We decided to keep the class sizes small so that I have the chance to work with everyone in each session.  We have 3 1/2 hours for each session and we meet twice a week for three weeks.  That is a total of 21 hours. Since we have a small group each actor will be able to work in each session. 

IMPROV.  We will have some improvisational exercises.  These are fun and challenging.  You will have a situation that you explore with dialogue that you create in the moment.  It allows you to tap into the energy of the actor(s) with whom you are working.  Necessary, challenging and rewarding. 

AUDITIONS.  I like to spend time discussing and working on auditions.  A lot of actors dislike, dare I say hate, auditions.  Auditions should be fun.  Challenging.  Exhilarating.  If you don’t like auditions, let’s turn that around for you.  It’s all in your head.  We can fix that.  If you actually like auditions, let’s take some steps to help you to be more successful at them.  In any case, the goal is to help you enjoy the auditioning process and to be really good at it. 

After all, it all starts at the audition. 

I have spoken with actors who tell me that they are wonderful actors but that they just can’t audition well. 

These are the non-working actors.  If you can’t audition well you won’t get any work.  That’s a fact. 

Plain and simple.

MONOLOGUES.  I also like to see mono work.  I like to see what you come up with on your own.  There is an endless supply of monologues and sources for monologues.  Check out the Acting Resources link for some ideas on that.  You can write your own, if you so choose.  Find them in books.  Poetry.  Monologues give you the opportunity to find or create material that you like or that you have always wanted to do. 

So, do it.

Stretch yourself.  Get outside your comfort zone. 

SCENES.  Scene study is an integral part of The Actors Workshop.  One of the challenges that actors face is listening.  We have to listen to the person with whom we are doing a scene.  And we don’t only listen to their voice.  We listen to their energy.  Their passion.  We observe their body language.  We watch.  We absorb the moment. 

We find the guts of the scene and we spill them out.  If you’re doing a scene that, in your opinion, doesn’t have any guts, I’ll ask you why you chose that scene.   And then I’ll ask you why you couldn’t find the guts.  The meaning.  The passion.  The reason someone wrote this scene to begin with.  I’ll push and challenge you.  I’ll be nice.  But I’ll always want more from you. 

That’s why you signed up.  That’s why I’m here. 

I love scene work.  Monologues.  Improv.  Auditions.  I love to watch actors ply their trade.  The Workshop is designed to help you not only stretch as an actor, but also to find your strengths.  If you know your strong points, it will give you confidence as a performer.  

I was teaching a class in Salt Lake City, Utah a few years ago.  As we went around the room and everyone was introducing themselves, one woman said she was taking the class so that she could be better at giving presentations at work.  I thought she would be wasting her time.  Turned out I was wrong.  She was fantastic.  So far ahead of the others in the group, some of whom were quite experienced.  She went on and is doing some very nice work in the industry. 

I only mention this because I don’t care why you come to The Actors Workshop.  I’m just glad you’re here.  I’ll work with you.  Who knows where it will lead? 

So, as I push and prod you may get mad at me.  You might scream and yell once in a while.  We’ll get into it on occasion.  We’ll laugh.  Perhaps cry.  It’s all work.  And you'll be better off because of it.   

Whatever happens, remember – I’m on your side. 

Promise. 

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