Fall Session 2026

• Fall Session 2026 features in-person classes held at 30 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.

• Students with financial need interested in scholarships should consult the Scholarships page for details on how to apply.

• Students interested in becoming Encore Program members should sign up for their membership prior to enrolling in classes, as member benefits are not applicable retroactively.

• Sliding scale tuition is available for our shorter classes. Please see the class list for details prior to registering.

• Students interested in the 50/50 Payment Plan, whereby half the total cost of tuition is paid at the time of registration and the second half on the first day of class, must enroll by phone. Please call (415) 439-2319 during weekday business hours. The 50/50 Payment Plan is not available when registering for a one-day class, or with a discount or other promotional code.

• It is currently not possible to visit 30 Grant Avenue outside of scheduled class times. However, the Melissa Yandell Smith Library is open—info and hours here. Studio A.C.T. students have access to the library for a full year after their last class.

• Questions? For any additional questions or concerns please visit our Studio FAQ page or email us at studio@act-sf.org.

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 make up the Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence, featuring 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, intention, obstacle, conflict, tactic, motivation, stakes, 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.

Eight Classes – Mondays – Sept 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*No class October 12; Make up day Nov 16 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.

*This class is currently full.  If you would like to get onto the waitlist, please email us at studio@act-sf.org with your request and the best phone number to reach you at, in case a spot opens up.

Eight Classes – Mondays – Sept 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*No class October 12; 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 – Mondays – Sept 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9*
6:30–9:30 p.m.
*No class October 12; Make up day Nov 16 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 – Tuesdays – Sept 15, 22; Oct 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov 3, 10*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*No class Sept 29

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 15, 22, 29; Oct 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov 3*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 10 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 15, 22, 29; Oct 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov 3*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 10 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 15, 22, 29; Oct 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov 3*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 10 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.

Eight Classes – Wednesdays – 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!

IT’S GIVING FUN!

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!

Eight Classes – Wednesdays – Sept 16, 23, 30; Oct 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov 4*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 11 as needed

Ready to jump back into the fray? This class will introduce you to fundamental techniques for creating the illusion of violence on stage using the preferred weapons of the Elizabethan age—rapiers and daggers! Emphasizing safety, storytelling, and partnering, this class explores the basics of theatrical swordplay while using both sides of the brain and body. Actors whose résumés include stage combat techniques have an advantage when auditioning for productions involving theatrical violence. Also, stage combat is fun! Participants will have the option to test for certified recognition through Dueling Arts International as a basic theatrical combatant.

Stage Combat: Rapier & Dagger 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 rapier and dagger stage combat experience.

Eight Classes – Thursdays – 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 StudioA.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.

Six Classes – Thursdays – Oct 1, 8, 15, 29; Nov 5, 12*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*No class Oct 22

This edition of our popular Acting 3.5 series explores the play John Proctor Is the Villain, by Kimberly Belflower. In the first three weeks, we will analyze how the play’s plot and characters embody its themes. In the latter three weeks, students will work on scenes from the play. Though most of the roles in the play are female and teenagers, the play also features adult female and male roles that actors may choose to investigate. Students of all genders and ages are welcome, and will have the opportunity to explore the play’s complex themes of gender and age dynamics, betrayal, power, and the abuse of authority. Through our work on the play, we will engage in a conversation about these themes, as well as performing femininity and youth, and the lived experience of young women. Students of this class will also receive a free ticket to the A.C.T. mainstage production of John Proctor Is the Villain, running November 12 to December 6. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Acting 3.5 also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course. 

Please Note – The instructor for this class, Peter J. Kuo, is a cisgender male who is passionate about discussing and dismantling gender and power dynamics in an educational setting, and brings that lens to the work on this play and in the classroom. An in-depth discussion of playing outside of your lived experience will be a part of the discussion in this class.

Acting 3.5 Scene Study: John Proctor Is the Villain is for you if:

• You are interested in the play John Proctor Is the Villain by Kimberly Belflower, and/or in working on contemporary plays.
• You are interested in exploring themes of feminism, youth, and dismantling patriarchal education practices.
• You want to stretch your ability as an actor to transform, including the potential of playing characters of a different gender or age.
• 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 17, 24; Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov 5*
6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 12 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.

NEW FULL-LENGTH SCHEDULE!

Eight Classes – Thursdays – 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 in-depth class, 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.

Dialects Workshop 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 either new or relatively new to dialect work, and want to learn 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.

Eight Classes – Sundays – Sept 20, 27; Oct 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov 1, 8*
1:00–3:30 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 15 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 StudioA.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 20, 27; Oct 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov 1, 8*
1:00–3:30 p.m.
*Make up day Nov 15 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.

IT’S BACK!

