The Fundamentals of an HB acting technique: Here, you develop the ability to respond truthfully, dynamically, and vividly with fellow actors and the ability to access sensory elements. You tap into the power of imagination and the reservoir of memory. You gain a working understanding of the terms: previous circumstances, destination, inner and outer objects, intentions, obstacles, and conflicts. You develop an awareness of the power, function, and dynamics of “place”, and learn to be in a state of discovery, which leads to actions. You develop tools of research and observation and you get comfortable improvising. You begin to measure yourself against professional standards and develop habits of discipline and a strong work ethic. Do understand that these practices take time to master. It takes about a year (20-30 weeks) at this level to really own the skills addressed. Further scene study or performance work will then take root in this fertile ground.
When choosing an Acting 1 class, please refer to instructors’ teaching statements, found on their faculty bio pages, for greater detail about each one’s approach to meeting the course goals. Every instructor brings their own methods and experience and teaching styles vary. You are encouraged to read about and audit the classes of each instructor to find the right fit for you:
ACTING 1 INSTRUCTORS
Michael Beckett | Snezhana Chernova | Magaly Colimon | David Deblinger | Maria Fontanals | Julissa Roman | Trudy Steibl
Required reading*: A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR by Uta Hagen. *Required for classes with Francesca Ferrara, Julissa Roman and Trudy Steibl. Recommended for classes with Magaly Colimon, Paul Pryce and Snezhana Chernova.
Recommended viewing: UTA HAGEN’S ACTING CLASS documentary.
Magaly Colimon’s class requires: WE’RE NOT NEUTRAL ed. Sergei Burbank; and 30 TEN-MINUTE PLAYS FROM THE ACTORS THEATRE OF LOUISVILLE FOR 2 ACTORS; and recommends: A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR by Uta Hagen; ACTIONS: THE ACTORS’ THESAURUS by Marina Caldarone & Maggie Lloyd-Williams; and PLAYS IN ONE ACT by Dan Halpern. Please also bring: Yoga mat or towel and clothes that allow for easy movement.
Michael Beckett’s and David Deblinger’s classes have no required reading.
HB Studio offers both online classes and in-person classes at the Studio. Before your first class, please review the information outlined on the relevant page(s). Class titles below indicate which are running online vs. in person.
Most classes run for 10 weeks. Some classes are offered in two 5-week parts (Part A & Part B), and you can sign up for either part independently or register for both parts for $15 off. You can register for Part B without taking Part A: