ACTORS' INSTITUTE (Adults)

ADULT SCHEDULE Registration (click)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

IMPROV FOR ACTORS
Another way of saying, “Actors…be spontaneous!”  For those students who have a background in theater, are presently enrolled in a college theater program or have a theater degree.  Through the process of improvisation students will learn to develop their character and scene building skills.

THE ACTORS WORKOUT
This class is for students who are looking for an exploration of in-depth acting.  Students will focus on growth and creativity in classroom activity centered upon basic acting fundamentals. Rehearsal and improvisation are used to help students connect the body and the voice allowing students to become comfortable and confident on stage, in auditions and in life.

BEGINNING ACTING
Through the use of objectives, character development, given circumstances, sub-text, obstacles and physical actions the student will focus on how the actor portrays human behavior.  The students learn to eliminate the paralysis of the beginning actor and become comfortable and confident on stage by learning to be “in the moment”.

INTERMEDIATE ACTING
This “on your feet” class will look at various works from contemporary American and British playwrights and teach students how to break down a scene and make more creative and daring choices. Learn the various techniques used by arts professionals. Students will explore improvisation to make creative choices, complemented by research and scene analysis. Students will work on different scenes with a focus on stretching creative range. Outside rehearsal time will be required.

ADVANCED ACTING:  FOR THE CAMERA

This class is an in-depth look at what it takes to truly “make it” as an On-Camera Actor, whether it’s here in Chicago or on either coast. Students work with material from current on-air television shows, films (both indie and studio), and commercials/PSAs. Students get insight not only from practical experience and “Auditioning Successfully”, but also on what to do once the job has been offered! Students will have the benefit of working with an actual union member or agent who will provide honest, direct, constructive feedback and guidance.

THE ACTOR'S ARSENAL : MONOLOGUES, METHOD, SCENE
Students will breathe new life into audition pieces by exploring Lee Strasberg’s Method and/or Michael Shurtleff’s method, made famous at the Actors Studio in New York. Using techniques such as relaxation, sense memory and substitution, students will discover ways to create playable realities within the confines of an audition situation. Please come with at least one prepared 1-3 minute monologue.  Midwest and/

or National Casting Directors will assist in critique of actors during the process or at a final "looksee".

BEGINNING COMMERCIAL VOICE-OVER
Learn the “how to’s” of radio and television voice-over. Ideally suited for students with some acting experience, this class covers analyzing and acting commercial copy, taking direction, audition skills and techniques used to increase versatility as a voice actor. In addition, students learn the ins and outs of the biz including demo tapes, agents and the voice-over market in the Chicago area. A local voice-over talent/agent will lead sessions which will take place in a professional recording studio. Please bring two blank burnable CDs to the first class.

INTERMEDIATE COMMERCIAL VOICE-OVER
Take the next steps towards a career working in voice over. This class will delve more deeply into voice over technique as well as help you put together a useable demo. Weaknesses and strengths will be addressed and worked on. Outside work will be assigned. Several sessions will take place in a professional recording studio. Please bring one blank CD to the first class.
Pre-requisite: Students must have taken Beginning Commercial Voice-over, have equivalent educational or professional experience, or permission from the instructor

THE ACTOR’S VOICE
Discover the elements of the speaking voice and its application to acting, presentation and studio work. Exercises are used to protect and strengthen the voice focusing on breathing, resonance, projection, inflection and communication skills. This course will talk about taking care of the voice including how to properly warm it up resulting in vocal health, longevity, and stamina.

In addition, students will cover topics of interest to voice-over professionals such as alignment and breathing, the use of pitch, inflection and rhythm, character, voices and dialects.

STAGE COMBAT: + $35 optional SAFD skills proficiency test fee
Focus on Rapier, Dagger, Small Sword and hand-to-hand combat:  The weapons of choice for those classic Shakespearean heroes and villains: Saint Joan, Prince Hal, MacBeth, Richard III and many others. This class will concentrate on the basics required to sell the power, speed, and danger of these medieval weapon. Particular attention will be paid to partnering, safety and connecting the physical action to character and text. The techniques required to perform a sword fight for an audience are the very same required to perform Shakespearean text. Class will conclude with a live performance of a fight, complete with scene, for a Society of American Fight Director’s Proficiency Certification, which is an excellent caveat for an actor, director or teacher’s growing resume.

EXPERIMENTAL PLAYWRIGHTING or Writing for the Actor: 10-Minute Plays
This course explores the craft, language, tone, character and range of experimental playwriting particularly those styles and topics which can be effectively presented in a 10 minute script. In-class exercises, improvisation, and examination of existing texts aid in understanding the form. Outside assignments are required. This class is intended for the intermediate playwright but beginning playwrights may attend with the instructor’s permission.

PUBLIC SPEAKING
This class will help students face society’s number one fear—public speaking. Basic voice, breath and speech fundamentals are covered. Controlling body language and nerves is practiced every day in a fun and creative environment. Guest artists will address the specific obstacles faced by many in the art of perfecting and giving a tailored and unique presentation.