Theatre for All Training Program 2021

Beginner Program - Introduction to Acting

June 20 - July 1, 2021
Sessions take place 1p-3p and 4p-6p ET
Final Presentation: July 1

Introduction to Acting for Beginners provides a foundation to the craft and introduction to various approaches. This two-week course is designed for students who are interested in learning the fundamentals of acting. The program includes Preparation Exercises (breathing, relaxation, voice and speech), Script Analysis, Monologue study and workshops in Improvisation and Voice. No previous training or experience necessary. Introduction to Acting for Beginners will culminate in a public sharing ("viewing party") of monologues/songs developed in class for an invited audience of friends, family, TFA Training ensemble members and QT staff.

Selecting and Performing a Monologue: Sofiya Cheyenne

This course focuses on finding a monologue that best suits your personality and skill set. The instructors will help you discover how to create a roadmap to building a character by using script analysis and your own lived experience to deliver a performance you can be proud of. Through a rehearsal process that explores the fundamentals of solo performance, students discover techniques that help beginning actors with authenticity and confidence. Special Instructions: Bring a 1-2 minute monologue from an existing play or film script excites you.

Acting with a Partner: Sofiya Cheyenne

This course explores the basics of acting with a partner. Instructors teach you how to make connections with your acting partner by building trust and forming bonds in a step-by-step approach to scene work on stage and screen. Open, honest listening and responding is taught through a series of structured exercises and rehearsals to develop the beginning actor’s instincts and imagination and help to unselfconsciously bring a script to life.

Special Instructions: Scenes will be provided by the instructor.

Entry Level Improv: Pat Shay and Mary Archbold

Improvisation is the basis of all good listening on stage. In this class, you will learn to work together and improve communication. This is not a performance class, this is a class for students to use the many beneficial aspects of improv training to help them learn to trust themselves while building a stronger bond with their fellow actors.

Entry Level Voice and Song Selection: Brigid Brady

This class combines singing technique with valuable audition insights. The course will begin with an extensive warm-up and group voice lesson. In addition to singing already prepared material, students will be offered new material and assistance with building a strong repertoire for auditions. This will include instruction on choosing the right songs for auditions and the best cuts to use.

Special Instructions: Bring 2 contrasting songs 3 minutes or less

Early Career Program - Professional Training

June 20 - July 1, 2021
Sessions take place 4p-6p ET
Final Presentation: July 1

This two-week course is designed for "Early-Career" actors to build on the actor’s existing set of skills. Students will be introduced to straight-forward, effective tools to help further develop their practice for stage and on-camera work. This program includes Intermediate Monologue and Scene Study as well as professional development workshops and panel discussions. The program will provide actors with the tools they need to create authentic, truthful and exciting performances in the audition room, on stage and on screen with confidence. Prior stage and/or on-camera training or experience is a prerequisite for this course. Early Career Training will culminate in a public sharing ("viewing party") of monologue and scene work developed in class and receive feedback from a select group of industry professionals.

Monologue Study: Evan Cummings, Clark Jackson, Diana Jordan, Christine Bruno

This advanced monologue study course emphasizes the process of developing monologues that are active, interesting, and showcase your unique talent. Students are guided toward uninhibited expression and experimentation with unique script interpretations. Emphasis is placed on moment-to-moment work, exciting bold choices, free flowing instincts, and intense character development. By the end of class, you’ll have a polished, well-crafted and thoroughly rehearsed monologue ready for you to show off to directors, casting associates, and agents. There is a final presentation to an industry professional for feedback at the end of the session.

Special Instructions: Bring 2 contrasting monologues 2 minutes or less

Scene Study: Clark Jackson, Evan Cummings, Diana Jordan, Christine Bruno

For actors with substantial experience in the acting world, this course investigates understanding and interpreting the occasion of the scene. Students also explore the layering of conscious and unconscious behavior and applying technique as a tool to solve challenges outside your comfort zone. Through extensive examination, research, and experiment, you discover and rediscover the level of action and commitment needed to fulfill the form and idea of the play. There is a final presentation to an industry professional for feedback at the end of the session.

Special Instructions: Bring a scene 5 minutes or less

Advanced Improv: Pat Shay and Mary Archbold

In this class, you will learn advanced communication skills. This is not a performance class, this is a class for students to use the many beneficial aspects of improv training to help them learn to trust themselves while building a stronger bond with their fellow actors.

Advanced Voice and Song Selection: Brigid Brady

This class combines singing technique with valuable audition insights. The course will begin with an extensive warm-up and group voice lesson. In addition to singing already prepared material, students will be offered new material and assistance with building a strong repertoire for auditions. This will include instruction on choosing the right songs for auditions and the best cuts to use.

Special Instructions: Bring 2 contrasting songs 3 minutes or less

Training for the Working Actor

June 20 - July 1, 2021
Sessions take place 1p-3p and 4p-6p ET
Final Presentation: July 1

This two-week professional course is designed for working actors to build upon their existing skill set and deepen their acting practice for the stage and camera. This program includes Advanced Scene Study as well as professional development workshops and panel discussions. Prior stage and/or on-camera training or experience is a prerequisite for this program. Training for the Working Actor will culminate in a public sharing ("viewing party") of scene work developed in class and receive feedback from a select group of industry professionals. Students will also receive a copy of their recorded scene to use for their professional reels.

Being On Set and On Camera: Clark Jackson, Marilee Talkington

Students in this course will receive training in the technical aspects of on-camera acting including acting in frame, continuity, stillness, thinking and breathing. In this class you will also learn methods to conserve your energy during long intervals between shots whether you are a day player, co or guest star, recurring character or series regular. Students will examine the economics of being a working actor and the elements of life on set will be explored including shoot schedules and actor accommodations. Students will learn to create an accommodation cheat sheet, approaches to self-advocacy and how to be prepared for the unknowns.

Classic Theater: Tara Giordano, Regan Linton

Through the exploration and performance of some of Shakespeare’s greatest scenes and characters, students will get in touch with a vibrant and authentic expressivity in their performance of non-contemporary dramatic work. Emphasis will be placed first on the emotional and intellectual understanding of the texts, then on their uninhibited physical and vocal expression. Core acting work on intentions, tactics, obstacles and relationships will be reinforced. Students will be provided concrete tools for making these powerful stories with enormous stakes feel accessible and immediate.

Voice Over Acting: Katy Sullivan & Scott Aiello

Students in the Voice Over course will learn techniques to help them build a voice over reel and prepare for VO auditions. The course will teach students how to break down copy and how to make bold character choices. Students will practice techniques on how to use their voice, mouth and body as an instrument that can fulfill their intentions for the character and/or copy. Subjects will include audio book reading, performing animated characters, performing commercial copy and creating/working in a home studio.

Acting in Commercials: Stephen DeAngelis

In this workshop, you will learn the art of commercial acting and audition technique. Students learn how to analyze commercial copy and find the acting beats within the text to make a lasting impression in the audition room. Focus is given to making a connection with the camera, nailing your slate, selling a product without being too over the top and relaxing into your role. Student will also learn lingo that is specific to commercial auditions and on-camera acting. In the end, students will know how to confidently audition online, make it to callbacks, and book the job.

Business of Acting Workshops

Friday, June 25 & Thursday, July 1, 2021

Casting Directors and Auditioning

This session is dedicated to teaching you what casting directors are looking for, the do's and don'ts of auditioning and the best practices for presenting audition material.

Getting an Agent

This session will focus on how to obtain a talent agent who will best serve you.

Self Advocacy

This session will identify tactics, strategies and best practices for deaf/disabled actors to advocate for themselves in auditions, rehearsals and integrated, professional settings.