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DRAM 3001 - Creativity of Acting for Film and Stage
Improvisation and cold reading scenes will be the bulk of this beginner's class. Living in the moment, in a highly intuitive state, is the method explored (learned from Charles Conrad, a well-known retired Los Angeles acting teacher). Both film and stage scripts will be used, with some work filmed for playback and critique.
 
DRAM 3003 - Creativity of Acting for Film and Stage
Intuitive acting: What does it mean? Living in the moment, in a highly intuitive state, is the method explored by Charles Conrad, a well known Los Angeles acting teacher of 40 years. Improvisation and cold reading scenes will be the bulk of the class work. Both film and stage scripts will be used, with some work filmed for playback and critique.
 
DRAM 3008 - Acting and Auditioning For Commercials
David Cox, a top industry professional who has conducted numerous commercial acting seminars for Faces International and John Miranda, Inc., throughout the United States and Canada, is leading this intensive weekend seminar. He’ll show you how to prepare for the commercial audition, how to break down commercial scripts, how to be a believable product user, and much more.
 
DRAM 3010 - Acting for Film
This beginning to advanced beginning acting for film class is the most popular class in our Film series. The instructor focuses on achieving a naturalistic acting style through honesty and vulnerability. The emphasis is on energy, personal power, personality and enjoyment. The students’ work will be explored through improvisation and scene study from film and television scripts with some videotaping and playback for critique. Also, short clips will be watched to learn more about filmmaking and the requirements for the actor.
 
DRAM 3011 - Intermediate Film
This class focuses on achieving a naturalistic acting style through honesty, vulnerability, and a heightened imagination. The students’ work will be explored through improvisation and scene study from film and television scripts with some videotaping and playback for critique. Pre-requisite: Must have previous training or experience.
 
DRAM 3012 - Acting for Film & Stage On-Going (Meisner Technique)
Comprised of exercises, improvisation, and continued scene work from film, television, and the stage, this course deepens the students’ familiarity with the Meisner Technique. Cold reading technique will be explored as well. Prerequisite: Instructor consent needed to join.
 
DRAM 3013 - The Film Audition
Film terminology, cold readings, and time in front of the camera will be utilized to boost confidence for actors of all levels of experience in re-creating the audition environment. Work will be taped and played back for critique each class. Prerequisite: Previous experience or acting training.
 
DRAM 3014 - Communications Skill: The Art of Presenting
It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. Your voice is a unique instrument of communication, persuasion, and even inspiration. It can be trained and focused to achieve professional and personal goals. Don’t be held back in your career by the inability to communicate and present well. Mj Vandivier, a Certified Lessac Voice and Body Trainer, provides an enjoyable, interactive learning environment.
 
DRAM 3019 - The Speaking Voice 101
An actor's voice is one of their most important tools- discover how you can make a great first impression with your voice or talk for hours without losing steam. Mj Vandivier, a Certified Lessac Voice and Body Trainer, leads, encourages, and grounds students in processes of voice dynamics. She’ll guide you through vocal and body warm-ups and teach you the most effective way to use your 'instrument'. This class has a $10.00 materials fee, due at the first session.
 
DRAM 3021 - Shakespeare Monologues
This class is taught by one of Austin Shakespeare Festival's most experienced actresses, Patricia Pearcy. Learn to demystify the elegant and exquisite verse to breathe life into Shakespeare's most unforgettable and human characters. Learn ways to discover the meanings and clues to character hidden in the verse and the language.
 
DRAM 3023 - Shakespeare's Verse for the Actor
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 the beginning to advanced acting student who may be new to Shakespeare. Please come to the first class with a monologue or two that you are particularly interested in working on. It must be verse, not prose, between 1 and 2 minutes in length.
 
DRAM 3031 - Monologues for Adults
This class explores the use of the monologue in the industry of film and stage. Choosing a monologue, and learning how to approach it and bring it to life, is an important tool for all actors, and necessary for the audition environment. This is training for both film and stage and some monologues will be taped for playback and critique.
 
DRAM 3034 - Beginning Acting for Film and Stage
Our most popular class series! A gentle approach conducive to the beginner, this class will focus predominantly on scene study for film and stage. Learn how to establish meaningful and honest relationships through the art of active listening and responding. Learn the tools necessary to be “believable.” Develop your imaginative capacities, unleash your creative impulses, deepen your intuition, and sharpen the analytical skills necessary to “breakdown” a scene.
 
