School of Theatre > For adults > Classes
Adult classes
Our winter session of classes will begin the week of January 9, 2012. Course descriptions available below.
Sign up for two five-week adult classes for the reduced rate of $330—more than 20% off!
acting
Acting (Beginning)
Instructors: Ben Johnson and Michael Navarra
Develop a basic understanding of acting fundamentals through Stanislavski-based practice in this 10-week class. Using exercises and scene work, the 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. May be repeated.
Ben Johnson has worked as a professional performer and teacher since 1997. He has performed at A.C.T. in Scapin, including understudying Bill Irwin. He has also appeared as a featured clown in Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria, as Merrick in The Elephant Man and as a company member of BATS Improv. Ben holds an MA in teaching from Brown University and has taught for the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, BATS Improv, Cal Shakes, Pixar University, TheatreWorks, Mills College, Berkeley Playhouse, UCSD, URI, Wheaton College, the ArtsLiteracy Project at Brown University and at public and private schools in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and California.
Michael Navarra works as an actor in both theatre and film. He has played leading roles with TheatreWorks, B Street Theatre, Traveling Jewish Theatre, Word for Word, Pacific Repertory Theatre, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Central Works, Pacific Alliance Stage Company and the San Francisco and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festivals. Michael earned an MFA from the University of Washington and has taught at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre and Napa Valley College.
MON 7–9pm • 1/9, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 • $280 (Navarra)
WED 7–9pm • 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14 • $280 (Johnson)
Acting (Intermediate)
Instructor: Marvin Greene
Students analyze and perform scenes straight from dramatic literature. 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 School of Theatre or another reputable theatre studio that stressed the fundamentals of text analysis, beat breakdown and character objectives. May be repeated.
Marvin Greene is a professional actor who has performed with major regional theatres such as A.C.T., Aurora Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre and San Jose Rep. Marvin has been an instructor at A.C.T. since 1994 and also teaches at UC Berkeley and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
WED 7–10pm • 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14 • $330
Scene Study: Pinter and Albee
Instructor: Deborah Eubanks
Actors will enter the menacing world of Harold Pinter and utter the taboos of Edward Albee’s dream-like and dysfunctional world. These two challenging writers offer actors opportunities to move out of their comfort zone into a landscape where lonely and emotionally paralyzed characters are taunted relentlessly. The humor is dark, ironic and taboo. Pinter’s excruciating pauses, harrowingly misogynistic scenes, blatant homophobia and violence permeate the worlds of these plays. Albee’s surrealistic world of comic nightmares, alienation and loneliness resonates well with the work of Pinter. We will work towards finding the balance between the bleak and yet hilarious interactions. We will compare and contrast scenes from Three Tall Women and The Zoo Story, and American Dream, The Room and The Homecoming. We will also use these texts to explore dialects, emphasizing key signature sounds, placement and unique pitch glides and nuances of each dialect. Students should read the listed plays before enrolling.
Deborah Eubanks majored in theatre arts at Harold Pinter Studios in England. She has performed with BBC’s Hugh Stoddard and designed and implemented workshops with Stephen Hawking’s Company at Covent Garden Arts Center (Cambridge). She has written and directed for London’s Age Exchange, created and produced two teen operettas and has been teaching and directing in the Bay Area for 16 years. Deborah has taught at A.C.T., San Francisco Shakespeare Festival and USF.
WED 7–10pm • 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22 • $295
Acting Shakespeare (Intermediate/Advanced)
Instructor: Julian Lopez-Morillas
We will approach Shakespeare’s text from the starting point of its rhythmic, sound and image qualities as well as its character and dramatic values, stressing the richness of the author’s text and the many strands of understanding and technique that must come together for the actor to fully exploit its meaning. Only a comprehensive approach that comes to grips with the complexity of Shakespeare’s dramatic writing can unlock the full potential of his language.
Julian Lopez-Morillas is well known in the Bay Area as a professional actor and director specializing in Shakespeare. He holds the rare distinction of having appeared in professional productions of all 38 of Shakespeare’s plays, and has directed some 20 of them. He had a long association with Cal Shakes and served as its associate artistic director for several years. Julian has taught Shakespeare as literature at Mills College and classical acting technique at UC Berkeley, San Jose State, Foothill College, Solano College and Dominican College.
