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Sean G.
Dan H.
Siobhn
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Acting is an elusive art form - to master it, one has to master the theories and techniques and then learn to forget them and just let go.
Aside from the infamous Disney song, you've probably all heard this before: "Let it go!"
In the simplest terms, letting go means dropping the mask with which you protect yourself - or rather, conceal yourself.
Letting go means learning to stop pushing for a dramatic or emotional result on stage - or in your own life, for that matter. Don't push so hard. Let things unfold. Feelings should come as a surprise.
Letting go means becoming comfortable taking risks and failing, knowing in your heart that this is just part of the process.
Letting go means trusting your instincts (your subconscious) over your mind. Let your director guide you, but always trust those elusive ''shooting stars" to be correct.
Letting go means you must try to stop watching yourself "watching yourself" while you act. Letting go means forgetting self.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Graduate, Interlochen Arts Academy
BFA, Southern Methidist University, Acting, Directing
M.E. Kent State University Education in Theatre
AEA, Member of Actor's Equity Association since 1972
FEDAPT - Workshops (Foundation for the Extension and Development of the American Professional Theatre)
Voice with Kristin Linklater (Shakespeare & Co.)
Voice with Arthur Lessac (In Person Workshop)
In Person study with:
Ray Bolger, (Scarecrow in THE WIZARD OF OZ),
Zelda Fichhandler (artistic director of Arena Stage), Marshall Mason (founder and director of Circle Rep), Adrian Hall (artistic director of Trinity Square Rep.) Mortan DaCosta (film dir. Auntie Mame, Music Man) Joseph Anthony (Broadway director - The Rainmaker)
Alvina Krause - Mildred Dunnock
James Earl Jones
Joan Potter (Member Actor's Studio)
Jack Clay (Member Actor's Studio)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Here is our Pricing Plan
ONLINE until October 2023
Eight Week Sessions, two workshops/wk. $395.00
Eight Week Session, 1 Workshop/wk. $249.00
Hourly Rate for Audition Coaching. $ 70.00
Hourly Rate for One-on-One Acting. $ 70.00
Produce your Reel (full production). $1,500.00
Five prepaid Private Sessions $300.00
Ten prepaid Private Sessions $625.00
ON-LOCATION, IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
Beginning in October 2023
Same as above.
How did you get started teaching?
As Artistic Director of Center Repertory Theatre at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, I started an actor training program to induct talented actors into the company. 1976-1980. I’ve been teaching these workshops for 50 years at:
Sugarbush Summer Theatre
Center Repertory Theatre (LORT)
Phoenix Theatre Ensemble (SPT)
Cleveland Play House (LORT)
Cleveland Ballet (LORT)
Cleveland Theatre Company (SPT)
Cain Park Summer Theatre (SPT)_
Fairmount Center for the Arts (SPT)
Academy for the Performing Arts (College Prep)
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland State University
Cuyahoga Community College
Baldwin Wallace University
What types of students have you worked with?
The bulk of my work as an instructor has been with adults pursuing theatre as a career. Primarily professional Actors with varying years of professional experience.
As Instructor for the Academy for the Performing Arts, I worked with young 16-18 year old young artists with aspirations of becomin professional. these workshops were college preparatory.
Over the years I have taught well over a thousand students. Testimonials are on the Actorsworkshop.online website.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Just this year (2022) I directed THE THREE SISTERS by Anton Chekhov for the third time. But it never ceases to astonish and move me. What a magnificent work of Art. Very proud of our work.
Just recently, I was Narrator for the AMERICAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA doing Berstein's Kaddish Symphony at CARNEGIE HALL, in New York. What a trip to stand on that stage.
Over the years, I have served as Artistic Director for Five professional theatre companies:
Center Repertory Theatre (LORT)
The Phoenix Theatre Ensemble (GA)
Cain Park Summer Theatre (GA)
The Cleveland Theatre Company (SPT)
Each was an endeavor of passion and love. So many brilliant artists, so many friends who worked and trained together. Time Well Spent.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
A good teacher will celebrate your uniqueness.
A good teacher will challenge you - push you beyond your comfort zone.
Inspire you.
A good teacher will give you a consistent course of study over your time at the school. For us, we work foundationally with Stanislavski's system of actor development.
IMPORTANT: To create a believable on-stage character, the actor must become the human being that is the character he is portraying. The process is 'rehearsal', where you gradually discover similarities between yourself and the character and go there - seeking a new individuality based on the actor's life as he exists in the world of the play.
Until he internally exists within another logic of behavior, no costume, make up, choreography, accent, style, physical beauty will serve to create a living character.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do I want In-Person Workshops?
(we have these beginning in October 2023)
Do I want online Workshops?
(we have these all the time.)
If I have little experience, can I still benefit from the workshops?
(YES! Of course! We will work with. our
students at their level of experience, training
and talent.
If I am a seasoned pro, is there anything here that can actually help my skill level and keep my artistic aspirations alive?
Continuing growth as an actor is essential. There
is always more to learn. That being said, for the
seasoned pro, we have advanced workshops and
training; What are the areas of Theatre you avoid
because you don't think you're up for it? Musical
Theatre? Shakespeare? Chekhov? Greek? Commercial Work, Creating a "REEL"...
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Do I love myself in the art, or the art in myself?