152 West 25th Street 10th Floor New York City 10001 212 645 1525 www.michaelhowardstudios.com info@michaelhowardstudios.com CLASS CATALOG Text & Scene Study One and Two-Year Conservatories Summer Conservatories Young Actor Conservatory Fundamentals Shakespeare Alexander Technique Accent Reduction Acting for Film & TV The Actor / Singer The Art of Film Audition Skills Clown & Comedy Meditation for Actors Movement Monologues Vocalization Michael Howard Studios is the country s premiere professional acting studio for theatre, film, and television. Founded in 1953 by actor and director Michael Howard, a protege of both Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse and Lee Strasberg at the Actor s Studio, it is the longest running, privately owned acting Studio in New York. Michael established his Studio grounded in the dramatic innovations of Constantin Stanislavski. The Studio has evolved to incorporate many schools of thought and techniques from around the world. Its core belief is to help actors develop a technique - a method which is truly individual.
ONGOINGCLASSES TEXT&SCENESTUDY The Text and Scene Study Classes offer students a chance to learn, develop, and perfect their craft under the focused guidance of an instructor and in the presence of their peers. Each of our teachers brings years of professional experience and study to these ongoing classes, which are enrolled on a month-to-month basis to conform to the busy life of the professional actor. Admission to these classes is highly selective, and each prospective student is required to meet with the teacher before enrollment. In some cases, an audition may be required as well. If you are interested in one of these classes, please contact the studio via phone or email at info@michaelhowardstudios.com. MICHAEL HOWARD Michael Howard s Master Class in Text and Scene Study is for the accomplished, professional actor who seeks the challenge of working with an experienced group of peers and the country s most renowned acting teacher. Michael is always eager to meet new students who are ready to take their work to the highest level of training. AUDITION/INTERVIEW required. CLASS SIZE LIMITED Tuesdays 1:00 6:00 PM Now accepting headshot/resumes for consideration. GABRIELLE BERBERICH Gabrielle is a casting director, writer, and producer for film and television, as well as the owner of Michael Howard Studios. She follows up her immensely popular Acting for Film & Television Workshop with this on-going Scene Study class. Through scene work and text analysis, this class will focus on the passionate pursuit of artistic growth and evolution of today's actor in the American Theatre including stage, film and television. In addition, it will serve to assist actors in the craft of acting as a business. Together, this class will have the occasion to draw from the insight and experience of industry guests, including working actors, directors, producers, agents, and managers. CLASS SIZE LIMITED Wednesdays 3:00 6:00 PM Page 2
POLINA KLIMOVITSKAYA Polina s work focuses on the powerful traditions of the Russian theatre while embracing newer theories of performance from Europe. With students from all over the world, her class provides a creative space for actors to grow and develop among a group of dedicated artists each of whom bring unique histories and skill sets to their work. Fridays 2:00 5:00 PM NAOMI THORNTON Naomi Thornton is on the faculty at Bard College and has years of experience as a performer, director and producer; she s also a veteran of the Michael Howard Studios, having held classes here longer than anyone except Michael himself. Her tightly knit group of students examine various approaches to performance led by Naomi s dynamic rigor and focus. Tuesdays 7:00 10:00 PM ADAM SWARTZ Adam utilizes his experience and understanding as an actor and playwright to help actors actualize their artistic potential. His Scene Study class is crafted to nurture the full spectrum of abilities required for today s actor. In scene work, he asks not only What does the character want/need? but also, What does the actor need in order to fully commit, not only to the present moment, but also to the longrun of one s career? He believes the ultimate goal of acting is the ability to go beyond oneself into the unknown. His ongoing students learn practical tools to cultivate their own inner-strengths. Mondays 7:00-10:00 PM Page 3
