School of Theatre > Classes > Adult classes
Adult classes
Our fall session of classes will begin the week of September 22, 2008. Course descriptions available below.
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acting
Acting (beginning)
Instructor: Michael Navarra
Develop a basic understanding of the fundamentals of acting via a Stanislavski-based practice in this 10-week class. Through exercises and scene work, students are introduced to the elements of dramatic action, text analysis and character development, as well as tools for releasing inhibitions and expanding vocal and physical range. Can be repeated.
Michael Navarra is an Equity actor who has played leading roles with Alter Theater, Central Works, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Pacific Alliance Stage Company, Pacific Repertory Theatre, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare a Firenze in Italy, Word for Word and Z Space Studio. He recently played Biff in Death of a Salesman with Traveling Jewish Theatre. Michael is a graduate of UC Irvine and has an M.F.A. in acting from the University of Washington. He has previously taught at Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival and University of Washington.
MON 7–9pm • 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24 • $280
Acting Shakespeare (beginning)
Instructor: Stephen Simmonds
Learn the fundamentals of acting Shakespeare through text analysis, scansion and Stanislavski-based techniques in this nine-week class. Students will transform their understanding of the text into action and will leave with a far deeper understanding of the paradoxes and truths of acting Shakespeare. Can be repeated.
Stephen Simmonds has been a member of both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre in London. He won first place at the Edinburgh Fringe Theatre Festival for his performance and direction of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, and has played major roles directed by Sir Peter Hall, Trevor Nunn and Adrian Noble. Stephen taught Acting Shakespeare at the Moscow Art Theatre and Carnegie Mellon University graduate program. He has a degree in literature from Leeds University and studied at the Laban Art and Movement Centre in London, and received training from Cicely Berry and Patsy Rosenburg while working with the RSC and RNT.
SAT 11am–1pm • 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 12/6 • $260
Acting (intermediate)
Instructor: Marvin Greene
Students analyze and perform scenes straight from dramatic literature. Special emphasis is placed on encouraging the actor to focus their intelligence and imagination on making 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 that stressed the fundamentals of text analysis, beat breakdown and character objectives at the School of Theatre or another reputable theatre studio. Can 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 College in San Francisco.
TUE 7–10pm • 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25 • $330
Acting Chekhov (intermediate / advanced)
Instructor: Andy Murray
The plays of Anton Chekhov are regarded as some of the greatest ever written. They explore the full range of human experience—love, despair, absurdity, longing, jealousy, ecstasy—and give us moments which are at the heart of why we go to the theatre: jolts of visceral connection. Forget the inconsequential conversations and passivity, these people hurl themselves at life and fight for the things they need with their last breath. Students will work on scenes from several of the plays and find choices and actions which will bring these complex characters to full life. Prerequisite: Prior acting experience in an intermediate level class.
Andy Murray is an actor and teacher. This summer, he performed as Astrov in Uncle Vanya and Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night at CalShakes. He has also acted at Berkeley Rep, A.C.T., San Jose Rep, Seattle Rep, McCarter, The Shakespeare Theater (Washington, D.C.), CenterStage (Baltimore), Kansas City Rep, Marin Theatre Company, The Magic and many others. He has taught at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre for six years and also teaches for CalShakes.
MON 7–10pm • 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24 • $330
Acting: Imagination and Specificity (advanced)
Instructor: Stephen Barker Turner
What makes a performance or characterization truly unique? Exactly how does an actor bring the uniqueness of their own life into the life of the play and their role? What exactly is meant by specificity in acting and how do we achieve it? We will explore these questions in this advanced acting class. Scene work will be combined with improvisation and exercises aimed at bringing your life into the life of the character without compromising the intent of the playwright or the world of the play. Textual analysis skills, with an eye on making a portrayal truly specific, will also be explored. In order to deepen and concentrate the work, we will only be working from one or two plays culminating in a performance for an invited audience. Casting will depend on the make-up of the class. Students need to apply for this class by sending a resume to school@berkeleyrep.org or mailing it to Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, Nevo Education Center, 2025 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94704. Can be repeated.
