NEW CLASSES :

UTA HAGEN LAB- 

Through participation and discussion, we will explore truthful behavior under a variety of circumstances though Uta Hagen’s exercises and Six Steps of Character Development. Emphasis will be placed on turning an examination of a few minutes of everyday life into practical exercises that benefit actors and create more truthful moments on stage. This allows us to actually live through the circumstances of the play and the characters' dilemma putting ourselves into the role as the “I”. The artist is then able to articulate with precision “their” motivation, given circumstances, objectives, obstacles, and actions versus “the characters”. 

*Prerequisite Required- Must have completed level 2 Actor Prepares or by prermission of a director

UTA HAGEN LAB 2

As a continuation from Uta Lab 1, participants will expand their exploration of Uta Hagen’s Technique through direct application of the exercises to monologue work.  This will allow for an in depth discovery of character development which in turn will produce more truthful behaviors and effective actions.  Each student will be assigned a specific monologue from a published play that will simultaneously be paired up with an exercise from “A Challenge For The Actor”.  It is possible that each student in class will be working on different exercises, as exercises will be assigned based on the demands of that particular monologue/character.  Students will find authentic inner connections to the characters circumstances through the direct application of linking an exercise to specific text.  The exercises will be presented through the lens of their character.  Other skills that will be embedded within our work in Lab 2 include:  selecting beats, comprehending overall obstacles, choosing effective actions, the endowment of sensory conditions, transference, moment to moment, establishing previous circumstances, and layering conscious and unconscious behavior.  Class weeks will rotate between working on exercises and the monologue.  Both monologues and exercises will be presented in class for critique and then reworked multiple times to be able to explore and apply the feedback.  

**Prerequisite Required - Must have completed Uta Hagen Lab 1

**Required Textbook: A Challenge For The Actor --Uta Hagen

Playwriting 101 -The Playwright's Bootcamp! 

THE ACTING PROGRAM

IMPROV PROGRAM

Introduction to Improv
Give your imagination a blast of spontaneity! Learn how to better use your observation, concentration, creativity and quick thinking skills. Plus, learn how to use improvisation during theatre rehearsals and while performing on stage. A fun and funny course!

Improv II: Advanced Improv
Students will now build on the fundamental rules of improvisation. In the first half of this course, you will learn the basics of improvising a scene and how to keep it afloat. In the second half, we will incorporate all of the rules of improv by working on performance games. The last session is an open class which will give students a chance to be put "on the spot" by performing in front of an invited audience! *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Improv or by permission of the instructor.

Improv III: The Improv Performance Workshop
Students will apply all of the skills they've learned by rehearsing and performing in a professional evening of improv comedy similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway? on the stage at our theatre! All students who successfully complete this workshop are eligible to audition for our improv troupe, On The Spot! *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Improv or by permission of the instructor.

MUSICAL THEATER PROGRAM

SINGING 101
Have you always wanted to learn how to sing? Learn about the most essential element of musical theater: the voice! Students will work on vocal techniques, proper breathing, diction, projection and best of all, singing! Outside practice is recommended.

Musical Theater II
At this level, the performance elements of musical theater are introduced. Students continue to develop vocal skills while learning how to act through a song. Group numbers, duets and solos will be used. *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Musical Theater or similar training.

Musical Theater Performance Workshop:
This workshop is designed for singers who want to keep their skills sharp and gain a deeper understanding of song interpretation. Students will work on solos, duets and group numbers. The class culminates in a production, open to the public, at the NJSDA Theater.

ACTING WORKSHOPS

Auditioning Workshop: The Cold Reading
In this special 4 week workshop, students will learn how to prepare and perform "cold" readings and how to ace the agent/casting director interview. *Prerequisite: Completion of Level 3 or by permission of the instructor.

The Business of "The Business" : A Showbiz Seminar
This seminar will give you all the basic information you need to get started in Show-biz. Learn about agents, managers, unions, resumes and headshots, plus information on commercials, film, print and theatre. Discover how to spot scams that want you to invest large amounts of money with no guarantees. Find out where the auditions are and what it takes to succeed. If you are interested in starting a career in show business or have a child with a passion for acting, singing or modeling, this seminar will be an invaluable aid in understanding the ins and outs of the industry.