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 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.

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 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 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 – Mon/Wed – July 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31; Aug 5, 7*

6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make-up day Aug 12 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 – Mon/Wed – July 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31; Aug 5, 7*

6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make-up day Aug 12 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 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.

Eight Classes – Tue/Thur – July 16, 18, 23, 25, 30; Aug 1, 6, 8*

6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make-up day Aug 13 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’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.

Six Classes – Tue/Thur – July 16, 25, 30; Aug 1, 6, 8*

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*No class July 18 or 23; Make up day Aug 13 as needed

This new, 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 plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all activities. 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 2 to 3 scenes from their past experience they might 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 – Tue/Thur – July 16, 18, 23, 25, 30; Aug 1, 6, 8*

6:30–9:00 p.m.
*Make-up day Aug 13 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.

Two Classes – Sundays – July 21 & 28

1:00–5:00 p.m.

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 – August 4 

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.

Five Classes – Mon to Fri – Aug 5 to 9

6:30–8:30 p.m.

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.

One day – Sunday – August 11

1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Conveying truly authentic emotion in performance can be among the most daunting aspects of acting. Often the characters we play are grappling with emotional circumstances that people grapple with in life. Playing these characters truthfully is a way to respect and to honor these real-life emotional experiences. If not done with care, it can also take a toll on the actor. When playing emotionally vulnerable characters, how can we access our own true emotions, share them on stage repeatedly each week or get there quickly when working in film, in a way that is healthy and sustainable? In this one-day class with legendary Bay Area actor, director, teacher, and artistic director of the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, Margo Hall, students will learn practical techniques for accessing their own inherent emotional power in order to craft truthful performances. Every actor is a human being with a wealth of stories inside, from both their personal experiences and the ancestors they carry with them. Margo Hall—known for her powerful stage and film performances, her fierce intelligence and wit, and her commitment to truth—creates a supportive environment for actors to tap into their true selves and so also the truth of the characters they play.

Please Note: For this one-day, in-person class, students should come prepared with a fully memorized monologue that they are passionate to speak, yet find emotionally challenging. For the best experience, it is important the monologue be fully and fluently memorized.

Acting: Tapping Into The Power of Emotional Truth is for you if:

• You wish to develop practical tools for accessing truthful emotion in performance that are repeatable, dependable, and emotionally safe for you personally.
• You want your performances of emotionally vulnerable characters to honor the real-life experiences they depict by handling them utterly truthfully.
• You’ve taken Acting 2 or Acting 3 at Studio A.C.T., or equivalents elsewhere, and wish to continue advancing your acting skills in the area of truthful emotion.