest alongside your other interests.
- You’re interested in either exploring or pursuing acting as a profession.
Please note: Since acting is a life practice, these courses are designed to be repeatable, emphasizing fluency over “quick fixes.” Students are occasionally encouraged to repeat levels before moving on to the next.
MONDAYS
Eight Classes – Mondays – Sept 15, 22, 29; Oct 6, 20, 27; Nov 3, 10*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*No class Oct 13; Make up day Nov 17 as needed
Students enrolled in this upper-level class will learn further practical strategies for rehearsing efficiently, collaborating effectively, pursuing actions and intentions, and bringing greater truth, spontaneity, and specificity to their acting through careful analysis of the script in rehearsals. Acting 3 requires memorization of at least one substantial scene and/or one monologue. Students are expected to prepare outside of class, and thorough preparation is essential. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is strongly recommended that students who register for Acting 3 also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course.
Acting 3 is for you if:
- You’ve already taken both Acting 1 and Acting 2 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalent elsewhere, and wish to continue advancing your acting skills.
- You’ve taken three or more acting classes and/or acted in one or two plays in the past few years, and wish to move your exploration of acting toward more intensive levels.
- You minored in theater as an undergraduate in college and wish to dive back in.
- You already have some acting experience, have a serious interest in exploring acting as a career, and wish to get a good “workout” to hone your acting muscles.
NEW CLASS!
Eight Classes – Mondays – Sept 15, 22, 29; Oct 6, 20, 27; Nov 3, 10*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*No class Oct 13; Make up day Nov 17 as needed
This new second-level On Camera Acting class builds on the foundations of our regularly offered On Camera class, offering deeper exploration into techniques for acting in and auditioning for commercials, film, and TV. In this class, we'll focus on expanding the actor's range through multiple takes, exploring how subtle and specific choices can make performances more compelling and increase the actor's chances of booking the role. Additionally, we’ll dive into the concept of coverage, examining how different camera angles and framing might affect the choices the actor makes on set. This comprehensive class will give students further confidence acting in front of a camera by empowering them through direct experience with on-camera auditions and performances. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all exercises and homework assignments.
Acting: On Camera Level 2 is for you if:
- You have already taken a full-length Acting: On Camera class at Studio A.C.T., or the equivalent elsewhere.
- You have already taken both Acting 1 and Acting 2 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalents elsewhere, and wish to expand your acting into the area of screen media.
- You are looking for more in-depth experience with acting and auditioning for commercials, TV, Film, and Corporate Industrials.
- You are pursuing actor training with seriousness, whether toward developing an on-camera career or otherwise.
NEW CLASS!
Eight Classes – Mondays – Sept 15, 22, 29; Oct 6, 20, 27; Nov 3, 17*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*No class Oct 13 or Nov 10
In this full-length audition workshop, students will learn how to select audition monologues that are appropriate for a variety of theater audition situations. Over our time together, we will identify at least four audition monologues for you, contrasting one another in genre, character, and time period. You will prepare these monologues for an audition context, receive feedback, and have an opportunity to experience a mock “callback" with a cold read text. We will also learn about audition etiquette around introducing oneself, what to wear, best practices around self-taping, handling acting adjustments from directors and casting directors, and handling rejection. By supporting your audition experience with practical techniques, this class will help you to feel more at ease, and to have fun, in the often brisk and stressful audition process.
Audition Workshop is for you if:
- You have already taken both Acting 1 and Acting 2 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalents elsewhere, and wish to explore acting in a theater audition context.
- You want to improve your audition skills, and to feel more confident and at ease with various audition processes.
- You are new to auditioning and want more practice auditioning.
- You are applying to graduate school programs that require a monologue audition.
- You want help finding strong audition material.
Eight Classes – Mondays – Sept 15, 22, 29; Oct 6, 20, 27; Nov 3, 10*
6:30–9:30 p.m.
*No class Oct 13; Make up day Nov 17 as needed
This class is for students who want to explore musical theater for the very first time, as well as students who want to revisit their musical theater muscles after some time away from the genre. The class emphasizes storytelling through music and lyrics. A song in a musical often functions much like a monologue might in a play. How we sing the song from a technical standpoint is influenced by how we play the character. In this class, each student will explore a minimum of two contrasting songs, approaching the material as an actor might, conveying their character and intention through the music while attending to proper singing technique.