MON 7–9pm • 1/9, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 • $280
Acting (Advanced)
Instructor: Ken Kelleher
Acting (Advanced) 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 are drawn from a variety of styles and genres, and students should expect to spend substantial rehearsal time outside of class. For acceptance into this class, students must submit a résumé to school@berkeleyrep.org for consideration.
Ken Kelleher has been a director in the Bay Area for the past 25 years, having worked at San Jose Rep, San Jose Stage Company, TheatreWorks, Sacramento Theatre Company and Cal Shakes.
MON 7–10pm • 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 • $210
One-on-One Audition Coaching
Don’t be caught unprepared for an upcoming audition. Berkeley Rep faculty members are available to work with actors on contemporary and classical monologues. Make choices that you feel confident about. Be directed by and collaborate with working professionals. Please call the School of Theatre at 510 647–2972 to schedule a coaching session.
Dates/Times: to be scheduled with the instructor • $65/hour
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improvisation
Improvisation (Beginning)
Instructor: Rebecca Stockley
Gain experience and understanding of the philosophies and fundamentals of improvisational theatre via a Keith Johnstone (IMPRO)-based practice in this 10-week class. Through playful interactive theatre games and storytelling, students are introduced to the elements of spontaneity, listening, accepting and responding. This methodology helps students access their imagination, free their inhibitions and increase their confidence. This class, taught by a professional improviser, focuses on skills that enhance the student’s creative path. Principles explored include being present to the moment, letting go of the inner critic and strengthening creative impulses. May be repeated.
Rebecca Stockley is co-founder of BATS Improv in San Francisco. She has been teaching and performing improv since the mid ‘80s and has created improvisation training for numerous theatre training programs. Rebecca attended the University of Washington Professional Actor Training Program, and her company brings improvisation to business training, working with companies such as Nordstrom, Apple Inc. and Pixar Animation Studios.
TUE 7–10pm • 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13 • $330
Improvisation (Intermediate)
Instructor: Diane Rachel
This class picks up where Improvisation (Beginning) left off, further explores the joys of improv and takes it to the next level. Maintaining the Keith Johnstone (IMPRO)-inspired methodology, students take risks, shed fears and experience the buoyancy of released play while they learn storytelling techniques and practice genre-inspired scene work. How does one improvise a fiery romance? Or an exhilarating barroom brawl? Not only are these questions answered, but the answers are gleefully experienced in this 10-week class.
Diane Rachel has been performing and teaching at BATS Improv since 1989. She created a specialty long-form program with a focus on intimate acting and stage combat that has attracted an international following. She has led workshops in Melbourne, Paris, Amsterdam and Helsinki, and has taught at A.C.T. and Stanford. Diane is a founding member of San Francisco improv group True Fiction Magazine.
TUE 7–10pm • 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13 • $330
Improv for Mental Health Practitioners
Instructor: Rebecca Stockley
Improv can free you from the constraints of being such a good grown-up. Shake off the day and free yourself to play. Show up, play, have fun and be bad. We’ll explore the principles of improvisation: the power of saying “yes,” embracing failure and responding spontaneously. If you enjoy role play, especially if you enjoy playing the role of the client, this is the class for you.
Rebecca Stockley is co-founder of BATS Improv in San Francisco. She has been teaching and performing improv since the mid ‘80s and has created improvisation training for numerous theatre training programs. Rebecca attended the University of Washington Professional Actor Training Program, and her company brings improvisation to business training, working with companies such as Nordstrom, Apple Inc. and Pixar Animation Studios.
THU 7–9pm • 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 • $280
Your Brain on Improv (All Levels)
Instructor: Diane Rachel
Inspired by recent scientific findings regarding evolution, laws of attraction and quantum physics, this class focuses on experimenting with new cutting-edge theories in a fun and dynamic way. The art of improvisation depends on positive reinforcement, spontaneity and creativity in changing the way we behave and learn. It is a perfect device for practicing the interruption of old behavior and interjecting new thoughts and new behaviors. Do we create our own reality? Is our reality dependent on how we perceive it? Can we change old behavior by changing our minds? It has been predicted that by the end of this 10-week session we will have experienced and documented some amazing answers to these elusive questions.
