Summer Session #2 Classes

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 in order 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 already have some introductory acting experience and wish to develop a more solid foundation in the most commonly utilized and effective acting practices.
• You are interested in exploring acting as a serious interest alongside your other interests.
• You are 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.

One class – Sunday – August 13

1:00 to 5:00 p.m. | online

In this one-day online workshop, actors are empowered with essential skills and career-launching tools designed for professional self-marketing and promotion. Participants are guided in the creation and preparation of online media content for use in promotional and job-seeking efforts. The workshop includes application of skills related to the professional audition and promotional process, such as virtual auditions, social media, online casting platforms, and personal websites.

Acting Industry & Media Workshop is for you if:

• You are an actor with little to no experience using online media to promote yourself.
• You are a working actor who wants to strengthen your confidence in self-promotion, through media and otherwise.
• You are a theater educator who would like to better prepare your students for using media toward self-promotion, self-taped auditions, and/or college admissions.

All Summer Session in-person classes will be held at 30 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.

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.

*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:

A.C.T. currently requires all faculty, students, and staff to either (a) establish that they have been fully vaccinated; or (b) obtain an approved exemption as an accommodation due to a qualifying medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs and practices. Over the course of Spring and Summer, these policies will shift as follows:

As of March 27, 2023, though wearing N95/KN95 masks is still required in any indoor public spaces at 30 Grant Avenue, wearing masks during class while inside the classroom studio is recommended, but not required.

As of June 12, 2023, with Summer Session #1, masks will be welcome but not required for all faculty and students while anywhere indoors at 30 Grant Avenue.

As of July 17, 2023, with Summer Session #2, showing proof of vaccination will no longer be required for Studio A.C.T. students.

For further information about proof of vaccination requirements, the process for seeking an exemption accommodation, or any other specific questions about Studio A.C.T. in-person classes with regard to COVID-19 precautions, please email us at studio@act-sf.org

*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 – Mon/Wed – July 19, 24, 26, 31; Aug 2, 7, 9, 14*
*No class Mon July 17; Make-up day Aug 16 as needed

6:30–9:00 p.m. | in person

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!

*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 – Mon/Wed – July 17, 19, 24, 26, 31; Aug 2, 7, 9*
*Make-up day Aug 14 as needed

6:30–9:00 p.m. | in person

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 criticism and adjustments, 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 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 – Mon/Wed – July 17, 19, 24, 26, 31; Aug 2, 7, 9*
*Make-up day Aug 14 as needed

6:30–9:00 p.m. | in person

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’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.
• 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.
• You minored in theater as an undergraduate in college and wish to dive back in.

Eight Classes – Tue/Thur – July 18, 20, 25, 27, Aug 1, 3, 8, 10*
*Make-up day Aug 15 as needed

6:30–9:00 p.m. | in person

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.

FINALLY, IT’S BACK!

Eight Classes – Tue/Thur – July 18, 20, 25, 27, Aug 1, 3, 8, 10*
*Make-up day Aug 15 as needed

6:30–9:00 p.m. | in person

We’re happy to offer this popular class once again. Activating Character helps students connect their voice to their body, in order to more truthfully activate and express the psychology and emotions of the variety of characters an actor might play. It’s about getting your own self-critical voice out of your head, and your character’s voice into your body, forging authentic and dynamic connections between yourself and your character. Through a variety of enlivening and rigorous exercises, students will learn to free their voice and breath, activate their full body, be open to the emotions that are kindled as a result, and channel the sometimes intense emotions that plays ask of us in a way that is both dramatically effective and personally healthy.

Activating Character Through Voice and Body is for you if: 

• You are an experienced actor looking for a solid voice and body workout.
• You are an actor with some experience who wishes to strengthen the connection between your voice and body.
• You have taken Acting 1or Acting 2 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalent elsewhere, and wish to begin bringing a greater awareness of your voice and body to your acting.

Two Classes – Sundays – July 23 & 30

1:00–5:00 p.m. | in person

In this repeatable two-day Monologue Audition workshop, open to all experience levels, you will have the opportunity to (1) freshen up an audition monologue you already know, and (2) work on a new monologue in new ways. On the first day students will perform the monologue they already know, and we’ll explore practical ways to explore this monologue further. We’ll then identify possibilities for a new, second monologue to complement or contrast the first. In the week between the first and second days, students will memorize and prepare their new monologue. On the second day we’ll share both monologues in a mock-audition format, with feedback and the opportunity to re-audition—a.k.a. return for a call-back!

Note – Students must come to the first day with an audition monologue of their choice, no more than two minutes long, fully memorized and prepared to perform. In the week between class dates, students will need to continue working on their chosen monologue, as well as prepare a new monologue, to be selected in consultation with the teacher.

This repeatable two-day Monologue Audition Workshop is for you if:

• You are an actor who wants to feel more relaxed, centered, confident, and at ease when you audition.
• You are an actor who wants to work on their already memorized monologue from a play – contemporary or classical – for use in future auditions.
• You are an actor who wants to find, memorize, and bring to life a new audition monologue from a play – contemporary or classical.
• You want new practices that are at once efficient and effective for selecting, preparing, and acting monologues.
• You want a chance to practice acting in the context of a monologue.

One class – Sunday – July 30

1:00 to 5:00 p.m. | in person

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 – Sunday – July 30

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | in person

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.

Five Classes – Mon to Fri – July 31-Aug 4

6:30–9:00 p.m. | in person

As playwrights, we instinctively create rules as we write—from how a play is structured to a character’s speech patterns. Sometimes these rules are derived from other plays we have seen, and sometimes they originate from our own sensibility. The key to making original and unique work is to identify the rules we naturally and unconsciously follow, then decide which rules we want to consciously follow in a particular work, and also what new rules we might invent. Through writing exercises, examinations of contemporary plays, and discussions about students’ own work (both fresh pages and in-progress plays), we will learn how to harness the “art of rule-making” in order to make plays that break all rules, gripping the audience in the process.

This five-night intensive, Playwriting: Rewriting The Rules, is for you if:

• You have written a play or plays before, whether they have been produced or not.
• You wish to gain practical insights into creating unusual storytelling structures that will surprise and compel your audience.
• You feel stuck in traditional or otherwise familiar modes of storytelling in your plays, and want help shaking yourself loose.

Five Classes – Mon to Fri – Aug 7-11

6:30–8:30 p.m. | in person

Want to move with greater confidence, strength, and freedom? This one-week class approaches movement as a means of bold expression. Students will explore and expand their physical, spontaneous, and creative responsiveness. Drawing on a range of practices, from yoga, contemporary dance, and physical theater, this class will give students practical tools to empower themselves through movement.

Bold Movement is for you if:

• You are someone who wishes to strengthen the creative connections between their mind and body.
• You are someone who wants a creative physical workout that will strengthen both 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.