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Winter Class Schedule

Jan 13–Mar 10

Sorry there is limited availability. For more information please call our team on 415.749.2228.

Are you a new student to Studio A.C.T. or a returning student?
Are you 19 years of age, or older?
What is your age range?
Please indicate your level of experience.
Have you read the class description(s)?
How did you first find out about Studio A.C.T.?

January 13 – March 10*

*Some classes continue through March 17.

PLEASE NOTE:

Studio A.C.T. classes are divided into Intro courses for people new to the given subject, and repeatable courses providing an experience that allows each student to progress to their fullest.

Full-length classes generally meet once a week for eight weeks during the above dates.

One-day classes meet on a single designated date.

Class schedules may vary. Check exact dates and times in each class description.

The Make-Up Date for any full-length class is scheduled for the next weekly date following the originally scheduled final date of the given class. The Make-Up Date will only be used if the teacher cancels a regularly scheduled class date. Please hold this date in reserve.

To select the best class for your goals and experience level, please read the individual course descriptions carefully. Some classes have prerequisites.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all faculty and students, Studio A.C.T. will adhere to the most updated safety precautions recommended by San Francisco, county and state guidance in effect at the time of classes.* These policies are subject to change. Our standard withdrawal and refund policies apply.

Showing proof of vaccination is no longer required for Studio A.C.T. students. Masks are welcome but not required for all faculty and students while indoors at 30 Grant Avenue. This mask policy will be in effect when CDC COVID-19 Bay Area case levels are rated as "low." When levels are rated as "medium" or higher, masks will be required for all. CDC COVID-19 Regional Case Levels can be accessed at this link: COVID data tracker

*Some additional precautions may apply in consideration of the wide range of students, staff and artists using our facilities, including young children, adults of every age, and professional artists whose unions maintain specific COVID precautionary measures. We appreciate your participation in upholding our safety precautions.

For further information or specific questions about Studio A.C.T. in-person classes with regard to COVID-19 precautions, please email us at studio@act-sf.org.

FULL-LENGTH CLASSES

All full-length classes meet in person within the above dates. Exact schedules appear within the class description. 

Three Courses, Eight Classes each 

Designed to be taken either individually, in succession, and/or repeatedly. 

Acting 1, Acting 2, and Acting 3 are three different courses designed to be taken either individually or in succession. Each class may also be repeated to further solidify the student’s foundation in the practices learned. Together, these courses make up the Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence, featuring the most prevalent training practices used by professional actors. These practices address awareness, truthful playing, use of language and physical action, psychology, emotion, and script analysis. Students will develop a working understanding of common practical concepts such as action, objective, obstacle, conflict, tactic, intention, motivation, trigger, target, and acting “beats.” 

Refer to each class’s individual description for further details, including scheduling, tuition, and this session’s faculty. 

The Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence is for you if: 

  • You have already taken Intro to Acting at Studio A.C.T. or have other introductory acting experience, and you wish to develop a more solid foundation in the most commonly utilized and effective acting practices. 
  • You’re interested in exploring acting as a serious interest alongside your other interests. 
  • You’re interested in either exploring or pursuing acting as a profession. 

Please note: Since acting is a life practice, these courses are designed to be repeatable, emphasizing fluency over “quick fixes.” Students are occasionally encouraged to repeat levels before moving on to the next. 

 

MONDAYS

Eight Classes – Mondays – Jan 13, 27; Feb 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar 3, 10* 

6:30–9:00 p.m. 

*No class January 20; Make up day March 17 as needed 

In this mid-level class, students will engage in work with a dual emphasis on pursuing actions and intentions alongside active listening and responding to scene partners. Students will work on at least one scene and one monologue. Preparing outside of class is expected, and thorough preparation is essential. Students will receive constructive feedback, with the intention of expanding their ability to integrate receiving and offering feedback into their personal and collaborative process. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Acting 2 also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course. 

Acting 2 is for you if: 

  • You’ve taken some acting classes or acted in a play or two some years ago, and wish to reconnect to or resume your exploration of acting. 
  • You’ve taken Intro to Acting and Acting 1 at Studio A.C.T., or equivalents elsewhere, and wish to continue exploring acting. 
  • You’re interested in the Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence and have already taken Acting 1. 