Musical Theater 1—Performance Technique is for you if:
- You have already taken both Acting 1 and Acting 2 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalents elsewhere, and wish to explore acting in the musical theater context.
- You are new to musical theater and wish to begin your exploration in a fun environment that will both challenge and support your growth.
- You have had some experience with musical theater in the past but it’s been a while and you’d like to reboot.
- You are interested in exploring musical theater as an actor would, using your singing to convey a character’s thoughts and emotions.
Eight Classes – Mondays – Sept 15, 22, 29; Oct 6, 20, 27; Nov 3, 10*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*No class Oct 13; Make up day Nov 17 as needed
Ready to roll with the punches? This class will introduce you to fundamental techniques for creating the illusion of violence onstage that is both safe and convincing. Emphasizing safety, storytelling, and partnering, this class explores the most commonly used unarmed stage combat techniques, including fighting with found objects and comedic violence. Actors whose résumés include stage combat techniques have an advantage when auditioning for productions involving theatrical violence. Also, stage combat is fun!
Unarmed Stage Combat is for you if:
- You are an actor who wishes to expand your stage combat skill set.
- You are a person who is not an actor but wishes to explore a fun, creative, and empowering mind-body practice.
- You enjoy combining physical and intellectual challenges in creative ways.
- You are an actor who wishes to enhance your résumé with unarmed stage combat.
TUESDAYS
Eight Classes – Tuesdays – Sept 16, 23, 30; Oct 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov 4*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 11 as needed
In this mid-level class, students will further their understanding of techniques for truthful acting. With a dual emphasis on pursuing actions and intentions alongside active listening and responding to scene partners, students will work on at least one monologue and one scene. Preparing outside of class is expected, and thorough preparation is essential. Students will receive constructive feedback, with the intention of expanding their ability to integrate receiving and offering feedback into their personal and collaborative process. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Acting 2 also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course.
Acting 2 is for you if:
- You’ve already taken Intro to Acting and Acting 1 at Studio A.C.T., or equivalents elsewhere, and wish to continue exploring acting.
- You’ve taken some acting classes or acted in a play or two some years ago, and wish to reconnect to or resume your exploration of acting.
- You’re interested in the Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence and have already taken Acting 1.
Eight Classes – Tuesdays – Sept 16, 23, 30; Oct 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov 4*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 11 as needed
This repeatable course is open to students of all experience levels and designed to accommodate each student at their individual level of experience. The Alexander Technique is among the most widely practiced performance-related techniques in the world. The work is intended to address issues pertaining to the practitioner's bodily alignment, efficiency of movement, and redistribution of tension. Students will practice means of recognizing and undoing habitual patterns that get in the way of natural movement, voice production, and creativity. They will become more deeply present in themselves and in the world by accessing their innate power and flexibility. Issues of performance and performance anxiety will also be addressed. Alexander Technique is a perfect companion to all other Studio A.C.T. courses.
Alexander Technique is for you if:
- You feel limited by the way you move.
- You want to have more vocal flexibility and power.
- You want to be able to notice what is occurring in the moment and have the choice to transform yourself.
- You’ve never taken an Alexander Technique course before and want a thorough introduction.
- You have had experience with Alexander in the past, but it’s been a while and you wish to reconnect.
- You have substantial experience with Alexander and are hungry for a workout.
Eight Classes – Tuesdays – Sept 16, 23, 30; Oct 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov 4*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 11 as needed
This class introduces students to the art and craft of acting in a playful, encouraging, collaborative atmosphere. Through fun and engaging exercises, students will work on strengthening self-confidence, overcoming performance anxiety, improving focus and concentration, connecting with others through trust-building games and active listening, understanding “stage presence,” and opening their imaginations to playing characters. Because actor training is also life training, students can expect to find new, deeper connections to their own and others’ creativity, unlocking profound layers of empathy through character exploration. Particular emphasis will be given to transferable skills, such as expanding the imagination, collaborating effectively, speaking and presenting without anxiety, and supporting others’ growth. Students will be asked to prepare simple assignments outside of class, including memorizing short texts. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Intro to Acting also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course.
Intro to Acting is for you if:
- You’ve never studied acting before, are curious about acting, and want an unintimidating but engaging opportunity to explore it.
- You’ve done a bit of acting in the past, but it’s been a while and you’re hungry to get back in touch with your creative impulses.
- You’re shy and looking for an experience to help you emerge from your shell.
- You believe you’re “not that creative,” and wish to be proven otherwise!
