The High School Actors Workshop is a one-week program that focuses on developing students' acting, creative expression, and public speaking abilities, empowering them to perform more confidently onstage in a range of settings. Through daily monologue work, ensemble scene work, and a diverse selection of electives, students will learn how to establish a connection with their audience and showcase their unique charisma. The program covers various areas, including monologues, ensemble scene work, and elective options like Improvisation, Reader's Theatre, Audition Technique, and more.
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Core Curriculum
The High School Actors Workshop offers a dynamic curriculum designed to build versatile, confident actors. Students start each day with a physical and vocal warm-up, followed by games and exercises aimed at honing their voice, body, and instinctual abilities. Through exploration and play, they learn to become stronger, more nimble, and expressive storytellers. The Scene Study class focuses on contemporary plays and films, pairing students to analyze, rehearse, and perform assigned scenes. Drawing from various acting techniques such as Stanislavsky, Hagen, Shurtleff, and Donnellan, the course helps students understand the basic building blocks of realistic acting: relationship, objective, obstacles, and actions. The program is tailored to individual students' needs, offering both an introduction and deepening of their acting skills. By the end of the workshop, students will have grown in their craft and gained the confidence and tools to pursue their passion for acting.
Monologues
Students learn valuable techniques and practice exercises designed to increase their range, projection, articulation, and character development. Our expert instructors will guide them through the building blocks of realistic acting, including playing objectives (what the character wants), obstacles (what stands in the way), and tactics (how the character tries to overcome those obstacles to accomplish their objectives). In the final monologue showcase, they will have the opportunity to perform for fellow campers, families, and friends, showcasing the skills and techniques they have learned throughout the program.
Ensemble Scene Work
Theater is a collaborative process, and working effectively in an ensemble requires a set of unique skills. Students will learn how to shine when the spotlight is on them, while also supporting their fellow actors when it's their turn to take center stage. Our expert instructors will guide them through a series of exercises designed to help them vocally project, physically tell stories, and emotionally and intellectually connect with other characters on stage. They will work with your peers to analyze, rehearse, and perform scenes from contemporary plays or movies, learning how to work together as a cohesive ensemble. The program will culminate in a final performance showcasing the skills they have learned and the ensemble they have built.
Electives
Electives are offered to high school students in the Actors Workshop based on their interests and the expertise of the acting faculty. Past electives include
Audition Technique: Gain confidence and poise for any audition with this elective. Students will learn the necessary tools for success, including how to choose material, present headshots and resumes, perform monologues and cold reads, and dress appropriately. They will also receive tips for managing nerves and improving overall audition etiquette.
Solo Performance: Develop the skills necessary to research, write, direct, and perform a one-person show. This elective will guide students through the process of creating compelling characters, writing exercises, and the critique and development process. Students will emerge with a newfound sense of creativity and self-expression.
Shadow Puppetry: Experience the fascinating history of "paper theatre" and bring it to life by creating your own shadow puppet shows. This class provides the opportunity to explore various elements of theatre such as direction and playwriting. Students will have the chance to unleash their inner creativity and try on new hats.
Musical Theatre: Explore the exciting world of musical theatre by learning to sing, dance, and act in this engaging elective. Students will acquire a range of skills, from song interpretation to choreography, and develop the confidence and technique to perform on stage. This class provides a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of musical theatre.
Introduction to Design: From foley sound effects to costume design, this elective introduces students to the fascinating world of theatrical design. Students will work together to create an imaginary play on a budget and learn how design elements contribute to the overall production. This class provides a hands-on approach to understanding the visual and auditory aspects of theatre.
Improvisation: This class provides a fun and supportive environment for students to explore the exciting world of improvisation. Through games and exercises, students will learn essential skills such as building a shared environment, saying "yes and," heightening, and taking focus. This class will develop students' confidence, spontaneity, and creativity.
Stage Combat: Learn how to create realistic violence on stage without injuring yourself or others in this thrilling elective. Students will work with partners to learn and perform unarmed combinations of punches, slaps, kicks, holds, throws, and falls. This class provides a unique opportunity to experience the exciting world of stage combat.
Shakespeare: Discover the rich language and complexity of Shakespeare's plays while preparing an audition-ready monologue. This elective will introduce students to the Bard's works and explore the techniques necessary to deliver them with skill and passion. Students will emerge with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and power of Shakespeare's language.
Final Production
The final production is a culmination of the Workshop where all actors get the opportunity to shine on stage. Short plays and scene work are carefully selected to showcase the unique talents and ensemble of each year's group. The rehearsal process is intense and condensed, allowing actors to trust their instincts and rely on the support of their fellow artists to create a one-of-a-kind piece of theatre. Friends and family are invited to attend the live final performance on Saturday morning to witness the hard work and creativity that went into the production.
