THE ACTOR / SINGER:  A Master Class with Judy Kuhn

This is a class for the singing actor that focuses on song interpretation and vocal performance.  Students work individually on material of their choice with Tony Award Nominee Judy Kuhn each class, as well as participate in group exercises.  Students who take the class should come ready to play, feel free to experiment with material and take risks.  Although this is not a vocal technique class, Judy will address individual technical concerns and make suggestions about how to approach working on them.

January 30 & February 2

2:30 - 5:30 pm

$350

LIMITED CLASS SIZE

Headshot/Resume submission required for consideration.

SHAKESPEARE’S HEIGHTENED LANGUAGE

with Patsy Rodenburg

February  2012

Do not miss this opportunity to explore Shakespeare’s text with the Head of the Voice Department at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.  See why Dame Judi Dench claims “The best thing you could possibly have is a class with Patsy.”  

Patsy teaches exclusively at Michael Howard Studios in New York City.

“Patsy’s guidance and the clarity and directness of her approach have been invaluable to me.”

Ralph Fiennes

“Patsy Rodenburg wants to free your voice so that you can express yourself fully and honestly.”

Sir Ian McKellan

“I am an enormous fan of her work. What is wonderful about her is the directness and clarity of her teaching and her enthusiasm.”

Dame Judi Dench

“She gives you a wondrously simple way of releasing the voice and body - which also becomes a way of life.”

Anna Massey

Actors must have participated in past Levels 1 & 2 in order to enroll in Level 3 or by approval by Patsy Rodenburg 

We believe taking all three intensives in sequence will heighten the work and create the most artistically fulfilling experience for the actor.  Those actors who enroll in all 3 workshops will be given a 10% discount.  A 50% deposit is REQUIRED upon signing up; the rest is due in full one month before class begins.  There are absolutely NO refunds or credits.  Patsy travels from London and only takes a limited number of actors.

To apply, please email us your headshot and resume.

SCENE STUDY WORKSHOP

with Olympia Dukakis

Award® Winner Olympia Dukakis will share her wisdom and passion in this three-day intensive.  The class will include monologue work and scene study.

ACCENT REDUCTION

with David Wells

Do you lose parts because of your accent?  This innovative class combines group instruction and individual drill to develop a neutral “General American” accent.  Suitable for foreign actors who want to work in America and for American actors who want to increase their castability.  This class mixes group work with one-on-one sessions.

5 One-on-One sessions

including: 1 hour diagnostic session with written feedback

$500

ACTING FOR FILM & TELEVISION with Gabrielle Berberich

ALL NEW FORMAT

From learning what works best at a taped audition, to the language and dynamics of a film set, to establishing trust with a director and understanding the actor’s part in the production process, this class will give you an insider’s perspective on both the creative technique and the practical necessities of working in film and television.  The course will also feature several visits from guest professionals from all areas of the industry, including casting and production.  Berberich is a casting director, writer, and producer for film and television, as well as the owner of Michael Howard Studios.

Headshot/Resume Submission Required for Consideration.

Click here to learn more about Gabrielle’s film Greetings From The Shore,

currently in international release

March 8 - 11

Thursday - Friday; 7:00 - 10:00pm

Saturday & Sunday; 12:00 - 5:00pm

$595

VOCAL PRODUCTION:

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

with David Wells

Learn the principles of effective voice use in this eight-week introduction of vocal development.  Celebrated teacher/coach David Wells introduces you to the underlying causes of vocal difficulties and shows you how the simple, diligent practice of an organized set of exercises can put you on the road to the voice you deserve.  You will discover the depth and individuality of your own voice and celebrate its unique contribution to the art of theater, film, and television.

SCENE STUDY INTENSIVE

with Joan Darling

Emmy Award® Winner Joan Darling shares her wisdom and passion in this three-day intensive.  The class will include monologue work and scene study.

FUNDAMENTALS OF ACTING 

with Naomi Thornton

This course is a perfect introduction to the studio for those new to the craft or those wanting to revive long-dormant skills.  Through exercises and improvisations, this workshop will inspire the actor to make inventive and dynamic choices when preparing for an audition or creating a role in theatre, film and television.  Emphasis is on the fundamentals of relaxation, concentration, and imagination towards the exploration of a career in stage, film, and television.

Mondays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM

January 30 - April 2

(10 Sessions)

$575.00

KINETIC ANIMAL IMAGERY

with Polina Klimovitskaya

Animals, animals, animals.  They will lead the actor to the most natural birth of a dramatic character.  Through “animal work” the actor’s innate nature is awakened and stimulated toward harmonious transformation into another being.  Eventually each “animal” will find its human equivalent and transform into a dramatic character of the student’s choice (chosen from a play or short story).  There will be a final presentation of each student’s work held in front of an invited audience.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

for ACTORS

with Daniel Singer

Dynamic, Clear, Self-Empowering Group Classes.  Appropriate for Beginning and Advanced Actors with senior educator of the Alexander Technique, Daniel Singer.