Eight Classes – Tuesdays – Sept 16, 23, 30; Oct 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov 4*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 11 as needed
This class is designed to help participants develop a solid foundational understanding, practical fluency, and sense of confidence with their ability to use their full voice and to speak with greater clarity. Through group exercises and guided individual work on texts of their own choosing, participants will learn practical techniques to develop a richer, stronger, and more versatile speaking voice. This repeatable course is open to students of all experience levels and is designed to accommodate each student at their individual level of experience.
Voice & Speech Workout is for you if:
- You are an actor who wishes to improve your ability to speak text with greater clarity, variety, and richness.
- You are not an actor, but your job requires public speaking and you wish to strengthen your clarity of speech and confidence in speaking.
- You are a person who enjoys language and wishes to have a practical, enlivening experience with it.
WEDNESDAYS
Eight Classes – Wednesdays – Sept 17, 24; Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov 5*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 12 as needed
This early-level acting class emphasizes imaginative play, ensemble-building, expanding creativity, strengthening self-confidence and self-discipline, memorization techniques, and strategies for successful collaboration. Through work on monologues and/or scenes from contemporary plays, students will begin to develop a working understanding of common practical concepts such as intention, obstacle, tactic, motivation, stakes, and acting “beats.” Course content will include memorization of short scenes and monologues, and students will be asked to prepare assignments outside of class. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Acting 1 also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course.
Acting 1 is for you if:
- You’ve already taken Intro to Acting at Studio A.C.T., or an equivalent elsewhere, and wish to continue exploring acting.
- You took an acting class or acted in a school play many years ago, and wish to reconnect to actor training.
- You’re wondering whether a career in acting is for you and wish to explore it actively.
- You’re interested in the full Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence and are ready to start.
Eight Classes – Wednesdays – Sept 17, 24; Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov 5*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 12 as needed
In this mid-level class, students will further their understanding of techniques for truthful acting. With a dual emphasis on pursuing actions and intentions alongside active listening and responding to scene partners, students will work on at least one monologue and one scene. Preparing outside of class is expected, and thorough preparation is essential. Students will receive constructive feedback, with the intention of expanding their ability to integrate receiving and offering feedback into their personal and collaborative process. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Acting 2 also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course.
Acting 2 is for you if:
- You’ve already taken Intro to Acting and Acting 1 at Studio A.C.T., or equivalents elsewhere, and wish to continue exploring acting.
- You’ve taken some acting classes or acted in a play or two some years ago, and wish to reconnect to or resume your exploration of acting.
- You’re interested in the Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence and have already taken Acting 1.
NEW CLASS!
Five Classes – Wednesdays – Sept 17, 24; Oct 1, 8, 15*
6:30–8:30 p.m.
*Make up day Oct 22 as needed
When many of us hear “drag” we might think of RuPaul’s Drag Race or the film La Cage aux Folles. But drag is so much more than those incarnations! Drag is theater and dance, blissful escapism and timely political satire, self-expression and community celebration. And drag is everywhere. In our daily lives—at work, parties, walking down the street—we might don the drag of the roles expected of us, or the drag of who we aspire to be, transforming our inner selves through outer appearance. Like actors, drag performers find authenticity in the glee of artifice, expressing our true selves through the immediacy of physicality, voice, and the visual panache of costume and make-up. In this class, we will explore the core practical techniques of drag performance—including lip-synching, D.I.Y. costuming, character creation—as well as the social and political motivations of drag performance as both celebration and social commentary. The class welcomes people of all gender identities, physical abilities, and performance persuasions.
Intro to Drag – That's Right I Said Drag! is for you if:
- You want to bring more fun and theatricality to your performing—and to your life!
- You are an actor or other performer eager to expand and deepen your performances through heightened physicality and making more daring choices.
- You are a performer who wishes to bring together your love of showbiz with your belief in community and social awareness.
- You’re curious about drag and want an opportunity to explore it in a safe, encouraging, fun environment.
- You could really use a good laugh right now, but don’t want to forget why you really need a good laugh!
