This program is designed for actors interested in a comprehensive approach to their acting education. The curriculum has been designed by Jennifer McCray Rincon, who was the Head of Acting at the National Theatre Conservatory MFA Actor Training Program at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts from 1991-2008. Ms. Rincon is also a graduate of the Yale School of Drama Directing program. She has studied and worked with some of the most influential and important actor trainers & directors in the history of theater including (but not limited to): Nikos Psacharopoulous, Earle Gister, Gerald Gutierrez, Tony Church, & John Barton. 

 

Summer/Fall Curriculum

 

American Classical Realism

This intensive actor training sequence begins with American Classical Realism and the Actor's 5 Questions. Actors create character through the study and articulation of objective and action work, as revealed through text analysis. Actors move away from indicating and mood acting as they become more focused on the given circumstances and behaviors defined by the playwright. The plays of writers like Tennesee Williams & Arthur Miller offer complex and specific information for actors in the development of advanced technique. Harold Clurman and The Group Theatre will be studied as the context for the development of the American Acting Approach. 

 

Chekhov, Ibsen & Strindberg  

The 2nd course covers Classical European Realism. Typically Chekhov is the foundation for actor training in many conservatories and graduate schools. He created a revolutionary style of writing and performance in theater of his time, which we now call "realism." His director was Stanislavski and the work of The Group Theatre and the early Actor's Studio was deeply influenced by the collaboration between Chekhov and Stanislavski. His plays are complex, yet simple, and never easy; his characters profound and challenging for actors at any time in their lives or careers. Chekhov is a writer who should be revisted over and over by anyone studying professional acting and technique. Ibsen and Strindberg were contemporaries of Chekhov's and offer actors challenging character, behavior, and content. 

 

Acting Shakespeare

Finally, the 3rd course is Shakespeare. This is the most advanced of all 3 classes as it requires a study not only of character and psychology in Shakespeare's plays, but more importantly, how to act his poetic and heightened language. Rules of scansion, structure of language, grammar, metaphor, and image will be a focus of the class and will move actors into a deeper understanding of style. After the study of sonnets, actors will work on Shakespearean soliloquy and then move on to partnered scene work from all of the Shakespeare canon. 

 

Winter/Spring Curriculum

 For the Winter & Spring, students may select any 3 courses from our winter/spring class offerings, including Archetypal Acting, Irish Theatre, American & British Comedy or Acting Music. 
 

 

Dates

Our Summer/Fall Class Cycle begins August 31st and runs through December 13th. 

Our Winter/Spring Class Cycle begins January 11th and runs through May 29th

 

Times 

Young Conservatory (Ages 12-21)

Tuesdays 6-9pm & Saturday 9am-12p

Adult Professional 

Mondays & Wednesdays 6-9pm

Adults may choose to attend Young Conservatory classes &

Young Conservatory students may attend Adult Professional classes.

Each course culminates in an open rehearsal performance taking place on Sunday after the last day of class.

 

Tuition

$1000 for 3 Courses / 120 Hours of class time

(Students save $200 on standard course fees for classes purchased individually)