Acting for the Camera Introduction to Improv Commercial Acting Monologue Scene Study Student Comments/Reviews

ACTING FOR THE CAMERA
Overview:
This class will focus on acting for the camera and the difference between camera and stage. The student will work with other students in several scenes. You will explore and be guided through energy levels, communicating ideas and emotions and learn the importance of listening and sensing. You will also be guided through transitions and absorbing stimuli in a scene and using it naturally. How to prepare for a character you dislike and experience how facts and circumstances can change your scene. And finally, you will learn the specifics of working on film. We will discuss microphones, lighting, the camera, master shots, two shots, over the shoulder and close up shots. We will also discuss multiple camera shots. We will compare Half Hour Situation Comedies, Soap Operas, One Hour Dramas as well as working in Film.
Goals:
Upon completing this class you will have the information you need to effectively perform naturally in front of a camera at the correct energy and emotional levels. You will increase you confidence after working in front of the camera in multiple scenes with other actors, and will also increase you knowledge and professionalism in this field.
Training:
Students will participate in exercises dealing with:

• Preparation
• Spontaneity
• Facts and Circumstances
• Transitions
• Focus and Concentration
• Listening and Sensing

Introduction to Improv
Overview:
This class will be an 8 hour Improvisational Workshop for Acting Students of all levels who wish to further their acting skills. Each student will work at his or her own level. You will explore self-expression, self-awareness through dramatic interaction involving imagination and creativity. Group cooperation, relation to others and self-awareness will be enhanced by performing with other actors in the class.
Goals:
To experience creative fun, eliminate inhibitions, hone acting skills, gain knowledge of self and raise self-esteem. You will work on cooperation, trust, communication and discipline. You will learn to improve your speaking ability, body language, and to interact with other actors.
Training:
Students will learn the basics of improvising. Such as:

• Offers
• Blocking
• Accepting
• Building
• Give and Take

Commercial Acting
Overview:
In this class you will learn what you need to know about becoming a Commercial Actor. You will be given the tools, knowledge and skills to work in this exciting field. You will receive training on proper "Camera Protocol", "Script Preparation", "Cue Cards" and working with "Props".
Goals:
When students have successfully completed this course they will have the skills and on camera experience to begin auditioning for work in the commercial acting field.
Training:
Students will learn the basics of improvising. Such as:

• On Camera: One Shots, Two Shots & Scenes
• Understanding The Story Of The Script
• The Slate
• Hitting The Mark
• Action And Reaction
• Listening To Yourself
• Relaxation Techniques
• Vocal Exercises
• Practicing Copy
• Character Choices
• Playing To The Camera
• Professionalism
• Attire And Appearance
• Headshots & Resumes
• Copy Vs. Cue Cards
• The Importance of Diction & Enunciation

Monologue
Overview:
In this class the Actor/Student will learn how to draw from his or her life experience to enhance their performance and give truth to their work. The student will learn the importance of keeping a Journal and how to tap into their own emotions and how to use that emotion in their monologue. He or she will be assisted in selecting the correct monologue for use at Auditions. One Dramatic and one Comedic.
Goals:
By the end of this class, the student should have one Dramatic and one Comedic Monologue ready for use as an Audition Piece. You will learn how to discover your inner self and to share your emotions bringing the audience into your performance allowing them to share in your journey.
Training:
You will learn how to memorize a monologue and the proper length of an audition piece. The Student will receive Sense Memory as well as Sensory Awareness Training working with all of their senses. They will also learn a variety of relaxation drills. Students will receive training in Preparation Exercises as well as Personalization and will be instructed in using the many tools available in their everyday day lives to enhance their performance. Students will also be instructed in vocal techniques, controls for speech, physical controls, developing accents, muscular memory, and use of imagination and observation skills.
Student Needs: A VHS tape. Two #2 pencils. A notebook. Two monologues.
Class Size: 10 Students
Reserve Appointment: Make all reservations through my contact page

Scene Study
Overview:
This class will focus not only on working in selected scenes with a selected scene partner but will also involve cold readings with random scene partners. This class is a continuation of the monologue class and uses the same techniques. You will continue to learn how to express yourself through self-awareness and sense memory but also learn how to cooperate and relate to your scene partner while doing so.
Goals:
Not only will you continue on with the process you have been studying but also you will be trained in Cold Reading Techniques allowing you to read effectively for a casting director at an audition. You will not only learn how to slowly develop a scene but will develop the skills of reading a scene cold. Each week you will be given a scene and assigned a scene partner and will read the scene cold, honing your skill on a weekly basis.
Training:
Students will participate in exercises dealing with:

• Circumstances and how they affect your work
• Actions - Making the right choices
• Justification
• Working on Stage
• Building a Character
• Exploring the Technique of Rehearsal

Student Comments/Reviews
“Again, what can I say but you are a wonderful and creative human being. And no matter what I will never forget you or the knowledge, self confidence and inspiration you have given to me. I’m looking forward to the next class.”
Tommy Modesto

“I have about 3 more classes at walnut street theater. The intensity was nothing compared to what you do”.
Brian King

“Gene, thanks again for the great session yesterday. I truly appreciate your commitment to helping actors like me. You have provided inspiration. I will work your exercises and techniques to improve my creative offering to the world.”
George Geanuleas

“Dear Gene. Since Working with you I have booked North American Auto Show. I just got an email from Toyota asking me back to do it again next year!!! Yeah! Next is the Soapranos, the dinner theater. I also just did a Trade Show at the Convention Center for 3 days paying $250 a day."
Monique Impagliazzo

“A short note to tell you how much I enjoyed and benefited from the Monologue class on Sunday, !0/12. Although my most recent audition was scripted, I applied a lot of what I learned from you, and was able to provide a more than satisfactory presentation. You truly filled up the day with valuable and useful knowledge and wisdom. Thank you.”
Sjoerd deJong

” You brought out the best in each of your students, and quite frankly you helped turned something I hated to do (acting) into something I truly loved!"
Ronica Luciardello

"I just wanted to let you know that i'm having an absolute blast in your class. As long as you have classes going on, count on me being there.”
Chris Perillo

“The main reason I wanted to drop you a line was to let you know that in Sept I'm flying out to LA - I booked my first movie role - It's a comedy shooting at Universal - I have a small role with lines, its scheduled for a full release. My head is spinning, and I have stars in my eyes - things are falling into place."
Anthony Bucci

“Thanks so much for everything you taught me. Thanks for all your great advice. You are an awesome teacher! It was a lot of fun and I look forward to our next class”.
Monique Impagliazzo

“I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your class and how much I feel that I have learned from it as well and it was a pleasure having you as a teacher.”
Gina Donaghy

”I really enjoyed your teaching methods and learning the art was something I always wanted to do. Thanks for being such a great teacher and a nice guy."
Billy Reil

“I've been working on the tools you gave us on Saturday and I can see a huge improvement already.”
Dan Horn

“Thanks to you for the great instruction!! It paid off in that training video!”
Don Kukola

“We couldn't do it without you. Thanks again...oh and you are the Best!!!”
Monique

Reserve Appointment: Make all reservations through my contact page