FALL 2010 ACTING CLASSES
Please see the full Fall 2010 class descriptions and schedules below. Curriculum ranges from Scene Study - Edward Albee to Pilates for the Working Artist to On-Camera Acting - Primetime.
AUDITIONS
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Scene Study: 20th Century
This course will venture into the dynamic, risk-driven, evolving world of contemporary theater. Through partnered scene study and monologues, we will address form, structure and language, and define the challenges that today's theater creates for the actor. This exploration will allow you to enter the rehearsal process not necessarily with all the answers, but the right questions to ask when approaching a new text. Possible material includes the work of David Adjmi, Sarah Ruhl, Cusi Cram and Anne Washburn. At the end of the semester, your hard work and discovery will be showcased in a final presentation before an audience of guest artists.
Section A: Instructors Betsy Aidem (The Metal Children) and Jessica Hecht (A View from the Bridge, Stop Kiss)
Mondays from 10:00am – 1:00pm Begins Monday, September 13
September 13, 20, 27, October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Section B: Instructor Jackson Gay (Scarcity, The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow)
Saturdays from 3:00pm – 6:00pm Begins Saturday, September 25
September 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, December 4
Advanced Scene Study – 20th Century
This course will continue its journey into the dynamic, risk-driven, evolving world of contemporary theater. Geared toward experienced actors comfortable working with a range of styles, these goal-oriented exercises in scene study and monologues will help you strengthen the skills of your trade. An interactive and supportive class environment will challenge you toward active growth, and will stimulate the perception and intuition necessary to be not just a solid actor, but a smart actor. Possible material includes the work of Donald Margulies, Neil LaBute, Naomi Izuka and Brooke Berman. At the end of the semester, we will showcase your strongest work in a final presentation before an audience of guest artists, including working directors and playwrights.
Instructor Michelle Bossy (Associate Artistic Director, Primary Stages)
Wednesdays from 2:30pm – 5:30pm Begins Wednesday, September 15
September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, December 1
Advanced Scene Study – William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's body of work set the bar for countless dramatic techniques that continue to stay relevant in contemporary theater. Too often, however, actors allow themselves to lock up and feel restrained by The Bard's verse-driven text and archetypal characters. This ten-week course aims to break through stereotypes of classical acting and free you vocally, physically and emotionally through games and improvisation. Geared toward the classical actor or those who want to become more comfortable with this style of performance, this course will empower you to look at Shakespearean text in a clearer light.
*Students will be invited to a special rehearsal of the upcoming Broadway transfer of Merchant of Venice.
Instructor Richard Topol (The Merchant of Venice, A Winter's Tale)
Mondays from 2:00pm – 5:00pm Begins Monday, September 13
September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22
Advanced Scene Study – Anton Chekhov
With his unique, somewhat satirical take on what he considered the inherent tragedy of life, Chekhov's dramatic style has become an integral component to any serious actor's education. To commit to this work without crossing the line into melodrama requires the correct guidance and training. This ten-week course will focus on the physical, vocal and emotional techniques necessary to capture the Chekhovian style of drama. Geared toward the classical actor or those who want to become more comfortable with this style of performance and expand their versatility and repertoire.
Instructor Mark Blum (Twelve Angry Men, The Graduate)
Tuesdays from 11:00am – 2:00pm Begins Tuesday, September 14
September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16
Advanced Scene Study – Edward Albee
With his work as likely to be found in English class reading lists as it is gracing theater marquees the world over, the power and brilliance of Edward Albee can be to actors both awe-inspiring and intimidating. This ten-week course aims to break though common understanding of Albee's well-known characters to allow you to find the emotional core necessary to approach his work. Using games, exercises and coaching, this course will free you vocally, physically and emotionally. Geared towards versatile actors comfortable in a range of classical and modern styles, this course will challenge you to attack this mighty beast of contemporary American theater.
Instructor Cynthia Mace (The Goat or Who is Sylvia?, Angels in America)
Thursdays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm Begins Thursday, September 30
September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, December 2, 9
Auditioning for Television and Film
Auditioning for the camera requires a completely different type of etiquette than that for the stage. This eight-week course will cover cold readings, prepared auditions, callbacks and screen tests, affording you a new confidence auditioning in this medium. You will use copy for commercials, television and film to gain facility with the language and delivery required for each different facet of the on-screen world. In the competitive climate of New York City acting, versatility is the name of the game, and having on-camera training under your belt will serve you well as you carve your own niche in the industry.
Instructor Linda and David Laundra ("Oz," "Another World," "All My Children")
Tuesdays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm Begins Tuesday, September 14
September 14, 21, 28, October 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9
Note: There will be no class on Tuesday, October 5.
Transitioning to the Screen for the Theater Actor
Moving your performance from the stage to the screen involves much more than some minor vocal and physical adjustments - it introduces an entirely different character development process. Acting for the screen does not always require the shared rehearsal process to which most stage actors are accustomed. Aside from blocking the scene and the occasional run-through with a fellow actor, most of the preparation comes from your own text analysis and character exploration before you even set foot on the sound stage. This course will guide you through the process of self-direction so that you may walk on set with a richly developed character and a vocal, physical and emotional identity from which you can act and react with spontaneity and truth.
