This course introduces two important accents used for stage, film, television, and video games. In the Fall the offering is American Southern and Australian. Through Knight-Thompson Speechwork, a new standard-bearing approach to speech, students will acquire the skills to convincingly perform these accents. Areas of focus include developing the oral posture, learning how to create the unique pronunciations, and analyzing the “music” (rhythm, tempo, and intonation) of the accent. Studies include native speakers of these accents, and dialogue from stage and screen scripts will be utilized to apply the work. This course is for actors with and without speech training and for people who simply would enjoy learning two interesting accents.

This course is for those who have had previous acting training, such as Acting Fundamentals. Using scenes (and monologues), the focus will be on strengthening text analysis and following inner impulses to create a powerful need to speak. The work in class will enliven the imagination and increase emotional availability and vulnerability for the actor. This class can be taken more than once, as it is different each time with new students, and new scenes to explore.

Led by Rick Roemer, this 8-week course is designed for those who have taken Acting Fundamentals and Acting Explorations or equivalent training. Using scenes or monologues, the focus will be on strengthening text analysis and following inner impulses to create a powerful need to speak. The work in class will enliven the imagination and increase emotional availability and vulnerability of the actor. This class can be taken more than once, as it is different each time with new students and new scenes to explore. After expanding abilities in a playful environment, this class culminates in an event where scenes are performed for a small audience.

A playful approach conducive to the beginner, this class allows any individual an opportunity to experience living in the imaginary world of a character and a story while expanding their own self-expression and emotional life. Students will learn how to investigate a script as well as explore their own intuition through games, exercises, and scenes from film and stage. The class is designed to be taken more than once, as it is different in meaningful ways each time — ever-changing with the instructor, fellow students, and the material chosen for the class. In addition, while we are a professional training school, our beginning courses are for anyone who is curious about acting, seeking to expand their creativity, wanting a new challenge, or just to have fun.

This is an intermediate class focusing on acting for the camera. It is required that you have had at least a basic acting class before joining - such as Acting Fundamentals or equivalent. The emphasis is on camera technique as well as developing a naturalistic acting style through connection, honesty, vulnerability, and following intuitive impulses. The students’ work will be explored through exercises and scene study from film and television scripts. Some videotaping and playback will be used for critique.

This class is for students with professional experience and/or previous film acting training. Tony Sears focuses on achieving an honest and vulnerable performance for the camera. The emphasis is on energy and making choices that highlight the actor’s power to tell a story. Students will explore the work through scene study from film and television scripts with some videotaping and playback for evaluation. Suggested prerequisite: Two or more beginning acting classes, Acting Explorations, or other previous acting training/experience. Materials needed: internet connection & audio/video capability with computer or tablet; updated (free) Zoom account.

This class is for the actor interested in unveiling the mysteries of Shakespeare’s verse by understanding the meter, poetic forms and rhetoric Shakespeare so deftly employed. Using monologues and scene work, the students will have an opportunity to shape their character’s intentions, passions and thoughts through understanding the structure of the verse line. This class is for beginning to advanced acting students who may be new to Shakespeare. If you have a monologue you'd like to work on, bring to the first class, otherwise I will help you find one. Monologues: 1-2 minutes in length. students.

In this workshop-style class for experienced musical theatre performers, participants receive individualized song coaching in a masterclass setting. Each performer comes to the intensive prepared with three contrasting audition cuts to perform and gains feedback from both peers and the instructor. Each participant will also receive two recommendations for additional material to add to their audition repertoire.

This ten-week course is available only with instructor approval. Participants are expected to have had Acting Explorations, Ongoing Scene Study or other comparable training. Advanced Scene Study is the best opportunity for actors to flex their acting muscles and refine their craft on a consistent basis–a weekly workout with a community of peers. Actors will test their performance abilities in a safe and playful environment, using realistic scenes both comedic and dramatic. Expand your comfort zone, dive into character and gain more confidence in your art and your craft!

This course provides an introduction to vocal technique for the beginning to advanced-beginning singer. Students will have the opportunity to sing both individually and as part of a group. This class is ideal for anyone who desires to gain a foundational knowledge of singing, including stage and film actors. Students are encouraged to focus on the musical styles that most interest them, with support from the instructor in identifying specific song choices. By the end of the course, participants will have become better acquainted with the unique qualities of their individual voices. No prior singing experience necessary.