Eight Classes – Mondays – Jan 13, 27; Feb 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar 3, 10* 

6:30–9:00 p.m. 

*No class January 20; Make up day March 17 as needed 

Students enrolled in this upper-level class will learn further practical strategies for rehearsing efficiently, collaborating effectively, pursuing actions and intentions, and bringing greater truth, spontaneity, and specificity to their acting through careful analysis of the script in rehearsals. Acting 3 requires memorization of at least one substantial scene and/or one monologue. Students are expected to prepare outside of class, and thorough preparation is essential. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is strongly recommended that students who register for Acting 3also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course. 

Acting 3 is for you if: 

  • You’ve taken three or more acting classes and/or acted in two or more plays in the past few years, and wish to move your exploration of acting toward more intensive levels. 
  • You minored in theater as an undergraduate in college and wish to dive back in. 
  • You’ve taken Acting 1 and Acting 2 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalent elsewhere, and wish to continue advancing your acting skills. 
  • You’re interested in the Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence and have already taken Acting 1 and Acting 2. 
  • You already have some acting experience, have a serious interest in exploring acting as a career, and wish to get a good “workout” to hone your acting muscles. 

Eight Classes – Mondays – Jan 13, 27; Feb 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar 3, 10* 

6:30–9:00 p.m. 

*No class January 20; Make up day March 17 as needed 

Acting in and auditioning for commercials, film, and TV requires actors to improvise on their feet, respond quickly and truthfully to the given circumstances of dialogue and environment, and to possess an awareness of how best to work within a camera’s frame. This comprehensive class will give students greater confidence acting in front of a camera by empowering them through direct experience with on-camera auditions and performances. Techniques for quick memorization, relaxation under stress, effective audition and cold reading strategies, basic improv techniques related to on-camera acting, and methods for quickly honing in on the emotional truth of a scene, will all be explored. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all exercises and homework assignments. This class is open to all levels, though material and assignments may vary depending on experience and skill level. 

Acting: On Camera is for you if: 

  • You’re an actor with a prior introduction to on-camera acting, and are looking for more specific experience in the area of acting and auditioning for commercials, TV, Film, and Corporate Industrials. 
  • You have already taken both Acting 1 and Acting 2 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalents elsewhere, and wish to expand your acting into the area of screen media. 
  • You are pursuing actor training with seriousness, whether toward developing an on-camera career or otherwise. 

Eight Classes – Mondays –  Jan 13, 27; Feb 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar 3, 10* 

6:30–7:25 p.m. 

*No class January 20; Make up day March 17 as needed 

This course is suitable for students of all levels. Beginning students will discover their best singing voice, and more experienced singers will gain an opportunity to thoroughly exercise their vocal muscles. Through group work utilizing the Garcia-Marchesi vocal tradition, all students will build their breath support, extend their vocal range, blend resonance areas, and increase their quality of tone and volume. Students will also learn techniques to help protect their voices when they sing. Voice Building is a course that may be taken as frequently as desired, and many students return often throughout the year. Students regularly pair this course with Musical Theater 2 –Audition Prep, scheduled later the same evening. 

Voice Building for Singers is for you if: 

  • You are a new singer wishing to strengthen your voice musculature and technique in a supportive environment. 
  • You are an experienced singer looking for a regular and intensive workout. 
  • You plan to enroll in Musical Theater 2 – Audition Prep this session, and have never before taken Voice Building for Singers at Studio A.C.T. (For details see the Musical Theater 2 description below.) 

Eight Classes – Mondays –  Jan 13, 27; Feb 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar 3, 10* 

7:30–10:00 p.m. 

*No class January 20; Make up day March 17 as needed 

This course is designed for the intermediate- to advanced-level singer-actor who wants to polish their musical theater audition presentation and unravel audition anxiety. This course will provide extensive vocal technique, appropriate song selection, a deeper understanding of casting in the musical theater industry, and audition protocol. Students will develop their professional marketing portfolio and expand their audition repertoire books. Every student will explore the art of storytelling through song, learning how to analyze and perform a song as a monologue quickly and with confidence in an audition context. This course may culminate in an open class presentation on the final day of class for a limited number of invited guests. Though not required, students regularly pair this course with Voice Building for Singers, scheduled immediately prior 

Important Prerequisites:  

  • Students who have either never takenVoice Building for Singersat Studio A.C.T. or not taken it within the last year, are required to enroll in that course concurrently with Musical Theater 2. Voice Building is scheduled immediately prior to Musical Theater 2. 
  • Students who have taken Voice Building for Singers at Studio A.C.T. within the past year are not required but strongly encouraged to enroll concurrently. 

