ACTING CAMP

Acting is doing!

Sanford Meisner said that acting is "living truthfully under imaginary circumstances." That's what we learn to do in our acting classes. Each person is an individual. How can we use what is unique about ourselves to build a character? We create characters from our own experiences in life as well as research on a specific subject.

Life experience is not all that is needed to become an actor, though it is one of the most important elements. How do we harness what we know and use our body as our instrument? That is what we will work on in the following classes.

Core Classes:

Technique

From Stanislavski to Meisner and Hagen, there are many approaches to modern acting. All methods use different routes to get to the same place. One has to be truthful to oneself, the character and the given circumstance of the world of the play. Through a series exercises this class will help you to free yourself so that you can be truthful under imaginary circumstances.

Scene Study

How does the time, place, décor and other factors effect ones decisions when performing? To perform truthfully one has to understand the script. Form analysis to performance this class will teach you how to make appropriate character choices according to the world of the play.

Voice and Movement

As an actor, your body is your instrument. It is not enough to just speak the words. When bringing a character to life, one has to understand ones body and how to use it effectively. Through exercises this class will help free you from habits (some of which you will not realize you have) and allow you to incorporate effectively movement and voice into your work.

Monologues & Auditioning

How do I get the part? Unfortunately, acting is not just an art but also a business. Your product is you. This class will address the auditioning process from performing an effective monologue to tackling cold readings. In addition, this class will cover headshots, resumes, and how to get started on your journey as a performer.

*Additional Classes:

Improvisation

How does one make spur of the moment choices? Improvisation is not just something used in comedic performances like Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, Mad TV, or Saturday Night Live, but as useful tool to help flush out a character. This class will introduce students to games and other exercises that will allow one to think quickly on their feet.

Film Acting

There are subtle differences between film and stage acting. The camera is a magnifying glass capturing your every movement and sound. This class will allow students to become comfortable working in front of the camera. Actors will be introduced to the world of filmmaking so that they have an understanding of what is happening around them on set. Students will lean about blocking and how to gear their performance for specific size of shot.

Stage and Film Craft

Shakespeare

Viewpoints

* Additional classes are held depending on availability of instructor and time. The workshop length will determine how many additional classes you will have. One week programs are not guaranteed additional classes. Some classes may be combined.

Rehearsals / Advisor Meetings

Throughout the program students will have work to do outside of class. Students will be expected to practice on their own but in addition rehearsal time will be put aside so that they can develop their work. During sessions advisors will be available to help.

Suggested reading list:

On Acting by Sanford Meisner

A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen

The Practical Handbook for the Actor by Melissa Brouder, etc

The Stanislavski System: The Professional Training of an Actor by Sonia Moore

Any book by Stanislavski

Periodicals:

New York Times

Back Stage

Variety

Ross Reports

Playbill

Podcasts:

ATW – Downstage

ATW – SDCF Masters Series

ATW – Working in the theatre

© 2009 Sierra Tahoe Institute, Lake Tahoe, CA USA