Classes
All winter classes are now open for registration. To receive priority notification about new class registrations and school events, please join our email list and select "School—Adult Classes" or "School—Youth/Teen Classes" under interests.
Looking for Berkeley Rep summer camps?
Q: I want to register for a class, but have a conflict for one or two dates. Is that an issue?
A: Not at all! While we encourage students to miss as few classes as possible, if you know of your absence ahead of time, let our teaching artist or School staff know and they’ll be happy to work with you to catch you up once you’re back. Please note that Berkeley Rep does not offer pro-rated tuition based on missed classes.
Q: The dates for this quarter’s classes don’t work for me — will you offer the same classes next quarter?
A: While certain classes (Beginning through Advanced Acting and Improv) are offered every quarter, we cannot guarantee the same class or the same instructor for every quarter. Class dates, times, subjects, and teaching artists are subject to change each quarter.
Q: Is the price listed online for the whole session, or per individual class date?
A: The price listed on our website is for the entire class session (i.e. for an 8-week class at $340, the $340 tuition covers all 8 weeks).
Q: Do I have to take Beginning Acting Session 1 before taking Session 2? What’s the difference?
A: There is no difference between our two sessions of Beginning Acting, and they are not connected in any way. Both sessions cover the same curriculum; the only difference is the time and day of the week. By offering two sessions at different times, we hope to make this class as accessible as possible in accordance with demand.
Q: Do School of Theatre classes count toward academic credits?
A: No, the School of Theatre does not offer certification or transferable academic credits.
Youth and teen classes will be held in-person at the School of Theatre located at 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley. Class protocol and further information will be emailed to students the day before the class begins. Please note that class registration will close one hour prior to the start of class.
SAT 10–11am · 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22 (final presentation) · $220
Bring your favorite stories to life! In this class, students will become part of an acting and improv ensemble, and create a performance piece based on popular children’s books. We'll explore the process of bringing stories to life through movement, dialogue, music, improvisation, and character work. This class will conclude with a final performance for family and friends. May be repeated.
Instructor: Erolina Kamburova (she/her) is a multidisciplinary designer, performer, director, and teaching artist based in the East Bay Area. She currently works as an outreach teacher with Berkeley Rep’s School of Theatre and as a director at Contra Costa Civic Theatre, working with students from TK through 12th grade. Erolina is passionate about forstering inclusive and imaginative spaces where children can express themselves and grow. With a BA in Design and a BA in Theatre & Dance from UC Davis, she combines technical expertise, artistic vision, and a love for storytelling to nurture creativity and collaboration with young minds. Having grown up attending Berkeley Rep’s School of Theatre, Erolina feels deeply honored to return as a teaching artist.
SAT 10–11am · 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29 · $220
What kind of adventure awaits on the open seas? In this play creation class, you can be a captain of a fierce pirate crew, a swashbuckling foe, or even a wise creature of the deep! You'll construct a story map with your imagination: Mermaid Lagoon, Dino Dunes, or maybe even a Treasure Island! All things are possible with the wind in our sails. With the help of Berkeley Rep teaching artists, students will create their own characters, costumes, set pieces, and props, and together we will create a short play to share with friends and family on the final day of class.
Instructor: Bri Reads (she/they) is a kid-centric creative originally from Phoenix and is overjoyed to join the Berkeley Rep teaching team! Bri has a background in teaching preschool internationally in both Vietnam and Japan. She discovered a love of the performing arts while in Tokyo and started her YouTube channel, Bri Reads, in 2018 which now has over 500k subscribers and 250 million channel views. Bri makes her own costumes, props, animations, and music to create content for kids that promotes literacy and artistry. Outside of YouTube, Bri is a TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) enthusiast. Credits include Piggie in Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!" and Dino in the National Tour of Llama Llama Red Pajama Live (Bay Area Children’s Theatre), Snoopy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Foothill Theatre), Tinker in Tinker’s Toy Factory (California’s Great America), Hen in Click, Clack, Moo! and Puppeteer in The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (Palo Alto Children’s Theatre).
FRI 1/24, 4:30–6:30pm and SAT 1/25, 2–4pm · $130
The workshop will function as a series of on-camera auditions and replicate the dynamics of a real audition. Each student will be sent sides in advance that they will prepare and “audition” with in class. Matt will act as both casting director and coach giving actors direction/ adjustments as well as coaching them in all areas, including script analysis, personalization, character development, and on-camera technique. This immersive learning experience provides actors with practical experience as well as expert guidance, so they will leave with increased confidence and readiness to excel in on-camera auditions and callbacks. Prior to jumping in to the “auditions” the class will begin with a vocal and physical relaxation warm-up, and some general instruction in on- camera technique. Join us for some serious fun developing your craft in a supportive, collaborative environment!
Instructor: Matthew Lawler has thrived as an actor for over 25 years, having performed on Broadway, Off- Broadway, extensively in tv/film, and in commercials and voice-overs. Talkhouse magazine recently recognized Matt as a “superb New York character actor.” Matt has also produced and directed several plays and led two non-profit professional theater companies. He has a BA from The College of the Holy Cross and an MFA from the American Conservatory Theater. He has also studied with various people including Bob Krakower, the Strasberg Institute, The Barrow Group, and The Actors Studio. That, along with his many years in the biz working with great artists like Ethan Hawke, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joan Allen, has informed his teaching. Over the last 15 +years, Matt has helped actors get work, receive acclaim, and develop their passion and craft. Since his daughter Matilda began working in the business 4 years ago, Matt has worked mainly with young professional actors.
TUE 4:30–6pm · 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4 · $180
Step into a world of imagination and adventure in this class where you’ll learn the basics of acting and storytelling through D&D! Together we’ll create original characters, invent backstories, and explore what makes them unique as we play through an epic D&D-inspired campaign. Through fun games and creative exercises, you’ll develop acting skills, build confidence, and learn how to bring your character to life with expression and movement. No experience with D&D, acting, or improv is needed—just bring your creativity and excitement to join the adventure!
Instructor: Baily Hopkins has been acting on-camera for over fifteen years in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, and has a degree in Theatre from UC, San Diego. She's worked with director Joe Robert Cole, Academy Award-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, Academy Award-winning director Paul Thomas Anderson ), Academy Award-winning director Barry Jenkins , and Emmy award-winning choreographer Mandy Moore, among many other leaders in the industry. Commercially, she’s had principal roles in campaigns for over 60 nationally recognized companies including Comcast, Toyota, Rocket Mortgage, Uber, NerdWallet, Roku, Credit Karma, and Visa.
When not in front of the camera, Baily can be found as a Casting Associate at Nancy Hayes Casting in San Francisco. She's also helped cast national SAG and non-union commercials with Kristen Beck, Gregg Cohen, Kristen Armstrong, and Cathi Carlton, so she has her finger on the pulse of what TV and commercial directors are looking for. Going back to her roots in the theater, she's had the opportunity to perform with The Shotgun Players, New Conservatory Theatre Center, We Players, The Speakeasy SF, UCSD/La Jolla Playhouse, Killing My Lobster, Contra Costa Civic Theatre, and Masquer’s Playhouse. Baily is on faculty with American Conservatory Theater.
TUE 4:30–6pm · 1/28, 2/4, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11 (no class 2/11) · $180
Calling all actors, DND players, comedians, and storytellers! Join us as we explore the exciting art of bringing characters to life on stage. This class will introduce students to the fundamental tools of acting including vocal projection, body language, and portraying truthful relationships. Through improvisation games, full-group activities, and small group scene work, we'll investigate how to bring stories to life from first read to final performance.