THURSDAYS
Six Classes – Thursdays – Sept 25; Oct 9, 16, 23, 30; Nov 6*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*No class Oct 2; Make up day Nov 13 as needed
This popular six-evening, upper-level class offers students who have already taken Acting 3 (or equivalent, see below) the opportunity to lean into more intensive scene study work. Students will dive deep into methods for collaborating effectively, analyzing a script, pursuing actions and intentions, and bringing greater truth, spontaneity, and detailed nuance to their acting. Acting 3.5 Scene Study Deep Dive requires memorization of two substantial scenes. Students are expected to prepare outside of class, and thorough preparation is essential. Students should expect to actively participate in all activities, and must attend all six class sessions, given they will be performing with scene partners dependent on their presence. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Acting 3.5 Scene Study Deep Dive also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course.
Please note: Students enrolled in this class are encouraged to identify a scene they wish to explore again in greater detail. Shortly before the first class we will contact students to request information about this and other aspects of their interests. The exact scenes students will work on will be determined collaboratively on the first day of class.
Acting 3.5 Scene Study Deep Dive is for you if:
- You’ve already taken Acting 1, Acting 2, and Acting 3 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalent elsewhere, and wish to move your exploration of acting toward more nuanced levels.
- You are an intermediate or advanced acting student who wishes to bring greater truth and life to their acting.
- You have a serious interest in exploring acting as a career, and wish to get a good intensive “workout” to hone your acting and script analysis muscles.
Eight Classes – Thursdays – Sept 18, 25; Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Nov 6*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 13 as needed
With a goal to “live truthfully under imaginary circumstances,” this upper-level course challenges students to dive deeper into an exploration of their acting instrument and craft, using instincts and emotional impulses. Students will participate in a series of specific improvisational exercises developed by Sanford Meisner, designed to hone focus, deepen engagement, and facilitate an embrace of the “reality of doing.” Along the way, each student will learn to recognize, mine, and craft from the genuine impulses within themselves the vital elements which motivate their moment-to-moment actions onstage. Meisner Technique is one of the most popular, effective, and widely used techniques in American acting.
Acting: Meisner Technique is for you if:
- You’ve already taken both Acting 2 and Acting 3 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalent elsewhere, and wish to explore the techniques specific to the Sanford Meisner tradition.
- You are an intermediate or advanced acting student who wishes to bring greater truth and responsiveness to their acting.
- You have had an introductory experience to Meisner Technique already, and wish to enrich your understanding of technique in practice.
Five Classes – Thursdays – Sept 18, 25; Oct 2, 9, 16*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Oct 23 as needed
This extended introductory intensive, appropriate for actors and non-actors alike, will help you refine your ability to speak English-language text in a dialect from anywhere in the world. When speaking or acting with a dialect that is not our own, authenticity depends upon specificity, and this class will provide practical tools to help you make your sounds and phrasing specific to any region. You will also begin to experience how a clearly articulated dialect can enhance your ability to convey intentions, something true in both acting and life. Memorizing and performing material from plays, films, poetry, or novels is required, and preparatory work outside of class should be expected. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all exercises.
Intro to Dialects Extended Intensive is for you if:
- You are interested in how speech and dialects reflect a given person’s cultural and regional background.
- You wish to expand your practical ability to speak in varying dialects, to best be understood in a variety of stage, film or other contexts.
- You are an actor relatively new to dialect work and want an introduction to practices for developing new dialects.
- You are an actor with past experience working with dialects, but it’s been a while, and you want to refine your ear and your process for learning dialects.
- You have a specific performance on the horizon that requires a dialect of you, and you want to make a thorough study of it and of processes for learning dialects.
SUNDAYS
Eight Classes – Sundays – Sept 21, 28; Oct 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9*
1:00–3:30 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 16 as needed
This early-level acting class emphasizes imaginative play, ensemble-building, expanding creativity, strengthening self-confidence and self-discipline, memorization techniques, and strategies for successful collaboration. Through work on monologues and/or scenes from contemporary plays, students will begin to develop a working understanding of common practical concepts such as intention, obstacle, tactic, motivation, stakes, and acting “beats.” Course content will include memorization of short scenes and monologues, and students will be asked to prepare assignments outside of class. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Acting 1 also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course.
Acting 1 is for you if:
- You’ve already taken Intro to Acting at Studio A.C.T., or an equivalent elsewhere, and wish to continue exploring acting.
- You took an acting class or acted in a school play many years ago, and wish to reconnect to actor training.
- You’re wondering whether a career in acting is for you and wish to explore it actively.
- You’re interested in the full Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence and are ready to start.