DRAM 3037 - Acting is Believing
For the film and/or the stage actor! Discover your natural creative impulses by getting out of your head and allowing your heart and power centers to guide you. Specific exercises and improvisations are designed to peel away self-consciousness, doubt and fear, allowing one's individual truth to emerge. Scenes and monologues from stage and film will be used to help explore the work.
 
DRAM 3040 - Improvisation 101
This class is for students of all levels who are ready to have fun and explore their creative side! Learn the fundamentals of improvisation from Irene White, an experienced actress and improviser with over 40 national commercials and numerous film credits. The class’s interactive exercises build listening and communication skills, heighten awareness and teach you how to be more playful, spontaneous and flexible. Learn improvisation exercises for performance or rehearsals that teach you how to think on the spot, how to manipulate your physicality, how to tell stories and a whole bunch more.
 
DRAM 3043 - Improvisation 201
Explore ensemble and co-creativity as you create scenes and stories made up on the spot. Focus on group creativity, scene starts, status, story arcs, comedy, and stage skills. Prerequisite: Previous improvisation training.
 
DRAM 3045 - Intermediate-Advanced Training for Film and Stage
Continue training at a more advanced level. Scenes will be from both film and stage scripts with an in-depth look at the world of the character, text and script analysis, and scene development through imagination. Special attention will be given to actors’ connection, living in the “moment,” and the intimacy of acting. Some scenes will be filmed with playback and critique. Prerequisite: Previous acting training or experience and instructor consent.
 
DRAM 4015 - Fairy Tale Theater
A half-day morning camp for the youngest actors, ages 5-7, in which children learn about creative acting through well-known fairy tales. The students will create beloved characters, such as The Little Red Hen, Bo-Peep, and The Three Billy Goats Gruff, and present a production for friends and family at the end of the week. Lots of fun!
 
DRAM 4020 - Act Out! Camp
This camp blends creative drama with “real world” scenes from film & stage. Students will learn to work as an ensemble with games and exercises that help the students focus and use their imaginations. The final performance will be the last day of the camp. Lots of fun!
 
DRAM 4026 - Teen Acting Camp for Film & Stage
Teen students will receive instruction in speech and voice training, movement, theater and film terminology, improvisation, scene study and audition techniques. The session will culminate with a showcase of the students' work. Please call or email for further information.
 
DRAM 9002 - Beginning Acting II
For those who have taken a beginning acting class and would like to build upon that foundation, this course will focus on script analysis and perfecting the art of living moment to moment in scene study and/or monologue work. In addition, exercises will be given to broaden the actor’s imaginative response and deepen emotional accessibility.
 
DRAX 3000 - Acting With Meisner Technique
An expert in the Meisner approach, David Cox will teach philosophy, exercises, and techniques specific to this acting approach. Learn to focus and relax in front of the camera and onstage. Script breakdown will be discussed, and improvisation and scene study will be explored. Mr. Cox studied with Sanford Meisner for over four years at his New York studio, and has taught his technique in Los Angeles for 20 years.
 
DRAX 3003 - Acting for Film II
This class naturally follows Acting for Film I but is also open to those who have had some previous acting training or experience. In addition to the work done in the previous session, this class will work to improve concentration, incorporate props, blocking, and matching action into your scene work.
 
DRAX 3004 - Act Out! Camp
Geared toward kids ages 11 to 13, students in this half-day camp will play theatre games, act in scenes and monologues from film and stage, learn to improvise and to act and audition for commercials, and much more!
 
DRAX 3005 - Comedy Acting 102
This class builds on the foundation of Comedy Acting 101. We will review basics of comedy acting and continue work from contemporary comedic plays. We'll move on to exploring the classic comedy of wit, manners and farce in theatre. Laughter is contagious - catch it with us.
 
DRAX 3006 - Move-Speak-Act:: An Introduction to Acting
Explore acting through the body/voice connection with veteran actress and certified Lessac voice/body coach, Mj Vandiver. Incorporating techniques from masters such as Uta Hagen, Stella Adler, Stanislavski, Berry, Rodenburg and Spolin, Mj says "I learn every time I step on stage, or in front of the camera; I continuously learn from my fellow artists." It is due to these various experiences and acquiring master techniques that Mj brings a wealth of knowledge to her students. Acting is doing. In "doing" scenes, monologues and improvisation, performing skills are learned and art is borne. Video and audio tapes are used for self-discovery. For beginning to experienced actors and business professionals. Bring a one minute monologue to develop.
 