Come join a supportive group of students as we harness our creativity, embrace spontaneity, and speak confidently on stage!
Instructor: Elizabeth (Liz) Woolford (she/her) is a director, teaching artist, and immersive theatre-maker from the D.C. area. She has spent the past two years working with the School of Theatre, including as the Interim Curriculum & Educational Programs Manager where she taught theatre to TK-12th grade students and helped lead Berkeley Rep’s Teen Council cohort. Liz is currently the Theatre Director at Mid-Peninsula High School and is pursuing coursework to become a Trauma Informed Educational Specialist. Her passion lies in teaching folks of all ages how to imagine wildly, tell meaningful stories, cultivate empathy, and engage in serious tomfoolery. She is a graduate of Wesleyan University in CT.
WED 4:30–6pm · 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5 · $180
Expand your imagination through improvisation! As an ensemble, students explore technique, theory, games, and tricks that help them open up to the kind of spontaneity that breeds better comedic timing on stage, stronger reactions in rehearsals, laughter at parties, and a lot more fun at family functions. All levels welcome. Returning students will be challenged with more advanced exercises.
Instructor: Hans Probst has been teaching acting and improv to young actors for the past year at Berkeley Rep. He has been acting since middle school. He attended a Summer Camp production of Guys and Dolls and immediately fell in love with the theatre. While attending San Francisco State University’s Theatre Arts program, he directed with Tri-Valley Young Performer’s Academy. Hans led the Kinderdrama Program and the Center Stage Players Program with TVYPA. The Kinderdrama program, a class designed for very young actors ages 4-6, would teach the basics of stage performance using children’s books as inspiration. The Center Stage Players was a company of 20-25 young actors from ages 7 and up that performed a variety of plays such as Fools, Metamorphosis, and A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream. Teaching children the art of theatre is a passion he holds dearly!
TUE 4:30–6pm · 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4 · $180
Tell your story and curate your artistic voice through filmmaking! We will begin by exploring film as an expressive art form and how artistic vision is anchored in each filmmaker’s unique point of view. Students will concentrate on developing their visual storytelling and critical thinking skills through a series of exercises as well as short film and feature length scene viewings towards that end. Other elements the course will cover, are collaborating between filmmakers and actors, blocking and camera placement, generation of ideas, pitches and loglines, and scripts. Students will have an opportunity to make short, five minute films together in the final classes and potentially screen these for family and friends.
Instructor: Samuel Tomfohr is a filmmaker and actor who holds a BA in Film from UC Berkeley and an MFA in Film Directing from Columbia University. He is also a former Fulbright Scholarship recipient in filmmaking to Brazil. His past short films have screened in film festivals throughout the US. He has taught courses and workshops in screenwriting and filmmaking in New York and Brazil. More recently Sam has been acting in Bay Area theatre and short films. Sam loves the collaborative nature of film and continues to write scripts and stories for future work. He lives in Oakland.
WED 4:30–6pm · 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5 · $180
Students will explore the tools of the actor through monologue and scene work by analyzing scripts and performing for one another. This is an opportunity for students to gain valuable rehearsal and stage experience with feedback on their work, improve stage presence and confidence as a performer, and sharpen their text analysis!
Instructor: Pamela Rickard is an international theatre director, teacher, actress and private acting coach. Over her 40-year career, she has directed more than 150 classical and contemporary plays, musicals, and original shows throughout France, England and the US. Pamela has been a resident director and teacher at American Conservatory Theatre since 1994 and a lecturer in theatre history and contemporary productions for the San Francisco Arts and Humanities Elderhostel program. She was the head of the theatre department at Convent of the Sacred Heart/Stuart Hall high school for 12 years and has run the theatre program at the Katherine Delmar Burke School since 1990. She has taught Grotowski-based theatre workshops at Stanford University since 2016.
As a private acting coach, Pamela has prepared students for high school, college, advanced degree and professional auditions. She is committed to meeting each student where they are and giving them the support they need to develop confidence, imagination and trust. Pamela’s students have been accepted into Carnegie Mellon/Juilliard/ UCLA/USC/NYU/Emerson and other highly respected theatre programs. Pamela received a Conservatory Degree from the Stella Adler Theatre Conservatory in NY, Master’s Degree in Theatre Arts from SFSU, and BA in Dramatic History and Literature from UC Berkeley where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude.
TUE 4:30–6pm · 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4 · $180
Expand your imagination through improvisation! As an ensemble, students explore technique, theory, games, and tricks that help them open up to the kind of spontaneity that breeds better comedic timing on stage, stronger reactions in rehearsals, laughter at parties, and a lot more fun at family functions. All levels welcome. Returning students will be challenged with more advanced exercises.
Instructor: Hans Probst has been teaching acting and improv to young actors for the past year at Berkeley Rep. He has been acting since middle school. He attended a Summer Camp production of Guys and Dolls and immediately fell in love with the theatre. While attending San Francisco State University’s Theatre Arts program, he directed with Tri-Valley Young Performer’s Academy. Hans led the Kinderdrama Program and the Center Stage Players Program with TVYPA. The Kinderdrama program, a class designed for very young actors ages 4-6, would teach the basics of stage performance using children’s books as inspiration. The Center Stage Players was a company of 20-25 young actors from ages 7 and up that performed a variety of plays such as Fools, Metamorphosis, and A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream. Teaching children the art of theatre is a passion he holds dearly!
FRI 1/31, 4:30–6:30pm and SAT 2/1, 2–4pm · $130
The workshop will function as a series of on-camera auditions and replicate the dynamics of a real audition. Each student will be sent sides in advance that they will prepare and “audition” with in class. Matt will act as both casting director and coach giving actors direction/ adjustments as well as coaching them in all areas, including script analysis, personalization, character development, and on-camera technique. This immersive learning experience provides actors with practical experience as well as expert guidance, so they will leave with increased confidence and readiness to excel in on-camera auditions and callbacks. Prior to jumping in to the “auditions” the class will begin with a vocal and physical relaxation warm-up, and some general instruction in on- camera technique. Join us for some serious fun developing your craft in a supportive, collaborative environment!
Instructor: Matthew Lawler has thrived as an actor for over 25 years, having performed on Broadway, Off- Broadway, extensively in tv/film, and in commercials and voice-overs. Talkhouse magazine recently recognized Matt as a “superb New York character actor.” Matt has also produced and directed several plays and led two non-profit professional theater companies. He has a BA from The College of the Holy Cross and an MFA from the American Conservatory Theater. He has also studied with various people including Bob Krakower, the Strasberg Institute, The Barrow Group, and The Actors Studio. That, along with his many years in the biz working with great artists like Ethan Hawke, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joan Allen, has informed his teaching. Over the last 15 +years, Matt has helped actors get work, receive acclaim, and develop their passion and craft. Since his daughter Matilda began working in the business 4 years ago, Matt has worked mainly with young professional actors.
Special offer
Register your student for two or more youth/teen classes and save 10% with our multi-class discount! Simply add both classes to your cart and your discount will automatically apply. Note: this discount cannot be mixed and matched with adult classes.
The following classes are not eligible for multi-class discount: Play Creation Adventures; On-Camera Audition Workshops.
Financial aid for youth and teen classes
Our financial situation, like many art organizations, has dramatically shifted. We will still be able to offer a limited number of partial financial aid scholarships for students enrolling in our youth and teen classes.
