EXPECT TO BE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. EXPECT TO GROW AS AN ACTOR!
Self-Reliant Actor
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
* There is no audition required to join.
* All classes are ongoing and students can join in at any time.
* Class meets Thursdays from 6pm-9pm.
* Regular classes are for adults ages 18 and up.
* Tuition: $200 first 4 classes. $140 for ongoing month to month classes.Private Coaching is available for current paid students.
* Unused classes expire 2 months after last attendance. No refunds.
THE CLASS
In class we will hone TWO contrasting monologues to be industry ready for auditions. Start class with 1 monologue memorized preferably 2.
I work very specifically from beat to beat for full understanding of the text to insure authenticity, depth and range to your performance. I will provide scenes for exercises used to help stretch our emotional expressiveness.
IN MY OWN WORDS: In acting we get our impulses from the other actors not from the script. This involves listening, and allowing our own impulses to respond authentically.
In class we explore these impulses using cold reading exercises that build the foundation of our work. Through this process your confidence will increase until you rely completely on your own instincts where ultimately your emotions, creativity, expressiveness, personality and intelligence will intersect all at the same time.
You will work a minimum of 30 minutes every class! In class you always act from film, TV and play scripts. Teaching influences include the principles from Sandford Meisner's book ON ACTING while drawing on Stanislavky, Uta Hagen and Lee Strasberg and every teacher I've ever had including my mother.
Cold reading and improvisation exercises are designed to overcome barriers of expression specific to each student. Great acting results from taking the risk to follow your instincts and expand your emotional range.
You will learn how to respond emotionally to everything that's going in the scene. We learn through doing, not thinking. Our defense mechanisms can be deeply ingrained making it a difficult challenge to let go. But it's an exciting challenge!
Expect to be out of your comfort zone. Expect to grow as an actor.
Authenticity, instinct, vulnerability, honesty, specificity and spontaneity are words you will hear repeatedly during your time in class. Actors (18 and older), who desire broadening and developing their art, are welcome.
“John's class is one of a kind; he brings out the magic in all of us. The environment he provides each allows each student to push and challenge themselves to their very potential without feeling anything but support and safety. He brings both positivity and honesty, which allows the student to feel accomplished and successful but, also, make improvements and adjustments for the future. There are many great classes and coaches out there but John's is one that I HIGHLY recommend to actors and actresses of all ages and levels;“
– Max Hawksford
“When I first started working with John, I had ;minimal training. I've been taking class from John every week for nearly 3 years. I feel so much stronger, and even though I get nervous for auditions, I've learned to use my nervous energy to fuel my focus in cold reads and monologue performances. I know that I'm pursuing my big dream and gaining more & more confidence as I continue to work with John and learn to bring myself into every role. That's what John focuses on - bringing yourself along with every audition and imagining *you* in a specific set of imaginary circumstances.
– Lynda Dahl
"I came to John for help preparing my auditions for graduate school, and I can honestly say that I would not have done even half as well as I did at my auditions if it hadn't been for his guidance and support. John dedicates himself fully to the goals of the actors he works with; I immediately felt like he was not only a teacher but a mentor. I have improved tremendously since starting work with him.
- Sara Parker
John is the reason I am able to do what I love. I began working with John in June of 2018 while preparing to audition for BFA programs in musical theatre. I had auditioned for programs, but was not accepted. When John’s class was recommended to me, it was life changing. The class sizes are small, and I was able to get the individual attention I needed to improve. I appreciate that John works with everyone at their own pace. I auditioned for more schools in February of 2019 and was accepted to 10 programs and was offered many scholarships. I am confident that John is the reason I was accepted to so many programs. I would recommend his class to anyone looking to improve their acting skills.
- Jillian Sjokist
Is prior acting experience necessary?
We welcome all levels of experience in our class.
What should I bring to first class?
We suggest having 1 or 2 monologues to work off of, preferably memorized.
Where can I find a monologue?
http://www.monologuearchive.com/index.html
TIPS:
Monologues preferably from a play
Monologues that represent who you are
Monologues that showcase characters you could be cast as
Monologues that you want to invest time in
How much is the class?
Initial class fee is $200 for first 4 classes. $140 for 4 classes on an Ongoing month to month basis.
Do you accept credit/debit cards?
We accept cash/check (payable to instructor's name)
Do I need to attend each class?
You have 2 months to use your purchased classes. There are no refunds for missed classes.
Can minors attend your class?
Classes are for adults 18 and older.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Financial assistance is not offered, but we can work with you on individual basis if needed.