Acting

Intro to Acting (4-Class Workshop)

About Course

This fast-paced introductory acting course explores essential acting tools and techniques in just four sessions. Students will gain hands-on experience through movement, improvisation, scene work, and monologue performance, culminating in a short showcase. Ideal for beginners looking to explore acting or boost public speaking and confidence.

Session Breakdown:
Class 1: The Actor’s Toolkit
● Icebreakers and trust-building exercises
● Introduction to voice, body, and breath work
● Basic improvisation: listening and reacting
● Acting is doing: Introduction to objectives and tactics

Homework: Observe human behavior (in public, film, etc.) and bring in a short monologue or 2-person scene to explore next class.

Class 2: Character & Emotion
● Deep dive into character wants and relationships
● Emotional truth: accessing personal connection
● Monologue & scene analysis: beats, actions, and stakes
● Partner and solo work in breakout rehearsals

Homework: Memorize chosen piece and rehearse blocking/movement.

Class 3: Rehearsal & Adjustment
● Rehearse monologues and scenes with instructor feedback
● Focus on physicality, intention, and clarity
● Group reflection and peer feedback
● Warm-up and performance habits

Homework: Polish your piece, focus on connection and pacing.

Class 4: Final Presentation
● Warm-ups and last-minute coaching
● Final performances of monologues or scenes
● Supportive group feedback and reflection

● Wrap-up discussion: next steps, resources, and confidence in performance

Grading / Feedback (Optional for Workshop Setting):
● Participation and risk-taking: 40%
● Engagement with scene/monologue: 30%
● Final performance: 30%

Materials:
● Comfortable clothes
● A notebook or journal
● A short monologue or scene (instructor can provide options)

Course Content

Instructors

Kevin Michaels

Instructor

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0 Student

2 Courses

Kevin S. Michaels is a producer, director, and is known for his work as an independent filmmaker, particularly in documentaries, where he regularly collaborated with director David Lynch.

His life-long passion shows in the work, where he emphasizes training, mentorship, and creative collaboration. He has consistently nurtured new talent—producing projects by student filmmakers and emerging artists. In 2015, he launched the radio show Friend or Foe on Universal Broadcasting Network, and iHeart Radio. Whether behind the mic, behind the camera, or behind the scenes, Michaels approaches every project with a producer’s precision and an artist’s passion, blending his love of cult cinema with a dedication to developing the next generation of storytellers.

Michaels received performance training at The Groundlings, working under founder Gary Austin, where he studied improvisation and character development in the tradition of sketch comedy and ensemble-based storytelling. He also trained in method acting rooted in the teachings of Stella Adler, focusing on imagination, given circumstances, and the actor’s responsibility to interpret the world of the play with clarity and purpose. This combination of comedic instinct and emotionally grounded technique informs his work both in front of the camera and as a director, blending spontaneity with deep character exploration.

Ben Goldman

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0 Student

9 Courses

Intro to Acting (4-Class Workshop)