Families applying for financial aid must complete our application form first, before submitting a $25 deposit per student at the time of registration. This amount secures the student’s place in the program while their financial aid application is under consideration.
Complete our application form or email school@berkeleyrep.org.
Classes will be held in-person at the School of Theatre located at 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley. Class protocol and further information will be emailed to students the day before the class begins. Please note that class registration will close one hour prior to the start of class.
FRI 7–10pm, SAT & SUN 11am–5pm with lunch break · 1/3, 1/4, 1/5 · $330 Full · $150 Audit
This retreat is a unique blend of spiritual retreat and acting workshop.
The time following New Year’s offers the perfect opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and envision a wonderful year to come. This retreat is intended to help you achieve all three. Mornings are devoted to voice and movement techniques that cultivate embodied presence. In the afternoons we apply ourselves to scene work, and we finish each day envisioning and setting specific goals for the coming year. You will deepen your technique, nurture your creative spirit, and envision your 2025 artistic goals. You will leave with enough inspiration, warmth, and wisdom to last for months.
Note: Due to the holiday season, the class is designed to be a self-contained experience, so pre-class prep and rehearsal is encouraged but optional. There will be one thirty minute lunch break.
Auditors may watch all the work and participate in all exercises, but will not be assigned a scene to present.
Instructor: James Wagner is a Los Angeles-based actor who has taught acting workshops in the Bay Area for over 10 years. As a teacher, he values a mastery of technique, explores a holistic approach, and particularly likes intensive psycho-physical and spiritual approaches. James sees creativity as a sacred process and tries to support each student’s unique voice and process. He is an MFA graduate of American Conservatory Theater and completed a PhD at the California Institute of Integral Studies, exploring spiritual experiences on stage.
SOLD OUT— Please email school@berkeleyrep.org to get on the waitlist.
WED 7–9:30pm · 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12 · $355
This course explores the art of acting in a playful, encouraging, collaborative atmosphere, and offers a dynamic and engaging introduction to the craft of acting. Develop a basic understanding of acting fundamentals through Stanislavski-based practice. Using exercises and scene work, this class introduces students to the elements of dramatic action, text analysis, and character development, as well as the tools for releasing inhibitions and expanding vocal and physical range.
No experience necessary. May be repeated.
Instructor: Pamela Rickard is an international theatre director, teacher, actress and private acting coach. Over her 40-year career, she has directed more than 150 classical and contemporary plays, musicals, and original shows throughout France, England and the US. Pamela has been a resident director and teacher at American Conservatory Theatre since 1994 and a lecturer in theatre history and contemporary productions for the San Francisco Arts and Humanities Elderhostel program. She was the head of the theatre department at Convent of the Sacred Heart/Stuart Hall high school for 12 years and has run the theatre program at the Katherine Delmar Burke School since 1990. She has taught Grotowski-based theatre workshops at Stanford University since 2016.
As a private acting coach, Pamela has prepared students for high school, college, advanced degree and professional auditions. She is committed to meeting each student where they are and giving them the support they need to develop confidence, imagination and trust. Pamela’s students have been accepted into Carnegie Mellon/Juilliard/ UCLA/USC/NYU/Emerson and other highly respected theatre programs. Pamela received a Conservatory Degree from the Stella Adler Theatre Conservatory in NY, Master’s Degree in Theatre Arts from SFSU, and BA in Dramatic History and Literature from UC Berkeley where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude.
SOLD OUT— Please email school@berkeleyrep.org to get on the waitlist.
SAT 11am–1:30pm · 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 · $355
This course explores the art of acting in a playful, encouraging, collaborative atmosphere, and offers a dynamic and engaging introduction to the craft of acting. Develop a basic understanding of acting fundamentals through Stanislavski-based practice. Using exercises and scene work, this class introduces students to the elements of dramatic action, text analysis, and character development, as well as the tools for releasing inhibitions and expanding vocal and physical range.
No experience necessary. May be repeated.
Instructor: Bobby August, Jr. is an actor, improviser, and teacher. Bobby is also a recipient of the prestigious NBC Bob Curry fellowship at Second City. His group just finished an extended run of completely sold-out performances at Second City Hollywood. He earned an MFA in Acting from the University of California, Davis. Some of his favorite past performances include portraying Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, Howie in Rabbit Hole, Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew, and The Player in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Bobby also devises physical theatre pieces with long-time collaborator Iu-Hui Chua. They created and performed Crawl and Ligilo at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. In addition, Bobby is the owner and director of the award-winning Made Up Theatre (MUT) in Fremont, California. His theatre specializes in presenting completely improvised plays. He has performed with MUT at improv festivals throughout the country—most recently winning Best Improv Group at the Sacramento Comedy Festival. His improv education includes training at the world-famous Second City and Annoyance Theatre in Chicago.
TUE 7–9:30pm · 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11 · $355
Delving into character development and scene study, students will continue to cultivate fundamental acting skills while exploring new approaches to physicality and vocality. Emphasis is placed on pursuing actions and intentions alongside active listening and responding truthfully and spontaneously to scene partners.
Instructor: Marvin Greene is a professional actor and has performed with major regional theatres such as ACT, Aurora Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Company, Westport Country Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre, and San Jose Rep. Marvin served as an instructor at ACT for over a decade and also teaches at the Academy of Art College and Voice One in San Francisco. Marvin has taught at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre since 2003.
MON 7–10pm · 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10 (no class 2/17) · $290
Building upon skills and tools learned in Beginning Acting, students will have the opportunity to delve deeper into character development and scene study while exploring new approaches to physicality and vocality. Special emphasis is placed on encouraging students to make dramatically effective choices by playing provocative actions, discovering the event within the scene, and finding creative obstacles.
Prerequisite: Prior acting experience or previous acting classes at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre or another reputable theatre studio that stressed the fundamentals of text analysis, beat breakdown, and character objectives. May be repeated.
Instructor: Jennifer Le Blanc is an actor, director, playwright/adaptor, and teaching artist. Jennifer has acted regionally and internationally. Her plays and adaptations have been produced in the U.S. and Canada. Jennifer has taught for Perspective Theatre Company’s and Livermore Shakespeare Festival’s education programs, taught workshops at Cerimon House, and coached style and movement for productions at several local companies. Jennifer has an MFA from the National Theatre Conservatory and a BA in English Literature from UC Berkeley.
MON 7–10pm · 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24 (no class 1/20, 2/17) · $290
Advanced Acting is an intensive scene study course for students with previous acting training and/or experience. The class focuses on solidifying technique, deepening internal connection, and strengthening textual analysis skills. Scenes will be drawn from Anton Chekhov's works, and students should expect to spend substantial rehearsal time outside of class.
Instructor: Jonathan Moscone is thrilled to be returning to the Berkeley Rep School of Theater. Most recently, he served as the Executive Director of the California Arts Council and for 7 years as Chief Producer of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. As Artistic Director of California Shakespeare Theater from 2000-2015, he received the inaugural Zelda Fichandler Award, given by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation for “transforming the American theater through his unique and creative work.”
Jonathan has directed classics and new work at regional theaters across the country, including: Berkeley Repertory Theater; American Conservatory Theater; Alley Theater; Magic Theater; Campo Santo; Oregon Shakespeare Theater; Huntington Theater; Dallas Theater Center; Milwaukee Repertory Theater; Goodspeed Musicals, among others.
