Acting

A theatre acting class is a training space where students learn the art and craft of acting for the stage. The goal is to help performers develop the skills, confidence, and creativity needed to bring characters and stories to life in front of an audience.

Purpose

Theatre acting classes teach students how to:

  • Express emotion truthfully on stage.

  • Understand and portray characters with depth.

  • Use voice, body, and imagination to communicate meaning.

  • Collaborate with others in a production or ensemble.

Core Elements Taught

1. Acting Technique

  • Students learn different acting methods, such as:

    • Stanislavski’s System – focusing on realism and emotional truth.

    • Meisner Technique – emphasizing listening and responding in the moment.

    • Method Acting – drawing on personal experience to connect emotionally.

    • Classical Acting – using voice and movement to handle poetic or heightened text (like Shakespeare).

2. Character Development

  • How to analyze a script to find a character’s motivations, objectives, and relationships.

  • How to create backstory, personality, and emotional depth.

  • Exploration through improvisation, role-play, and scene work.

3. Voice & Speech

  • Training in projection, clarity, and articulation—essential for being heard and understood on stage.

  • Work on tone, pace, and expressiveness to make dialogue sound natural and compelling.

  • Sometimes includes dialect or accent training.

4. Movement & Physical Expression

  • Exercises in body awareness, posture, and gesture.

  • Learning how to use physicality to express character and emotion.

  • May include stage combat, mime, or physical theatre work.

5. Improvisation

  • Spontaneous acting exercises that build creativity, confidence, and quick thinking.

  • Helps actors learn to stay present, adapt to partners, and make bold choices.

Scene & Monologue Work

  • Students rehearse scenes or monologues from plays and perform them for feedback.

  • Focus is on connection, truth, and storytelling rather than memorization alone.

  • Often culminates in a class showcase or performance.

Other Topics

  • Script analysis and understanding dramatic structure.

  • Stage blocking (how to move on stage effectively).

  • Ensemble building and teamwork.

  • Audition techniques (slating, cold reads, self-tapes).

  • Theatre history and styles—from Greek tragedy to modern realism.

Benefits

  • Builds confidence and public speaking skills.

  • Encourages empathy and emotional awareness.

  • Develops discipline, focus, and collaboration.

  • Helps students find their unique artistic voice.