Eight Classes – Sundays – Sept 21, 28; Oct 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9*
1:00–3:30 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 16 as needed
Students enrolled in this upper-level class will learn further practical strategies for rehearsing efficiently, collaborating effectively, pursuing actions and intentions, and bringing greater truth, spontaneity, and specificity to their acting through careful analysis of the script in rehearsals. Acting 3 requires memorization of at least one substantial scene and/or one monologue. Students are expected to prepare outside of class, and thorough preparation is essential. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is strongly recommended that students who register for Acting 3 also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course.
Acting 3 is for you if:
- You’ve already taken both Acting 1 and Acting 2 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalent elsewhere, and wish to continue advancing your acting skills.
- You’ve taken three or more acting classes and/or acted in one or two plays in the past few years, and wish to move your exploration of acting toward more intensive levels.
- You minored in theater as an undergraduate in college and wish to dive back in.
- You already have some acting experience, have a serious interest in exploring acting as a career, and wish to get a good “workout” to hone your acting muscles.
Eight Classes – Sundays – Sept 21, 28; Oct 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9*
1:00–3:30 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 16 as needed
This class introduces students to the art and craft of acting in a playful, encouraging, collaborative atmosphere. Through fun and engaging exercises, students will work on strengthening self-confidence, overcoming performance anxiety, improving focus and concentration, connecting with others through trust-building games and active listening, understanding “stage presence,” and opening their imaginations to playing characters. Because actor training is also life training, students can expect to find new, deeper connections to their own and others’ creativity, unlocking profound layers of empathy through character exploration. Particular emphasis will be given to transferable skills, such as expanding the imagination, collaborating effectively, speaking and presenting without anxiety, and supporting others’ growth. Students may be asked to prepare simple assignments outside of class, including memorizing short texts. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Intro to Acting also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course.
Intro to Acting is for you if:
- You’ve never studied acting before, are curious about acting, and want an unintimidating but engaging opportunity to explore it.
- You’ve done a bit of acting in the past, but it’s been a while and you’re hungry to get back in touch with your creative impulses.
- You’re shy and looking for an experience to help you emerge from your shell.
- You believe you’re “not that creative,” and wish to be proven otherwise!
SHORTER CLASSES
All shorter classes meet in person. Exact days and times appear within the class description.
Tuition for our Fall Session shorter classes is priced on a sliding scale to better accommodate the variety of financial circumstances among our many students. You may select your tuition when registering.
Why sliding scale?
Your class tuition supports everything that goes into making Studio A.C.T. possible within the vibrant ecosystem of American Conservatory Theater, from paying faculty and staff a fair wage, to maintaining our studio spaces, to getting the word out about what we do. We respect every dollar you pay for your classes, and consider your tuition a key contribution in support of our mission to provide an engaging, energizing, creative space for all.
Why sliding scale for shorter classes, but not full-length classes?
The answer to this question is actually quite boring. We piloted our sliding-scale pricing during the December 2024 weeklong Inter-Session. It went very well! However, the limitations of our enrollment software make administering it challenging, as the system was not designed to accommodate a sliding-scale option. Hopefully the software developers will add this option soon. In the meantime, limiting our sliding-scale class selections to the handful of shorter classes offered allows us to provide the option in a manageable way.
Are scholarships still available for shorter classes?
Yes! Scholarships are still available for shorter classes. The percentage requested will be taken from the top tuition price. Please visit our Scholarships page for details on how to apply.
Two classes – Tuesday / Wednesday – Sept 30 / Oct 1
6:30–9:00 p.m.
This two-night class introduces you to the basic fundamentals of acting on camera, using short scenes drawn from existing film and television scripts. Participants will explore the principles of truthful on-camera acting and learn practical techniques particular to acting on camera versus onstage.
This two-night Intro to On-Camera Acting class is for you if:
- You’ve already taken Acting 1 and Acting 2 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalents elsewhere.
- You have past acting experience but not with on-camera acting, are curious about acting on camera, and want an unintimidating but engaging opportunity to introduce yourself to it.
- You’ve done a bit of on-camera acting in the past, but it’s been a while and you’re hungry to get back in touch with acting on camera.
One class – Sunday – September 28
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Our individual identity affects our day-to-day interactions. Whether through internal social conditioning or external biases and prejudices, we are physically, emotionally, and mentally impacted by how we are perceived in the world. Through brave open discussion and liberation exercises, this one-day workshop focuses on understanding the dynamics of how we, as People of Color, function in the world. Questions that will be explored include: What makes a specific skin-experience unique for an individual artist? How do interactions influenced by race affect the training for actors—in the power dynamic between instructor and students, the selection of material, the acknowledgment / ignorance of culture differences? Through this class we will build an understanding of our identities and how to utilize them to disrupt or work with our artistry and our industry, which is currently rooted in White ideologies.