WED 6:30–9:30pm · 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5 · $385
Working with the play Stupid F@cking Bird! by Aaron Posner, a contemporary adaptation of Anton Chekov’s The Seagull, students will spend the seven classes diving deep into a scene from the play, culminating in an evening of scene shares. We begin with a script analysis toolbox and proceed to scene work rehearsals. Working with Posner’s contemporary remix, we’ll examine the original Chekhov to ground us and then leap into the bold and immediate language and situations of Posner’s work. Special emphasis is placed on activating dramatically effective choices by playing provocative actions, discovering the event within the scene, and finding creative obstacles. We will share our work with friends and family during our final class session on March 5.
Prerequisite: Prior acting experience or previous acting classes at Berkeley Rep School of Theatre or another reputable studio that stressed the fundamentals of text analysis, beat breakdown and character objectives.
Instructor: M. Graham Smith is a freelance director, educator and producer. He was raised just outside New York City and has been based in San Francisco since 2004. He served as the producer of Aurora Theater’s new play development program and festival, The Global Age Project, from 2009-2015. Recent directing credits include world premieres of Obie winner Christopher Chen’s Home Invasion, Kevin Rolston’s Deal with the Dragon at Magic Theatre & Edinburgh Fringe, Kait Kerrigan's Father/Daughter at Aurora, west coast premieres of Mia Chung’s You for Me for You at Crowded Fire, and James Ijames’ White at Shotgun. During the pandemic, he directed his first full length film, a hip-hop musical adaptation of As You Like It, produced by American Conservatory Theater, where he has directed MFA students since 2007. Other pandemic projects include the audio cycle of Harrison Rivers’ hold me the forgotten way produced by Tigerbear in collaboration with seven Queer theaters across the country. His most recent world premiere is the new musical, The Mortification of Fovea Munson, which premiered at The Kennedy Center in March. His new project, FDR’s Very Happy Hour is being developed at the Denver Center and is a commission from The Perelman Center in NYC.
SOLD OUT— Please email school@berkeleyrep.org to get on the waitlist.
SAT 10am–12:30pm · 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 · $355
Students will focus on creating character by thoroughly understanding the relationship between the text, situation, and the technical aspects of camera work. When these fundamental tools are genuinely understood and used correctly, only then can actors be free to work to the best of their ability in front of a camera. Areas of study will include script analysis, scene study, and character development, as well as camera technique, set discipline, and set etiquette. All scenes will be rehearsed with direction from the instructor, and copies will be given to students for their reference; please bring a 16GB SD card. A variety of other subjects will also be discussed relating to the business side of show business, including audition technique, agents, union membership, photographs, and websites.
Instructor: Marvin Greene is a professional actor and has performed with major regional theatres such as ACT, Aurora Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Company, Westport Country Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre, and San Jose Rep. Marvin served as an instructor at ACT for over a decade and also teaches at the Academy of Art College and Voice One in San Francisco. Marvin has taught at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre since 2003.
FRI 1/10, 6:30–9pm and SAT 1/11, 11am–1:30pm · $130
The workshop will function as a series of on-camera auditions and replicate the dynamics of a real audition. Each student will be sent sides in advance that they will prepare and “audition” with in class. Matt will act as both casting director and coach giving actors direction/ adjustments as well as coaching them in all areas, including script analysis, personalization, character development, and on-camera technique. This immersive learning experience provides actors with practical experience as well as expert guidance, so they will leave with increased confidence and readiness to excel in on-camera auditions and callbacks. Prior to jumping in to the “auditions” the class will begin with a vocal and physical relaxation warm-up, and some general instruction in on- camera technique. Join us for some serious fun developing your craft in a supportive, collaborative environment!
Instructor: Matthew Lawler has thrived as an actor for over 25 years, having performed on Broadway, Off- Broadway, extensively in tv/film, and in commercials and voice-overs. Talkhouse magazine recently recognized Matt as a “superb New York character actor.” Matt has also produced and directed several plays and led two non-profit professional theater companies. He has a BA from The College of the Holy Cross and an MFA from the American Conservatory Theater. He has also studied with various people including Bob Krakower, the Strasberg Institute, The Barrow Group, and The Actors Studio. That, along with his many years in the biz working with great artists like Ethan Hawke, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joan Allen, has informed his teaching. Over the last 15 +years, Matt has helped actors get work, receive acclaim, and develop their passion and craft. Since his daughter Matilda began working in the business 4 years ago, Matt has worked mainly with young professional actors.
WED 7–9:30pm · 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12 · $355
Discover how to breathe new life into Shakespeare by adapting the original practices of the 16th Century for 21st Century performances. In this class, we'll explore physicality, breath, projection, diction, characterization, and how to combine heightened verse with Stanislavsky techniques. Using techniques developed at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, you will come away from this class with a usable audition monologue and a unique understanding of how to craft a Shakespeare performance for today’s stage. Additionally, students will get a taste of the authentic Elizabethan player experience through the use of onstage music, puzzling “cue scripts,” limited rehearsal time, and lively audience interaction with your fellow classmates!
Instructor: Paul Jennings, a Bay Area native, has performed Shakespeare locally and abroad over the last 40 years. A deep love of history, theatre, and travel has led him to performing in places as diverse as Shakespeare's Globe, London, to the streets of Seoul Korea. Notable credits include: Antipholus of Syracuse in The Comedy of Errors (Pop-up Globe, New Zealand) Macbeth (Berkeley Rep) with Frances McDormand and Conleth Hill, Jerry in Harold Pinter's Betrayal (Pacific Repertory Theatre), Richard III, in Dick 3 (Theatrepub), Judge Danforth, in The Crucible (Custom Made Theatre Co.), Pilate in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, and John Wayne Gacy in Behind the Screams: Killer Clown for the Reelz Network. Paul has trained at A.C.T, CalShakes, Berkeley Rep, and Shakespeare's Globe, London.
WED 7–9:30pm · 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12 · $355
Build a strong portfolio of audition pieces for both film and theater! Monologues are an important tool to help you thrive in the audition process—and they are a tool that many actors overlook. In this class we’ll look at types of monologues and situations that call for different kinds of pieces, examine how to take a monologue apart, rehearse it, and set it on its feet, and discuss the kinds of monologues that every auditioning actor should have in their portfolio. Lastly, we’ll experiment with the difference between using monologues for theater and for film. The etiquette for each type of audition will be discussed and practiced, as well as how to film your own audition for self-submissions.
Instructor: Marvin Greene is a professional actor and has performed with major regional theatres such as ACT, Aurora Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Company, Westport Country Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre, and San Jose Rep. Marvin served as an instructor at ACT for over a decade and also teaches at the Academy of Art College and Voice One in San Francisco. Marvin has taught at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre since 2003.
THU 7–9:30pm · 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 (no class 2/27) · $290
Six days. Six classes. Six tools for your artistic tool kit. Each class with explore a different concepts and exercises from the teachings of Jacques Lecoq. You will begin to see the world around you in a new way whether as an actor, director, writer or deviser of theatre. You will taste test the economy of movement, the elements, color, the neutral mask, the clown and auto-cours. On the sixth class we will present our discoveries.
