An actor’s gym where artists stretch their creative muscles and tone their craft.
Training in theatre-related skills can enhance our compassion and empathy. We will learn, investigate, experiment, and grow together at the Playhouse Studio.
In 2023, there will be five scene study sessions at the Playhouse Studio. The sessions will cover a variety of script styles and acting methods, as well as audition intensives, director intensives, and pop-up workshops.
Upcoming Scene Study Sessions
Session I: Shakespeare Scene Study Class
January 16 – February 20
Mondays from 6 pm – 9 pm for six weeks
Instructors: David Stallings (He, They) & Robyn Rikoon (She, Anything Said Respectfully)
Take a deep dive into The Bard with a class that combines text study, action-based acting training, and in-the-moment flexibility with your scene partner.
Age: 18+
Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Session II: Modernist Scene Study
March 13 – April 17
Mondays from 6 pm – 9 pm for six weeks
Instructor: David Stallings (He, They)
Study the realist movement of Modernist playwrights: Chekhov, Shaw, Ibsen, Lorca, Strindberg and more. We’ll focus on listening techniques and different approaches to emotional availability and vulnerability in a safe, consensual environment.
Ages: 18+
Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Session III: A Stanislavski Based Approach
July 17 – August 21
Mondays from 6 pm – 9 pm for six weeks
Instructor: Robyn Rikoon (She, Anything Said Respectfully)
Cultivate your technique and deepen your empathy in this Stanislavski-based scene study class. Connect to the root of the circumstance, and develop tools for rehearsal. In addition to Stanislavski’s techniques, we will also use Freedman’s, Adler’s, and Spivak’s.
Age: 18+
Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Session IV: American Classics Scene Study
September 4 – October 9
Mondays from 6 pm – 9 pm for six weeks
Instructor: David Stallings (He, They)
Study great scenes of the past century – from Williams to Helman, Miller, Hansberry and more. We’ll focus on listening and being “in the moment” while gauging the character arc of some of the most iconic and layered characters from our modern classics.
Age: 18+
Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Session V: Contemporary Theatre Scene Study
October 23 – November 27
Mondays from 6 pm – 9 pm for six weeks
Instructor: David Stallings (He, They)
Jump into the social activist movement of contemporary theatre where Brechtian styles merge with realism. Delve into Morriseau, Kushner, Churchill and Nottage.
Age: 18+
Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
SPECIALIZED INTENSIVES
Musical Theater Intensive
June 3 – 4, 11 AM – 5 PM
Instructor: Bill Wesbrooks (he, him)
Join Bill Wesbrooks (he, him), former Director of Vocal Performance at the Steinhardt School at NYU and author of Dramatic Circumstances, for two fulfilling days focused on Musical Theater performance. On the first day, students will bring in a song they have prepared and work with Bill on the truthful acting of a song. In the class, Bill will help students choose a 32-bar “audition cut” of the song. The next day, the class will focus on the most impactful way to do the audition cut of the piece while still truthfully telling the story.
Age: 16+
Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Directors Intensive
POSTPONED – NEW DATE TBD
Instructors: Colin Hovde (he, they), Antonio Miniño (they, them)
Spend a weekend understanding the craft of theatre direction. Executive Director Colin Hovde (he, they) and Associate Artistic Director Antonio Miniño (they, them) will share their knowledge, experience, and diverse perspectives on the art of theater direction in a highly interactive experience. A play will be chosen in advance, and everyone will take turns directing in this fully hands-on session.
Age: 18+
Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Questions?
Email David Stallings (He, They) at davids@santafeplayhouse.org