ACTING DIVISION:  Beginning with the basics and progressing through the career level of the Professional Workshop, Action Theatre's acting program emphasizes the development of the individual's technique in a supportive atmosphere. The step-by-step nature of courses assures that individuals who are just beginning are not thrown into a class of fast-moving, intensive scene study or character work. Students are periodically evaluated, and instructors are readily accessible to discuss individual problems and progress. When students have demonstrated professional readiness, the Conservatory takes them into NYC for a scene evening to which managers, agents and casting directors are invited

INTRO TO ACTING
MONOLOGUE STUDY
BEGINNING SCENE STUDY
CHARACTER TECHNIQUE
DRAMATIC ACTION
AUDITION TECHNIQUE
ADVANCED CHARACTER & SCENE STUDY
INTRO TO IMPROV
INTERMEDIATE IMPROV
THE PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP
THE NYC SHOWCASE

INTRO TO ACTING:  Just as it sounds: the ideal opportunity to "give it a try" or to reinforce fundamental acting techniques. This six week course will introduce you to acting in a supportive and very creative atmosphere. Through the use of theatre games, relaxation and improvisation, students will discover that the art of acting involves the imagination, taking chances, and FUN! Beginning concepts of objective, obstacle, sense memory and emotional recall are introduced. This is where the foundation is laid. An interview is not required to start at this level.

MONOLOGUE STUDY:  A continued exploration of the basics, using theatre games and improvisation to learn acting techniques. Students will now work on monologues, incorporating and deepening the concepts from Intro, and adding specific work on "given circumstances." This is also a great class for advanced students to brush up on their monologue skills. Students will leave the class with at least one monologue. Prerequisite: a previous acting class, or some acting experience. An interview is required if the student has not taken Intro to Acting.

BEGINNING SCENE STUDY:  In this eight-week course, students will learn how scenes are structured, and learn the necessary tools for bringing the elements of a scene to life (great review course for advanced students, too!). Through generic scenes the basic principles are introduced and then, through specific scene work, these skills are honed. Students are evaluated by at least one of the Conservatory directors toward the end of the semester and may be asked to continue to Character Technique, or repeat Beginning Scene Study to further strengthen their understanding of the material. Prerequisite: one year (or Intro and Monologue Study) previous study or experience. Interview required.

CHARACTER TECHNIQUE:  Scene study, building a character, audition skills, and sharpening technique. Students delve into the many different techniques to aid them in building a character, including rhythm of movement, costuming, environment, relaxation to release the imagination, and the battery of questions an actor must ask in preparing a role. Monologue work is used to prepare students for professional auditions, as well as to enhance character work. Scene study may be done in conjunction with the playwriting class, giving students the opportunity to work on new pieces and be in on the creative process. Prepared students may be included in the NYC scene evenings. Prerequisite: By audition (or evaluation from Beginning Scene Study) only.

DRAMATIC ACTION:  Developing character through task work. (This class is proclaimed by students as "the most fun!") Incorporating movement and energy exercises from Michael Checkov, monologue work is a requirement of this class. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Beginning Scene Study or by audition. NOTE: This course is required for entrance into Advanced Character & Scene Study.

AUDITION TECHNIQUE:  The business of the business. Your job as an actor is auditioning to get the role. This class gives you the "scoop", works on your audition monologues, provides ample cold reading opportunities, and furnishes techniques that are invaluable and IMPERATIVE for the actor to have in the "real world" of show business. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Beginning Scene Study or by audition/interview.

ADVANCED CHARACTER & SCENE STUDY:  On-going professional-level class . The class in which actors "put it all together," perfecting their individual technique. Return throughout your development as an actor to keep your instrument (YOU!) "in tune." NYC showcase participation is permitted without auditioning when NYC Showcase is offered. Prerequisite: ATC classes through Character Technique and Dramatic Action, or by audition.

INTRO TO IMPROV:  One of the most valuable tools an actor can have! Improvisation builds upon the basic principles of acting while emphasizing : observation and concentration, giving and taking, spontaneity and FUN. Learn how an actor uses these techniques on and off the stage. Prerequisite: successful completion of OR concurrent enrollment in Intro to Acting.

INTERMEDIATE IMPROV:  Building on the improv skills learned in Intro (and Monologue and Beginning Scene Study), class will emphasize developing original material, characters, and to build comfort level with improvising for auditions and performance. Prerequisite: successful completion of Intro to Improv or Intro to Acting, OR consent of instructor.

THE PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP:  Advanced Technique: Advanced, on-going scene study. For the professional actor, those professionally-bound, and those who have successfully complete AT LEAST one semester (preferably two) of Advanced Character & Scene Study. Students of this class will also be the core performers of the Studio Series featuring new and established works.

THE NYC SHOWCASE:  This could be YOUR break! During this 6-8 week intensive course, prepare to showcase your talent in NYC. By working on scenes through traditional and improvisational scene study, you will be ready for your NYC scene night. Participants are encouraged to choose scenes and partners prior to the first class. Course includes the NYC Showcase and special invitations to agents, casting directors and managers. Agent/manager attendance is guaranteed. *Prerequisite: successful completion of, OR concurrent enrollment in Acting IV OR by audition. Due to the special nature of this workshop, please note the following: This class is not subject to any discounts. Nonrefundable $100 deposit (fully credited to the class) is required.