Stephen Barker Turner portrayed the title role in The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby and Orlando in As You Like It at Cal Shakes, where he is an associate artist. He portrayed Lovborg in Hedda Gabler at A.C.T., where he appeared in three productions last season. He has also performed with Williamstown Theatre Festival, Arena Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, The Intiman, Denver Center, Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, Center Stage, Hartford Stage and New York Stage and Film. Stephen is a graduate of The Juilliard School and a Fox Fellow.
MON 7–10pm • 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24 • $330
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audition
Audition
Instructor: Leslie Martinson
Learn to make strong choices in your auditions and in your career, whether you’re preparing a monologue for grad school or a scene for callbacks at a Bay Area theatre. Using an open-rehearsal format as well as text exercises, you can prepare new pieces or revitalize your existing ones. Suitable for experienced and re-entry performers as well as beginners who have some prior acting experience. Students should have one piece memorized and prepared at the beginning.
Leslie Martinson is the associate artist and casting director at TheatreWorks, where she has directed many shows, including Theophilus North last season. She has also directed for Shakespeare’s Associates, Underworld Opera, First Seen and City Lights Theater Company. A graduate of Occidental College, she was a Watson Fellow, a member of Lincoln Center Directors Lab and a member of the LaMaMa International Directing Symposium. She serves on Theatre Bay Area’s Theatre Services Committee and conducts workshops for many Bay Area universities and theatre academies.
WED 7–10pm • 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19 • $260
One-On-One Audition Coaching
Don’t be caught unprepared for an upcoming audition. Berkeley Rep faculty members are now 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 • $60/hour
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improvisation
Improvisation (beginning)
Instructor: Laura Derry
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 will help you access your imagination, free your inhibitions and increase your confidence. This class, taught by a professional improviser, will focus on skills that will enhance your creative path. Principles explored will include being present to the moment, letting go of your inner critic and strengthening creative impulses. Can be repeated.
Laura Derry is an improviser, actor, teacher, director and musician in the Bay Area. She has been performing with BATS Improv since 1991, and teaching since 1993. Laura teaches a wide range of students from five year olds through 90 year olds, and loves to create a safe place for people to learn, grow, take risks and have fun improvising. Laura has taught at BATS Improv, A.C.T., CalShakes, Young Audiences, UC Berkeley, Stanford University, Miami Ad School, Special Focus and Academy of Art University.
THU 7–10pm • 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4 • $330
Improvisation (intermediate)
Instructor: Diane Rachel
Students will explore improvisation through theatre games and improvised scenes in a variety of styles. Students will delve into the more potent possibilities of improvisation while exploring the nuance of style in storytelling and continued development of spontaneity in dynamic play. Special emphasis is placed on encouraging you to focus on connecting with your partner, honoring the moment and serving the narrative. Prerequisite: Prior improvisation classes, Improvisation (beginning) at Berkeley Rep or equivalent. Can be repeated.
Diane Rachel has been performing and teaching at BATS School of Improv since 1989. She created a specialty long-form program with a focus on intimate acting and stage combat, and her work has attracted an international following. Locally, Diane has taught improvisation at A.C.T., Stanford, Hayward State and College of Marin; internationally she’s led improvisation workshops in Melbourne, Paris, Amsterdam, Tampere and Helsinki. Diane is a founding member of San Francisco’s preeminent improv group, True Fiction Magazine.
THU 7–10pm • 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4 • $330
Improvisation Performance Lab
Instructor: Diane Rachel
One of the joys of improvisation is sharing the creativity and spontaneity with an audience. This class will introduce the skill of performing improvisational games and stories in a light and generous atmosphere. Students will explore the philosophy of “giving” rather than “shining” and practice interaction techniques that de-mystify the perceived barriers between performers and an audience. There will be two scheduled performances to take place during class time. Volunteers from the class will participate in the performances. Prerequisite: Improvisation (intermediate) at Berkeley Rep or special permission from instructor.
