The complete course of study consists of a three-year integrated, sequential study of acting along with adjunct classes that focus on the Actor’s instrument. The program provides the development of a strong foundation in Realism, intermediate skills through the study of Classics, and advanced techniques in a variety of Styles. The program is also augmented with Special Studies.
For questions regarding the curriculum, please click here.
Realism
The Actor’s Process
Principles of Realism
Character and Emotion
Classics
Shakespeare 1
Greek Tragedy
Shakespeare 2
Styles
Comedy
Shaw, Ibsen, Chekhov
Special Studies
Auditioning
Directing
Singer’s Process
Musical Theatre
The Actor's Instrument
Voice 1
Voice 2
Movement
Classical Voice and Movement
Standard Stage Speech 1
Standard Stage Speech 2
Alexander Technique
Improvisation 1
Improvisation 2
Realism
Students begin their studies in either The Actor’s Process or Principles of Realism. Please call the Director of Education to determine the best class placement
THE ACTOR'S PROCESS
An introduction to core experiences and concepts crucial to the development of the actor's art: self-awareness, observation, creative imagination, development of improvisational skills and the articulate use of body and voice. Using these resources, the student will move toward building and heightening the responsiveness to action and the development of his instrument. No prerequisite.
PRINCIPLES OF REALISM
A studio class that provides the student with the tools needed to build a solid foundation in realistic acting. The student develops technique through lecture and rigorous experience with stimulus-response, motivation, characterization, interplay, text and subtext. Individual and group experiences are in the form of pantomime, improvisation, and work on a character from a realistic play. No prerequisite.
CHARACTER AND EMOTION
An intermediate studio class that augments the student’s experience and deepens the skills in realistic acting technique. The highly individualized approach assists the student to further develop his skills in characterization, realistic playing, and emotional connection. Prerequisite: Recommendation of the faculty after completion of Principles of Realism.
Classics
Students who have achieved a solid foundation in realistic acting continue their studies with these intermediate courses.
SHAKESPEARE 1
An intermediate acting class that provides the student with fundamental tools in classical acting techniques. The focus is on Shakespearean character and style with emphasis on vocal and physical clarity and refinement. Textual interpretation, vocal-emotional connection, diction and the use of imagery and tone color are vital components as the student explores soliloquy and scene study. Prerequisite: Recommendation of the faculty after successful completion of Character and Emotion.
GREEK TRAGEDY
An intermediate acting class that furthers the student’s experience building skills through classical acting style. Through focusing on the work of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, oral interpretation and physical control are emphasized as the student explores choruses, monologues, and scenes. The student develops skills to deepen emotional connection, to work in an ensemble and to further their vocal effectiveness efficacy. Prerequisite: Recommendation of the faculty after successful completion of Shakespeare I.
SHAKESPEARE 2
An advanced workshop that deepens and enriches the actor's experience in classical style through rigorous work in the preparation of monologues and scenes. Special emphasis is on the interpretation of Shakespeare and vocal intensity as the actor applies tools acquired from classical studies and comedic styles. Prerequisite: Recommendation of the faculty after successful completion of Shakespeare I & Comedy or permission of instructor.
Styles
The advanced courses are the culmination of the three-year curriculum.
COMEDY
An advanced acting class that provides the student with the tools needed to develop comedic technique and style. The student acquires skills that culminate in scene work in four periods: Commedia dell'arte to Shakespeare, Restoration, Comedy of Wit and Manners and Modern Comedy. Prerequisite: Recommendation of the faculty after successful completion of Shakespeare I and Greek Tragedy.
SHAW, IBSEN, CHEKHOV
An advanced scene study workshop in the origins of realism. Skills in a realistic acting technique, classical and comedic styles are incorporated as the actor prepares highly structured scenes, focusing on multi-dimensional characters. Prerequisite: Recommendation of the faculty after successful completion of Shakespeare I & Comedy or permission of instructor.
Special Studies
AUDITIONING
A class dedicated to preparing the student for the audition. Through modern and classical pieces in comedic and serious mode, the student builds a repertoire of audition material with attention to individual selection and professional presentation. The student also develops cold reading skills, techniques for working with sides and a working knowledge of the business of acting. No prerequisite.
DIRECTING
A practical workshop in directing that is valuable to actors, directors and playwrights and focuses on concepts, analysis and preparation, blocking and movement, business, uses of improvisation and work with actors, rhythm and tempo, theatrical organization and integration of technical theatre. The format consists of lecture, scene presentation, criticism and discussion. By permission of the instructor.
SINGER’S PROCESS
A class designed to teach the student the basics of singing. Emphasis is on freeing the body and voice; expanding the breath capacity and creating sound; learning to sing on pitch; exploring and understanding the lyrics, rhythm and emotion of a song; and learning to sing with a piano. No prerequisite.
MUSICAL THEATRE
A class designed to assist the student in developing stronger ability to deliver text as a song. Emphasis is on the combination of acting and singing skills to make a well-rounded performance. This class will strengthen vocal technique, expand song repertoire, reduce singing anxiety, and prepare musical theatre audition material.
The Actor's Instrument
VOICE
An intensive class in vocal work designed to provide the actor with a basic technique for vocal preparation and performance. Projection, vocal quality, range, energy and expressiveness are developed through relaxation exercises, physical work and poetry. Recommended in conjunction with Character and Emotion. No prerequisite.
VOICE 2
An intensive study of the vocal instrument for students who have already acquired basic vocal skills. This advanced class is designed to stimulate each student’s emotional, physical and vocal range in order to creatively speak the text. Modern and classic monologues will be explored. Pre-requisite Voice I or permission of the instructor.
MOVEMENT
An intensive class designed to identify, relax and warm up parts of the body that hold tension, prevent free movement and limit expressiveness. Actors will explore through exercises and movement improvisation posture, gesture, walks and focus to expand their physical potential. Recommend in conjunction with Principles of Realism. No prerequisite.
CLASSICAL VOICE AND MOVEMENT
A class in vocal production and movement improvisation designed to expand the actor’s vocal and physical potential. Projection, range and energy are focal points as the actor works for clarity and refinement, facilitating the integration of classical and stylistic material. Recommended in conjunction with Shakespeare 1. Prerequisite: Voice 1 and Movement 1.
STANDARD STAGE SPEECH 1
A class specifically designed to help actors who have regional or foreign dialects learn Standard and General American Stage Speech. Actors will use warm-ups, exercises and text to work on diction and articulation of vowel and consonants used in forms of American standard pronunciation.
STANDARD STAGE SPEECH 2
A class specifically designed to further reduce the actor’s regional and/or foreign dialect. Through the use of memorized classical and contemporary text exercises students will enhance their abilities to use Standard and General American Stage Speech within the emotional heightened necessities of acting. Prerequisite: Standard Stage Speech 1 and Voice 1.
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
A class designed to assist actors to recognize and replace unwanted habits with greater body awareness, poise and ease of movement. Actors will explore the Alexander Technique through various modalities and achieve greater artistic excellence by discovering more choices in movement and expression. No prerequisite.
IMPROVISATION I
An introductory class designed to heighten the actor’s ability to respond to stimuli with honesty, spontaneity and creativity. Focus is on developing the skills needed for sustained and relaxed awareness to the present, resulting in more dynamic play and interactions. No prerequisite.
IMPROVISATION 2
An intermediate class in which the study of Improvisation continues with emphasis on the dynamic relationship between self-as-instrument and the performed material. In this class, the ensemble will develop a variety of improvisational performance structures. Prerequisite: Improvisation 1 or permission of the instructor.