Instructor Michael Laibson ("All My Children," "Guiding Light," "Another World," "As the World Turns")
Mondays from 2:00pm – 5:00pm Begins Monday, September 13
September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22
On-Camera Acting - Primetime
Primetime television continually raises the bar for episodic drama with complex storylines, sophisticated cinematography and expert direction. This medium demands actors of the highest caliber, who are able to richly develop a character amid constantly changing scripts, scenarios and locations. This six-week course will provide you with the tips and techniques to harness specific nuances of the multi-camera format while using texts from some of your favorite Primetime programming. Prepare yourself to take the leap from background work to your big closeup.
Section A: Instructor Gary Donatelli ("One Life to Live," "Another World")
Sundays from 5:00pm – 8:00pm Begins Sunday, September 12
September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 17, 24
Section B: Instructor Linda and David Laundra ("Oz," "Another World," "All My Children")
Mondays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm Begins Monday, September 13
September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 18, 25
Advanced Acting for Television and Film
Only when you are comfortable with basic on-camera technique may you delve into the real challenges and thrills of television and film acting. This course will catapult you out of your comfort zone so you may discover your full emotional and expressive potential. We will concentrate on strong yet natural choices that develop the rich intimacy necessary for the screen. By the end of the semester, you will develop a heightened confidence, strength and individuality as a screen actor.
Instructor Michael Laibson ("All My Children, ""Guilding Light," "Another World," "As the World Turns")
Mondays from 10:00am – 1:00pm Begins Monday, September 13
September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22
Auditioning for Contemporary Theater
Auditioning is a performance technique all its own. Like posture, breath, voice and diction, it requires practice and preparation. This five-week course will enable you to perfect a contemporary monologue and practice preparing sides for both preliminary auditions and callback scenarios. Professional casting directors will provide instant feedback as well as invaluable industry insight that will allow you to walk into the audition room with knowledge and ease. It's hard enough to put yourself on the line every day - you deserve to do yourself justice, every time.
Instructor Andrew Leynse (Artistic Director, Primary Stages)
Tuesdays from 2:30pm – 5:30pm Begins Tuesday, September 14
September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12
The Voiceover
Voiceovers are the working actor's best kept secret. Not only does this technique allow you to polish your voice, diction, and dialect skills, but it opens the door to a lucrative commercial industry rife with opportunity. You will learn the basics of microphone technique, finding your voice, exploring your range, and responding to direction. At the end of the semester, students will be provided with their in-class recordings for their personal use and will be equipped to break in to the world of voiceover with a strong foundation and sense of direction.
Instructor Mark Blum (Twelve Angry Men, The Graduate)
Tuesdays from 3:00pm – 5:00pm Begins Tuesday, October 19
October 19, 26, November 2, 9 16
Build Your Book: The Contemporary Monologue
Finding the perfect monologue for you is one hurdle; delivering it in a way that illuminates your strengths as an actor is quite another. This course will allow you to work with the instructor to unearth those rare yet essential monologues that are both compelling to watch and best suited to you. By polishing three pieces over five weeks, you will not only refine your technique and gain confidence in performing solo, but you will vastly expand your auditioning repertoire with pieces that capture your individuality as a performer.
Instructor Richard Topol (The Merchant of Venice, A Winter's Tale)
Thursdays from 10:00am – 1:00pm Begins Thursday, October 21
October 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18
Alexander Technique
Stage presence begins with your body. The Alexander Technique is an essential component of an actor's toolkit, designed to increase awareness, release tension, and redirect energy in order to rid the body of habits that hinder performance. Over the course of ten weeks you will learn to cultivate balance, poise and presence and ultimately free your body, voice and emotional instrument. You will put these principles into practice through monologues and scene work, allowing you to witness the subtle yet powerful improvements in your overall performance technique.
Instructor Karen Braga ("A Prairie Home Companion")
Wednesdays from 2:00pm–4:00pm Begins Wednesday, September 15
September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17
Pilates for the Working Artist
Love it as we do, being an artist in New York is exhausting. Amid the tourist-dodging, auditioning, or hauling your laptop with you everywhere in case you get inspired, you need to be in shape. Pilates is a method of exercise designed to strengthen your core in order to find optimal function, alignment, and tone in your body. This twelve-week studio retreat will complement your artistic education by greatly enhancing your endurance, awareness, agility, flexibility and overall health. Whether you're preparing for eight shows a week or just hoping to endure the multiple trips up the subway stairs, Pilates training will prepare you to tackle the rigors of daily life with a vengeance.
Instructor Sarah Elliott (Master Trainer at Core Pilates NYC)
Wednesdays from 9:00am – 10:00am Begins Wednesday, September 15
September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, December 1, 8
For more information or to register, contact
Tessa LaNeve at 212.840.9705 x212 or school@primarystages.org