Instructor: Nancy Gold is a multifaceted performing artist, director, teacher, and author of Finding Your Funny Bone! The Actor’s Guide to Physical Comedy and Characters. She has studied physical theatre in Paris with Jacques LeCoq, mime with Claude Kipnis, and clowning with Ctibor Turba. She has a BFA from the University of Illinois and a Master’s equivalence. She teaches at Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, ACT Young Conservatory, Academy of Art University, California Shakespeare Theater, Marin Theatre, UCLA, and public and private schools throughout the country. Directing credits include A Servant of Two Masters, Pippi Longstocking, Madeline and the Gypsies, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, as well as numerous original plays about empowering women for young audiences and adaptations based on literature. Nancy performs comedy and vaudeville with her partner, Lol Levy.
SAT 1–4pm · 2/1 · $80
The Meisner technique (one of the most widespread and renowned acting techniques of the past century) was designed to create work that is raw, spontaneous, truthful, and alive. This teaser workshop will give participants a taste of the technique’s foundational principles in order to hone students’ listening skills, which are essential to every great performance.
With practice of this technique, students will develop more self-awareness about their inner experiences, respond organically and intuitively off an acting partner's emotional life, and break through habitual patterns to spark more freedom in their work. This course is equally suited for seasoned actors looking to deepen truthfulness and spontaneity in their performances as well as any human interested in cultivating their voice and taking risks in a safe space. Participants will be encouraged to show up as the most authentic versions of themselves, with a willingness to look at the social habits that may be getting in the way of honest human connection.
Instructor: Carolyn McCandlish has taught the Meisner acting technique at NYU Tisch’s Experimental Theatre Wing, the Terry Knickerbocker Studio, Acting Studio Chicago, the Actors' Center D.C., and the Greenbrier Valley Theatre. Carolyn trained with Terry Knickerbocker in two subsequent 2-year Meisner conservatory programs, first as an actor at the William Esper Studio, then again as a teaching apprentice while assisting the opening of his own Terry Knickerbocker Studio. Other creative mentors over the years include Maggie Flanigan, Fay Simpson, Richard Armstrong, Elena McGhee, Alisa Endsley, Ted Morin, and Jeff Wirth. Some of Carolyn's favorite theatre credits are The Spoon River Project (Green-Wood Cemetery), Crimes of the Heart (Fable Farm Theatre), Stomp and Shout (Babel Theatre Project), and Donnie Darko (American Repertory Theater). She was a founding member of art.party.theater.company, which specialized in designing creative performance installations and reinvigorating classical texts through site-specific, physical theater, and she co-founded the interactive, dramatic improv ensemble Playing With Reality, with which she performed and taught in Amsterdam and across New York City. Carolyn co-wrote, co-produced, assistant directed and acted in Whispers in the Dark, an interactive 24-hour film project for the New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center. She received a B.A. from Harvard and a Master's in Social Work from NYU with an additional focus on therapeutic drama techniques. She is a firm believer in the healing and transformative powers of acting.
SAT 1–4pm · 3/1 · $80
This workshop is a follow-up class for any student who has participated in any Meisner class with Carolyn at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre. We will spend our time practicing the repetition technique and other complementary exercises with new partners to deepen listening skills, authentic relating, and self-awareness. We will also begin to play with subtext, and how to listen and respond truthfully through simple text work.
Instructor: Carolyn McCandlish has taught the Meisner acting technique at NYU Tisch’s Experimental Theatre Wing, the Terry Knickerbocker Studio, Acting Studio Chicago, the Actors' Center D.C., and the Greenbrier Valley Theatre. Carolyn trained with Terry Knickerbocker in two subsequent 2-year Meisner conservatory programs, first as an actor at the William Esper Studio, then again as a teaching apprentice while assisting the opening of his own Terry Knickerbocker Studio. Other creative mentors over the years include Maggie Flanigan, Fay Simpson, Richard Armstrong, Elena McGhee, Alisa Endsley, Ted Morin, and Jeff Wirth. Some of Carolyn's favorite theatre credits are The Spoon River Project (Green-Wood Cemetery), Crimes of the Heart (Fable Farm Theatre), Stomp and Shout (Babel Theatre Project), and Donnie Darko (American Repertory Theater). She was a founding member of art.party.theater.company, which specialized in designing creative performance installations and reinvigorating classical texts through site-specific, physical theater, and she co-founded the interactive, dramatic improv ensemble Playing With Reality, with which she performed and taught in Amsterdam and across New York City. Carolyn co-wrote, co-produced, assistant directed and acted in Whispers in the Dark, an interactive 24-hour film project for the New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center. She received a B.A. from Harvard and a Master's in Social Work from NYU with an additional focus on therapeutic drama techniques. She is a firm believer in the healing and transformative powers of acting.
Gift certificates available
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Special offers
Sign up for two classes and save 10%! Simply add both classes to your cart, and our multi-class discount will automatically apply.
The following classes are not eligible for multi-class discount: Actor's Retreat; Playwriting; On-Camera Audition Workshop; Theatre of the Oppressed Workshop; A Taste of Meisner Workshop; Meisner Tune Up Workshop.
Current Berkeley Rep season subscribers receive 10% off classes.
Blue Star families receive 15% off classes. Please email school@berkeleyrep.org to register.
Any student registered for a School of Theatre class is entitled to two half-price tickets to any currently running Berkeley Rep production for select Sunday evening performances. Offer details and booking instructions will be emailed along with class protocol before the first day of class.
Discounts cannot be combined or applied retroactively. Certain specialty classes may not be eligible for discounts.
Adult classes | Improv
Classes will be held in-person at the School of Theatre located at 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley. Class protocol and further information will be emailed to students the day before the class begins. Please note that class registration will close one hour prior to the start of class.
THU 7–9:30pm · 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 · $355
Play helps us stay connected—through improv you can bring play and laughter into your life during these times of uncertainty! This class is designed to introduce you to the thrills and chills of improv and to develop your acting and narrative skills to boot, all while reconnecting with others in real time. Tap into your sense of joy, connection, and creativity as you learn the basic building blocks of improv!
Instructor: Joshua Waterstone is a director, arts producer/administrator, actor and educator. He has taught improvisation and devising classes with The Horizon Theatre, The Center for Creative and Performing Arts GTCC, Bay Area Children's Theater, BlankStage, SFYT, Berkeley Repertory School of Theatre, the O.T.C., and multiple colleges and universities on the East Coast. On the improv performance side, Joshua was an ensemble member of the O.T.C. (Off The Cobb) Improv Troupe, as well as an ensemble member of Blank Stage Improv and Fly-By Theater: a dance/theater improvisation troupe. He has also created the ongoing improvisation troupes Lazzi at U.N.L, and Spontaneous at G.T.C.C.
THU 7–9:30pm · 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13 · $355
Dive into the possibilities of improvised theatre! In this class we’ll do lots of scene work to deepen comfort and spontaneity in a variety of genres. Students will work on establishing character, building and exploring the world of the scene, and co-creating a cohesive story together. Students will receive direct, tailored, and supportive feedback. No matter what, we will play and laugh—a lot.
Instructor: Erica Blue is an international dance theater maker and teacher. She has a BA in Dance and Theater from Sarah Lawrence College and has studied at Dell Arte School of physical theater and Performance Art at Wesleyan University. After co-founding The Raw Material Performance Ensemble in Amsterdam, she then traveled and studied dance extensively in Southern Asia. Once arriving in the Bay Area, she began teaching, directing, and performing with her ensemble, Teatro Auzzura. Her solo work has been performed at La Mama in NY, The Cleveland Performance Art Festival, and has won Best of the Fringe in SF and Seattle. She also received an SF Goldie award in 2000 for her role as Salvador Dali’s wife Gala. She is proud to teach Improv at Berkeley Rep.
TUE 7–9:30pm · 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/15, 3/25 · $475
This class introduces the skill of performing improvisational games and stories in a light and generous atmosphere. Students explore the philosophy of “giving” rather than “shining,” and practice interaction techniques that demystify the perceived barriers between performers and an audience. There will be two scheduled performances during the 10-week time frame.
Prerequisite: Previous enrollment in a Berkeley Rep improv class or approval from instructor prior to registration (email school@berkeleyrep.org for approval request before registering).
Instructor: Diana Brown is an award winning performing and teaching artist, a producer, director and playwright. She was named Most Valuable Mentor and Teacher at the San Francisco Improv Festival. She’s taught with Laguna Playhouse, Grupology, and as a guest teaching artist at City College San Francisco. She is Director of Community and Senior Producer with Leela Improv Theatre Companyin San Francisco. She serves as director for the improv ensemble The Professionals. Diana is also a communication facilitator, working with physicians and business leaders, helping them to interact with patients and clients in ways that promote empathy and cultural equity. She is half of the nationally touring improv comedy duo Bingewatch. Bingewatch was awarded Best Improv at the Fringe Festival of Pittsburgh. She’s performed and presented workshops at festivals around the country including San Francisco Sketch Fest, New York Improv Festival, Twin Cities Improv Festival, New Orleans Improv Fest, Vintage Improv Fest, Denver Improv Festival, 2nd Best Comedy Fest, San Francisco Improv Fest, Tucson Comedy Arts Fest. She’s appeared in theater productions in New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Diana has studied with master improv teachers from Second City, IO, Annoyance Theatre, UCB, The Pack Theatre. She studied performing arts with the Arizona Theatre Company Conservatory. Diana co-authored and performed the solo play When You Are Called with award winning playwright Susan Jackson.
MON 7–9:30pm · 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31 · $475
Advanced Improv Performance Lab is designed for experienced improv artists looking to continue developing their craft. We’ll be placing an emphasis on acting for the theatre combined with a rich exploration of improvisational theatre forms and practices.
Moving beyond simple games, the ensemble will explore genres and narrative structures, enabling them to create spontaneous theatre with rich, fully developed characters that celebrate the human condition. We’ll create an ensemble whose goal is to present professional level, improvisational theatre performances, providing students opportunities to learn about branding and marketing an improv ensemble, with the goal of appearing at improv festivals and theaters. We’ll also explore Applied Improvisation in business and educational settings.
There will be two performances at School of Theatre (to be scheduled). Auditions will be held January 12-13, both in person at the School of Theatre and online via zoom. Students must email school@berkeleyrep.org for audition scheduling.
Prerequisites: Beginning Improv, Intermediate Improv, two cycles of Improv Performance Lab. Commensurate experience will also be considered.
Instructor: Diana Brown is an award winning performing and teaching artist, a producer, director and playwright. She was named Most Valuable Mentor and Teacher at the San Francisco Improv Festival. She’s taught with Laguna Playhouse, Grupology, and as a guest teaching artist at City College San Francisco. She is Director of Community and Senior Producer with Leela Improv Theatre Companyin San Francisco. She serves as director for the improv ensemble The Professionals. Diana is also a communication facilitator, working with physicians and business leaders, helping them to interact with patients and clients in ways that promote empathy and cultural equity. She is half of the nationally touring improv comedy duo Bingewatch. Bingewatch was awarded Best Improv at the Fringe Festival of Pittsburgh. She’s performed and presented workshops at festivals around the country including San Francisco Sketch Fest, New York Improv Festival, Twin Cities Improv Festival, New Orleans Improv Fest, Vintage Improv Fest, Denver Improv Festival, 2nd Best Comedy Fest, San Francisco Improv Fest, Tucson Comedy Arts Fest. She’s appeared in theater productions in New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Diana has studied with master improv teachers from Second City, IO, Annoyance Theatre, UCB, The Pack Theatre. She studied performing arts with the Arizona Theatre Company Conservatory. Diana co-authored and performed the solo play When You Are Called with award winning playwright Susan Jackson.
Payment plans available
Email school@berkeleyrep.org to set up a payment plan for classes.
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Adult classes | Voice and movement
Classes will be held at the School of Theatre located at 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley. Class protocol and further information will be emailed to students the day before the class begins. Please note that class registration will close one hour prior to the start of class.
WED 7–9:30pm · 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26 · $290
Would you like to land your ideas with more impact? Do you lose control of your breath when anxious? Are you unsure how to gauge or deliver correct volume at auditions or interviews? Whether as yourself or as a character, voice is the epicenter of your communication with the world; when we free our voices, the rest of our expressive instrument follows!
Incorporating movement with vocal exploration, this gently physical class helps you to connect the dots between mindset, gesture, and emotional expression. In addition to learning how to use your voice and physicality in performance, you will come away from the class with a well-worked piece of speech appropriate to your situation (interview preparation, audition monologue, presentational speech). A complimentary mp3 of the core exercises will be provided to support your practice beyond this class.
Instructor: Susan-Jane Harrison (aka SJ Harrison) is a British American playwright and performer, trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, with a Masters of Fine Arts from UC Davis. The originator of the Inhabiting Technique for Actors, SJ Harrison has over 20 years experience working internationally. She has taught at UC Davis, ACT, Berkeley Repertory School of Theatre, Empowerhouse Acting Studio, and California Shakespeare Company. She has a private voice and performance coaching practice locally and globally. A member of VASTA (Voice and Speech Trainers Association), Susan-Jane specializes in working with ‘third culture’ and multilingual clients. Unusual collaborations in Harrison’s artistic work have allowed her to develop across disciplines. Her teaching work draws from Linklater, Stanislavsky, Growtoski, Cicely Berry and Rudolf Laban. To name a few, she has worked at the Pop-Up Globe in New Zealand, with BBC Radio, A&BC Theatre Co, RADA and the Royal National in the UK, and at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Aurora Theatre Company, ACT, California Shakespeare Company in the US. She has been a Brady Fellow at 3Girls Theatre in San Francisco and continues to work with them on her plays.
SAT 10am–1pm · 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22 · $285
Redirect physical responses to stress in high stakes scenarios and learn how to fuel your zealousness while developing soft skills with your team. We will work with improvisation exercises based on the leading principle of "yes and" and work to explore each student’s unique goals. Students will receive practical tools, take aways, and detailed handouts which address how to control your breathing and redirect anxiety, as well as best ways to open yourself to spontaneity.
Instructor: Deborah Eubanks been teaching and directing voice and speech to actors and non-actors for over 3 decades in UK and US. She is currently in her 7th year with Strictly Speaking Group, coaching under EDI, and in her 12th year at Academy of Art University, where she has built classes and is teaching Acting and Voice. Deb has been with BRT for over 15 years. She received her Theater Arts degree in UK at Harold Pinter Studios, UEA, and has written and performed in Covent Garden Arts Center, Cambridge. Deb has also toured the UK with a series of one woman shows. Deborah has taught Voice, Acting Techniques and Dialects at American Conservatory Theatre, University of San Francisco and S.F. Shakespeare. Deborah was the 2021, inspirational speaker at Google Women’s summit, and has created workshops specifically for LGBTQ vocal transitioning. She is a trained Registered Nursing Instructor and has an extensive understanding of anatomy of voice and speech. She was in residence with Stephen Hawking’s company and has an acting resume which includes many classic and contemporary roles. She is an SF Divafest Playwright, and in October 2021, she was guest to Ralph Fiennes’s dialect coach for The Dig, on BBC radio.
SAT 1:30–4:30pm · 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22 · $285
This class is a combination of the methods of Kristen Linklater, The Tao of Voice, and Deborah’s own approach. Hand-outs will be given prior to classes. We will practice warm up exercises designed to release unique vocal freedom, which will serve to build and sustain a safely supported voice and access each clients’ whole range. Each week texts will be chosen in order to build upon vocal variety. Sides and scenes will be practiced incorporating pace pitch power and pauses, and expanding range and resonance. Passion pieces will be chosen by clients in order to weave together unique creative imaging and unique interpretation thereby authentically embodying language, in order to bring the words alive, and truly own the text.
Instructor: Deborah Eubanks been teaching and directing voice and speech to actors and non-actors for over 3 decades in UK and US. She is currently in her 7th year with Strictly Speaking Group, coaching under EDI, and in her 12th year at Academy of Art University, where she has built classes and is teaching Acting and Voice. Deb has been with BRT for over 15 years. She received her Theater Arts degree in UK at Harold Pinter Studios, UEA, and has written and performed in Covent Garden Arts Center, Cambridge. Deb has also toured the UK with a series of one woman shows. Deborah has taught Voice, Acting Techniques and Dialects at American Conservatory Theatre, University of San Francisco and S.F. Shakespeare. Deborah was the 2021, inspirational speaker at Google Women’s summit, and has created workshops specifically for LGBTQ vocal transitioning. She is a trained Registered Nursing Instructor and has an extensive understanding of anatomy of voice and speech. She was in residence with Stephen Hawking’s company and has an acting resume which includes many classic and contemporary roles. She is an SF Divafest Playwright, and in October 2021, she was guest to Ralph Fiennes’s dialect coach for The Dig, on BBC radio.
TUE 7–9pm · 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4 · $230
In this class, we will learn physical triggers that will help you quickly find the placement, melody, and general sound changes for the Texan dialect. We will study the dialect in a multi-sensorial way, with a focus on the physical changes, the phonetic sound changes, and immersion.
Instructor: Rebecca Castelli holds a BA in voice and theatre and an MFA in acting. Previously from Seattle, she won a Seattle Times Footlight Award for her role of Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, and also had the honor of acting with Tony award-winning actress Judy Kaye in Gypsy at 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company. She was a company member of the Marin-based Porchlight Theatre Company for five years and had leads in many of their main stage productions, including Chekhov’s Three Sisters and Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband. Locally, Rebecca has also acted with Shotgun Players and Cinnabar Theater Company. She dialect coaches for various Bay Area theatres, including Shotgun Players, Theatre Rhinoceros, Town Hall Theatre Company, Mendocino Theatre Company, Virago Theatre Company, and Ross Valley Players. She is a founding member of The Incidentalists, a long-form improvisational group based in Oakland.
SAT 10:30am–12:30pm · 1/25, 2/1, 2/15, 2/22 (no class 2/8) · $165
Restore your energy, cultivate your creativity, and connect to your inner authentic expression through movement. This class will introduce participants to Anna Halprin’s unique approach to movement and her technique to access each individual’s personal potential.
Anna Halprin was a pioneer of post-modern experimental dance, integrating theater, nature, art, healing, and social justice into her movement work. Drawing on her Life/ Art Process, we will dialogue between body, feeling, and imagination. Using movement, drawing, and writing, we will tap into a creative language to integrate aspects of our kinesthetic experience. We will focus on developing fundamental tools of kinesthetic awareness and expand-out into innovative choices in expressive movement.
Students will have the option to attend this class virtually via Zoom, or in-person at the School of Theatre.
Instructor: Iu-Hui Chua choreographs, performs, directs, and devises experimental physical theatre, dance, and video performance. Chua has performed professionally with Anna Halprin, Dandelion Dancetheater, Headmistress, Inkboat, Disneyland, and was a founding member of the butoh company, Ledoh and Salt Farm, for 14 years. She is an award-winning dance-film artist whose video and live performance works have been supported nationally and presented in North America, Asia, and Europe. She directed Gruesome Playground Injuries, nominated for “Outstanding Production of a Play” by the Theatre Bay Area Awards in 2015. Chua has taught dance as a lecturer at the University of California Davis and currently works as a professional expert teaching movement for actors at Tamalpais High School’s Conservatory Theatre Ensemble program.
SAT 1–2:30pm · 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1 · $175
Learn how to tap in the tradition of the old masters and break ground with some of the new contemporary styles. Ear training, weight transfer, balance, stamina, style, and a chance to experiment with choreography are just a few benefits of the tap class. Whether you are a professional dancer or just starting out, come study with a world-renowned tapper who has danced with Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Nicholas Brothers, and Michelle Dorrance! Open to all levels.
Instructor: Joe Orrach is a choreographer, director, performer and educator. Orrach started out as a boxer, but soon realized he had better ways to communicate and entertain. The ballet he studied for his boxing footwork led him to tap dance and performing vaudeville throughout the US and Europe. Orrach has conceived, written, performed, and directed original plays and solo shows for live stages worldwide. His dramatic pieces are frequently in collaboration with a jazz trio. Orrach choreographed and was featured in Terrence Blanchard’s opera Champion at SF Jazz and with National Opera at the Kennedy Center. Orrach gives back to the community through Joe Orrach Performance Project (JOPP) a 501 © (3) nonprofit and has taught for LA’s Urban Peace Institute and the Latino Leadership Institute. Orrach has created performance workshops with lockdown juveniles in San Francisco General Hospital, for formerly incarcerated at Delancey Street Foundation Headquarters, and for the general population at San Quentin State Prison. Joe is the recipient of the Dance Studio Life "Generous Heart” Teaching Award, for his work with at-risk communities. He has taught acting and movement as far away as St Petersburg, Russia as the American cultural ambassador for Track Two Diplomacy Institute. Mr. Orrach has an MFA from University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts.
Adult classes | Writing, directing, and more
Classes will be held in-person at the School of Theatre located at 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley. Class protocol and further information will be emailed to students the day before the class begins. Please note that class registration will close one hour prior to the start of class.
MON 7–9:30pm · 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3 (no class 1/20, 2/17) · $290
This class is designed for directors who have either taken classes with Graham, taken a directing class, or have experience directing for the stage. Students will explore the detailed work of directing actors in a rehearsal-like setting including tools for breaking down a scene for actors, development of stage pictures, and guidelines for collaborating with actors on a performance. Students should arrive at the first class with a notion of what play they’d like to direct a scene from. This can be the play they have worked on or that they’ve thought carefully about directing. Directors may work with actors from Berkeley Rep School of Theatre or use their own.
Instructor: M. Graham Smith is a freelance director, educator and producer. He was raised just outside New York City and has been based in San Francisco since 2004. He served as the producer of Aurora Theater’s new play development program and festival, The Global Age Project, from 2009-2015. Recent directing credits include world premieres of Obie winner Christopher Chen’s Home Invasion, Kevin Rolston’s Deal with the Dragon at Magic Theatre & Edinburgh Fringe, Kait Kerrigan's Father/Daughter at Aurora, west coast premieres of Mia Chung’s You for Me for You at Crowded Fire, and James Ijames’ White at Shotgun. During the pandemic, he directed his first full length film, a hip-hop musical adaptation of As You Like It, produced by American Conservatory Theater, where he has directed MFA students since 2007. Other pandemic projects include the audio cycle of Harrison Rivers’ hold me the forgotten way produced by Tigerbear in collaboration with seven Queer theaters across the country. His most recent world premiere is the new musical, The Mortification of Fovea Munson, which premiered at The Kennedy Center in March. His new project, FDR’s Very Happy Hour is being developed at the Denver Center and is a commission from The Perelman Center in NYC.