NOTE - In order to provide the best possible intensive experience, shortly before the first class we will contact registered students to request some basic information about their past musical theater experience, what they understand of their vocal range, and any ideas they may already have for song selection. 

Musical Theater 2—Audition Prep is for you if:  

  • You are interested in auditioning for musical theater at the community, regional, or national level and wish to train in a fun environment that will both challenge and support your growth.  
  • You have had some experience with musical theater in the past but it’s been a while and you’d like to reboot.  
  • You are interested in exploring musical theater material as a solo artist.  

TUESDAYS

Eight Classes – Tuesdays – Jan 14, 21, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar 4* 

6:30–9:00 p.m. 

*Make up day March 11 as needed 

This early-level acting class emphasizes ensemble-building, imaginative play, expanding creativity, strengthening self-confidence and self-discipline, memorization techniques, cultivating personal responsibility, and strategies for successful collaboration. Course content may include some memorization of short scenes and monologues from contemporary plays, and students will be asked to prepare assignments outside of class. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Acting 1 also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course. 

Acting 1 is for you if: 

  • You’ve taken Intro to Acting at Studio A.C.T., or an equivalent elsewhere, and wish to continue exploring acting. 
  • You took an acting class or acted in a play many years ago, and wish to reconnect to actor training. 
  • You’re wondering whether a career in acting is for you and wish to explore it actively. 
  • You’re interested in the full Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence and are ready to start. 

Eight Classes – Tuesdays – Jan 14, 21, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar 4* 

6:30–8:30 p.m. 

*Make up day March 11 as needed 

This repeatable course is open to students of all experience levels and designed to accommodate each student at their individual level of experience. The Alexander Technique is among the most widely practiced performance-related techniques in the world. The work is intended to address issues pertaining to the practitioner's bodily alignment, efficiency of movement, and redistribution of tension. Students will practice means of recognizing and undoing habitual patterns that get in the way of natural movement, voice production, and creativity. They will become more deeply present in themselves and in the world by accessing their innate power and flexibility. Issues of performance and performance anxiety will also be addressed. Alexander Techniqueis a perfect companion to all other Studio A.C.T. courses. 

Alexander Technique is for you if: 

  • You feel limited by the way you move.  
  • You want to have more vocal flexibility and power.  
  • You want to be able to notice what is occurring in the moment and have the choice to transform yourself. 
  • You’ve never taken an Alexander Technique course before and want a thorough introduction.  
  • You have had experience with Alexander in the past, but it’s been a while and you wish to reconnect.  
  • You have substantial experience with Alexander and are hungry for a workout. 

Eight Classes – Tuesdays – Jan 14, 21, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar 4* 

6:30–9:00 p.m. 

*Make up day March 11 as needed 

This class is designed to help participants develop a solid foundational understanding, practical fluency, and sense of confidence with their ability to use their full voice and speak with greater clarity. Participants will learn practical techniques to develop a richer, stronger, and more versatile speaking voice. This repeatable course is open to students of all experience levels and is designed to accommodate each student at their individual level of experience. 

Voice & Speech Workout is for you if: 

  • You are an actor who wishes to improve your ability to speak text with greater clarity, variety, and richness. 
  • You are not an actor, but your job requires public speaking and you wish to strengthen your clarity of speech and confidence in speaking. 
  • You are a person who enjoys language and wishes to have a practical, enlivening experience with it. 

WEDNESDAYS

Eight Classes – Wednesdays – Jan 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; Mar 5* 

6:30–9:00 p.m.

*Make up day March 12 as needed 

In this mid-level class, students will engage in work with a dual emphasis on pursuing actions and intentions alongside active listening and responding to scene partners. Students will work on at least one scene and one monologue. Preparing outside of class is expected, and thorough preparation is essential. Students will receive constructive feedback, with the intention of expanding their ability to integrate receiving and offering feedback into their personal and collaborative process. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register forActing 2 also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course. 

