2024 Sessions

The Actors Refresh

A refresher for those just coming back, those just starting out and those who want to continue building their craft. Covering the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY and HOW of acting.

Week 1 – Script work – We will start with actors giving themselves goals for their work, focusing on their own unique authenticity. Preassigned scenes will be read in class with discussion about script breakdown, beats, and tactics to understand how the scene functions and how to clarify “WHAT your character wants”

Week 2 – Character work – actors will warm up focusing on expression of the body and voice, (movement clothing required for this day). Actors will have a first performance of the scenes. Scenes will be given notes directly related to physical and vocal storytelling.  ‘HOW does your character get what they are looking for?”

Week 3 – Imaginative/Emotional Work – Imaginative play and writing assignments to crack open the artist’s unique view of the work and how to let that play with your character. The character is you, and no one else, “WHO is your character?” 3.2.1 writing assignment due for next weeks class. Details given in class.

Week 4 – Putting it together – With New 3.2.1 scene actors will begin the process of breaking down the script, engaging the body and voice and filling the scene with emotional and imaginative play. Lot’s of group work in this session. Learning to ask WHY.

Week 5 – Finesse – incorporating moments before and moments after to enhance the full picture of the story. Scenes are a slice and usually not the whole story. Creating the environment, costumes and period work into scenes. “WHERE is this character living and breathing.”

Week 6 – Performance ready – Tackling dreaded nerves, coping techniques, leaving the work behind, covering basic audition tools, selections for roles etc. “The WHEN is now, be present, in the moment, it’s a play after all” Final performance for selected visitors, friends and family.

Upon purchase, Kelsey Landon will reach out to advise you on what to expect and how to prepare.

To request a lower fee with the sliding scale please email studio@santafeplayhouse.org

Previous 2024 Scene Study Sessions

Scene Study: Shakespeare – Tackle the Bard

January 15 – February 19

Instructor: David Stallings (He, They)

Delve into the Bard (Shakespeare) with a weekly class structured around text study, action-based acting training, and in-the-moment flexibility with your scene partner.

Emotional Integrity and the Text

March 25 – April 29

Instructor: David Stallings (He, They)

Study scenes that test your depth of emotion on the text. In this weekly class, we’ll focus on listening techniques and different approaches to emotional availability and vulnerability in a safe, consensual environment.

Audition Training
July 15 – August 19

Mondays from 6 pm – 9 pm for six weeks

Instructors: Antonio Miniño (Artistic Director SFP (Head of Casting)), Anna Hogan (Artistic Director SFP), Bill Wesbrooks, Kelsey Landon, and Kristin Goodman.

This class centers on audition training for theater and film/TV. From audition etiquette, submission guidelines, material feedback, cold-reads, prepared sides, monologues, and more. These mediums are different, and the landscape of auditioning for both rapidly changes. Work with industry professionals to develop your materials, learn how to film a self-tape, and more! A different industry profession will lead each week, culminating in a full audition panel.

SPECIALIZED INTENSIVES

Two-Day Musical Theater Intensive

JULY 20 and 21, 2024 | 11 am – 3 pm

Instructors: Bill Wesbrooks (He, Him) and Marilyn Barnes (She, Her)

Vocal Coach/Director Marilyn Barnes (TriM Productions) and Acting Coach/Director Bill Wesbrooks (NYU) will lead a weekend workshop to focus on every aspect of your song selection. The first day will focus on the voice, and the second will hone the acting. This is a unique opportunity to work with two skilled musical theater professionals to perfect that particular song in your repertoire.

The single greatest benefit for singers who work with Bill Wesbrook’s Dramatic Circumstances process is how that work empowers them as individuals. The process draws from the inherent power of a story and is designed to enable the actor to embody the strongest elements of the story that will lead to a compelling need to take an action and a clear objective that stimulates both energy and momentum. The results manifest themselves in performances that are truly authentic and, therefore, bound to have the greatest impact on the people who see and hear them – whether those people be agents, casting directors, directors, or audience members.

Are you new to musical theater or still need to get a song? Let’s start your songbook together. Our instructors can help. The class is designed for all levels, from the musically curious to professional singers.

Age: 16+

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced.

Questions?