ANGELA PIETROPINTO Angela Pietropinto (Show Me a Hero, Welcome To The Dollhouse) is a working actor in all realms of the industry. Her scene study class is geared to give its participants a process that they can rely upon; a process rooted in astute text analysis and the ability to make bold choices - the selection of strong objectives, formidable obstacle, meaningful pre-lives, personalization, and varied actions. Angela is renowned for her hands on teaching style and is recommended by some of the top agencies and casting directors for her transformational work with the actor. Thursdays 7 10 PM $265 per month YOUNG ACTOR ADVANCED SCENE STUDY This class is for teens who are serious about exploring the actor s craft. Exercises, games, and improvisations are used to free the imagination while emphasizing listening, observation, and the importance of working as an ensemble. Actors will learn physical and vocal warm-ups, the basics of Shakespearean verse, text analysis, and audition technique. The heart of the class is the rehearsal of scenes from great plays and screenplays in a challenging, but fun and supportive environment. Saturdays 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 8-Weeks *Doors will be open before and after class for rehearsal Page 4
WORKSHOPS LONG FORM IMPROV with Armando Diaz In this Six-Week intensive, students will work on more advanced improv scene work as well as learning to perform basic long form structures. Students will learn openings, time dashes, group games, and basic Harold skills. Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30pm 6 Sessions HOW TO SHOOT YOUR OWN SHORT FILM: A Practical Guides for Actors with Greg Chwerchak This course is a crash course in film school and distribution, specially tailored to actors -- from the most flattering lenses, lights, and angles to in-depth discussions of what material best attracts festivals, viral audiences, and promotes your acting career. This workshop tackles the Dos and Don ts of shooting your own material. Whether it s scenes for your reel, a spec commercial to go viral, or a short film to screen at film festivals, we will address all the nuances that go into a successful DIY shoot. This course gives you the tools to be proactive and create your own work, from concept to final cut. Saturday & Sunday 10:00am - 7:00pm daily ACCENT REDUCTION with David Wells Do you lose parts because of your accent? This innovative class combines group instruction and individual drill to develop a mutual General American accent. Suitable for foreign actors who want to work in America and for American actors who want to increase their castability. 5 One-On-One Sessions; One hour hour diagnostic with written as well as verbal feedback. Tape the sessions for extra practice Page 5
SHAKESPEARE S HEIGHTENED LANGUAGE with Patsy Rodenburg Do not miss this opportunity to explore Shakespeare s text with the Head of the Voice Department of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. See why Dame Judi Dench claims The best thing you could possibly have is a class with Patsy. LEVEL I: 3 Days 9:00am - 6:00pm daily For those who have not yet studied with Patsy, or those looking for a refresher. Level I helps take the fear out of approaching Shakespeare, incorporatingsignificant group and solo voice work, culminating in oneon-one monologue work. Headshot/Resume Submission Require for Consideration. LEVEL II: 3 Days 9:00am to 6:00pm daily Level Two continues the work of Level One, incorporating group and ensemble work with an emphasis on Patsy s Second Circle exercises, diving deeper into text analysis and character development. Actors must have participated in Level I in order to enroll in Level II. Headshot/Resume Required Prior To Admission. LEVEL III: 4 Days 9:00am - 6:00pm daily For those ready to apply Patsy s work to a full length play, Level Three takes the ensemble aspect of Patsy s work and culminates in a presentation of one Shakespeare play. This four day intensive focuses on ensemble, heightened text, and character development and is for actors ready to take their work to the highest level. Actors must have participated in past Levels I and II to enroll in Level III. FUNDAMENTALS OF ACTING with Naomi Thornton This course is a perfect introduction to the studio for those new to the craft, or those wanting to revive longdormant skills. Through exercises and improvisations, this workshop will inspire the actor to make inventive and dynamic choices when preparing for an audition or creating a role, in theatre, film and television. Emphasis is on the fundamentals of relaxation, concentration, and imagination towards the exploration of a career in stage, film, and television. Mondays, 6:30-9:30pm 10 Sessions Page 6