DRAX 3007 - Auditioning for Film & Stage
 
DRAX 3008 - Creativity Ongoing Class
This class is an advanced beginning to intermediate course. Study focuses on accessing right brain and your intuitive state using the Charles Conrad method. Cold reading and preparing scenes both from film and stage scripts are the bulk of the work. Script analysis will be a part of the investigation of scene as well as in-depth imagination exploration through character. Monologues will be worked on for the stage, as well as for assessing close-up work for the camera. Come prepared with a 1-2 minute monologue.
 
DRAX 3009 - Auditions!
This class is devoted to exploring the different types of auditions actors will encounter in their careers. Students will receive information about and practice in auditioning for Film/TV, Stage and Commercials. Two class periods will be spent in each of the three areas, the first week addressing the expectations and guidelines for the audition, and the second week actually experiencing the audition, seeing playback and/or getting feedback from the instructor. Actors are expected to have previous training and/or experience and must come with a prepared monologue (preferably from a stage play) that is no more than 2 minutes in length.
 
DRAX 3010 - The Actor's Craft: Ongoing Technique Class
This ongoing class creates an environment where students can “work it out.” In order to create vivid and fleshed-out characters, students will apply the tools they have learned thus far, plus learn new technical elements. In addition, the actor’s instrument will be stretched and honed with physical and vocal warm-ups, imagination exploration and improvisation. Scene work and/or monologues will be developed. Students have their choice of one session or taking both sessions at a reduced rate of $250.00- see course code for 8 Week Actor's Craft to enroll in both sessions.
 
DRAX 3012 - Acting With Meisner Technique
An expert in the Meisner approach, David Cox will teach philosophy, exercises, and techniques specific to this acting approach. Learn to focus and relax in front of the camera and onstage. Script breakdown will be discussed, and improvisation and scene study will be explored. Mr. Cox studied with Sanford Meisner for over four years at his New York studio, and has taught his technique in Los Angeles for 20 years.
 
DRAX 3013 - Moment-To-Moment: The Meisner Legacy
Using Sanford Meisner's renowned sequence of exercises, starting with the Repetition, Phillipe will show you how to listen and truthfully respond to your fellow actors, be alive and present in any performing medium, as well as access your full range of emotional color. Scenework and practical application of Meisner's techniques will also be covered. The class will be ongoing, so that beginning students will also be learning from their more advanced classmates.
 
DRAX 3015 - Industry Showcase Preparatory Class
Agents, casting directors and producers will be invited to the Industry Showcase to be held Wednesday, November 17 at the State Theatre on Congress. The showcase will be presented under the guidance of seasoned professional Paula Russell. In order to participate in the Showcase, actors are required to audition. Those chosen will take a class with Paula in which they will rehearse and refine their scenes, learn how to put together the best possible resume, what makes a good head shot and how to choose audition material that works for them. Auditions for the Showcase will be held Sunday, October 3 with callbacks Sunday, Oct. 10 from 5-8pm. For the audition, a 2-3 minute scene is preferred. Your scene partner does not have to be auditioning, although they may do so. If you cannot find a scene partner, please prepare a 1-2 minute monologue. Only 10 students will be accepted. For INTERMEDIATE to ADVANCED actors only. Actors will be required to provide up-to-date photos and correctly formatted resumes prior to the showcase. Classes: (Mondays & Thursdays) Oct. 21, 25 & 28, Nov. 1, 4, 8, 11, 15 Showcase: Wednesday November 17 6:30-8:30pm
 
DRAX 3017 - Dialect Training for Film & Stage
Southern & French. Every actor should have a variety of dialects as part of their professional arsenal. Southern (great for films shot in & around Texas) and French will be emphasized in this section, Ms. Vandivier will teach the student how to approach learning any dialect.
 
DRAX 3019 - Film Acting for the Professional Actor
This "pros" only class is for actors who are actively auditioning. Being a professional actor means that you are committed to doing your best and are ready to work! In this class, actors will have the opportunity to refine the necessary skills for success by improving their film acting technique and cold reading skills, gaining greater ease in the audition environment, becoming more familiar with "on-set" etiquette, and learning how to successfully incorporate direction. Limited to 8 students.
 
DRAX 3020 - Paula Russell’s Six Week Workshop
Led by Paula Russell, for new and returning students, this workshop continues the work described in the Weekend Intensive. Scenes and monologues will be memorized and refined. How improvisation affects the scene will be explored, as well as Paula’s popular OEMoment Alone exercise. No negative criticisms are given or allowed. To quote Joan Darling, “This work is designed so that you can’t fail!”.
 