Diane Rachel has been performing and teaching at BATS Improv since 1989. She created a specialty long-form program with a focus on intimate acting and stage combat that has attracted an international following. She has led workshops in Melbourne, Paris, Amsterdam and Helsinki, and has taught at A.C.T. and Stanford. Diane is a founding member of San Francisco improv group True Fiction Magazine.
THU 7–9pm • 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 • $280
Improvisation Performance Lab
Instructor: Diane Rachel
One of the joys of improvisation is sharing the creativity and spontaneity with an audience. 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 class time. Prerequisite: Improvisation (Intermediate) at Berkeley Rep or special permission from the instructor.
Please see teacher bio above.
WED 7–10pm • 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8 (performance), 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/9 (performance) • $330
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physical theatre / movement
A Physical Approach to Acting (Intermediate/Advanced)
Instructor: Steven Epp
Learn how the engagement of the body and a sense of play can serve as the foundation of performance in this workshop with Steven Epp, who is starring in and co-adapted Berkeley Rep’s upcoming production of A Doctor in Spite of Himself.
Steven Epp is an actor, writer, director and was co-artistic director at Theatre de la Jeune Lune, winner of the 2005 Tony award for Best Regional Theatre, from 1983–2008. In his 25 years with Jeune Lune, Steven collaborated in the creation and performance of over 50 productions. Acting credits include title roles in Tartuffe, Crusoe, Hamlet, Gulliver, Figaro and The Miser; and other major roles. Steven has appeared regionally at The Guthrie Theatre, Yale Repertory Theatre, The La Jolla Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Trinity Repertory Theatre, The Spoleto Festival, American Repertory Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Alley Theatre, Intiman and The New Victory Theatre, off-Broadway. Steven holds a degree in theatre and history from Gustavus Adolphus College. He was a 1999 Fox Fellow and a 2009 McKnight Playwrights Center Theatre Artist Fellow.
SAT 11am–3pm • 2/25 • $65
Physical Comedy
Instructor: Ben Johnson
Explore the ancient and irreverent art of physical comedy. Whether they’re found on stage, screen or sitting around the Paleolithic campfire, physical comedians have always used their unique set of nonverbal skills to upend the social order and provide laughter when it’s needed most. We will spend our time together expanding the depth and versatility of your performer toolkit by playing with a mixed bag of physical storytelling, dance, slapstick, acrobatics and variety skills. Students will use their bodies and imaginations to tell stories that are often comedic, occasionally dramatic and always engaging.
Ben Johnson has worked as a professional performer and teacher since 1997. He has performed at A.C.T. in Scapin, including understudying Bill Irwin. He has also appeared as a featured clown in Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria, as Merrick in The Elephant Man and as a company member of BATS Improv. Ben holds an MA in teaching from Brown University and has taught for the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, BATS Improv, Cal Shakes, Pixar University, TheatreWorks, Mills College, Berkeley Playhouse, UCSD, URI, Wheaton College, the ArtsLiteracy Project at Brown University and at public and private schools in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and California.
THU 7–10pm • 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9 • $210
Acting Violence: Theatrical Combatant Certification—Level 1 Unarmed
Ages 16 and up
Instructor: Dave Maier
Learn to take a punch! Unarmed combat is the most common form of violence found in theatre. Increase your skill set and versatility while honing your craft as an actor. This class will cover falls, slaps, punches, hair pulls, fighting with found objects and other theatrical violence techniques essential to creating the illusion of violence. Students will rehearse and perform a scene containing unarmed violence. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to take a skills proficiency test for recognition as a Theatrical Combatant with Dueling Arts International. This class is a perfect precursor to all other theatrical violence techniques including Single Rapier.
Dave Maier is a founding member of Dueling Arts San Francisco. Dave’s local fight direction credits include work at Berkeley Rep, A.C.T., San Jose Rep, Magic Theatre, SF Playhouse and Impact Theatre. He is a company member with the Shotgun Players and the resident fight director at Cal Shakes. His performance credits include serving as fight double for Placido Domingo in the SF Opera production of Cyrano de Bergerac. He is outreach coordinator at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre.