Acting 2 is for you if: 

  • You’ve taken some acting classes or acted in a play or two some years ago, and wish to reconnect to or resume your exploration of acting. 
  • You’ve taken Intro to Acting and Acting 1 at Studio A.C.T., or equivalents elsewhere, and wish to continue exploring acting. 
  • You’re interested in the Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence and have already taken Acting 1. 

Eight Classes – Wednesdays – Jan 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; Mar 5* 

6:30–8:30 p.m.

*Make up day March 12 as needed 

Want to move with greater confidence, strength, and freedom? This class approaches movement as a means of bold expression. Students will explore and expand their physical, spontaneous, and creative responsiveness. The class structure mirrors the actor’s three-stage arc of training, rehearsal, and performance–beginning with techniques for building flexibility and strength, then moving into methods for creating and performing physically. Drawing on a range of practices, from yoga, contemporary dance, and physical theater, this class will give students practical tools to empower themselves through movement. 

Bold Movement is for you if: 

  • You wish to strengthen the creative connections between your mind and body. 
  • You want a creative physical workout that will strengthen your body and your confidence. 
  • You want to reconnect with your playfulness and physicality. 
  • You are an actor who wishes to expand their physical awareness and responsiveness in performance. 

Eight Classes – Wednesdays – Jan 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; Mar 5* 

6:30–9:00 p.m. 

*Make up day March 12 as needed 

This course explores the art of acting in a playful, encouraging, collaborative atmosphere, and offers a dynamic and engaging introduction to the craft of acting and theater. Through fun and engaging exercises, students will work on strengthening self-confidence, overcoming performance anxiety, improving focus and concentration, connecting with others through trust-building games and active listening, understanding “stage presence,” and opening their imaginations to playing characters. Because actor training is also life training, students can expect to find new, deeper connections to their own and others’ creativity, unlocking profound layers of empathy through character exploration. Particular emphasis will be given to transferable skills, such as expanding the imagination, collaborating effectively, speaking and presenting without anxiety, and supporting others’ growth. Students may be asked to prepare simple assignments outside of class, including memorizing short texts. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Intro to Actingalso register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course. 

Intro to Actingis for you if: 

  • You’ve never studied acting before, are curious about acting, and want an unintimidating but engaging opportunity to explore it.  
  • You’ve done a bit of acting in the past, but it’s been a while and you’re hungry to get back in touch with your creative impulses.  
  • You’re shy and looking for an experience to help you emerge from your shell.  
  • You believe you’re “not that creative,” and wish to be proven otherwise! 

THURSDAYS

Six Classes – Thursdays –  Jan 23; February 6, 13, 20, 27; Mar 6*

6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

*No class January 30

This popular six-evening, upper-level class offers students who have already taken Acting 3 (or equivalent, see below) the opportunity to lean into more intensive scene study work. Students will dive deep into methods for collaborating effectively, analyzing a script, pursuing actions and intentions, and bringing greater truth, spontaneity, and detailed nuance to their acting. Acting 3.5 Scene Study Deep Dive requires memorization of two substantial scenes. Students are expected to prepare outside of class, and thorough preparation is essential. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all activities. Though not required, it is strongly recommended that students who register for Acting 3.5 Scene Study Deep Dive also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course. 

Please note: Students enrolled in this class are encouraged to identify 2 to 3 scenes from their past experience they might wish to explore again in greater detail. Shortly before the first class we will contact students to request information about this and other aspects of their interests. The exact scenes students will work on will be determined collaboratively on the first day of class. 

Acting 3.5 Scene Study Deep Dive is for you if: 

  • You’ve already taken Acting 1, Acting 2, and Acting 3 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalent elsewhere, and wish to move your exploration of acting toward more nuanced levels. 
  • You are an intermediate or advanced acting student who wishes to bring greater truth and life to their acting. 
  • You have a serious interest in exploring acting as a career, and wish to get a good intensive “workout” to hone your acting and script analysis muscles. 

Eight Classes – Thursdays –  Jan 16, 23, 30; Feb 6, 13, 20, 27; Mar 6* 

6:30–9:00 p.m. 

