Featured

Presented by: James Anthony Tyler –

Held online over Zoom: 

Open to experienced writers only. To take this class you must either have previously taken at least 2 HB playwriting classes -or- have an undergraduate or graduate degree in writing or a related creative field (ie. filmmaking, creative writing).

This course will introduce television series structure and how to keep stakes high in your pilot script so you can keep an audience glued to the screen. Through in-class exercises, participants will experiment with developing complex and active characters that both push the story forward and speak in dialogue that is rich and contains subtext. We will analyze accomplished shows and then you will write original scenes for in-class workshops and discussions. You will also develop an original series idea and create a pitch document that includes an outline/beat sheet, character descriptions, and themes to be tackled in the show before you start work on your own pilot script. Let’s get started on creating the next BREAKING BAD, ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, SQUID GAME, MODERN FAMILY, GODFATHER OF HARLEM, OR THE WIRE!

James Anthony Tyler is the recipient of the 3rd Annual Horton Foote Playwriting Award and an inaugural playwright to receive a commission from Audible. He was the Staff Writer for the OWN Network show CHERISH THE DAY created by Ava DuVernay and is currently the Story Editor for a new Apple Drama Series…read more

HB Studio offers both online classes and in-person classes at the Studio. Before your first class, please review the information outlined on the relevant page(s). Class titles below indicate which are running online vs. in person.

• IN-PERSON CLASSES meet for the full 10-week term.
• ONLINE CLASSES are offered in 5-week Parts. Sign up for either Part A or Part B independently (5 weeks each), or join both for the full 10-week term. You may join Part B without taking Part A.

This course applies the skills developed in Acting 1 and 2 to musical performance—to the presentation and articulation of a song, as it arises from the scene and from the life of the character. You will work to balance correct vocal technique and sound production with the effort to bring truth and specificity, both to the song and to the role. Class material addressed may include solo performance, duet, or group scenes and is appropriate for both the professional and aspiring singing actor in whatever genre you may choose to focus your efforts (musical theatre, opera, concert/cabaret). Accompanist provided. Come prepared with a song (memorized and with sheet music properly prepared and in a binder for use by the accompanist).

INSTRUCTORS: Jermaine Rowe | Lorraine Serabian

Recommended reading: A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR by Uta Hagen.

For more information on other HB Studio musical theater classes in NYC, please feel free to download our course catalog.

HB Studio offers both online classes and in-person classes at the Studio. Before your first class, please review the information outlined on the relevant page(s). Class titles below indicate which are running online vs. in person

• IN-PERSON CLASSES meet for the full 10-week term, 1 session per week.
• ONLINE CLASSES are offered in 5-week Parts, 1 session per week. Sign up for either Part A or Part B independently (5 weeks each), or join both for the full 10-week term. You may join Part B without taking Part A.

The Fundamentals of an HB technique: Here, you develop the ability to respond truthfully, dynamically, and vividly with fellow actors and the ability to access sensory elements. You tap into the power of imagination and the reservoir of memory. You gain a working understanding of the terms: previous circumstances, destination, inner and outer objects, intentions, obstacles, and conflicts. You develop an awareness of the power, function, and dynamics of “place”, and learn to be in a state of discovery, which leads to actions. You develop tools of research and observation and you get comfortable improvising. You begin to measure yourself against professional standards and develop habits of discipline and a strong work ethic. Do understand that these practices take time to master. It takes about a year (20-30 weeks) at this level to really own the skills addressed. Further scene study or performance work will then take root in this fertile ground.

When choosing an Acting 1 class, please refer to instructors’ teaching statements, found on their faculty bio pages, for greater detail about each one’s approach to meeting the course goals. Every instructor brings their own methods and experience and teaching styles vary. You are encouraged to read about and audit the classes of each instructor to find the right fit for you:

ACTING 1 INSTRUCTORS
Michael Beckett | Snezhana Chernova | Magaly Colimon | David Deblinger | Francesca Ferrara | Maria Fontanals | Julissa Roman| Trudy Steibl

Required reading*: A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR by Uta Hagen.
Recommended viewing: UTA HAGEN’S ACTING CLASS documentary.

Magaly Colimon’s class requires: WE’RE NOT NEUTRAL ed. Sergei Burbank; and 30 TEN-MINUTE PLAYS FROM THE ACTORS THEATRE OF LOUISVILLE FOR 2 ACTORS; and recommends: A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR by Uta Hagen; ACTIONS: THE ACTORS’ THESAURUS by Marina Caldarone & Maggie Lloyd-Williams; and PLAYS IN ONE ACT by Dan Halpern. Please also bring: Yoga mat or towel and clothes that allow for easy movement.

*Required for classes with Francesca Ferrara, Julissa Roman and Trudy Steibl. Recommended for classes with Magaly Colimon, Paul Pryce and Snezhana Chernova. No reading required for classes with Michael Beckett or David Deblinger.

For more information on other HB Studio acting classes in NYC, please feel free to download our course catalog.