An overview of our modules of study for the acting program provided at 16th Street Acting Studio.
The Acting Technique & Training Programs at 16th Street Actors Studio prepares passionate actors with the skill to work professionally on the Australian and global stage in theatre and in film.
16th Street exposes actors to the world’s finest and most highly regarded acting techniques. The studio brings the wisdom of the past together with the cutting edge learnings of the present. We inspire the very best in the actors we train for their future in art, their profession and in life.
Comprehensive acting training with Australia’s leading teachers, mentors and directors.
Modules of study for the acting program:
Voice
Voice work includes:
- Freeing the breath
- Developing vocal power
- Increasing resonance, range
- Articulating speech
- Connecting the breath to thought, emotion and text.
In voice class, student actors work on Shakespeare and contemporary monologues. The voice work is based on the teachings of Kristin Linklater and informed by the work of Cicely Berry and Patsy Rodenburg. An actor must have a free, authentic and empowered voice to be effective.
Movement
Movement work includes:
- Gaining awareness and release of habitual tension.
- Developing ease in the body to have presence on stage and screen.
- Learning the skills of physical transformation and embodying character.
- Discovering the imaginative and psychological connection between a character’s physical life and inner world.
- Learning to tell a story through movement and gesture.
Alexander Technique (Connection between the Voice and the Body):
The Alexander Technique supports: A creative state of being through a balanced state of alignment. Strength and endurance to create powerful characterisations, without strain. This is a globally-recognised technique, fundamental to the actor’s craft.
Psychological Resilience and Applied Performance Psychology
Student actors are exposed to leading thinking and practices in performance models in resilience to support them to navigate the demanding terrain of the work and the industry they will enter.
Script Analysis and Scene Work
At the heart of any acting work is story. Student actors explore the fundamental components of story and structure. They are trained in advanced story theory in a way that is practical and empowers them to be free and purposeful in their work. And enables them to work effectively in an ensemble. Student actors are exposed to the world’s greatest classical and contemporary plays in their scene rehearsal work. They train with professional directors preparing them for the professional theatre.
Uta Hagen Technique
In this class the student actor practices a methodical series of exercises, that Uta Hagen designed to both address specific acting challenges and prepare actors to play the role. Through this work of discovery student actors are given a technique to use themselves creatively in their work and are trained in a method of work to enter the writer’s world through character. Legendary teacher, Uta Hagen taught at the prestigious HB Studio in New York and is the author of two seminal books on acting: A Respect for Acting and The Challenge for the Actor.
Meisner Technique (Steppenwolf Theatre Company Training, Chicago)
This technique trains actors to be spontaneous and be present in the moment-to-moment life of the scene. It frees actors from self-consciousness and strengthens their emotional honesty and imagination. Student actors develop the power of listening and the joy of following impulses and trusting their own instincts. Student actors apply their skills in scene and monologue work preparing them to have audition monologues upon graduation.
Viewpoints (Steppenwolf Theatre Company Training, Chicago)
This work provides a profoundly important tool to make actors dynamic members of ensemble. It develops physical presence, emotional openness and freedom. The skills acquired are applied to ensemble scene work, applicable to working in the theatre and on film.
The Chubbuck Technique
This cutting-edge technique reveals the primal needs that drive character. Student actors are trained to fuel a character’s objectives, overcome obstacles and develop the will to win what character’s fight for. Student actors train to use this technique in playing drama and comedy in film scenes.
Film Acting
Student actors prepare for the technical requirements of film acting and green screen acting. They train on camera with skilled professionals to give truthful and memorable performances. They work on a range of film scripts that train their imaginations with the specific skills required for the art of green screen acting.
Screen Audition Technique
Towards the end of the full-time training student actors develop skill in screen auditions to get them industry ready. There are common factors (other than talent) to successful screen tests that either secure the job – or gain the attention of the casting director. Student actors train with expert teachers to acquire the skill that gives them confidence and courage to audition at their best.
Accent work
Student actors work on General American and US dialects over the course of their training to prepare them for working on American projects in Australia and in the US.
For more information on the modules of study for the acting program or any other queries contact us here