From day to residential programs there is a High School Actors Workshop program to meet every need!
| Program | Grades | Location | Start Date | End Date | Price Options | Register |
|---|
Sample Schedule High School |
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|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Breakfast in the dining hall (overnight campers) |
| 9-9:15 am | Extended day camper check-in |
| 9:15 am | Warm-up |
| 9:30 am | Movement class |
| 10:00 am | Acting workshop |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch in the dining hall (included for all campers) |
| 1:30 pm | Monologue class |
| 3:30 pm | Ensemble work |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner in the dining hall (included for all campers) |
| 6:30 pm | Electives |
| 8:00 pm | Evening recreation activities |
| 9:00 pm | Extended day camper check-out |
| 10:00 pm | Floor check |
| 10:30 pm | Room check |
Education Unlimited believes in small-group, immersive learning with subject matter experts and experienced teachers. We strive to provide industry-leading instruction to all of our students and hold all staff to the highest possible standards. Staff assignments vary by program and location. Some of our recent staff members for this program include:
Luis Cardenas, MA - Instructor
Cardenas began his career in New York City with master acting teacher, Tony Greco who has trained David Harbour, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Taraji P. Henson and so many other successful actors.
After teaching in New York at Stuyvesant High School, Bronx High School of Science and Democracy Prep Public Schools he founded Open Hydrant Theater Company in New York City where he has directed and developed hundreds of projects for local diverse youth. He is also the Co-Artistic Director. At OH he has directedFootloose The Musical, Rent, In the Heights, Hairspray, High School Musical, Our Lady of 121 Street, In Arabia We’d All Be Kings, Durang, Durang, Big River, Hair, Aida, West Side Story.
Cardenas has coached and mentored numerous youth who have been seen on TV, Film, and Broadway. Including-MJ The Musical, Kinky Boots, The Lion King, Single Parents, Eureka, Showing Up, Blue Bloods, The Last OG, Power, Power II, Power III Raising Kanan, American Sports Story, American Horror Story, FBI, Law and Order SVU, Billions, Modern Love, East New York, Somewhere in Queens, That Damn Michael Che, The Good Fight, And Just Like That, The Equalizer, It’s Bruno, Simone, Gilmore Girls, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Judging Amy, Boston Public, Calendar Girls, Remember the Titans, Why do Fools Fall in Love, JAG, Nikki, The Steve Harvey Show, Sister, Sister, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Family Matters, The Parent Hood, My So-Called Life,
He has directed and acted off-Broadway:Future Fest @ 54 Below(7 Seasons)Raft of the Medusa,by Joe Pintauro,Fools in Loveby Sarah Rosenberg (NY Times Critic Pick) @ BAM,The Shadow Boxby Michael Cristofer. Balm in Gileadby Lanford Wilson.Haunted Hollioff Hildorf Hotel and Shadow’s Unicycle@ NY International Fringe Festival.Tempest Toss’d@ NY Musical Theatre Festival.
Cardenas is the resident playwright and proud member of Open Hydrant Theater Company, the first Equity theater ensemble in the Bronx. His plays have been performed around the country. Last Exit in New York, Visa Decline, Play the Papers for Lupe and Place of Assembly were all produced by Open Hydrant. His screenplay Ain't Gonna Be Ez is currently being filmed and will be followed by Boys Like Me. He is a proud member of The Puerto Rican Playwrights Unit and is the Playwright Workshop Leader at Bronx Loaf, a yearly conference for young writers in the Bronx.
His work can be seen in the feature film,Shakespeare HighandFrom The Bronx to Yaleby The Guardian.
James Webb, PhD- Instructor
James Webb is an actor, playwright, director, and educator. He holds a PhD in Educational Theater from New York University. A seasoned actor of over fifty stage productions, James has held roles that vary from Scar in The Lion King to Booker T. in Ragtime. He has been an educator at the university level since 2002, currently teaching at the City University of New York, and he was the managing director of Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre from 2001-2019. He has been the recipient of numerous honors and accolades throughout his career, honored for both his acting and playwriting. In addition to his time on stage, he has appeared in a number of films and done commercial and voiceover work. James also holds a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Florida and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater from Florida A&M University.
Gerry Weiner, MA - Instructor
Gerry Wiener is a drama teacher with a Masters in English Education from New York University. He has taught beginning and advanced levels of drama as well as musical theatre, choir, and English with an emphasis on arts integration for over 25 years in Martinez, CA. He was both a participant and later a presenter with the California Arts Project, sharing drama techniques with fellow educators in the Bay Area. Gerry has worked with junior high students in summer musical theatre workshops at The Head Royce School in Oakland, and has directed and produced over 50 plays and musicals in Martinez, Berkeley, and Dansvile, NY. He has performed in community theater productions, and has sung and recorded with choirs including the UC Berkeley Chamber Choir and Vox Populi, In Gerry’s classes, students work collaboratively in a positive and creative setting to find their voices and explore myriad dramatic and musical techniques, building confidence that will serve them in all aspects of life.
Casey Ann Hayward, MA - Instructor
Casey Ann Hayward is a teacher with a Master of Arts in Educational Theatre from New York University. As a seasoned performer and teaching artist, Casey Ann has a natural ability to empower students to find their own voice and confidence in front of a crowd, whether it be on stage as a performer or public speaker. Her background in educating youth is extensive; she has taught at the National Youth Drama School, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, and taught at The West Tisbury School in Massachusetts.
Casey Ann is also an experienced performer, director, and playwright. In June 2017 her original play about the history and politics of genetics, “Gene Play”, co-written with Jonah Lipsky, was debuted at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse. She has been involved in the production of numerous performances from the TONY awards to the Thanksgiving Day Parade. In addition to her love of the performing arts, Casey Ann has also been a certified Pilates instructor since 2011.