This course introduces two important accents used for stage, film, television, and video games. In the Fall the offering is Standard British (RP) and New York accents. 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 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 would enjoy learning two interesting and well-used 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.
This playful approach to the actor's craft is conducive to the beginner. This class allows individuals to experience living in the imaginary world of a character and a story while expanding their self-expression and emotional life. Students will learn how to investigate a script and explore their intuition through games, exercises, and scenes from film or 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. Acting Fundamentals classes are for EVERYBODY — curious beginners; people who made theatre or films in school but then "real" life was interrupted for a few decades; professionals from non-theatrical industries who think an acting or voice class might help them perform more comfortably at work; theatre professionals who want to get back to basics and do self-care; empty nesters finally getting to do something they want to do; college students seeking a creative outlet... People like YOU, who want to connect and have more 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.
Auditioning is an essential (and occasionally dreaded) skill that each actor must master. In this class, we will find the FUN in entering a casting room, reframing auditioning into an opportunity to do the thing we love. This class will increase confidence and hone dynamic monologue techniques for stage auditions. Recorded auditions for theatre will be covered briefly. (To focus on film & TV, register for Self-Taping Your Auditions). Skills covered include character study, choosing clear and high-stakes objectives, entrances/exits, and who to be fully present in the room. Register early! Once the class makes students will receive guidance on finding monologues. Students will bring a 1-minute to 90-second monologue of their choice to the first meeting.
Calling all singing actors who move (but-please-don’t-make-me-do-the-dance-audition)! This class will help get both of your left feet moving in the right direction on the foundation of basic steps used frequently in musicals. You will learn to combine the steps into combinations to help you move with fluidity and greater confidence. You’ll be armed with several strategies for memorizing combinations and for coordinating song, character choices, rhythm, and movement. In six weeks you’ll feel ready to take those steps you’ve learned and say “heck yes” to that next dance call.
Calling all singing actors who move (but-please-don’t-make-me-do-the-dance-audition)! This class will help get both of your left feet moving in the right direction on the foundation of basic steps used frequently in musicals. You will learn to combine the steps into combinations to help you move with fluidity and greater confidence. You’ll be armed with several strategies for memorizing combinations and for coordinating song, character choices, rhythm, and movement. In six weeks you’ll feel ready to take those steps you’ve learned and say “heck yes” to that next dance call.
This is a beginning to advanced beginning class that focuses on delineating the function of left and right hemispheres of the brain for the purpose of strengthening one's ability to send and receive information in the "moment" of acting. Imagination exercises, improvisation and cold reading from stage and film scripts will be used to access creative and intuitive responses. The hope is to free the actor from the left-brain chatter while acting. Cold reading exercises are based on the Charles Conrad Technique. (See Wikipedia for Charles Conrad).
This course introduces vocal techniques 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 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 Voiceover to be eligible for this class. The class builds on the techniques and industry knowledge established in Intro to Voiceover. This class is for those who would like to take their interest in voiceover beyond the classroom and into the industry. We will continue to analyze, perform, and critique audiobook and commercial 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.
This class allows you the space to explore acting from the physical point of view. Alignment, relaxation, breath, and keen awareness enable physical neutrality and genuine presence before making character choices. This experiential class focuses on different mobility concepts to inspire physical character choices. These practical tools get actors out of their heads and into their bodies! You will find joy and relief from working outside-in. Bring a yoga mat for comfort.
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.
self-taping, building a home set-up, and some basic editing skills. The second half of the class will address the unique acting challenges of self-taped auditions, and how to make blocking and behavior choices that look good within the confines of the camera and stand out to casting directors. Students will be required to film weekly tapes at home and send them in for review in class. For actors with previous training/experience. Students will need to bring the phone/tablet/camera that they will be using to film, as well as a laptop/phone for editing.
This course introduces actors to the use of stage combat in their storytelling. We will practice how to safely learn, communicate, and conduct combat with a partner, establishing a foundation of movement and common vocabulary to take into your work outside the classroom. We then investigate how to work with combat choreography and use these tools to enhance our characters’ storytelling within the fight. Students will have an opportunity to record a complete scene and will be moving everyday as we study hand-to-hand combat pieces.
This class is for actors who are new to commercial and industrial acting. Students will learn how to approach diverse 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 will 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 will 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 have learned to scenes, speeches, interpersonal communication, or presentations.
Limited to 10 students.
