TECHNIQUE I (Tuesday 1:00-3:00PM (smaller), or 6:00-9:30PM (larger)) $710
Instructor: Arthur Mendoza
Technique I lays the foundation for understanding the differences between the everyday world at large and how the actor must take it in. Exercises are focused on structuring and enhancing the imagination in order to show the actor how to live in someone else's world. The aim in this class is to facilitate the instrument’s full activation of the imagination under any conditions for commercials, television, film, and theater. Instruction is individualized and tailored to each student’s own strengths and weaknesses. Actors will have homework every week, and are expected to work on stage every class. There are no requirements for enrollment in Technique I.
TECHNIQUE II (Tuesday 1:00-3:00PM (smaller), or
6:00-9:30PM (larger)) $710
Instructor: Arthur Mendoza
Technique II takes the foundation learned in Technique I and puts it to use. The actors are taught how to develop their skills in order to prepare to take on the words created by playwrights and screenwriters. Exercises are focused on script analysis and breakdown, creation of character, structured improvisation and clarifying how to “memorize” using the Technique. Working with partners is also introduced in order to help the actor understand and prepare for what is generally referred to as “scene work.” Students will have weekly assignments, and will be expected to work on stage every class. The ultimate goal here is to make acting more accessible in its purest form: becoming a character who is reacting, living and being in the place. Enrollment in Technique II requires the completion of Technique I and Mr. Mendoza’s invitation to take on this next level of work.
BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE SCENE STUDY (Monday and Wednesday 6:30-8:45PM) $710
Instructor: Arthur Mendoza
Beginning/Intermediate Scene Study presents the actor with the challenge of taking on a scripted character and the responsibility of character development. Charging forward, the actor spends the semester exploring, playing with, and breathing new life into a specific, partnered scene. Actors gain valuable experience in both developing a character according to specific text, and learning how to work with another actor. Structural improvisation is taught through guided exercises leading to the memorization of the playwrights’ words. Scene work is from contemporary texts by writers like Mamet, Shanley and Weller as well as classic American playwrights like Miller, Williams and Odets. In context, this is icing on the cake - the next step, where the actor can take the tools of acting techniques to give scenes life beyond the words. Enrollment in Beginning/Intermediate Scene Study requires the completion of Technique I & II and is also by invitation from Mr. Mendoza.
ADVANCED SCENE STUDY (Monday and Wednesday 8:45-10:45PM) $710
Instructor: Arthur Mendoza
This class represents the highest level of work and standards for this theater. The actor is expected to apply all of the knowledge they have acquired in previous classes in an efficient and rapid manner. Actors will work with at least two separate scenes for the duration of the semester, and may be challenged to perform exercises from previous classes in character on command. In addition, Mr. Mendoza will give at least one master class workshop dealing with a specific aspect of the craft of acting. To earn the right to enroll, students must show consistent and committed excellence in their work in Beginning/Intermediate Scene Study. All plays produced by Actors Circle Theatre are cast from select work done in this class.
SHAKESPEARE & MOVEMENT (Monday and Wednesday 4-5:30PM, WINTER, SPRING & FALL) $710
Instructor: Arthur Mendoza
ACT encourages the ability to perform Shakespeare as a means to establish, enhance and give dimension to an actors instrument. In this course, Shakespearean texts are broken down, examined, digested and finally learned, transforming intimidation into understanding. Each class begins with a focused physical stretch and workout, giving the body the flexibility and strength it needs to serve as the vessel for the artistic instrument. Actors begin their journey by working closely with one of Shakespeare’s sonnets, exploring every aspect possible while maintaining the integrity of content and keeping the highest text and vocal standards. After several weeks, the sonnet is taken to another level through “clown” work, in which the use of masks exposes the inner recesses of the actor’s instrument. Finally, students will work with a monologue or scene from one of Shakespeare’s plays, applying what they have learned in the previous weeks to a specific character and circumstance. The actor who has Shakespeare under their artistic belts has a solid foundation: Shakespeare to the actor is like the Ballet barre to the dancer. There are no requirements for enrolling in Shakespeare & Movement.
COLD READING (Monday and Wednesday 4-5:30PM, SUMMER) $710
Instructor: Arthur Mendoza
This course connects the dots between The Technique and it’s use in a professional audition. Actors will learn how to take the images up off the page while understanding the important difference between self-awareness and self-consciousness. Exercises are geared towards sharpening the actor’s ability to skillfully and aptly choose when and how to use their talent in the audition. The actor will be taught to make choices based on the script or sides, not on random and inappropriate “wild ability”. There are no requirements for being enrolled in Cold Reading.
AUDITING POLICY
(Enrolled-Free, Non-Enrolled-$350 for Semester)
Prospective Students may watch each class once for free provided they fill out an auditor card and pass it to the instructor upon entry. Enrolled Students may watch as many classes as often as they like throughout the semester. Non-Enrolled Students may purchase an auditing pass good for the entire semester.
Class Tuitions:
Technique I & II, Cold Reading, Shakespeare, All Scene Studies - $710
Thursday Workshop - $20 per class
UNLIMITED AUDITING for Non-Enrolled Students - $350
Office Fees:
Set-up Fee (All new students, one time only): $50
Split Payment Fee: $50 for Enrolled Students; $25 for Unlimited Auditors
Payment Schedule:
Actors may either pay for the full tuition in the first week of class, or may choose to enroll in our Split Payment Plan. Should an actor choose to enroll in the Split Payment Plan, the first payment is due the first day of class.
Split Payments for New Students are due weeks 1 ($405) & 6 ($405)
Split Payments for Returning Students are due weeks 1 ($350), 5 ($250), & 9 ($160)