ACTING FOR FILM & TELEVISION with Gabrielle Berberich Heighten and tighten your audition skills. Get comfortable in front of the camera and book the job From learning what works best at a taped audition, to the language and dynamics of a film set, to establishing trust with a director and understanding the actor s part in the production process, this class will give you an insider s perspective on both the creative technique and the practical necessities of working film and television. Audition technique will cover commercials, television (procedurals, sitcom, drama) and indie & studio films. You will be on camera in every class. Gabrielle is a casting director, writer, and producer for film and television, as well as the owner of Michael Howard Studios. Gabrielle s actors have gone on to perform in such projects as Homeland, Billions, The Blacklist, Law & Order SVU/CI, Boardwalk Empire, The New Girl, Revenge, The Middle, Glee, Lost, Royal Pains, Californication, House, The Wire, Big Time Rush, 30 Rock, Mad Men, Gossip Girl, Blue Bloods, Scandal, The Americans, Salt, Twilight, Made of Honor, Mr. Popper s Penguins, We Need to Talk About Kevin and much more... Friday, 6:00-10:00pm Saturday & Sunday, 12:00-7:00pm Page 7
INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF VOICEOVERS with Steven Friedman This weekend intensive will be a comprehensive introduction to the world of voiceovers for any actor eager to break into this lucrative and exciting area of the industry. You will have the opportunity to analyze copy, identify your style and niche, learn mic technique, perform cold readings, gain information on developing a demo, and gain valuable business and marketing advice. You will also do rigorous mock auditions and cover everything from initial reads to call-backs. MEDITATION FOR ACTORS: CONNECTING WITH SELF AND CHARACTER with Parlan McGaw In this 6-week course you ll work with a variety of simple yet potent techniques that will help you develop presence, concentration, receptivity, and spontaneity as well as the emotional range and availability of connecting deeply with every character you play -- and for fleshing out your character s relationships with other characters. Whether you have years of experience or are new to meditation -- or even id you ve thought you can t meditate -- this class makes meditation accessible and provides practical tools that relate to your work as actors. CLOWN Clown is a unique idiotic character within each of us who wants to play, tease and entertain. Clown is a born anarchist who longs for harmony. And yet, clown often limits oneself from this form of expression. Why? Because of all of those intrinsic rules of behavior created by organized societies Often, we prevent ourselves from discovering our inner clown as performers and actors. The class is structured around games and group improvisations. We give ourselves a new name, build a costume and work with the smallest mask - the red nose. We learn about the pleasure to disobey and the joy of laughing at ourselves and others. Page 8
THE COMEDIC ACTOR with Andrew Shaifer Veteran comic performer Andrew Shaifer returns to MHS offering an 8- week workshop in contemporary comedic skills for stage, film, and television. From stand-up to sitcom to sketch comedy to solo performance, this workshop will offer a variety of lively exercises that will enhance your ability to use comedy in live performance, during auditions and on the set. A perfect offering for any actor interested in creating and performing their own comedic work by writing one s own material, telling personal stories, and collaborating with other class members on sketches. This workshop culminates in a final performance at Michael Howard Studios. SCENE STUDY WORKSHOP with Olympia Dukakis Academy Award Winner Olympia Dukakis will share her wisdom and passion in this three-day intensive. The class will include monologue work and scene study. KINETIC ANIMAL with Polina Klimovitskaya Animals, animals, animals. They will lead the actor to the most natural birth of a dramatic character. Through 'animal work' the actor's innate nature is awakened and stimulated toward harmonious transformation into another being. Eventually each "animal" will find its human equivalent and transform into a dramatic character of the student's choice (chosen from a play or short story). There will be a final presentation of each student's work held in front of an invited audience. ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE with Daniel Singer Find your physical balance Improve your breath support and impact your voice This Alexander Technique class will allow you to increase your range of creative choices by changing the way you carry your body and speak. It s appropriate for Beginning and Advanced actors, and offers flexible scheduling. THE ACTOR/SINGER: A Master Class with Judy Kuhn This is a class for the singing actor that focuses on song interpretation and vocal performance. Students work individually on material of their choice with Tony Award Nominee Judy Kuhn each class, as well as participate in group exercises. Students who take the class should come ready to play, feel free to experiment with material and take risks. Although this is not a vocal technique class, Judy will address individual technical concerns and make suggestions about how to approach working on them. Page 9
