Spring Class Schedule

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

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, 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.

Eight Classes – Mondays – Mar 24, 31; Apr 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 19 as needed

This course explores the art of acting in a playful, encouraging, collaborative atmosphere, and offers a dynamic and engaging introduction to the craft of acting and theater. 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!

Eight Classes – Mondays – Mar 24, 31; Apr 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 19 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 taken three or more acting classes and/or acted in two or more 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’ve taken Acting 1 and Acting 2 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalent elsewhere, and wish to continue advancing your acting skills.
• You’re interested in the Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence and have already taken Acting 1 and Acting 2.

NEW CLASS!

Eight Classes – Mondays – Mar 24, 31; Apr 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 19 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 EXPANDED SCHEDULE:

Twelve Classes –  Mar 24, 31; Apr 7, 14, 21, 23, 28, 30; May 5, 7, 12, 14*

*Mondays Mar 24-Apr 14; Mondays & Wednesdays Apr 21-May 14; Make up day May 19 as needed

6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

This newly expanded, in-depth class provides training of the highest level in musical theatre performance offered at Studio A.C.T. Students will explore a range of material from the musical theatre canon, curated to highlight their unique talents and skills, culminating in a final in-process sharing for a small invited audience. Performance material will include a selection of solos, small group and ensemble songs, crafted into an entertaining night of music. The final evening’s program will be devised by the cohort, centered around a specific theme such as the work of an iconic musical theatre composer, a distinct era or a specific topic. Each student will receive individualized training in musicianship, acting through song, rehearsal techniques, collaborating in an ensemble, and performance skills.

NOTE – To provide the best possible experience, shortly before the first class we will contact registered students to request basic information about their past musical theater experience and what they understand to be their vocal range. Singers will need to prepare a solo to sing for the first night of class for vocal placement. Instructions will be sent on what to prepare once you have registered for the class.

Musical Theater 3 – Rehearsal & Performance is for you if:

• You have taken Musical Theater 1 and 2 here at Studio A.C.T., or similar classes elsewhere that would be deemed equivalent.
• You have had prior significant experience and training in Musical Theater in the past, but it’s been a while and you’d like to reboot.
• You are interested in developing your performance skills as a professional musical theater artist and wish to train in a fun environment that will both challenge and support your growth.
• As a musical theater artist, you feel able to train and collaborate intensively with an ensemble and sing solos in front of an audience.
• You are actively performing but still early in your career, and are looking for a collaborative space to work on your craft between gigs.

Eight Classes – Tuesdays – Mar 25; Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 20 as needed

This early-level acting class emphasizes ensemble-building, imaginative play, expanding creativity, strengthening self-confidence and self-discipline, memorization techniques, cultivating personal responsibility, and strategies for successful collaboration. Course content may include some memorization of short scenes and monologues from contemporary plays, 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 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 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 – Tuesdays – Mar 25; Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 20 as needed

In this mid-level class, students will engage in work with a dual emphasis on pursuing actions and intentions alongside active listening and responding to scene partners. Students will work on at least one scene and one monologue. 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 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’ve taken Intro to Acting and Acting 1 at Studio A.C.T., or equivalents elsewhere, and wish to continue exploring acting.
• You’re interested in the Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence and have already taken Acting 1.

Eight Classes – Tuesdays – Mar 25; Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13*

6:30–8:30 p.m.

*Make up day May 20 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 – Mar 25; Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 20 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 speak with greater clarity. 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 –  Mar 26; Apr 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 21 as needed

This early-level acting class emphasizes ensemble-building, imaginative play, expanding creativity, strengthening self-confidence and self-discipline, memorization techniques, cultivating personal responsibility, and strategies for successful collaboration. Course content may include some memorization of short scenes and monologues from contemporary plays, 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 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 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 –  Mar 26; Apr 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 21 as needed

In this mid-level class, students will engage in work with a dual emphasis on pursuing actions and intentions alongside active listening and responding to scene partners. Students will work on at least one scene and one monologue. 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 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’ve taken Intro to Acting and Acting 1 at Studio A.C.T., or equivalents elsewhere, and wish to continue exploring acting.
• You’re interested in the Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence and have already taken Acting 1.

