Classes

CORE CLASSES

PRINCIPLES OF SCENE STUDY with Donna Morong

This class will provide a foundation for scene work through the use of Meisner exercises, belief building, and script analysis as it is practically applied in scenes from film and theater. Students with background in Meisner and Adler are welcome, as well as actors new to the training. Students will have the opportunity to fully explore the process of interpreting a scene from early stages to performance.

TUESDAYS 12:00pm – 3:00pm 8 Weeks

DATES: April 23rd – June 11th

COST: $480

**All classes by audition, reel submission or invitation only. Click here to register for an audition.

PROFESSIONAL SCENE STUDY with Donna Morong & Damon Santostefano

In this class the serious professional actor will experience working with a number of Film and TV directors. An emphasis will be placed on working for the camera and the preparation needed prior to arriving on set. Class is structured so that within the six weeks, 3 scenes will be performed. Classes will alternate between preparation with Donna Morong and shooting the scene with the professional director. A bonus class will be scheduled to review scenes that have been shot over the course of the class.

“In my classes I work with the actor to free themselves from over- thinking, to become in touch with their deeper instincts in order to be in the moment and expand the choices that are available to them. I nurture their sense of emotional truth as it applies to film, theater and television roles in order to encourage students to expand their range and grow as artists.” - Donna Morong

WEDNESDAY 7:00pm – 10:00pm 6 Weeks

DATES: May 22nd – June 26th (No class June 19)

COST: $480

**All classes by audition, reel submission or invitation only. Click here to register for an audition.

MASTER SCENE STUDY with Deb Aquila & John Hindman

Discovering what is behind the words is a collaborative effort that starts with you and the author. Deb Aquila and John Hindman, are offering a scene study class, on an on-going basis. This four hour class will help discover and identify the themes at work in the scripts and plays that we will explore, enabling the actor to operate from that foundation as they develop, fully, their character. This class will show you how to think with a different part of your brain. Like a writer, like a director, like the character, and ultimately as the experienced actor. You will work one on one with Deb Aquila and John Hindman as you investigate the world of the character in intensive sessions that will challenge you to do your best work. Strict attention will be paid to specificity in all areas of preparation, performance, and creating a fully realized character. Camera work will be incorporated as we move toward the goal of final presentation of your scene. If you are looking for a rigorous exploration of your abilities this class is for you. Students will work at least six times during the twelve week course.

There are two sessions to chose from:

THURSDAY 7pm – 10pm for a duration of 12 Weeks

DATES: April 25th – July 11th

COST: $1200

OR

SATURDAY 2:00pm – 6pm for a duration of 12 Weeks

DATES: April 27th – July 13th COST: $1200

**All classes by audition, reel submission or invitation only. Click here to register for an audition.

***Occasionally, due to scheduling conflicts a substitute teacher may teach a class.

SCRIPT / SCENE STUDY HYBRID: DIRECT APPLICATION FROM PAGE TO CHARACTER with Deb Aquila & John Hindman

This class is designed to lead you through a process that begins with the author’s intent and takes you through the collaborative effort that is building a back story, a character, and a career. Script Analysis/Scene Study Hybrid combines the character building tools in of script analysis with rigorous exploration of craft through scene work. This ten week class will be split into two sections.

The first five weeks: You will do intensive work on a play using Adler based script analysis and creating truthful, layered characters based on the text and intent of the author. In depth analysis is the key to unlocking your character. Through the use of back story and imagination you will learn how to apply these concepts directly to the text and explore the themes of the play from your character’s point of view.

The second five weeks: You will apply the tools you have learned to scene work with a partner. As in Master Scene Study the focus will be on specificity in all areas of preparation, performance, and the creation of a fully realized character. You will investigate the world of the character in sessions that will challenge you to do your best work. This will create a mindset and a process that you can rely upon throughout your career; the true definition of “craft.” It is highly recommended that you read “Stella Adler on American Master Playwrights” before beginning class.

MONDAY 7 – 10pm for a duration of 10 Weeks

DATES: June 3rd – August 5th

COST: $1000

**All classes by audition, reel submission or invitation only. Click here to register for an audition.

SUMMER ACTING CONSERVATORY FOR TEENS with Donna Morong

This intensive 2-week course, culminating in a performance for family and invited industry professionals, is for teens aged 12 to 18 who are working professionally. The class offers a rigorous, pre-college curriculum of movement, voice, improv and scene study. Industry professionals, including award-winning casting director Donna Morong (“PRINCESS DIARIES,” “SHANGHAI KNIGHTS,” “10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU,” “GONE BABY GONE”), Sarah McCarron (staff writer for HBO’s “LUCK”) and acting coach Pete Cross (privately coached Minka Kelley in Lee Daniels’ “THE BUTLER”) teach the course.