Improv is an indispensable asset for the actor, a great tool for development and self-discovery, and maybe most important, FUN! In this class, we will explore the fundamental improv skills of paying close attention and reacting honestly, the essential ingredients of compelling scene work. It's not about thinking fast or being funny! This class is open to everyone, from actors who want to upgrade their technical toolkit to people with no performance experience who want to try something a little challenging (but FUN!) in a super-supportive environment

This course is for actors and curious individuals wanting to learn more about the world of voiceover. We will cover acting for voiceover, home studio setup, mic technique, and recording and editing. Through analyzing, performing, and critiquing voiceover copy, we will focus on commercial and narration . Limited to 8 students. Materials needed: internet connection & audio/video capability with computer or tablet; updated (free) Zoom account.

Must have taken Cliff’s Intro to VO to be eligible for this class. The class builds on the techniques and industry knowledge established in Intro to Voiceover. This class is designed for the individual who would like to take their interest in VO beyond the classroom and into the industry. We will continue to analyze, perform, and critique commercial and audiobook copy. In addition, we will begin working on the growing field of e-learning narration. Limited to 8 students. Materials needed: internet connection & audio/video capability with computer or tablet; updated (free) Zoom account.

Are you aware of how you use your body - how you stand, walk, and use your limbs for any activity The actor’s body is his/hers/their instrument. You must learn to play it well! This class will enhance your best physical attributes, improve your physical awareness, and unleash your physical potential. You will experience and practice an array of mobility concepts while acquiring tools and information about effective performance physicality. You will also explore your own body’s mobility and expressive abilities. This is a physically active, experiential class to introduce you to Movement Analysis, and Body Language techniques. All actors will benefit from this class. A must for actor training. Bring a short monologue to work with, (1 minute to 90 seconds long) and a yoga mat for comfort.

Led by Craig Nigh, this workshop is a must for film and television actors, particularly for auditions! Craig offers a step by step process for examining scripts quickly and thoroughly. Having a clear perception of the writer’s intentions will help inform the choices an actor makes and gives ultimate creative freedom inside the context of the story. The class also focuses on connection (with another actor or reader), and basic camera technique. Scenes are filmed for playback and critique. Limited to 12 students.

Private coaching sessions with Adam Roberts are offered in musical theatre and contemporary vocal styles such as pop, folk, rock, etc. Coaching packages are tailored to each student’s unique goals and may include work toward preparing upcoming auditions, building a rep book, bolstering technique, expanding range, and strengthening a variety of performance skills. Coaching is available for adults from beginner through professional levels, and to advanced high school students.

This class focuses on acting for both the camera and the stage. Students will learn how to develop characters and create relationships explored through improvisation, imagination work, and monologue/scene study. There will be some videotaping and playback with instructor feedback. Ages 13-17. Under the age of 13 requires instructor approval. This class may be repeated for ongoing study and is appropriate for all levels. Students will always receive new scripts. Limited to 12 students.

This class is for actors who are new to commercial and industrial acting. Students will learn how to approach various types of commercial auditions, including MOS (without sound), improv (solo and group), personality-based, and spokesperson auditions. We’ll cover how to slate, camera & teleprompter techniques, clothing and styling tips, and strategies for successful callbacks. We’ll end the class with a brief overview of business logistics, including headshots, casting websites, agencies, and casting directors in the Austin market.

This class is designed for actors with prior training who are beginning their professional acting journey, seeking representation, or interested in learning about the business of acting. Students will learn what makes a professional headshot, how to build and format a resume, and how to cut together a quality demo reel. Students will create personal websites, as well as profiles on the major casting websites. We’ll end by discussing the logistics of getting an agent and sustaining an acting career in the Austin market.

This class is intended for anyone desiring to increase the power and impact of their speaking voice. Training in healthy vocal production is an essential part of speaking intentionally in any situation, from the stage or screen to the classroom or boardroom. In this course, you’ll learn a variety of techniques for preparing and utilizing your natural voice to speak confidently in a variety of environments. The first few classes will focus on active exercises designed to healthily engage the various aspects of vocal production, while the final sessions will practically apply what you’ve learned to scenes, speeches, interpersonal communication, or presentations. Limited to 10 students.

This class is appropriate for anyone who has to present or perform in front of others, regardless of profession. If you’ve experienced recurring stage fright or performance anxiety, you know it can hold you back in work and life. Have people offered, “Just picture everyone in the audience naked” or “take deep breaths and don’t lock your knees” or other wildly unhelpful suggestions If you’re ready to actually do something about your stage fright in a supportive environment with others facing similar experiences, this course is for you. In a group workshop setting across 5 weeks, you can find your calm, assertive center, enabling you to be more fully present on any stage - so that the story you want to communicate can be all it’s meant to be.