Acting Beyond Marginalization is for you if:
- You are an actor of any experience level who identifies as a Person of Color.
- You are interested in exploring how your racial identity engages with your acting, your actor training, and your artistic process.
- You want to gain tools to engage with microaggressions from colleagues in an artistic process in White dominated environments.
- You want to engage with other artists of color to find your voice and expression outside of a White gaze.
One class – Tuesday – October 14
6:30–9:30 p.m.
What’s the difference between an agent and a casting director? Do I need to join a union? What information goes on an actor’s resume? How do I spot a casting scam? In this one-day class, previously offered online but now in person, students and actors of all levels will learn about the tools an actor needs to look for work, gain an understanding of the casting process for stage and on-camera work, and identify a unique action item for the next step in their acting career. Everyone will leave the class with a list of resources for further exploration.
Your Acting Career Workshop is for you if:
- You have questions about acting as a business.
- You want to create effective relationships with agents and casting directors.
- You want to have a professional resume that meets industry standards for theater and film casting.
One Class – Sunday – October 19
12:00–5:00 p.m.
This unique, one-day introductory class brings together two essential disciplines actors encounter regularly in theater—Stage Combat, whereby physical violence is staged to appear real while being physically safe to perform; and Intimacy Choreography, whereby moments of physical intimacy are staged to appear real while being emotionally safe to perform. Both disciplines require exceptional collaborative and communication skills, combining an awareness of physical and emotional safety with an eye toward creating artistically exciting moments on stage. Practices for negotiating Consent are paired with practical methods of creating physical stagings, placing value on both the physical and emotional demands of crafting and performing challenging dramatic moments on stage.
Note – This class involves physical exercises designed to support actors working together in direct physical contact with one another. Nobody will be required to engage in any physical contact they are not comfortable with.
This one-day Intimacy Choreography & Stage Combat workshop is for you if:
- You are an actor, director, stage manager, or teaching artist who wishes to further their understanding, confidence, and skill around staging physically vulnerable moments.
- You wish to expand your understanding and use of Consent as a creative practice in rehearsal and performance situations.
- You want tools to help you contribute to making a safe and inspiring working environment for yourself and others
One Class – Sunday – October 26
1:00–5:00 p.m.
What do I do with my hands? It’s the classic actor question. And then there’s the rest of your body too! This one-day class approaches movement as a means of bold expression. Through exercises that bridge speaking and movement, this class will introduce you to practical techniques for feeling greater confidence, strength, and freedom while acting. We will explore your physical, spontaneous, and creative responsiveness to text, empowering you to feel more at home and at ease in your body.
Note – Students must bring in a text of their choice for use in class, strictly no longer than 1 minute in length. The text can be from a film or theater monologue, a poem, whatever speaks to you most, and must be fully memorized.
Bold Movement for Actors is for you if:
- You are an actor or other performer who wants to feel more comfortable and bolder in their body while speaking on stage.
- You are someone who wishes to strengthen the creative connections between their mind and body.
- You want a creative physical workout that will strengthen your body and your confidence.
- You are an actor who wishes to expand their physical awareness and responsiveness.
- You are a dancer or choreographer looking to expand the dramatic, theatrical aspects of your skills.
One class – Sunday – November 2
1:00–4:00 p.m.
This one-day class explores how physical staging works alongside dialogue to convey character psychology and a play’s story and themes. Relationships between characters are expressed by how they stand in relation to one another. The timing of when actors move and are still reveals subtext and intention. The smallest gesture sometimes reveals as much, or more, than the longest monologue. In this sense, staging is a form of dramatic writing. What we see impacts what we hear, and vice versa. In this class we will work both at the table and on our feet to explore practical means of devising dynamic, impactful staging that expresses psychology and story.
Please Note: Students should come dressed comfortably for movement, and with a notebook and writing utensil.
Directing: Staging as Storytelling is for you if:
- You are an actor, director, or playwright interested in how staging can contribute to storytelling in theater.
- You are curious about the relationship between a director’s homework and work done in the room with actors, and how to strike an effective, collaborative balance between planning and spontaneity when staging a play.
- You are interested in collaborative ways to rehearse that allow actors, directors, and playwrights to work together to create a unified staging for a production.