*Make up day March 13 as needed 

This upper-level class explores the groundbreaking techniques of Russian actor and teacher Michael Chekhov, nephew of playwright Anton Chekhov. Michael Chekhov’s world-renowned acting technique helps actors to physically transform into characters, employ their imagination to listen more deeply, and rely on their body as a resource and means of expression. Recognizing that our bodies and imaginations are inextricably linked, the technique focuses on doing and experiencing, getting “on your feet” right away. Through practical psycho-physical exercises, actors quickly develop their sense of inspiration and learn to trust their own artistic individuality, all while discovering ways to bypass mental acting blocks and preconditioned ideas—whether of themselves, other people, or acting in general. Chekhov’s tools are useful for any style of stage or film acting and add greatly to an actor’s necessary skill set.  

Acting: Michael Chekhov Technique is for you if:  

  • You’ve already taken Acting 1, Acting 2, and Acting 3 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalent elsewhere, and wish to explore the techniques specific to a more physical approach. 
  • You wish to physicalize your exploration of imagination and character as it relates to acting.  
  • You wish to learn tools to help you overcome acting blocks, find inspiration deeper within yourself, and to work in a playful, creative, and safe way. 
  • As an actor you have found yourself on the receiving end of un-actable direction, or knowing what you want in a scene but not knowing HOW to get it, or grappling with a character that is very different from you and you don’t know where to begin. Michael Chekhov’s work is an invaluable tool that can address in real time these common actors' dilemmas. 

Five Classes – Thursdays –  Jan 16, 23, 30; Feb 6, 13* 

6:30–9:00 p.m. 

*Make up day Feb 20 as needed 

Actors are frequently called upon to use regional dialects by a variety of plays, television series, and films. Having demonstrable skill with dialects significantly enhances an actor’s résumé. It is also a useful means toward understanding language in action. This extended introductory intensive will help you refine your ability to speak English-language text in a dialect from anywhere in the world. When working with a dialect, authenticity depends upon specificity, and this class will provide tools to help you make your sounds and phrasing specific to any region. You will also begin to experience how specifying a character’s dialect can enhance your ability to play their intentions. Memorizing and performing short scenes is required, and preparatory work outside of class should be expected. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all exercises. 

 

Intro to Dialects Extended Intensiveis for you if: 

  • You are an actor who is relatively new to dialect work, and wants an introduction to practices for developing new dialects. 
  • You are an actor with past experience working with dialects, but it’s been a while and you want to refine your ear and your process for learning dialects. 
  • You are a person interested in how voice and speech reflect a given person’s cultural and regional background. 
  • You have a specific performance on the horizon that requires a dialect of you, and you want to make a thorough study of it and of processes for learning dialects. 

SUNDAYS

Eight Classes – Sundays – Jan 19, 26; Feb 2, 16, 23; Mar 2, 9, 16* 

1:00–3:30 p.m. 

*No class February 9

This early-level acting class emphasizes ensemble-building, imaginative play, expanding creativity, strengthening self-confidence and self-discipline, memorization techniques, cultivating personal responsibility, and strategies for successful collaboration. Course content may include some memorization of short scenes and monologues from contemporary plays, and students will be asked to prepare assignments outside of class. Students should plan to attend all class sessions and expect to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Acting 1 also register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course. 

Acting 1 is for you if: 

  • You’ve taken Intro to Acting at Studio A.C.T., or an equivalent elsewhere, and wish to continue exploring acting. 
  • You took an acting class or acted in a play many years ago, and wish to reconnect to actor training. 
  • You’re wondering whether a career in acting is for you and wish to explore it actively. 
  • You’re interested in the full Studio A.C.T. Acting 1–3 Sequence and are ready to start. 

Eight Classes – Sundays – Jan 19, 26; Feb 2, 16, 23; Mar 2, 9, 16* 

1:00–3:30 p.m. 