MONDAY – FRIDAY 10am – 6pm 2 Weeks

DATES: July 8th – 19th

COST: $1000

**AN INTERVIEW IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS. NO AUDITIONS. Please email registrar@aquilamorong.com to schedule an interview.

ELECTIVES

No audition is required for the following classes. These classes are for actors with prior training and experience.

AUDITION TECHNIQUE with Donna Morong & John Hindman

The Audition Technique class brings together the unique perspectives of Donna Morong, who has a distinguished career as a Casting Director, and award-winning writer/director John Hindman. In Audition Technique you will:

• Work on camera every week
• Watch playback from your mock auditions every week, get notes & feedback, & learn how to master your skills
• Get new material every week from a huge variety of current Film & TV Scripts
• Learn how to nail your auditions

Please note that this class is for the serious professional actor with prior training and experience. This is not a casting workshop.

THURSDAY 12:00pm – 3:00pm 6 Weeks

DATES: May 23rd – June 27th

COST: $480

**AN INTERVIEW IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS. NO AUDITIONS. Please email registrar@aquilamorong.com to schedule an interview.

SCREENWRITING FOR ACTORS with John Hindman

You have an idea for a screenplay and don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you’ve read all of the books about how to write one, but you feel lost deciphering them, or putting their directions in to practice? Maybe you have written a screenplay, or many screenplays, but aren’t sure what is or isn’t working?John Hindman will DEMYSTIFY the screenwriting process for writers at all levels, at all stages of writing a screenplay. This class is also extremely beneficial for actors and producers to understand the role of the screenplay in their work. All great films have the same story building elements in common. If you know what they are you have a good chance of telling a story that works. This four-week workshop explores and explains the various schools of thought on screenwriting using popular film scripts as a guide. Week One:

• Breaking down the Language, Genre, and Structure of screenplays
• What makes dialogue work?
• The world of the Story
• Theme- what is it and how to make it great
• Heroes and opponents
• Writing compelling characters

Week Two:

• What are “Expert” Screenwriting authors saying in those books, and how to apply it.
• Breaking down the first act of a film
• Exploring a current screenwriting template and finding what works
• Mining your life for ideas

Week Three:

• Breaking down a second act of a film
• Exploring a second screenwriting template and finding what works
• Finding your ending
• How to hone in on your best story

Week Four:

• Breaking down the third act of a film
• Screenwriting template #3
• Cards – what they are and how to use them, using cards from a successful film as an example
• Establishing a writing routine you can stick to

After taking this class, not only will you never look at movies the same way again, but you will also have the tools to write one. There is also an opportunity for ongoing support that Mr. Hindman offers to students who complete this course.

TUESDAY 7:00pm – 10:00pm 4 Weeks

DATES: April 9th – April 30th

COST: $300 To register click here.

VOICE & SPEECH FOR THE ACTOR with Pete Cross

Demystify your voice by gaining control and understanding of it. Using elements from a variety of methods you will have the opportunity to ground your voice, improve resonance and range, and create a foundation of strong articulation and good vocal habits – not only important when acting but from the moment you walk in the room for an interview or audition. You will leave this class with the tools to speak clearly and confidently in any situation.

 

 

Students will:

• Gain a technical understanding of the vocal tract and the articulators.
• Increase understanding, awareness, and control of individual vocal and speech habits.
• Learn effective voice and speech warm-ups
• Have the opportunity to put what they’re learning into practice via performing monologues/scenes

FRIDAY 11:30am – 2:00pm 12 Weeks

DATES: April 12 – June 28

COST: $600 Limited to 10 students. To register click here.

THE NEUTRAL AMERICAN ACCENT with Pete Cross

This class is designed for International actors working toward mastering a Neutral American Accent. While many training programs focus primarily on pronunciation via drilling word lists, Pete’s approach (based on the work of Dr. David Alan Stern) focuses on rhythm/music of the accent as well as changes in overall muscularity. Differences in the way the tongue, jaw, and lips function have a huge impact on the sounds of speech and will not only result in an organic shift toward American sounds, but will also help the actor keep the sound elements of the accent consistent. This should also cut down on how much time will be spent on drilling individual sounds (though it is still a necessary component of the work). The ultimate goal of the class is for every actor to find her/his own Neutral American accent – something that feels organic rather than “put on”. There is some degree of flexibility with the accent (i.e., no “perfect” Neutral American accent), a fact that can give actors a certain degree of freedom and ownership over the accent Pete helps them to find. Suitable for beginners or advanced students.

SUNDAY 12:00pm – 2:00pm 12 Weeks

DATES: April 7 – June 23

COST: $600 Limited to 12 students. To register click here.