Drop-In Format - Flexible Scheduling

5:30 - 6:30pm

Drop in rate $35 per class

4 classes for $120

Click Here for Radio Interview with Daniel Singer

ADVANCED VOCAL PRODUCTION:

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

with David Wells

Practice, Practice, Practice.  Level Two provides a “woodshed” for actors to work on their material using the principles of good vocal production.

Each session includes a warm up, then leads to in-depth investigation of the methods of vocal expression introduced in Level One.  Through individual exercises, actors will explore advanced vocal production in challenging texts and situations.  Auditions, classical texts, scene-work, rehearsal techniques, and personal voice issues will be addressed in a supportive format that encourages each artist to take risks and grow.

*Prerequisite is Vocal Production or other pre-approved voice training.

THE ART OF FILM

with Alister Sanderson

In 6 sessions, you will increase your awareness of how acting in film is inter-related with camera-work,sound-work, editing, lighting, sets and locations, props, costume and make-up, digital effects, and with narrative and non-narrative material.  This class invites you to think about how an actor in the present can draw on and contribute to the 120 year tradition of cinematic performance, and how the art of film shapes the way we live our lives.

You will screen one feature film in its entirety but in parts along with short films and sequences and will explore how a Hollywood-style does its work.

THE COMEDIC CHARACTER

with Andrew Shaifer

Veteran comic performer Andrew Shaifer returns to MHS offering an 8-week workshop in contemporary comedic skills for stage, film, and television.  From stand-up to sitcom to sketch comedy to solo performance, this workshop will offer a variety of lively exercises that will enhance your ability to use comedy in live performance, during auditions, and on the set.  A perfect offering for any actor interested in creating and performing his own comedic work by writing one’s own material, telling personal stories, and collaborating with other class members on sketches.

This workshop culminates in a final group performance at Michael Howard Studios.

Andrew Shaifer is his own man.  No one can do what Shaif does.

                    Adam Sandler

February 11 & 12

11:00am - 7:00pm

$400

INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF VOICEOVERS

An Intensive with Steven Friedman

Join veteran v

oiceover artist Steven Friedman for a comprehensive introduction to the vast world of voiceovers.  Actors will have the opportunity to analyze copy, identify their style and niche, learn mic technique, perform cold readings, gain information on developing a demo, and gain valuable business and marketing advice.  Actors will have the opportunity to go through rigorous “mock auditions”, covering everything from initial reads to callbacks.

Steven Friedman has recorded thousands of network & cable TV, radio, promotional and industrial spots, as well as long-form narration (for countless A&E Biography series), and animation spots. His many clients include Budweiser, McDonald’s, Head and Shoulders, Apple, Buick, IBM, T-Mobile, Maxwell House, and countless others. From 1993 to 1999, he was the corporate national spokesman for Symantec. Some of his theater, film, and television credits include Beau Jeste, The Heidi Chronicles, The Next Karate Kid, Random Hearts, Law & Order, and MTV’s You Wrote It You Watch It. Steven has also studied with Michael Howard for many years.

ACTING IN THE SHORT FILM:

A Ten Day Immersion for Actors looking to break into the film and television market

with Christophe Averlan

For 10 days, actors will experience every essential aspect of acting on film using state of the art equipment.  Beginning with a casting day led by Gabrielle Berberich, actors will record their screen tests and gain valuable feedback on their audition technique.  Actors will then move into on-camera monologue work, culminating with a 5 day film shoot, written for the actors and shot on set.  Leading this workshop is French film director and playwright, Christophe Averlan, whose work has been seen in dozens of European film festivals.

Each actor will receive a copy of the professionally shot, fully edited short film, and Michael Howard Studios will host a film screening for the actors and invited guests.

If interested, please email your headshot/resume for consideration. 

More Details, including videos and samples of Christophe Averlan’s work can be found here.

To learn more about Christophe Averlan, click here

10 days; 10:00am - 6:00pm daily

$1,600

MEDITATION FOR ACTORS 

with Parlan McGaw

In an NEW 6-week design, you’ll learn a variety of simple yet potent techniques that will help you access and release your creative energy, ride the ups and downs of the acting business, and audition and perform with confidence.  Whether you have years of experience or are new to mediation -- or even if you’ve thought you “can’t meditate” -- this class is for you.  Parlan’s straightforward teaching makes meditation accessible and he directly relates it to the work of actors.

But Meditation for Actors is more than simply a meditation class. You’ll be on our feet doing exercises designed specifically for actors, to develop presence, train sense perceptions, heighten spatial awareness, and work with fear and resistance.  You’ll come away with: stronger focus, concentration and presence, greater sense of freedom and spontaneity and a dynamic tool for connecting deeply with every character you play, 

“Parlan McGaw’s leadership in meditation practice is extraordinarily useful in strengthening core elements of the actor’s craft:  concentration, awareness, and relaxation.” -        Michael Howard

MONOLOGUES with Jacqueline Brogan

Develop audition material that shows you off at your best!!  Get a competitive advantage, while deepening your understanding of yourself and your acting process.  Students will spend time learning about their choices and honing their material to perfection.

A 50% deposit is due upon registration.  For Patsy’s and Caryn’s workshops, balance must be collected one month prior to class.  For all other workshops, balance must be collected two weeks prior to class.  All deposits are non-refundable, non transferable.

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