Diane Rachel has been performing and teaching at BATS School of Improv since 1989. She created a specialty long-form program with a focus on intimate acting and stage combat, and her work has attracted an international following. Locally, Diane has taught improvisation at A.C.T., Stanford, Hayward State and College of Marin; internationally she’s led improvisation workshops in Melbourne, Paris, Amsterdam, Tampere and Helsinki. Diane is a founding member of San Francisco’s preeminent improv group, True Fiction Magazine.
WED 7–10pm • 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3 • $330
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physical theatre / movement
The Flying Actor
Instructor: James Donlon
The physical actor is the most grounded of all performers…but when flying, can evoke awe, wonder, joy and mystery. Experience a collaboration of physical actor disciplines—sport, mask, mime, movement improvisation and neo-classic clown—that inspires an actor to answer questions of space with mastery and imagination. This is a very physical class.
James Donlon returns to Berkeley Rep with four decades of experience as a master teacher and international performer. He has been on the faculties of acting schools such as A.C.T., North Carolina School of the Arts, The National Theatre Conservatory-Denver Center and The Yale School of Drama, and has presented residencies with special institutions like El Teatro Campesino, Mexico City’s Bellas Artes, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Clown College where he taught Tony Award-winner Bill Irwin. He has been a film movement coach for Oscar-winners Javier Bardem, Kathy Bates and Frances McDormand, as well as Benjamin Bratt and David Strathairn. James is the only physical theater artist ever invited to perform with legendary San Francisco street mime Robert Shields of CBS’ The Shields & Yarnell Show. James has performed his original work throughout North American, Europe and Latin America to critical acclaim. The New York Times describes his theatre as “an extraordinary blend of skill and lunacy.”
WED 7–10pm • 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22 • $210
Acting Violence: Small Sword
(ages 16 to adult)
Instructor: Dave Maier
The Small Sword is the most elegant and deadly of the personal combat weapons (prior to the firearms)! Students will explore this juxtaposition of grace and violence by studying period movement in conjunction with swordplay. This course will cover the basic skills of theatrical Small Sword, stressing safety and partnership. Participants will also learn footwork, parries, thrusts, deceptions, wounds, kills and many other skills that allow them to create the illusion of violence. It will be fast-paced, fun and a good workout, too. All students will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform scenes that include stage combat, and to take a skills proficiency test for recognition as an Actor Combatant with Dueling Arts International. Full-fingered gloves are required. Class size is limited to 12.
Dave Maier is an award-winning Fight Director who choreographed fights for The Pillowman and Culture Clash’s Zorro in Hell at Berkeley Rep. Other recent work includes ‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore (A.C.T.), Romeo & Juliet (A.C.T.-M.F.A.), The Three Musketeers (Shotgun Players), King Lear (Cal Shakes) and Playboy of the Western World (Shakespeare Santa Cruz). He has also built fights for La Jolla Playhouse, Cutting Ball Theatre, SF Playhouse, Impact Theatre and Berkeley Opera, among others. He is an associate instructor of theatrical combat with Dueling Arts International and the outreach coordinator at Berkeley Rep School of Theatre.
MON 7–10pm • 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15 • $260
Combat for Couples
Instructor: Michael Storm
Stage combat for two. Whether you’re a working actor or just looking to have some fun, this class will teach you how to create realistic and exciting stage combat fights. You will learn techniques that the pros use: John Wayne punches, round-house punches, stomach punches, jabs, slaps, choke holds, vocals and falls. Class will be adjusted to your personal interests and can include broadsword work, depending on the time you would like to commit to training. Couples, family members and best friends are all welcome. Suggested five-week commitment—each session is individually scheduled.
Michael Storm has appeared with the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, Napa Valley Repertory, San Jose Stage Company, Shakespeare at Stinson, Cal Shakes and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. He attended UC Irvine where he received degrees in drama and economics. He has taught for the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, A.C.T. and Berkeley Rep School of Theatre. Michael is a certified actor combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors.
