Online teaching statement from instructor David Deblinger:
“My Acting 1, to be taught virtually, will put great importance on transforming the class, into an “ensemble,” of artists. We will create a safe, “virtual space,”… one encouraging students to feel comfortable to take a risk, while either sitting or standing in a particular space, before their computer, ipad or phone. That risk will involve a personal investment in creating honest and compelling behavior to serve a story being told. I use a variety of exercises (Hagen, Meisner, Grotowski, Deblinger). Generally, we’ll focus on three important ideas: “Acting is doing,” – “The gasoline for doing is meaning,” – The importance of being present and, ‘in the moment.”
None of this is made impossible by holding virtual classes, in fact, there are a few exciting advantages that will aid in learning the craft of acting. For example, in our Hagen, and other work, we will learn about and explore endowing meaning in people, places and things. The fact that many of you will be in your own spaces, you may have access to a variety of objects, (photos, furniture etc.) that hold a specific and resonant meaning for you. This access to both those objects, as well as the very space you find yourself in, can be utilized in the work of creating a visceral personal connection, allowing you to act from that truth. Actors must learn how to be. “private in public,” so advantages lie in rather than bringing in to class a few objects that remind you of your home, you may actually be there. In some ways our work is about going home, trusting the meaningful connections we can have when we are alone. In the sessions I’ve already conducted today and yesterday, the emphasis of building an ensemble with trust, allowing ourselves to make spontaneous connections with stories, both our own and others, seems to be a powerful, even important outlet at this moment. I believe artistic expression, in particular learning the craft of acting, is always a way to help one grow, not just as an artist, but also as a human. “