THIS POPULAR CLASS IS BACK!

Eight Classes – Wednesdays –  Mar 26; Apr 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 21 as needed

This exciting class will teach you the basics of improvisational theater through a lens of collective storytelling, using the classic tabletop role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons, as a framework. Concepts, principles, and exercises in improvisational acting, theater, and storytelling will be applied toward creating original characters, which you will develop and explore in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign played over the course of the 8-week class. Character creation will include generating backstory, exploring motivations and intentions, embodiment, and physicalization. Dungeons & Dragons provides the sandbox in which to explore your character while developing practical improvisation and acting skills. The class is open to all experience levels, and no previous experience with Dungeons & Dragons is required.

Dungeons & Dragons Improv Workshop for Actors is for you if:

• You are new to acting, improvising, or playwriting and want a fun way to explore your interests.
• You have some experience with acting, improvising, or writing and want to develop your skills in a new way, outside of the usual theater and film scripts.
• You enjoy board games or video games and want to try something live, on your feet, that asks you to embody your gaming skills in the playful ways an actor might.
• You would like to learn the basics of Dungeons & Dragons, or continue building upon your previous D&D experience in a fun and physically active way!

Eight Classes – Wednesdays –  Mar 26; Apr 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 21 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.

Six Classes – Thursdays – April 3, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15*

6:30–9:00 p.m. | in person

*No class April 10; Make up day May 22 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 strongly 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 –  Mar 27; Apr 3, 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 22 as needed

With a goal to “live truthfully under imaginary circumstances,” this advanced 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 have taken some acting classes before, such as Acting 2 or 3 at Studio A.C.T., or equivalents 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.

Eight Classes – Thursdays –  Mar 27; Apr 3, 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 22 as needed

This course explores the art of acting in a playful, encouraging, collaborative atmosphere, and offers a dynamic and engaging introduction to the craft of acting and theater. 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!

Five Classes – Thursdays –  Mar 27; Apr 3, 10, 17, 24*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day May 1 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.

One day – Sunday – March 30
1:00–4:00 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 day – Sunday – April 6

12:00–5:00 p.m.

This one-day 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 one-day Intro to On-Camera Acting class is for you if:

• You’ve already taken Intro to Acting, 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 Classes – Sunday – April 13
1:00–4:00 p.m.

Want to move with greater confidence, strength, and freedom? This one-day introductory offering of our popular full-length Bold Movement class approaches movement as a means of bold expression. Students will explore their physical, spontaneous, and creative responsiveness. Drawing on a range of practices, from yoga, contemporary dance, and physical theater, this class will introduce students to practical tools to empower themselves through movement.

Intro to Bold Movement is for you if:

• 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 work.

One class – Sunday – April 27

1:00–5:00 p.m.

This one-day introductory class, open to all experience levels, is a fun opportunity to explore your innate ability to play. Studying improvisation techniques helps actors to free their creative imagination, build self-confidence when going “off script,” and can even support their ability to develop characters in other theater or film acting situations. Improv techniques offer skills to support spontaneity in responding in the moment in a truthful, playful way. Sometimes silly, sometimes outrageous, Improv training inspires actors to think outside the box.

This one-day Intro to Improv for Actors workshop is for you if:

• You are an actor or other performers curious about Improv, but have felt intimidated or overwhelmed by the idea of leaping in.
• You studied Improv a long time ago and want a refresher.
• You’re shy and are looking for an experience to help you feel more comfortable with your playful side.
• You believe you’re “not that creative,” and wish to be proven otherwise!

One class – Sunday – May 4

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 – Sunday – May 18 

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.