Our Class Catalog
The following are brief descriptions of the classes offered at Truthful Acting.
FORMAT: Our classes are longer in format and semester based (similar to a university structure). They are held twice per week and are 3.5 hours per class (28 total classes – 98 total hours per semester). New classes begin every January, May, and September.
WHERE TO BEGIN: If you are new to Truthful Acting Studios, we recommend beginning with our Master Meisner Program (Meisner I class), since this is the entry-point to our specific process.
If you have any further questions about our classes or program, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Note for TA Alumni: You can repeat a previously completed class for half-tuition!
Master Meisner Program
Based in the teachings of legendary acting instructor Sanford Meisner, this program works to train the actor to move their focus away from the self and put it on the world around them.
Note: The Master Meisner Program is a certificate earning program.
Experience Level: No prior experience needed!
This approach is for any artist, whether this is your very first acting class, or even if you’ve been in the industry for years. The great thing about this approach is that even though everyone begins the approach from the beginning, each artist is on their own path and you can work at your level.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The Master Meisner Program is divided into two core semesters (Meisner I and Meisner II). You will receive a certificate of training upon the completion of both semesters.
Beyond this foundational program, students can continue to enhance their craft through our Conservatory Level classes. Students are encouraged to start at the beginning, regardless of past experience, since each class builds upon the previous one.
Through this intensive program of study, we intend to plant the seed that will become a vital part of your acting process, serving you in all your future acting work.
Come grow with us and experience your passion!
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MEISNER I: Living Truthfully |
NOW ENROLLING! |
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Days: Mondays AND Thursdays |
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Times: 10:30am-2pm OR 7pm-10:30pm |
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Begins: Thursday, January 20th |
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Instructor: Robb Maus or Marco DiGeorge |
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This semester is focused on finding your unique voice as an artist. Through this program of study, we will guide you in discovering your own unique perspective and assist you in becoming more present, authentic and responsive to the world around you. We will work toward becoming the full expression of everything that is happening as it is happening. Utilizing a series of progressive exercises, our vision is for you to learn to trust your instincts and learn to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances. |
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MEISNER II: Emotional Life |
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Days: TBD |
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Times: TBD |
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Begins: January 2022 |
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Instructor: Marco DiGeorge |
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During this semester, we will create tangible tools, and begin to explore how to create the emotional life needed to fulfill the requirements of scenes, as well as leaning how to personalize the text to make it meaningful to YOU! NOTE: The completion of the Meisner I is preferred before taking this class. Please let us know if you have any questions. |
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| Meisner II Class Details | |
TA Conservatory Program
Experience Level: Completion of the Master Meisner Program strongly recommended.
These are continuing education classes on various aspects of acting. They are meant to be built upon a foundational process (such as the Master Meisner Program), but they can be taken al-a-carte as needed. Each class focuses on a specific area of study and addresses one of the essential Six Pillars of Acting.