DRAX 3024 - Accent Reduction
Is your accent limiting your effective communication in your professional and personal relationships? In our Accent Reduction Class, led by Certified Lessac Voice & Speech Trainer Mj Vandivier, you will learn a simple, proven methodology to modify accent usage and strengthen your ability to communicate more powerfully.
 
DRAX 3027 - Acting for All Mediums: Film/TV/Stage
Class emphasis is on refining techniques in focused relaxation, making unique and dynamic choices and being fully present in your work. Voice, body, character work and improvisation are integrated into all the work. Film and stage actors learn to adapt to all mediums.
 
DRAX 3028 - Comedy Acting 101
Comedy comes in many forms: High comedy, Manners, Farce and Low comedy. What’s funny to one person isn’t to another? Comedic Acting is what we’re after in this class. Can Comedy be taught? Some experts say yes - others say no. Though comic timing is a natural gift to some, it can be developed as the student becomes more courageous, confident and imaginative. Humor lies someplace between reality and the character’s perception of themselves in their given world. If you’ve wanted to try comedy but were too shy, nervous or afraid you might make a fool of yourself, then this is the right class for you! We ALL will be foolish and silly in the process of growing our funny-bone as we laugh and learn our way to comedic acting! This beginning Comedy Acting class is led by veteran actress and voice coach Mj Vandivier.
 
DRAX 3029 - The Speaking Voice 102
Led by Certified Lessac Voice/Body practitioner Mj Vandivier, this class will take your voice to the next level. Voice 101 introduced the concept of owning the speaking voice as a musical instrument to be "played" as it was developed. Speaking Voice 102 moves beyond the fundamental discoveries to a deeper application. Experiencing expanded explorations in the voice/body connection, dialogs, monologues, warm-ups, relaxer-energizers and more, we will review, repeat and reveal more immediate access to each person's unique instrument. Audio and video tapings will be used to help build a new speaking confidence both personally and professionally.
 
DRAX 3030 - Form & Feeling: Acting Shakespeare's Verse
This class explores the ways in which Shakespeare directs the actor through his verse. We will learn how to scan the meter for meaning, release the music in the words, and harness the power of the rhetoric. Applying these skills to monologues and scene work, we aim, as Hamlet asks of his players, to "suit the action to the word, the word to the action." This class is for beginning to advanced acting students who may be new to Shakespeare. Please come to the first session with two or three monologues that you are interested in working on. These should be in verse rather than prose, and 1-2 minutes long.
 
DRAX 3032 - Physical Acting
The Lugering Method is truly a revolutionary form of actor training, focusing on the physical act of expression itself. This approach gives us a universal and repeatable set of principles that can be directly related to the training of vocal, movement and acting skills. The technique presents a series of voice and body exercises and a companion set of physical improvisational studies that synthesize the traditionally disparate disciplines of acting, voice, and movement into one unified method, by placing the student in direct contact with the physical sensations that are responsible for expressing the body s thoughts and feelings. The exercises are repeatable, ideal for daily preparation, and can be practiced alone or with others to keep the voice and body ready for the demands of rehearsal and performance. For more information on the technique, visit www.expressiveactor.org.
 
DRAX 4010 - Introduction to Theatre
A general survey of theater including exploration of dramatic literature, theory, and criticism; production arts, skills, and crafts; and theater history from 500 BC to the present. Course requires good reading and writing skills. Attendance at plays required. Integrated with college credit DRAM 1310.
 
DRAX 4029 - The Camera Smart Actor
Based on Richard Brestoff¹s book, The Camera Smart Actor, this class is designed to better prepare actors to make the transition from stage to film. Actors will become familiar with the real story of what goes on behind the scenes by learning about, and experiencing in a classroom setting, the inner workings of a film set. The class will follow the lessons described in the book; therefore it is recommended, but not mandatory, that students purchase a copy.
 
DRAX 4030 - The Art of Storytelling
Storytelling it's not just for children. Storytelling is the oldest known form of the oral tradition. In this introductory class led by master storyteller, David Thompson, you will learn to choose your tradition (style), begin to build your repertoire, learn vocal/physical exercises, prepare examples from different genres, adapt your program to the audience, and many other areas belonging to storytelling. Come prepared to laugh, work, sweat, exercise, discuss, and prepare. But, most of all, come to share your stories with others.