6 BOOKS EVERY ACTOR SHOULD HAVE

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1. "Audition" by Michael Shurtleff

I consider this book to be the “bible” for aspiring actors. If you are just beginning your acting career, this is a great place to start! It covers everything you need to know to get the part. Mr. Shurteff’s twelve infamous guideposts have influenced my own work in developing my simple technique to help actors learn how to direct themselves. From relationships to finding the love and humor in the scene, Shurtelff’s steps will help you nail your audition every time.

2. "Meisner on Acting" by Sanford Meisner

Meisner or Method? That is the question. Well, it may not really be an either/or. It’s often insightful to know both. Although I did not train with Sanford Meisner, I was fortunate enough to study with many teachers, including Wynn Handman, who were Meisner disciples. In this gem, Meisner gives it to you straight on how to live truthfully in the moment under imaginary circumstances. Your library is not complete without this one.

3. "Respect for Acting" by Uta Hagen

Simple and straightforward, Uta Hagen’s profound book has helped generations of actors hone their craft. She introduces series of exercises to help the actor connect to the moment, fellow actors, and the audience. “Who am I?” “What do I want?” and “What is my relationship?” are three of the nine questions explored to define your character’s role specifically. Hagen also includes invaluable advice about stage nerves and how to stay fresh in a long run.

4. "An Actor Prepares" by Constantin Stanislavsky

Funny at times, this book takes the actor through Stanislavsky’s self-developed "system" which helps the actor to master his craft as well as stimulate creativity and imagination. Now referred to as "method acting," "An Actor Prepares" includes a variety of exercises and some autobiographical experiences that focus on relaxation, concentration, and techniques that will help get the actor into character. Emotional memory and the “magic if” explored in his book laid the groundwork for much of the great acting today.

5. "Improvisation for the Theatre" by Viola Spolin

Considered the mother of improvisation, Viola Spolin developed a series of acting exercises and theater games to free the actor’s creativity, allowing play beyond the scene. Many modern improv groups such as Second City utilize Spolin’s techniques. If you want to learn truthful acting and how to be “in the moment,’’ add this to your library to make it complete.

6. "Actions: The Actor's' Thesaurus" by Marina Calderone

Acting means TO DO. Thousands of action words are alphabetized and categorized to help you find what you are doing in every beat. This book will help you play specific actions and get away from making general choices.

Master your craft, Empower yourself and Enjoy the journey.

Friday/Saturday/Sunday January 11-13, 2013 $350

Weekend Acting Boot Camp is designed for the beginner who want intensive training over a short period of time or the rusty actor who needs to get back on top of their game. Boot Camp will give you a strong foundation in acting techniques as well as a firm grasp of the nuts and bolts of scene work and audition skills.

Your Boot Camp will consist of no more than eight students who will discover together that acting is probably the most challenging and thrilling thing they have ever done. You will learn that if indeed this is for you and you stick with it, you will not only acquire a skill, but you will do something quite extraordinary with your life.

SATURDAY, January 13, 2013 1:00PM-8:00PM $175

Sundays, beginning January 20, 2013 2:30pm - 4:30pm $250

Here is your chance to see yourself on the big screen! An intensive on-camera workshop to prepare the teen actor for working on a film or television set. Students will concentrate on the development of acting skills through working on an Original TV show based on shows like I CARLY and THE WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE. Our script will allow each student to be cast in a substantial role.

This class will guide the student, step by step, from the audition process, through preparation and rehearsal to actually filming on a set and on location. In addition, students will also learn industry etiquette and terminology.

This class will also create a clip for their demo reel.

Students, friends and family members are invited to attend the WRAP PARTY and SCREENING of the show at the Gateway Film Center. Students will receive a DVD of their show.

WEDNESDAYS, BEGINNING January 16, 2013 7:00PM-9:30PM. $200

MONDAYS, BEGINNING January 21, 2013 7:00PM-9:30PM. $250

An intensive workshop to prepare the actor for working on a film or television set and to produce a clip for their demo reel. Students will concentrate on the development of acting skills through working on a film based on 12 ANGRY MEN, a 1957 film directed by Sidney Lumet. Our modern adaptation of this film will allow each student to be cast in a substantial role.

This class will guide the student, step by step, from the audition process, through preparation and rehearsal to actually filming on a set. In addition, students will also learn industry etiquette and terminology. We will be shooting with two cameras and a film crew to produce a product worthy for the actors' demo reels.

Students, friends and family members are invited to attend the WRAP PARTY and SCREENING of the film at the GATEWAY FILM CENTER. Students will receive a DVD of the film and a individual clip for their demo reels.

The film will also be screened for regional Casting Directors, Agents and Filmmakers.

TUESDAYS, BEGINNING January 22, 2013 7:00PM-9:30PM. $200

Whether you're an acting enthusiast who is ready to jump into the action or a professional looking to liven up their next performance or audition, this is the right course for you! It's a Scene Study class with a difference. Everyone in class works on scenes from the same author. The plays (or screenplays) are chosen for their complexity, challenge, depth, and for containing the great roles that actors dream of playing.

Each student will also have the chance to work on two monologues during this eight-week workshop. We will help you choose the best material to showcase your talents or you may work on material already in your repertoire.