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AUDITIONS I: Technique |
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Instructor: Robb Maus |
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Overview: This semester is aimed at building your arsenal with tangible tools for auditioning, from leaning how auditions work and what the casting directors are looking for, to how to conduct a proper cold read, to monologues and agent auditions. This is a great class for those who are new to auditioning, or for those who wish to strengthen their skills more specifically. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of the Master Meisner Program preferred. | |
| Auditions I Class Details | |
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AUDITIONS II: Life |
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Instructor: Marco DiGeorge |
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Overview: Auditions II will help the actor connect quickly with text and learn how to make quick choices to bring it fully to life. This semester will be heavy in audition application work with a focus on reading with intention. We will focus on film/tv auditions, stage auditions, and commercial auditions. |
| Prerequisite: Completion of the Master Meisner Program preferred. |
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CHEKHOV I: Psychology of Movement |
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Instructor: Robb Maus |
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Overview: This semester will be focused on developing an increased sensitivity to the urges and energies that move us both as human beings and as artists. Through specific and repeated use of concentration, imagination, and physical movement, we will begin to explore and to develop an awareness of the limitless creative potential of your own Creative Individuality. Utilizing the tools of the Michael Chekhov acting technique, our vision is for you to begin to reconnect with universal human truths, to your own unique creative imagery, and to begin to envision, employ and embody them in your artistic expressions. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of the Master Meisner Program preferred. | |
| Chekhov I Class Details | |
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CHEKHOV II: Creative Physicality |
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Instructor: Robb Maus |
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Overview: While Chekhov I gave us a broad overview of the technique, this semester will be specifically focused on further development, deeper understanding and use of the tools learned in Chekhov I through exercises, improvisation and extensive text work. We will continue developing and deepening sensitivity to the urges and energies that move us both as human beings and as artists. Through specific and repeated ACTIVE use of concentration, imagination, and physical movement, as well as application to text and performance, we will explore and deepen our awareness of the limitless creative potential of the tools as expressed through your own Creative Individuality. |
| Prerequisite: Completion of the Chekhov I. |
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CRAFT I: The Craft of Drama |
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Instructor: Marco DiGeorge |
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Overview: Through the Meisner Approach, you learn how to create truthful and powerful life. With Craft, you learn how to USE that life to tell the most affective story. It’s ultimately about the audience’s experience, so it’s critical that we learn how to tell the best story so it is received in the most affective way. Through a series of games, exercises, and text work, we will explore how to use your acting life to its fullest potential. |
| Prerequisite: Completion of the Master Meisner Program preferred. |
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CRAFT II: The Craft of Comedy |
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Instructor: Marco DiGeorge |
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Overview: Much of the foundational work that actors prepare for is within the context of the dramatic narrative. However, comedy is also derived from those same basic dramatic principles. The difference is that comedy relies on specific structure and timing – far more than drama does. This semester will guide the actor into the principles of comedy, learning the basic structures and staples of comedic writing that bring humor to life. As the old saying goes: Dying is easy, comedy is hard! |
| Prerequisite: Completion of the Master Meisner Program preferred. Craft I is recommended but not required. |
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DIRECTING I: The Art of Storytelling |
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Instructor: Marco DiGeorge |
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Overview:Throughout much of an actor’s training, they only get the limited perspective through their own character’s point of view. They work with directors guiding them through the life and blocking, but many times, they never fully understand why. This course will put the actor on the other side, allowing them to get the full perspective of storytelling, either through the camera or on-stage. The focus of this semester will be on the directing side, learning on how each choice can enhance or diminish a story. All students will direct and act during this semester. |
| Prerequisite: Completion of the Master Meisner Program preferred. |
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FILM/TV I: On-Camera Technique |
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Instructor: Marco DiGeorge |
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Overview: Forming a solid acting process is the first step to creating rich life within the character we inhabit. It’s essential to have a full amount of life under the surface, and to have the ability to express that life when needed. However, many actors struggle with the technical layer that exists on top of that life. An actor needs to understand the medium and genre of the production they are in to best convey the story to the audience. The technique varies from stage to commercial to television to film. During this semester, we will be exploring the technical layer needed to adjust your performance and bring your life fully to the camera. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of the Master Meisner Program preferred. | |
| Film/TV I Class Details | |
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MEISNER III: Practical Application |
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Instructor: Marco DiGeorge |
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Overview: Over the course of the Master Meisner Program many tools were introduced. However, many actors still struggle with their execution beyond a class environment. It is important that we go back to the basics to work efficiently and simply. During this semester, you will gain an understanding of how and when to utilize each tool, resulting in a deeper, more consistent process of working. |
| Prerequisite: Completion of the Master Meisner Program preferred. |
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VOICE I: Speaking Truthfully |
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Instructor: Marco DiGeorge |
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Overview: A strong, clear voice is essential for quality acting. It’s critical that the audience can hear and understand the actor in every performance! During this semester, we will focus on Vocal Clarity and Specific Use of Voice as we apply it to all forms of acting. We will also explore the art of Voice-Over for an actor, learning how to use the voice to propel performance in such areas as Commercial Voice-Over, Animation, Gaming, Audio Book Narration, and ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement). |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of the Master Meisner Program preferred. | |
| Voice I Class Details | |