MON 7–10pm • 1/9, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13 • $210
Acting Violence: Theatrical Combatant Certification— Level 1 Single Rapier
Ages 16 and up
Instructor: Dave Maier
Release your inner Swashbuckler! This course will cover the basic skills of theatrical swordplay, stressing safety and partnership. Participants will learn footwork, cuts, parries, thrusts, wounds, kills and many other skills that allow them to create the illusion of violence. It will be fast-paced, fun and a pretty good workout, too! All students will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform scenes that include stage combat and take a skills proficiency test for recognition as an Actor Combatant with Dueling Arts International. Class size is limited to 12.
Please see teacher bio above.
MON 7–10pm • 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 • $210
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voice
Voice for Emerging and Working Actors
Instructor: Lisa Anne Porter
This class is based upon the belief that voice and language belong to the whole body rather than the head alone, and that the function of voice is to reveal the self. It will provide a classical progression of Linklater voice exercises to free, develop and strengthen the voice, first as a human instrument, then as an actor’s instrument. We will focus on how the voice works, why it doesn’t, self-observation, relaxation, physical awareness, breath awareness, touch of sound, vibrations, freeing the channel for sound, releasing the voice from the body, exploring the resonators, range, articulation. Students will work with a poetic text of their choice. This class targets actors’ vocal tensions and the development of a free, passionate and imaginative connection to text.
Lisa Anne Porter is a designated Linklater voice instructor and is currently teaching at UC Davis. She has also taught at A.C.T., Cal Shakes, Shakespeare & Company, Syracuse University and Naropa University. She has performed with numerous repertory companies and Shakespeare festivals including A.C.T., Cal Shakes, SF Shakes and Shakespeare Santa Cruz.
WED 7–10pm • 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21 • $175
Say What You Mean: Voice in the Professional World
Instructor: Lisa Anne Porter
This series of seminars focuses on the voice as a critical tool of communication and effective leadership. Identify the factors that are keeping you from having a confident, free, clear and personable way of communicating. Be more charismatic in times of conflict, and negotiate with empathy. The class gives students the tools for excelling in public speaking whether in presentations, board meetings or teleconferences. Develop a communication style that feels natural and unrehearsed, conveys the passion of your intentions and draws the listener to your point of view.
Please see teacher bio above.
SAT & SUN 10:30am–4:30pm • 3/3 & 3/4 • $165
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auditioning
Cold Readings/Script Analysis
Instructor: Marvin Greene
This three-week course will introduce cold reading techniques that will help prepare you for theatre and commercial auditions. We will use crucial text analysis strategies that could easily apply to and support any kind of rehearsed scene work as well. We’ll work on techniques such as the moment before, first moments, bold choices, playing off the scene partner and building relationships quickly. Students will also have ample time on their feet to practice these skills. Material will be drawn from film, theatre and commercial texts.
Marvin Greene is a professional actor who has performed with major regional theatres such as A.C.T., Aurora Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre and San Jose Rep. Marvin has been an instructor at A.C.T. since 1994 and also teaches at UC Berkeley and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
MON 7–10pm • 2/13, 2/27, 3/5 • $125
The Art of Auditioning
Instructor: Ken Kelleher
The audition is at the heart of every interaction between actor and director. It is the three minutes when you reveal who you are and what you can achieve. It is the moment when you prove yourself to the prospective employer. Students will work on audition skills with an eye towards auditioning for general theatre and seasonal Shakespeare auditions, including auditions for San Francisco Shakespeare Festival at the end of January. Students will learn techniques to hone skills when preparing and auditioning for the stage, such as choosing the appropriate monologue, treating the monologue as a scene and using the three minutes to their greatest advantage. Participants should prepare one monologue before class starts. Other pieces will be chosen during the class by the student with input from the instructor.
Ken Kelleher has been a director in the Bay Area for the past 25 years, having worked at San Jose Rep, San Jose Stage Company, TheatreWorks, Sacramento Theatre Company and Cal Shakes.
MON 7–10pm • 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6 • $210
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directing / playwriting
Directing
Instructor: Patricia Miller
Directing is the act of making the invisible visible. It’s a dynamic dance between words and action; creativity and craft; actor, director and audience. This hands-on class is focused on manifesting your vision and building your director’s tool box, no matter what level of experience. Analyze text, create theatrical space, explore the rehearsal process and collaborate with actors. Practical experiments and scene work will culminate in a showcase for invited guests. We will reference important directors including Stanislavski, Brecht, Brook, Bogart and Lepage. Dive in, stimulate your creativity and hone your craft.