Eight Classes – Sundays – Sept 20; Oct 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov 1, 8, 15*
1:00–3:30 p.m.
*No class Sept 27

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.

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? 

We first 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 eventually add this option. In the meantime, limiting our sliding-scale class selections to the handful of shorter classes 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.

*This class is currently full.  If you would like to get onto the waitlist, please email us at studio@act-sf.org with your request and the best phone number to reach you at, in case a spot opens up.

NEW CLASS!

Four Classes – Mondays – Sept 14, 21, 28; Oct 5
6:30–9:00 p.m.

This four-night intensive class offers a concise deep dive into techniques recording self-tape auditions for auditioning in theater, commercial, film, TV, and Corporate Industrial contexts. In this class, we'll explore the technical aspects of self-taping auditions—e.g. lighting, costuming, camera angles and proximity, etcetera—as well as how subtle and specific acting choices can make your performance more compelling, increasing your chances of booking the role. Students should plan to attend all four class sessions and expect to actively participate in all exercises and homework assignments.

Acting: On Camera Self-Tape Intensive 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 creating your own self-tape auditions for theater, commercials, TV, Film, and Corporate Industrials.
• You are pursuing actor training with seriousness, whether toward developing an on-camera career or otherwise.

*This class is currently full.  If you would like to get onto the waitlist, please email us at studio@act-sf.org with your request and the best phone number to reach you at, in case a spot opens up.

Three classes – Sundays – Sept 20, 27; Oct 4
1:00–4:00 p.m.

This three-day class introduces you to the basic fundamentals of acting on camera, using short scenes drawn from existing film and television scripts. We will explore the principles of truthful on-camera acting and learn practical techniques particular to acting on camera versus onstage. Students should expect to have homework between classes in the form of gathering and/or memorizing scripted material.

This three-day Intro to On-Camera Acting Extended intensive 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 27
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.

One class – Wednesday – October 7
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.

NEW CLASS!

One Class – Sunday – October 11
1:00–5:00 p.m.

Alexander Technique is a time-honored method used by actors to align, relax, and free the body from limiting tensions. In this one-day workshop you will learn the basic skills of the Alexander Technique, including undoing postural habits, relaxation, and lengthening the spine. We will apply these techniques toward becoming more deeply present and embodied while reciting a short piece of text—e.g. a monologue, poem, or sonnet. No prior experience with Alexnader Technique is required. However, if you have taken Alexander Technique before, this workshop will be an opportunity to level up your skills! Though not required, students are encouraged to pair this class with the one-day Poetically Speaking workshop held on Sunday, October 18.

NOTE — Students must come prepared with a short piece of text—e.g. a poem, sonnet, or monologue from a play or film—fully memorized.

Alexander Technique & Text – Aligning Your Body and Words is for you if:

• You feel limited by the way you move.
• You want to feel more aligned and relaxed in your body when speaking.
• You want to have more vocal flexibility and power.
• You’ve never taken an Alexander Technique course before and want an experience with it directly related to speaking.
• 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.

NEW CLASS!

One Class – Sunday – October 18
1:00–5:00 p.m.

Poetic speaking comes in many forms from many sources—poets, playwrights, speech makers, cinematic heroes and villains. Poetic language is heightened beyond our familiar, day to day way of speaking, leaning into metaphor and other creative uses of language to express something larger about the human emotional experience of life and living. Whereas our manner of speaking in contemporary daily life is more casual and to the point, poetic speaking embraces lush imagery, creative word play, and evocative sounds. Speaking heightened language means speaking in a way that’s engaging, vibrant, easily and clearly understood. In this one-day class we will explore techniques for speaking poetically in ways that nevertheless feel and sound natural—meaning, true to the poetic experience of life! Though not required, students are encouraged to pair this class with the one-day Alexander Technique & Text workshop held the previous Sunday, October 11.

NOTE — Students must come having selected a short piece of heightened-language text—e.g. a poem, sonnet, speech, or monologue from a play or film. The piece does not need to be memorized but can be, according to the student’s comfort level.

Poetically Speaking is for you if:

• You are an actor who wishes to improve your ability to speak poetic text with greater ease, clarity, variety, and
• You are not an actor, but you are interested in exploring how to put poetic forms of language into spoken action.
• You are a person who enjoys poetic language and wishes to have a practical, enlivening experience with it.
• You want to have more vocal flexibility and power.

One Class – Sunday – November 1
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 1 
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 – November 15
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

This workshop is specifically for actors and artists who identity or are in the process of identifying themselves as a Person of Color. Navigating the theater industry, and its predominately White spaces, is a skill and craft that needs practice. 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 acting 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; including between instructor and student, actor and director, artists with other artists, 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 Out: Embodying Our Race Amidst Whiteness 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.