*No class February 9

This course explores the art of acting in a playful, encouraging, collaborative atmosphere, and offers a dynamic and engaging introduction to the craft of acting and theater. Through fun and engaging exercises, students will work on strengthening self-confidence, overcoming performance anxiety, improving focus and concentration, connecting with others through trust-building games and active listening, understanding “stage presence,” and opening their imaginations to playing characters. Because actor training is also life training, students can expect to find new, deeper connections to their own and others’ creativity, unlocking profound layers of empathy through character exploration. Particular emphasis will be given to transferable skills, such as expanding the imagination, collaborating effectively, speaking and presenting without anxiety, and supporting others’ growth. Students may be asked to prepare simple assignments outside of class, including memorizing short texts. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and to actively participate in all games and exercises. Though not required, it is recommended that students who register for Intro to Actingalso register for a Studio A.C.T. Voice or Physical course. 

Intro to Actingis for you if: 

  • You’ve never studied acting before, are curious about acting, and want an unintimidating but engaging opportunity to explore it.  
  • You’ve done a bit of acting in the past, but it’s been a while and you’re hungry to get back in touch with your creative impulses.  
  • You’re shy and looking for an experience to help you emerge from your shell.  
  • You believe you’re “not that creative,” and wish to be proven otherwise! 

RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR A SHARP NEW SKILL! 

Five Classes – Sundays – Jan 19, 26; Feb 2, 16, 23* 

1:00–4:00 p.m. 

No class February 9; *Make up day March 2 as needed 

Ready to get medieval? This class will prepare you for great steel slinging roles like Joan of Arc and Richard III. Plus, sword fighting is good clean fun! With a focus on safety, partnership, and telling the story of the fight, this class will cover basic sword fighting technique and vocabulary, culminating in students rehearsing and performing a classical scene which includes broadsword combat. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to take a Skills Proficiency Test for recognition as a Theatrical Combatant with Dueling Arts International. Actors whose résumés include stage combat techniques have an advantage when auditioning for productions involving theatrical violence. 

Stage Combat: Broadsword is for you if: 

  • You are an actor who wishes to expand your stage combat skill set. 
  • You are a person who is not an actor but wishes to explore a fun, creative, and empowering mind-body practice. 
  • You enjoy combining physical and intellectual challenges in creative ways. 
  • You are an actor who wishes to enhance your résumé with demonstrable broadsword skills. 

SHORTER CLASSES

All shorter classes meet in person. Exact days and times appear within the class description. 

One Class – Sunday – Jan 19 

1:00–5:00 p.m. 

In the Bay Area, theaters often hold General Auditions in order to introduce themselves to actors in the local community. Many theaters also participate in the annual Theatre Bay Area General Audition Event, held this year in February 2025. Actors are typically allotted 2 minutes to perform one or two short monologues, or one monologue and a short song sung a cappella, their choice. Auditioning under such time restrictions is a skill unto itself. This one-day workshop, open to all experience levels, will help you feel better prepared to do your best work within the General Audition context. You will have the opportunity to share and receive feedback on audition material intended for a General Audition. Time will also be devoted to information and questions about General Auditions, including best practices, time and stress management, etcetera. 

Note– Students must come with audition material of their choice, no more than two minutes in total, fully memorized and prepared to perform. It is your choice whether you prepare one or two monologues, a monologue and a song to be sung a capella, and/or share some other performance skill. Whatever the chosen material, the audition must last no more than two minutes. For the best experience, it is important your material be fully and fluently memorized. 

This one-day General Audition Workshop is for you if: 

  • You are an actor who wants to feel more relaxed, centered, confident, and at ease when you attend General Auditions at local theaters. 
  • You are an actor who wants to work on their already memorized monologue from a play – contemporary or classical – or song for use in future General Auditions. 
  • You are an actor who plans to attend the 2025 Theatre Bay Area General Auditions Event, and wish to get focused feedback on your audition material in preparation. 
  • You want new practices that are at once efficient and effective for preparing and performing audition material. 

One class – Sunday – January 26 
12:00 to 5:00 p.m. 

This one-day workshop will introduce students to practices aimed at developing their confidence, understanding, and fluency with using their full voice to speak with greater clarity. Participants will learn practical techniques to develop a richer, stronger, and more versatile speaking voice. This short workshop course is open to students of all experience levels and is designed to accommodate each student at their individual level of experience. Though not required, students are encouraged to pair this class with Intro to Dialects later in the week.  