Patricia Miller brings a diversity of experience to theatre directing, teaching and acting. Her work has been seen all over the U.K., including Edinburgh premieres, Europe and California. She has an MFA in directing from UC Davis. U.S. directing credits include The Magic Theatre, UC Riverside, UC Davis, Berkeley Rep School of Theatre and Teatro Zinzanni. U.K. directing credits include Mountview Theatre School, National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, New Playwrights Festival, Riverside Studios and the Edinburgh Festival. Patricia’s teaching credits include UC Riverside, UC Davis, Berkeley City College, San Francisco City College, California Shakespeare Festival, Aurora Theatre Education and the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre. She holds an MFA in directing from UC Davis.
THU 7–10pm • 2/16, 2/23, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 • $210
Adaptation
Instructor: Madeleine Oldham
Adaptation is an often overlooked art form. Striking the right balance between preserving the integrity of the source material and realizing the adapter’s own voice and vision can be tricky. This class provides tools and tips for creating vibrant and unique plays from stories that already exist, as well as in-depth examination of what makes an adaptation successful. We address topics such as how to select material and obtain rights, how to decide what to include and omit and how to achieve stage-worthiness. Investigate many different genres of story: fiction, nonfiction, film, music and more. Some reading will be required. Playwrights of any experience level are welcome.
Madeleine Oldham is Berkeley Rep’s resident dramaturg and literary manager. She also supervises the Theatre’s commissioning program. She has served as literary manager and associate dramaturg at Baltimore’s CenterStage, which included producing their First Look reading series and heading up their young audience initiative. Before moving to Baltimore, Madeleine was based in Seattle, working as the literary manager at Seattle Children’s Theatre, as well as assistant and interim literary manager at Intiman Theatre. She acted as treasurer of Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas for two years, and as its U.S.-based vice-president international for another two. Other projects include dramaturging at the O’Neill Playwrights Conference, teaching the dramaturgy section of the Kennedy Center’s American College Theater Festival, collaborating on a theatre/music project with Austin Script Works and participating in Portland Center Stage’s JAW Festival.
WED 7–9:30pm • 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14 • $150
Fact Creates Fiction/Finding the Form (For Seniors)
Instructor: Robert Ernst
Do you have a story to tell? Would you like to share it but are not sure how to express the truth of your experience and your knowledge in words? Learn exercises that increase spontaneity, unblock flow and help to find authentic voices. Students take the heart of their stories and put them into the mouth and mind of characters—and let them do the telling! As a collective creative think-tank, we help each other develop ideas through constructive feedback from various perspectives, all with the goal of moving the work forward, in whatever shape it may take—be it a monologue, short story, poem or song. Work will be read aloud on a regular basis in a supportive environment. Come along for the ride!
Robert Ernst attended The Writer’s Workshop graduate program at the University of Iowa and went on to become an artist-in-residence there. He has taught creative writing at Berkeley Rep, Magic Theatre and A.C.T. He is the co-founder of The Iowa Theatre Lab, The Blake St. Hawkeyes and currently, the band Smooth Toad. Robert has written and developed 10 solo pieces, four pocket operas, three plays, three short stories and two books of poems. He has been nominated for and received awards from the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle, Drama-Logue and Bay Guardian.
MON 1–3pm • 1/9, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 • $225
Playwriting
Instructor: Gary Graves
This class is for anyone who has ever wanted to write a play, as well as for those who have already written one and want to develop it further with a writers group. Areas of focus include character development, dramatic structure, writing dialogue, effective exposition and the basics of marketing a finished play. The course provides a structured writing program, deadlines for presenting work and a supportive group of writers to share and discuss projects with. Students present portions of the developing work to the class and submit a draft of the final project to the instructor for written response at the end of the course.
Gary Graves is a company co-director of Central Works Theater Ensemble in Berkeley, dedicated to the development of new works. He has written and directed productions with Central Works, UC Berkeley, Hardback Theater and American Theater Arts. He holds an MFA in playwriting from Southern Illinois University and a PhD in directing from UC Berkeley.
TUE 7–10pm • 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13 • $330
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workshops
Acting with Clear Intention:
A special workshop with Éva Magyar from The Wild Bride
Analyze and understand your choices, your movements and your reactions to find a deeper connection between yourself and the character. Bring comfortable clothes and light shoes that you can move in.