SCENE STUDY INTENSIVE with Joan Darling Emmy Award Winner Joan Darling shares her wisdom and passion in this threeday intensive. The class will include monologue work and scene study. HEADSHOT & RESUME SUBMISSION IS REQUIRED. CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED VOCAL PRODUCTION: MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD with David Wells Learn the principles of effective voice use in this eight week introduction of vocal development. Celebrated teacher/coach David Wells introduces you to the underlying causes of vocal difficulties and shows you how the simple, diligent practice of an organized set of exercises can put you on the road to the voice you deserve. You will discover the depth and individuality of your own voice and celebrate its unique contribution to the art of theater, film, and television. ADVANCED VOCAL PRODUCTION with David Wells Practice, Practice, Practice. Level Two provides a woodshed for actors to work on their material using the principles of good vocal production. Each session includes a warm up, then leads to in-depth investigation of the methods of vocal expression introduced in Level One. Through individual exercises, actors will explore advanced vocal production in challenging texts and situations. Auditions, classical texts, scene-work, rehearsal techniques and personal voice issues will be addressed in a supportive format that encourages each artist to take risks and grow. MONOLOGUE Develop audition material that shows you off at your best Get a competitive advantage, while deepening your understanding of yourself and your acting process. Students will spend time learning about their choices and honing their material to perfection. Page 10
CONSERVATORYPROGRAMS ONE and TWO YEAR CONSERVATORIES September June Programs for actors committed to excellence in their craft and career Our One and Two-Year Conservatories are designed to give serious actors the tools they need to start a career in theatre, film and television. These programs are constructed to enhance all elements of the actor's instrument and craft. Different disciplines are included to enable the actor to develop artistically and to grow as an individual, including body work, on-camera audition skills, Shakespeare, and improvisation, amongst others. Though the teachers have different backgrounds, they have in common the commitment and passion to help actors develop an acting method of their own and construct a life in the American Theatre a life that will include the legitimate stage, film and television. Instruction includes classes focusing on artistic growth; as well as lessons and strategies to help students learn how to navigate the business of acting. The year culminates with a full theatrical production and industry showcase. Following the One- Year program, students participating in the Two-Year Conservatory will be part of a mentorship program with industry professionals. They will also be part of advanced classes, master intensives, and production, including stage and camera. During this time, actors are free to audition and book professional work. Page 11
SUMMER CONSERVATORY Six Weeks Daytime and Evening Sections A six-week immersion dedicated to the actor's craft Our Summer Conservatory is a rigorous curriculum for the serious actor. What has become one of the most successful summer programs in the country is geared towards university students and professionals looking for an opportunity to work on their craft full-time. Actors find the intensive immersion of the Summer Conservatory to be an exciting, life-changing experience. With an emphasis on classes that develop the actor s instrument, our program leads actors towards a deeper understanding, not only of their craft, but of themselves. Our summer intensives include scene study, movement, voice, camera, Shakespeare, acting techniques, clown, improvisation, and the business of acting all taught by the Michael Howard Studios preeminent faculty. Page 12
YOUNG ACTOR CONSERVATORY Two Weeks A two-week intensive For the talented teenage actor The Michael Howard Studios Young Actor Conservatory is a professional training program for the serious teen actor in grades 9 through 12. It provides an intense training experience in one of New York City s most respected and renowned professional acting studios. It is geared toward the high school student who wants to expand his/her acting skills in theater, film, and television, and develop as an artist in a safe, positive environment. Our Young Actor Conservatory promotes self-esteem and a can do attitude through our specially designed courses, taught by an expert and nurturing faculty of artists who have extensive experience working within the professional realm of Michael Howard Studios. We are proud to offer a program that builds confidence and helps to develop the young actor into a whole person and artist. Page 13