I teach ongoing scene study acting classes at Kingsley Studios in Thai Town.

 

My classes are aimed at both working actors who are searching for a scene study class, and also at comedy performers and writers who haven't had "formal" acting training. No matter your training background, my acting philosophy is the same: we start with text analysis and build out the scenes and characters using imagination and play. 

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Over the course of 4 weeks, we'll work on the same play together, which I like to do so that we're all speaking the same language. There will be light homework every week, but I do not require rehearsal outside of class, with the exception of memorizing your lines. 

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Next sessions: 
Monday Evenings 7:00pm-10:00pm - November 3rd, 10th, 17th and December 1st 

Tuesday Evenings 7:00pm-10:00pm - November 4th, 11th, 18th and December 2nd

We will skip class Thanksgiving week. ​

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Cost: $250 for new students; $175 for returning

Class size: 10 students max

Enroll by: emailing actingclasseswithellen@gmail.com

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MORE DETAILS:

The vibe is: Professional. Warm. Light-hearted. Rigorous. Kind.

The vibe is not: Culty. “Method.” (By which I mean, no one will be trauma dumping as part of a "process." This isn't actually what Stanislavsky would call "method," but that's a very nerdy  conversation for another day.)

What play will we be working on? It'll depend on the makeup of the class, but contemporary American dramas with comedic elements. Most recently, we worked on "Evanston Salt Costs Climbing" by Will Arbery and "Elemeno Pea" by Molly Smith Metzler. Playwrights whose work we'll be doing include: Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins, Annie Baker, Will Arbery, Katori Hall, Molly Smith Metzler, Sarah DeLappe, Martyna Majok, etc.

​Money is tight right now because the industry is hot garbage: Preach. Reach out to me and I am happy to work with you. 

 

AUDITION WORKSHOPS

 

I also teach audition workshops to give actors a space to practice auditioning (which is a totally different skill from acting!). These one-off workshops focus on making sure your self tapes are polished and showcase your best work. I'll send out audition sides about 36 hours before class, you'll prep them on your own, and we'll spend the afternoon working on them together on-camera. 

 

Next workshop sessions: 

Monday, September 29th, 3:00-6:00pm

Monday, October 6th, 3:00-6:00pm​

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Cost: $25 (and free for current scene study students)

Class size: 10 students max

Enroll by: emailing actingclasseswithellen@gmail.com

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TESTIMONIALS

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I loved this class! Coming from an improv background, I was intimidated by the idea of a “real acting class” but Ellen made me feel at ease immediately. She chose a play that was funny but also had more serious beats and it helped me keep a toe in my comfort zone while still getting out of it! Her tips for memorizing and working on a piece were practical and useful. Her approach to working on the scene helped me realize there is still a lot of freedom and play in a scripted piece. I would definitely recommend this class! --Shand Thomas

 

I've been a professional actor for over 10 years but have been taking a break. I took Ellen's class as a refresher, and, in just 4 weeks, learned ways of approaching script and character that I had not learned in my years of training. Ellen strikes the perfect balance between a relaxed/fun atmosphere and having professional expectations. I would take this class again and recommend it for actors of all levels who want to get in some extra practice, gain new insights, or just want to play! --Rochelle Maria Muzquiz

 

Ellen's class and teaching were exactly what I needed- professional, kind, and clear. As a non theatre person, getting to dip my toe in in a kind, brilliant environment was immensely useful. The class, play, and collection of exercises made me a more confident performer in just four weeks. Thank you, Ellen! --Tessia Phillips

 

This class is such a positive, safe space to explore choices and feel like you are rehearsing a play. I recommend this class! --Will Cooper​

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