Éva Magyar is an actress, choreographer and director. In her native Hungary, Éva has worked with many companies in diverse theatrical forms. In Britain, Éva has worked extensively with Kneehigh Company, as well as the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Éva runs her own company, The Shamans, which is highly acclaimed internationally. She trained at the Budapest Drama and Film Academy.
TUE 10am–1pm • 1/17 • $50
Alexander Technique
Instructor: Elyse Shafarman
Banish tension from your body and your life. Habitual tension interferes with balanced movement and the simple act of breathing. The Alexander Technique is a time-honored method used by actors to attain control and comfort in their bodies. In this one-day workshop, you will undo years of ingrained postural habit. You will stop working hard and start moving effortlessly. Effective movement frees your acting skills and enriches your performance. As you stop responding to the world in a habitual manner, new avenues of physical ease and creativity open up. Discover the Alexander Technique. Let your body’s physical genius emerge!
Elyse Shafarman has an MA in physiological psychology and is an AmSAT Certified Alexander Technique Teacher. Elyse teaches the Alexander Technique to actors in training at A.C.T.’s MFA program and has a private practice in San Francisco and Berkeley. Her background includes a 10-year career as a modern dancer and training in a wide array of movement disciplines including Gyrotonics, Svaroopa Yoga, Body-Mind Centering and Feldenkrais. Since 2003, she has taught Alexander Technique at schools and worksites throughout the Bay Area, including A.C.T.’s Summer Training Congress, Elephant Pharmacy, The French American International High School, PricewaterhouseCoopers and San Francisco State University.
SAT 11:30am–5:30pm • 2/4 • $85
Say What You Mean: Voice in the Professional World
Instructor: Lisa Anne Porter
This series of seminars focuses on the voice as a critical tool of communication and effective leadership. Identify the factors that are keeping you from having a confident, free, clear and personable way of communicating. Be more charismatic in times of conflict, and negotiate with empathy. The class gives students the tools for excelling in public speaking whether in presentations, board meetings or teleconferences. Develop a communication style that feels natural and unrehearsed, conveys the passion of your intentions and draws the listener to your point of view.
Lisa Anne Porter is a designated Linklater voice instructor and is currently teaching at UC Davis. She has also taught at A.C.T., Cal Shakes, Shakespeare & Company, Syracuse University and Naropa University. She has performed with numerous repertory companies and Shakespeare festivals including A.C.T., Cal Shakes, SF Shakes and Shakespeare Santa Cruz.
SAT & SUN 10:30am–4:30pm • 3/3 & 3/4 • $165
A Physical Approach to Acting (Intermediate/Advanced)
Instructor: Steven Epp
Learn how the engagement of the body and a sense of play can serve as the foundation of performance in this workshop with Steven Epp, who is starring in and co-adapted Berkeley Rep’s upcoming production of A Doctor in Spite of Himself.
Steven Epp is an actor, writer, director and was co-artistic director at Theatre de la Jeune Lune, winner of the 2005 Tony award for Best Regional Theatre, from 1983–2008. In his 25 years with Jeune Lune, Steven collaborated in the creation and performance of over 50 productions. Acting credits include title roles in Tartuffe, Crusoe, Hamlet, Gulliver, Figaro and The Miser; and other major roles. Steven has appeared regionally at The Guthrie Theatre, Yale Repertory Theatre, The La Jolla Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Trinity Repertory Theatre, The Spoleto Festival, American Repertory Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Alley Theatre, Intiman and The New Victory Theatre, off-Broadway. Steven holds a degree in theatre and history from Gustavus Adolphus College. He was a 1999 Fox Fellow and a 2009 McKnight Playwrights Center Theatre Artist Fellow.
SAT 11am–3pm • 2/25 • $65
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“It was a fantastically enriching experience for me. Transformative, in fact. I discovered a new art form that I’d never considered as a path for myself.”
—Student, Playwriting, Spring 2011
“[The teacher] created an environment that was just downright F-U-N. After only a few weeks a comfort level was created that allowed for risk-taking and hilarity to ensue.”
—Student, Improvisation (Beginning), Spring 2011
school of theatre
major sponsors
The S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation / The Mosse Foundation for Education and the Arts / The Woodlawn Foundation