This one-day Intro to Voice & Speech workshop is for you if: 

  • You are curious about exploring voice and speech and want an introductory experience with it. 
  • You are an actor who wishes to improve your ability to speak with greater clarity, variety, and richness. 
  • You are not an actor, but your job requires public speaking and you wish to strengthen your clarity of speech and confidence in speaking. 
  • You are a person who enjoys language and wishes to have a practical, enlivening experience with it. 

One class – Sunday – February 16 

1:00 to 3:00 p.m.  

This one-day introductory class is open to actors, dancers, singers, and other performers of all experience levels. The Alexander Technique addresses issues pertaining to the practitioner's bodily alignment, efficiency of movement, and redistribution of tension. Students will practice means of recognizing and undoing habitual patterns that get in the way of natural movement, voice production, and creativity. They will become more deeply present in themselves and in the world by accessing their innate power and flexibility. 

This one-day Intro to Alexander Techniqueclass is for you if: 

  • You’re curious about the Alexander Technique and want an introduction to it. 
  • You feel limited by the way you move.  
  • You want to have more vocal flexibility and power.  
  • You want to be able to notice what is occurring in the moment and have the choice to transform yourself. 
  • You have had experience with Alexander in the past, but it’s been a while and you wish to reconnect.  

One class – Sunday – February 23 

1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  

This one-day introductory class, open to all experience levels, is a fun opportunity to explore your innate ability to play. Studying improvisation techniques helps actors to free their creative imagination, build self-confidence when going “off script,” and can even support their ability to develop characters in other theater or film acting situations. Improv techniques offer skills to support spontaneity in responding in the moment in a truthful, playful way. Sometimes silly, sometimes outrageous, Improv training inspires actors to think outside the box. 

This one-day Intro to Improv for Actors workshop is for you if: 

  • You are an actor or other performers curious about Improv, but have felt intimidated or overwhelmed by the idea of leaping in. 
  • You studied Improv a long time ago and want a refresher. 
  • You’re shy and are looking for an experience to help you feel more comfortable with your playful side. 
  • You believe you’re “not that creative,” and wish to be proven otherwise! 

One class – Sunday – March 2 

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

In this daylong workshop we will approach analyzing a script from the actor’s perspective. Working primarily at the table and reading aloud, we’ll explore practices for quickly analyzing plot, character, and style to better inform our acting choices. Actors have been described as “acrobats of the heart,” emphasizing physicality and emotion. Coordinating movement and feelings with an intellectual engagement and understanding of the script supports the actor in making active, insightful, dynamic and truthful choices, which together tell the stories of the characters we play. 

Note – The exact play we will focus on is TBD based on enrollment. We may also focus on scenes or a single act from a play or plays. Students will be emailed the material approximately one week in advance, so as to have read it prior to the first day of class. Hard copies of the material will then be provided on the first day. 

Acting: Intro to Script Analysis is for you if: 

  • You are pursuing actor training with seriousness, whether toward a career, as a passionate interest, or otherwise. 
  • You’ve already taken Acting 2 or Acting 3 at Studio A.C.T., or their equivalent elsewhere, and wish to continue advancing your acting skills. 
  • You wish to explore acting with an emphasis on practical, real-world approaches to script and character analysis. 

One Class – Sunday – March 9  

12:00–5:00 p.m. 

This unique, one-day introductory class brings together two essential disciplines actors encounter regularly in theater—Stage Combat, whereby physical violence is staged to appear real while being physically safe to perform; and Intimacy Choreography, whereby moments of physical intimacy are staged to appear real while being emotionally safe to perform. Both disciplines require exceptional collaborative and communication skills, combining an awareness of physical and emotional safety with an eye toward creating artistically exciting moments on stage. Practices for negotiating Consent are paired with practical methods of creating physical stagings, placing value on both the physical and emotional demands of crafting and performing challenging dramatic moments on stage. 

NOTEThis class involves physical exercises designed to support actors working together in direct physical contact with one another. Nobody will be required to engage in any physical contact they are not comfortable with. 

This one-day Intimacy Choreography & Stage Combat workshop is for you if: 

  • You are an actor, director, stage manager, or teaching artist who wishes to further their understanding, confidence, and skill around staging physically vulnerable moments. 
  • You wish to expand your understanding and use of Consent as a creative practice in rehearsal and performance situations. 
  • You want tools to help you contribute to making a safe and inspiring working environment for yourself and others.