Course Descriptions
Beginning Acting
Fundamental actor training available to actors at all
levels of experience including beginners. Focuses on beginning acting
techniques within the scene study or monologue format. Class concludes
with performances before an invited audience.
Acting Technique 1
Intensive focus on basic acting techniques with emphasis
on the isolation of acting elements and basic emotional work. Class
concludes with performances before an invited audience.
Acting Technique 2
Technique training for the more experienced actor.
Objectives and Given Circumstances developed. Intensive monologue and
scene work and instructor interviews. Class concludes with performances
before an invited audience.
(Prerequisite Tech 1 or staff recommendation)
Acting Technique 3
More sophisticated work on personalization and characterization
including truthful interaction in relation to script analysis. Intensive
monologue work and instructor interviews. Class concludes with performances
before an invited audience.
(Prerequisite Tech 2 or staff recommendation)
Scene Study 1
Script analysis, scenic development, and character development.
Preparation for varied styles of contemporary writers. Classes are held in the
Scene study and monologue format. Class concludes with performances before an
invited audience.
(Prerequisite Tech 3 or staff recommendation)
Scene Study 2
Script analysis, scenic development, Character development and
basic principals of directing. Preparation for varied styles of classic writers.
Classes are held in the Scene study and monologue format. Class concludes with
performances before an invited audience.
(Prerequisite SS 1 or staff recommendation)
Scene Study 3
Focus is on the consistent execution of performance within the
scene study and monologue format. A rigorous discipline is established
toward truthful interaction within the given circumstances. Class
concludes with performances before an invited audience.
(Prerequisite SS 2/Movement/Script Analysis or staff recommendation)
Advanced Scene Study
Principles of directing. Study of performance techniques through
all formats, work includes all types of material including film
scripts, period plays, and audition material and contemporary plays.
Classes are held in the Scene study and monologue format. Class concludes with
performances before an invited audience.
(Prerequisite SS 2 or staff recommendation)
Script Analysis
A line-by-line analysis of scripts to define the behavior and
emotional life of characters. Personalization and authors “ruling
idea” are covered.
(Prerequisite not required)
Acting Elements
This course was designed to bring the actor to their fullest
potential by expanding the rehearsal process. The focus is on physical/vocal
warm up, improvisation for method actor and Michael Chekov’s Psychological
Gesture exercises. Stretching and vocal work included. This class offers
the actor a new tool to express the demands of the text not covered
in the technique classes.
(Prerequisite not required)
2-Day Filmmaking Intensive
In this course students will collaborate with professional filmmakers
to execute a short film. From pre-production, through production and post, the
participants explore the various elements required of filmmaking. This dynamic immersion
into the practice of visual storytelling is a hand’s on comprehensive approach. Student’s
gain the perspective of what is required to become an extraordinary filmmaker. Led by
filmmaker Trevor and produced on location at Kerner Optical in San Rafael. Kerner Optical
is the preeminent sound stage in the Bay Area where George Lucas started Industrial Light
and Magic. Limited Space Availability.
(Prerequisite not required)
Film Directing the Actors
Study of the actor director relationship. Directors workshop their
material with actors. Rehearsal techniques covered and scenes are
then filmed and discussed. Casting opportunities happen frequently.
(Staff recommendation)
Film Acting
Focus on the technique of acting specifically for film and television.
Students discover the art and craft of cinematic performance while learning to adapt
their skills to the special requirements of the camera through lecture, clips, and
on-camera exercises. Extensive examination of the close-up and reaction shot, the
use of light, and camera intimacy. Use of text to isolate and discover “experienced”
moments on film, with an emphasis on relaxation, concentration, imagination and
listening. Final weeks devoted to the production of full-length scenes, including
script analysis, rehearsal techniques and advanced shooting methods. A prepared 1-2
minute contemporary monologue is required for first class.
(No prerequisite required)9 weeks/3 hours
Creative Screenwriting
This is a nuts and bolts workshop designed for beginners and experienced
writers who want to learn and review the basic principles and skills of dramatic
storytelling including character development, effective dialogue, subtext, exploring
story ideas and structure as well as how to deal with creative blocks in the writing
process. Through a variety of step-by-step in-class guided writing exercises, you will
work at your own pace developing your unique voice in a supportive yet challenging
environment. As you develop your own work at home, you will have the opportunity to
hear it read aloud so that you can evaluate your progress and refine your writing
strategies. In addition we will examine the full potential of the medium as a artistic
and poetic form through the study of filmmakers such as Jean Cocteau, Orson Welles,
Luis Bunuel, John Cassavetes and Federico Fellini among others.
(No prerequisite required)
Solo Performance Workshop
This course is designed to develop the performer’s story through a variety
of writing and performance techniques. Each student will create a unique and personal
performance piece that will culminate in a public theater performance at the end of the
course. The class is recommended for performers of all disciplines, including actors,
writers, comedians, spoken word artists, musicians and dancers. People of all levels
of experience are welcome, from those who have never been on stage before to those
preparing a piece for a professional production or audition.
(No prerequisite required)
Career Counseling
Focus is on establishing the materials required for the professional
audition process. Representation, networking, unions, headshots
and established protocol are covered for breaking into the business
of acting.
(No prerequisite required)
Auditioning Course
A step by step process for auditioning preparation.Instructor
will demystify the process and create a positive professional approach to
auditioning in the acting industry.
(Prerequisite not required)
Private Coaching
One on One instruction for the actor that chooses to clarify and
expedite the acting process for personal enhancement or for auditions
or upcoming acting roles that need special attention.
(Prerequisite not required)
Private Coaching for Teens
One-on-one coaching is available for those who may be auditioning
to performing arts schools or university training programs, or for those with an
upcoming role. In addition, private coaching may be used to enhance the actors
understanding of course work.
(Prerequisite not required) |