Dates/Times to be scheduled with instructor • $80/hour for 2 people
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voice
Voice for Performance (A Child’s Christmas in Wales)
Instructor: Deborah Eubanks
In this performance-oriented class, students will explore Dylan Thomas’s richly lyrical poem, A Child’s Christmas in Wales. Actors will perform with a classic British (R. P.) and Welsh dialect. These dialects will be taught systematically as we progress though the text. During table work, we will discuss the young Dylan Thomas’ life in relation to the vivid imagery found within the poem. Each class will commence with rigorous vocal warm-ups conducive to individual vocal freedom, while exploring natural range, resonance and tempos. The instructor will incorporate her own exercises based upon her extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, along with the techniques of Berry, Linklater, Lessac, Rodenburg and The Tao of Voice. This class will meet twice weekly and require a high level of commitment. It will culminate in an open performance in the Bakery at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre.
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 in 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. She has taught at A.C.T., San Francisco Shakespeare and serves on the faculty at University of San Francisco teaching Voice for Performance.
TUE & THU 7–9pm • 9/23, 9/25, 9/30, 10/2, 10/7, 10/9, 10/14, 10/16, 10/21, 10/23, 10/28, 10/30, 11/4, 11/6, 11/11, 11/13, 11/18, 11/20, 11/25, 12/4 • $450
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. The class will continue with an exploration of the voice in the context of human communication. It will provide a classical progression of Linklater vocal exercises to free, develop and strengthen the voice—first as a human instrument, then as an actor’s instrument. We will focus upon 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 and exploring the resonators, range and articulation. Students will work with poetic texts of their choice. This class is suitable for all students, regardless of experience, who are interested in freeing their voice from tension and the developing a personal, free, specific, passionate and imaginative connection to text.
Lisa Anne Porter is a designated Linklater voice instructor; an acting, voice, dialect and text professor in the B.F.A. program at Syracuse University; and a professional actress and director. She has also taught master classes in voice and text at A.C.T., Cal Shakes, Shakespeare & Company, The Tepper Center in New York, Naropa University and the Academy of Art University. She has performed with numerous repertory companies and Shakespeare festivals throughout the country including A.C.T., San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, Cal Shakes and Shakespeare Santa Cruz.
WED 7–10pm • 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3 • $210
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playwriting
Playwriting
Instructor: Gary Graves
This class is for anyone who has ever wanted to write a play. Students are introduced to the basics of playwriting and develop a work of their choosing as a final project in the course. 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 program in which to write, deadlines for presenting work and a supportive group of writers with whom the student is able to share and discuss projects. Students present portions of the developing work in various forms to the class during the course, 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 M.F.A. in Playwriting from Southern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in directing from UC Berkeley.
TUE 7–10pm • 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25 • $330
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workshops
Acting Techniques for Confidence and Persuasive Communication in Corporate and Courtroom Worlds
(6 hours of MCLE Credit available)
Instructor: Lura Dolas
If all the world’s a stage, how well do you perform when you’re in the spotlight? These proven techniques, honed over three decades of acting and teaching, will help you overcome stage fright, connect to your message and find the powerful, persuasive language necessary to win your case—whether you’re a lawyer, business leader or public official. Participants will explore storytelling as well as vocal and physical expression in a relaxed atmosphere that allows participants to build confidence and improve presentation skills through “rehearsal.”
Lura Dolas has taught for Continuing Education for the Bar in SF and LA, and is on the acting faculty of the department of theater, dance and performance studies at UC Berkeley. In addition to conducting corporate seminars and private coaching, she has taught acting for A.C.T., Berkeley Rep, the Boston University Theatre Institute and Cal Arts. Her performance experience includes leading roles with the Aurora Theatre, California, Santa Fe, Oregon and San Francisco Shakespeare Festivals, Sacramento Theater Company, Empty Space Theater and Emory Theater.
SAT 9:30am–3:30pm • 10/11 • $400