Description of Classes
Voiceover: Monday
Voice-over (also known as off-camera or off-stage commentary) is a production technique where a voice is used in a radio, television production, filmmaking, theatre, or other presentations. Students will learn the techniques and skills required to perform voice-over work for various mediums, such as commercials, animations, audiobooks, and more. A well-trained voice can distinguish between booking a job or getting a callback. Work on strengthening your voice by using vocal techniques to give you the edge in the audition room, in front of the camera, and on stage. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in voice-over work and be ready to pursue a career in this exciting field.
Musical Theater: Monday
Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. The story and emotional content of a musical – humor, pathos, love, anger – are communicated through words, music, movement, and technical aspects of the entertainment as an integrated whole. It's a story told through song and has the power to conjure up a whole array of wonderful emotions. Musical theatre speaks to the soul and can make you feel happy, sad, and nervous and can even take you on a nostalgic journey into the past.
The Actors Toolbox: Meisner Techniques and Exercises: Tuesday
Students will dive into the world of acting using Sanford Meisner's approach. This class is designed for actors who want to develop their craft and gain a deeper understanding of acting. Students will learn the basic techniques and principles of approaching a scene through a series of exercises and scene work. They will be introduced to script analysis and character development fundamentals and the importance of relationships and objectives in a scene. Students will have a strong foundation in scene work and be better equipped to approach any script with confidence and creativity. Students will learn to make everything they say and do on stage believable and act truthfully. They'll become actors who act from their hearts and learn to be truthful every time they act. This class will teach the students how to use all of their Meisner "tools" for every script from here on out. This class is perfect for anyone who wants to develop their acting skills and take their craft to the next level.
Kids Dynamic Acting: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
A class for the young ones who aren’t at a reading level yet – beginning readers. In this class, young actors will learn the essential skills needed to bring their characters to life on stage. Through fun and interactive exercises, students will learn the basics of acting, such as how to use their voice, body, and facial expressions to convey emotions and tell a story. We'll also explore character development and how to create a compelling performance that engages audiences. This class will guide students through improvisation and role-playing activities, helping them to build their confidence and creativity.
Storytelling & Character Development: Wednesday
This class is designed to help students develop their skills in creating compelling characters and engaging narratives. Through a combination of creative writing exercises, discussions, and group critiques, students will learn how to craft characters with depth and complexity, and how to construct stories that keep readers or audiences engaged from start to finish. The class will cover different techniques for character development, such as exploring character backstory, creating character arcs, and developing unique voices and perspectives. Students will also learn how to structure a story, create tension and conflict, and use pacing and tone to keep readers or audiences engaged. Whether you are an aspiring novelist, screenwriter, playwright, or simply interested in the art of storytelling, this class will provide you with the tools and techniques to take your writing to the next level.
Monologue & Theatrical Acting Master Class: Wednesday
In Paris's Theatrical Acting Master Class, students can study in an intensive and immersive environment with a highly experienced actor and director. The class is designed for serious actors who are seeking to refine their craft and develop their skills to a professional level. The class is similar to the teaching of LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art), RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art), and Juilliard in that it provides rigorous and comprehensive training in all aspects of acting, from voice and movement to character development and scene work. Students will work on classical and contemporary texts and learn to approach each script with sensitivity, intelligence, and creativity. The class will also cover the industry's business side, including audition techniques, networking, and career development. Students will receive individualized coaching and feedback from the instructor. With a focus on developing the whole actor, artistically and professionally, this class is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to take their acting to the next level.
Improv/On-Camera/Auditioning Techniques: Thursday & Saturday
An audition consists of about 4 minutes, whether it is an audition to get agency representation or when you are on an actual casting call. Auditioning is a skill in itself and one that many talented actors never master. On-camera and Auditioning Technique classes teach the skills needed for booking and shooting the job, which are very different. Auditioning techniques are a great way to learn speaking skills, nail a job interview, or present an oral book report. Improv is the practice of acting, singing, talking, reacting, making, and creating in the moment and responding to the stimulus of one’s immediate environment and feelings. It’s thinking out loud and “on the spot” or “off the cuff.” Spontaneous comebacks are essential for the actor/performer in auditions and meetings with agencies, agents, casting directors, producers, and film directors.
Acting for TV, Sitcoms & Film, Intro to Acting (Scene Study): Saturday
Students learn the art of acting in the television and film environment, starting with scenes/scripts from popular television shows and feature films. Students learn the pace, the staging, and what each medium requires. Students learn to take their “beats,” camera angles and direction, and physical requirements for each. They will be introduced to the differences between acting for television, sitcoms, and film and how to adjust their performances accordingly. The class will cover script analysis, camera techniques, and the importance of subtlety and nuance in on-screen performances.
Vocal Training & Singing / Group Vocal Technique: Saturday
In the Vocal Training and Singing class, students will learn the essential techniques and skills required for singing and performing. The class is designed for singers of all levels, from beginners to experienced performers, and will cover topics such as breath control, vocal range, pitch, and tone. Through classroom instruction and practical exercises, students will develop their singing skills and gain confidence in their abilities. They will work on various musical styles, including pop, rock, jazz, and musical theater, and receive feedback from their instructor and classmates. The class will also cover the basics of music theory and ear training. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in vocal training and singing and be better equipped to pursue a career as a performer or enjoy singing as a hobby.
Adult Master Class: Saturday
This is a Master Class program taught by Actress Musetta Vander. The main focus combines auditioning techniques, on-camera work, and scenes from current films and TV. Auditioning is a skill in itself and one that many talented actors never master. Adult classes teach the skills needed for booking and shooting the job, which are very different things. The class contains the serious & most advanced actors who want to be pushed to the utmost level of acting. The class is designed for actors who have already completed basic training and are seeking to take their skills to the next level. Musetta brings her extensive experience as an actor and coach to create a challenging and supportive environment for students to grow and develop as artists.