SOLD OUT— Please email school@berkeleyrep.org to get on the waitlist.
TUE 7–9:30pm · 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 · $440
Ever wanted to write a play? Got a little time on your hands? Push that dream forward in a 10-week playwriting workshop. We’ll meet weekly, discuss the basics of playwriting, and share excerpts of developing scripts. If you’ve never written a play before, this is a good way to get started. If you’ve got a script in the works, but no one to share it with, here’s a writer’s group ready to listen and respond supportively. Do you find (like most playwrights) that nothing motivates you like a deadline? We’ll provide that, too. Join us, and start working on that play you’ve always wanted to write.
Instructor: Gary Graves is a playwright and director living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 1998, he has been a company co-director of Central Works “The New Play Theater” in Berkeley, California, where he has overseen the development of over 65 world premiere productions. He received a PhD in dramatic art at UC Berkeley in 1994, and he teaches playwriting at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre throughout the year.
SAT 1:30–4pm · 2/1, 2/8, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 (no class 2/15) · $290
Let’s dive in and write a song! In this interactive workshop we’ll explore the nuts and bolts of writing, as well as the emotional side of sharing a musical story that means something to you. Each week, we’ll explore a different tool for shaping a song, while also leaving time for you to create your own new piece. In this supportive class for beginners and intermediates, we’ll co-create an environment where we feel inspired to try new things, share our voices, and tell stories through song, all while having fun!
Instructor: Rachel Garlin is a touring singer-songwriter with 20 years of experience as a teaching artist in the Bay Area, New York, and beyond. Her latest album “The Ballad of Madelyne & Therese” debuted in June 2023 as a one-woman-show and features 13 original songs for the stage. As a recording artist, Garlin has produced 9 albums and written for film and theater, including a production featuring the voice of Vanessa Williams that debuted in Paris in 2019. With recent recognition from the San Francisco Chronicle and Americana Highways, Garlin continues a longstanding performance career while teaching locally whenever she is in town.
THU 7–10pm · 1/16, 1/23, 1/30 · $265
Storytelling is an art form as old as human civilization and there has never been a better time to explore personal stories from the heart than in this current moment. Our personal stories are dovetailing into the global narrative, resulting in powerful tales yearning to be told. Whether you have a solo show dying to be birthed or you want to hone your storytelling skills for professional reasons, this class will help you harness your creativity, trust your instincts, quiet your inner critic, and find your unique voice. Through acting, improv, and writing exercises, we will get that story out of your head and into the world. There will be a final showcase of work on the last night of the class for an invited audience.
Instructor: Joyful Simpson is an actress, writer, and creativity educator who combines improv theatre, behavioral sciences, and mindfulness to create dynamic trainings for businesses and institutions. She studied theatre and psychology at Sarah Lawrence College in New York and earned an MFA in Dramatic Art from UC Davis. While at Davis, she spearheaded an applied improv-based training program for the Graduate School of Management. In 2013 she founded Pro-CreativeArts—an applied theatre organization—and is hired throughout the United States to lead trainings that foster creativity, collaboration, and communication for teams and leaders. Born into an iconic theatre family, she brings to her classes a unique body of experience gained from creating and performing theatre professionally since childhood. Her solo comedy recently won Best of Fringe at the 2016 San Francisco Fringe Festival. Her theatre credits include lead actor and co-author of four plays for “Prize of Hope”-winning company Human Nature and co-founder of the ensemble-driven theatre company Rococo Risqué, winner of SF Weekly Best Theater Ensemble 2005. Joyful has also appeared as an actor in many projects on stage and film, including Odyssey Works, an immersive theatre project; The Pursuit of Happiness, with Will Smith; and Spring Awakening, directed by Broadway and West End director Stafford Arima.
THU 7–10pm · 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27 · $290
Theatre of the Oppressed, conceived by Augusto Boal, is a collection of games, techniques, and exercises for using theatre as a vehicle for personal and social transformation. It uses the dynamized human body and the charged theatrical space as laboratories for exploring power, transforming oppression, and finding solutions to the fundamental problems of conflict, inequality, injustice, and human suffering. This workshop will introduce basic techniques (demechanization, dynamization, image theatre, forum theatre) from the Theatre of the Oppressed, with an end to understanding their application as practical and essential tools for artistic development, creative expression, social engagement, and personal transformation. This class is open to both experienced and beginning performers, as well as anyone interested in exploring art as a method for social and personal change, while developing spontaneity, fluidity, presence, creativity, and critical intelligence.
Instructor: Jiwon Chung is a professional actor, director, and a key theorist of Theatre of the Oppressed. He is the Artistic Director of Kairos Theater Ensemble, adjunct professor of Theater and Social Justice at Starr King School at the Graduate Theological Union, and past President of the national organization for Theatre of the Oppressed. Author of numerous books, articles, and performances, he is considered a pioneer in the integration of somatics, Theatre of the Oppressed, and socially engaged art. The focus of his work is in the application of theatre as a tool for social and political change, using Theatre of the Oppressed to challenge, resist, and transform systemic oppression and structural violence and to redress large-scale historical atrocity and injustice. His approach to performance and social change is informed by his background as a veteran, a martial artist, and three decades of vipassana meditation.
SAT 1–4pm · 2/15 · $75
“Within this fathom-long body, lies the world of suffering, its cause, and its liberation.” - Gautama Buddha
All oppression involves the body – the body holds and reflects the experience of its oppression. Fear, anxiety, and oppression bleed their way into the habits of our human expression, trapping, binding, and shutting down our natural spontaneity and aliveness, making us mechanized, divided, and imbalanced in our bodies and our minds and isolated, aggressive, or confused in our relationships and interactions. The original form of mindfulness — the mind’s capacity to observe itself, reflect, and transform — is theatre. This workshop will explore the rich, deep, powerful practices of mindfulness, dishabituation, and embodiment within the corpus of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed, focusing on practical techniques for transforming and finding liberation through somatic and energetic awareness in the personal, interpersonal, and political dimensions. We will use demechanization, dynamization, image theatre, forum theatre, and rainbow of desire while developing presence, focus, and a strong capacity for meditative awareness. Open to anyone with a desire to use theatre, art, and meditation to explore a powerful approach to transforming self and society.
Please dress comfortably to move.
Instructor: Jiwon Chung is a professional actor, director, and a key theorist of Theatre of the Oppressed. He is the Artistic Director of Kairos Theater Ensemble, adjunct professor of Theater and Social Justice at Starr King School at the Graduate Theological Union, and past President of the national organization for Theatre of the Oppressed. Author of numerous books, articles, and performances, he is considered a pioneer in the integration of somatics, Theatre of the Oppressed, and socially engaged art. The focus of his work is in the application of theatre as a tool for social and political change, using Theatre of the Oppressed to challenge, resist, and transform systemic oppression and structural violence and to redress large-scale historical atrocity and injustice. His approach to performance and social change is informed by his background as a veteran, a martial artist, and three decades of vipassana meditation.