CLASSES FOR ALL AGES

BREAKDOWN OF CLASS INSTRUCTION

Dramatic Scenes -  We work on the character development, the depth of the emotional content and the layers of the character being portrayed.  Using exercises to help the actor reach the truth in the scene we encourage them to reach down deep inside their own experiences and bring it to the camera. The scenes are rehearsed with a partner, worked on and then put on camera.  Using the camera and having the actor view their performance is of great importance.  Being able to objectively watch their execution of a scene can help them to fix problems or just give themselves a pat on the back for a job well done.

Comedy Scenes - Allowing yourself to be silly is one of the most important challenges for an actor. Comedy scenes are taught with one thing in mind...make your audience laugh. That means you have to be able to laugh at yourself.  We use improvisations to loosen up the actors creativity and imagination.  Comedy scenes are worked with a partner and both are encouraged to bring in 'bits of business', funny characteristics of their character and also, again, the layers of the character.  Comedy is often acted with the actors depending totally on the scripts for the laugh but a truly good comedic actor knows that he must bring in a lot of independent imaginative moments for the scene to be great. We teach actors to take their moments, understand comedic timing and work those laughs for the audience.

Commercials - We train actors to feel comfortable being themselves in front of the camera.  Commercials are very different from scenes.  It's all about selling a product and to do that, you must have great confidence, energy and enthusiasm for your product. This takes practice. We work on reading commercial copy and delivering a professional performance for the camera. Learning to breath properly, taking your time and connecting with the camera are all a part of a dynamic performance.  We also work on voice techniques for voice over, styles of deliverance for the many different types of commercials and help the actor bring the  unique likeability that a good commercial actor should have to book the job.

Cold Readings - We start off all actors with cold reading techniques. These include listening exercises, ways to use the script without being obvious and remaining in character while still being 'on book'. Timing, eye coordination and the ability to move and react while reading are all part of a good cold read.

Improvisations - There's nothing better than flexing your imagination than doing improvisations. We have several improvisational games that we use to help the actor stretch the confines of day to day thinking and dive into different characters and situations. Improvisations help the actor to build confidence, discover their own unique styles and hone their listening skills. 

Audition Techniques - This class is designed for actors who are going out on auditions or about to.  We work it as an audition with the actor in front of the camera and the coach sitting behind the camera reading the other characters lines.  Getting comfortable in this rather awkward style of acting is imperative to getting the job. Learning to react to the casting directors lines, keeping in character and feeling immersed in the part is a challenge for a lot of actors.  We help you to feel at ease, confident and ready to book that job. Practice as always, makes perfect.

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