Scene Study Class taught by Ian McRae beginning January 7
Ian McRae is a respected actor, director and teacher of the Meisner technique, having studied with Sanford Meisner himself. Ian was among a privileged few who have been trained to teach the technique. At the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, home of the Meisner technique, he was called "an exciting and vital acting teacher" by Director Harold Baldridge. Ian founded the Ian McRae Acting Studio in Santa Cruz, was a Cabrillo College Theatre Arts instructor and directed the former Runnin' Dog Gallery.
Scene Studyclasses will begin on Monday, January 7 and end on Thursday, February 28. They are held every Monday and Thursday from 6:30 – 9:30 PM at the Broadway Playhouse in the Santa Cruz Art League, 526 Broadway in Santa Cruz, one-half block east of Ocean. For directions, please click here.
Scene Study Class Description
This scene study class will focus on contemporary American plays, which have been chosen because they:
eliminate certain challenges (period work, accents) that are difficult to explore in a limited time frame
give the class a specific structure
provide insight on what is currently being done on Broadway, off-Broadway and in leading regional theaters across the country
may generate enough enthusiasm for a local production or reading
The Meisner approach forms the backbone to developing the scenes. This approach outlines a simple way of breaking down a scene in order to get to a spontaneous, instinctive performance. Students are encouraged to develop character through the exploration of themselves rather than how they think a particular character would act. Learning to truly listen to your partner is key.
Class Format and Preparation
Length of class: 2 - 3 hours depending on the number of students, longer if necessary.
Classes will be held on Mondays and Thursdays at The Broadway Playhouse in the Santa Cruz Art League, 526 Broadway in Santa Cruz. Click here for a map and directions
We'll take a break each evening
Please be on time - please don't ask to leave early
Be prepared - students will need to practice with their partner between classes
Every student works during each class period
Required reading: Sanford Meisner on Acting
Students should bring a willingness to be open to teaching methods that may differ from past experiences
Prospective students will need to prepare a one to two-minute monologue for the first class, to help the instructor with the selection of scenes and partners for class work.
For more information about the Sanford Miesner technique and the Neighborhood Playhouse, please click here.
The class will run for eight weeks. Class dates/times are as follows:
Week 1: Mon, Jan 7: 6:30 – 9:30 PM and Thurs, Jan 10: 6:30 – 9:30 PM Week 2: Mon, Jan 14: 6:30 – 9:30 PM and Thurs, Jan 17: 6:30 – 9:30 PM Week 3: Mon, Jan 21: 6:30 – 9:30 PM and Thurs, Jan 24: 6:30 – 9:30 PM Week 4: Mon, Jan 28: 6:30 – 9:30 PM and Thurs, Jan 31: 6:30 – 9:30 PM Week 5: Mon, Feb 4: 6:30 – 9:30 PM and Thurs, Feb 7: 6:30 – 9:30 PM Week 6: Mon, Feb 11: 6:30 – 9:30 PM and Thurs, Feb 14: 6:30 – 9:30 PM Week 7: Mon, Feb 18: 6:30 – 9:30 PM and Thurs, Feb 21: 6:30 – 9:30 PM Week 8: Mon, Feb 25: 6:30 – 9:30 PM and Thurs, Feb 28: 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Tuition is $275.00. Students may opt to pay on-line through Presto Register, or can contact our Registrar to make payment arrangements. Through the registrar, students can pay $150.00 by check to hold their place in class, and the remaining $125.00 on or before January 28, 2008.
