Specialty Classes

Actors and non-actors alike can benefit from our specialty classes. Read the descriptions below and check the schedule for dates and times.

Commercial Audition Intensive

Instructor: Jo McGinley

This is an on camera workshop

In this 4 week workshop you will learn the concept of 2nd Circle, proper Breath under pressure, and how to nail a commercial audition.

You will learn improv tools that can save your audition, Slating, Group Scenes, Partner Scenes, speaking to the camera, and Solo Scenes all broken down into how each one is different and what you can do to make them work. We will hone in on the trickiest scenarios and how to slow the ball down and make it work for you. You will see your work on tape throughout the class. Learn the technique of improv so you can build a foundation on which to be spontaneous.
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Bio: Jo’s commercial clients include Honeynut Cheerios, Bank of America, Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, Bounty, Merck, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, The Learning Channel, Chrysler, Lending Tree, Progressive Insurance, Ameriquest, Maytag, Primestar, Subway, Nestle Tollhouse, H&R Block, Bell Atlantic, UC Davis Med. Center, Raley’s, Hertz, Nokia and others.

Physical Class

Instructor: Stephen Kearin

Space object work need not be a means to an end, but can lead you to a deeper understanding of character and the narrative. Learn what it means to bring silence and stillness to your work as an improviser.
In this workshop, students will learn to re-focus on the physical as a means of slowing down to “see” more clearly onstage.

Shakespeare through Improvisation

Instructor: Brian Lohmann
Duration: 8 weeks
Cost: $299

This class will explore how Shakespeare can actually help you to be a better actor and a more versatile improviser. Whether it is creating a character or establishing the “where” of a scene, the Bard is a great tool for improvisers. We will also look at how to improvise a play using style and story together and sustaining over 90 minutes without a script. Teachers, actors and directors can deepen their own experiences with rhetorical devices, character motivations and storytelling by adapting techniques that Shakespeare employed in his scripts through the art of spontaneous play.

Brian recently presented a workshop on “Shakespeare through
Improvisation” at a conference at NYU, and has taught at the Public Theater’s Shakespeare Lab, the Oregon and Colorado Shakespeare Festivals and was core faculty for the MFA programs at A.C.T. and the Old Globe Theatre/USD.

Beginning Writer’s Workshop

Instructor: Ron Darian

Have you always wanted to try your hand at writing, but just never got around to it? Maybe you have a great idea for a movie or a television spec script, or would like to develop your own pilot idea. Maybe you’re the literate type, and would love to find out if you can write short stories for publication.
The Beginning Writer’s Workshop welcomes all these kinds of writing, because it’s a simple fact that you can learn so much more by taking a broad approach. Writing dialog that is rich, yet economical–and that “pops”–is critical to any writer’s success. So is learning how to grab (and hold!) your Viewer’s (or Reader’s) interest. Class discussions will include: Coming Up With Story Ideas, Story Structure, Writing Brilliant Dialog, Writing Great Sentences, Formats–Schmormats, When To Break The Rules, and lots more–including a treasure trove of great “short and sweet” Do’s & Don’ts.
Come to this class with a desire to write–no prior experience is necessary. If you’ve got something that you’ve been working on, feel free to bring that, too! Ample class time will be devoted to reading and evaluating students’ work…all in a fun and healthy and supportive learning environment.
Class time will be adjusted according to students’ needs…so no matter what you want to write, we’ll get you started on your way to success!

Bio:
Ron Darian started his acting career many moons ago in the Broadway production of “Grease.” He began doing stand-up shortly after, and has worked for many years as a headliner at clubs and colleges throughout North America, as well as on TV.

One day in the late 90’s, on a dare from a friend, he wrote a sitcom spec script, and before he knew it, he was on the staff of the Paul Reiser/Helen Hunt sitcom, Mad About You.

Over the years, he has been a writer/producer on the staff of television shows such as Frasier, 7th Heaven, The Gregory Hines Show, The Master of Horror and Suspense, among others. Lately, he has been writing original sitcom scripts for overseas television production. He’s also recently had material accepted for publication in several prominent literary journals.