The Stella Adler Studio of Acting and its West coast branch the Art of Acting studio is delighted to announce the development of the new Curious Human Series, four-week sessions for theater lovers who are interested in acting and the arts. No matter the career profession or experience level, all curious humans are welcome!
Said Artistic Director Tom Oppenheim, “I have been deeply inspired by the transition to online actor-training. New online programs have already brought talented actors from around the world into the virtual classroom with master-level faculty with meaningful results. In addition to these rigorous programs, I’m pleased to announce the Curious Human series. My family devoted their lives to the theater but they were led by a higher purpose. The Adlers were deeply devoted to life-long education. They used the theater to cultivate an engaged and awakened citizenry. Curious Humans workshops are for people who revere theater art, education, spiritual and artistic growth. It is my great joy to open this spirit and training for curious humans everywhere.”
How to Apply
New applicants should first submit an online application here. Once we receive your application we will contact you to schedule your entrance interview appointment.
Fall Courses
Fundamentals of Acting
4 Weeks, 4 Classes
Tuition: $160
“Growth as an actor and growth as a human being are synonymous”. This ideal sits at the core of Fundamentals of Acting. New to acting? Curious about the artform? Why does the art of acting speak to you? What is the job description of an actor? What does it mean to breathe life into words that are not your own? And what is it to recreate the human experience and how does your humanity filter through a character? This is the process we will investigate in this 4 week course for beginner actors. Let’s grow.
Option 1:
November 11 – December 9, 2020 (Skipping Thanksgiving Week) | Wednesdays
7:00 PM–9:00 PM (EDT) / 4:00–6:00 PM (PDT) | Instructor: Caitlyn McCain
Theater for Social Change:
Tapping Theater’s Radical Roots for Healing & Transformation
4 Weeks, 4 Classes | Instructors: Kevin Bott & Alex Anderson
November 9–30, 2020 | Mondays
7:00pm – 9:00pm (EST) / 4:00pm – 6:00pm (PST)
Tuition: $160
In this 4-week course, students will explore the roots and traditions of ritual throughout the history of Western Theater and then expand on those traditions to imagine and invent new theatrical applications for the present historical moment. The class will include a historical survey spanning from the Dionysion celebrations of Ancient Greece to the contributions of Brecht, Artaud, Grotowski, and others throughout the 20th century. We will also explore the resurgence of ritual experimentation in the 21st century within community-based settings like prisons, elder care facilities, and schools. Each class will include a mix of history, theory, and embodied practice. At the end of the four weeks, each student will have a flexible template for creating a rite of passage capable of producing healing and transformation.
“It’s Greek to me…” Shakespeare for the Curious Human
4 Weeks, 4 Classes | Instructor: Steve Maurice Jones
November 9–30, 2020 | Mondays
7:30–9:30 PM (EST) / 4:30–6:30 PM (PST)
Tuition: $160
Never read a Shakespeare play? Great. Never seen a Shakespeare play? Even better. Don’t know Macbeth from Mercutio? Who really does!? “It’s Greek to me…” will be a fun and bold introduction to the wonderful world of Shakespeare. Students will explore various forms of Shakespearean text and language and learn to crack its code. Exercises and scene work will be used to provide tools of action and understanding to dust off Shakespeare and bring it to life in the 21st century.
Creative Transcendence
4 Weeks, 4 Classes | Instructors: David Deblinger, Frederick Johnson
November 10–December 1, 2020 | Tuesdays
7:00pm – 9:00pm (EST) / 4:00pm – 6:00pm (PST)
Tuition: $200
A creative communion of stress reduction. This virtual workshop series engages participants in a sacred yet playful, ritual process filled with theater based activities that will ease stress, provoke laughter and build community. Exercises are designed to ground students, strengthening their ability to both relax and concentrate. The work will forge new connections, eliciting story and music, and affirming for each student their own unique voice. Fred Johnson is a world renowned jazz vocalist and spiritual healer who has facilitated workshops alongside Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson and Jack Canfield as well as sang all over the world opening for Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin and toured with Chick Corea and many others.
Empowering Your Speaking Voice for Leaders
6 Weeks, 6 Classes | Instructor: Alithea Phillips
November 9 – December 14, 2020 | Mondays
7:00pm – 9:00pm (EST) / 4:00pm – 6:00pm (PST)
Tuition: $240
This is a course for those who want to use their speaking voice in more compelling and dynamic ways, geared toward those in leadership positions in business, politics or those who would like to be! You will be guided in full vocal warm ups (that can be done daily) and communication exercises that will give you verbal and vocal confidence! This course will lay out a process for lasting change in how you expresses your ideas and opinions.
Please email Johnny Yoder at johnny@stellaadler.com with any questions or expressions of interest.
