Acting Classes
I teach ongoing scene study acting classes at Kingsley Studios in Thai Town. My classes are aimed at both working actors who are searching for a good scene study class, and also at writers/directors/improvisers/comedians who haven't had "formal" acting training. No matter your background, my philosophy is the same: we start with text analysis and build out the scenes and characters using imagination and play. This class is meant to be a good workout, a chance to focus on the story, and a space to just enjoy acting. Over the course of 4 weeks, we'll work on scenes from the same play together. There will be light homework every week, but I do not require rehearsal outside of class, with the exception of memorizing your lines.
The next session is:
Monday, March 30th 7:00-10:00pm
Monday, April 6th 7:00-10:00pm
Monday, April 13th 7:00-10:00pm
Monday, April 20th 7:00-10:00pm
hold date of Monday, April 27th
Cost: $250 for new students; $175 for returning
Class size: 10 students max
Enroll by: Selecting the class you'd like to take below and paying via credit card. Credit card prices are $10 high to accommodate fees. If you'd like to avoid those fees you can pay me via Zelle, cash or check -- email me at actingclasseswithellen@gmail.com and I'll get you sorted.
MORE DETAILS:
The vibe is: Professional. Warm. Light-hearted. Rigorous. Kind.
The vibe is not: Culty. “Method.” (By which I mean, no one will be trauma dumping as part of a "process." This isn't actually what Stanislavsky would call "method," but that's a very nerdy conversation for another day.)
What play will we be working on? It'll depend on the makeup of the class, but contemporary American dramas with comedic elements. Most recently, we worked on "The Flick" by Annie Baker, "The Receptionist" by Adam Bock, "Evanston Salt Costs Climbing" by Will Arbery, and "Elemeno Pea" by Molly Smith Metzler.
I'm a writer/director/comedian/etc and I've literally never taken an acting class before. Is that okay? YES! Please! I love working with people who don't have an acting background, or want to take class to get outside their comfort zone a bit.
Do you coach for auditions? Yes! I charge $50/hour; shoot me an email.
Money is tight right now because the industry is hot garbage: I hear you. Reach out to me and we can discuss payment plans.
Book
If you'd prefer to pay me directly via Zelle, cash or check for a $10 discount,
email me at actingclasseswithellen@gmail.com
Join the Mailing List
I'll let you know about upcoming class sessions and audition workshops.
(I'll email sparingly, I promise.)
Shand Thomas
Tessia Phillips
Rochelle Maria Muzquiz
I've been a professional actor for over 10 years but have been taking a break. I took Ellen's class as a refresher, and, in just 4 weeks, learned ways of approaching script and character that I had not learned in my years of training. Ellen strikes the perfect balance between a relaxed/fun atmosphere and having professional expectations. I would take this class again and recommend it for actors of all levels who want to get in some extra practice, gain new insights, or just want to play!
Stacy Adelman
I'm not an actor, I'm just a writer who decided I had to maybe be an actor to make my play work. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Like how are you supposed to memorize lines? Does it feel crazy being on stage? Am I standing weird? I needed to know. And Ellen's four-week class answers all these questions and more. For any writer who's looking for the tools to understand the basic mechanics of acting or even just to understand more directly how actors approach text, I genuinely cannot recommend this class enough. It made me a better writer and also, randomly and irreparably, an actor. Thanks a lot, Ellen!!!
I loved this class! Coming from an improv background, I was intimidated by the idea of a “real acting class” but Ellen made me feel at ease immediately. She chose a play that was funny but also had more serious beats and it helped me keep a toe in my comfort zone while still getting out of it! Her tips for memorizing and working on a piece were practical and useful. Her approach to working on the scene helped me realize there is still a lot of freedom and play in a scripted piece. I would definitely recommend this class!
Ellen's class and teaching were exactly what I needed- professional, kind, and clear. As a non theatre person, getting to dip my toe in in a kind, brilliant environment was immensely useful. The class, play, and collection of exercises made me a more confident performer in just four weeks. Thank you, Ellen!