School of Theatre > For adults > Classes
Adult classes
Our summer session of classes will begin the week of July 5, 2010. Course descriptions available below.
For our current students, the spring class schedule is listed at the bottom of the page. Enrollment for the spring classes is closed.
acting
Acting (Beginning)
Instructor: Michael Navarra
Develop a basic understanding of the fundamentals of acting via a Stanislavski-based practice in this six-week class. Through exercises and scene work, students are introduced to the elements of dramatic action, text analysis and character development, as they develop tools for releasing inhibitions and expanding vocal and physical range. May be repeated.
Michael Navarra works as a SAG/AEA actor in both theatre and film. He has played leading roles with TheatreWorks, B Street Theatre, Traveling Jewish Theatre, Word for Word, Pacific Repertory Theatre, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Central Works, Pacific Alliance Stage Company and the San Francisco and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festivals. Michael earned an M.F.A. from the University of Washington and has taught at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre and Napa Valley College.
MON 7–10pm • 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16 • $260
Acting (Intermediate)
Instructor: Marvin Greene
Students analyze and perform scenes straight from dramatic literature. Special emphasis is placed on encouraging the actor to focus his/her intelligence and imagination on making dramatically effective choices by playing provocative actions, discovering the event within the scene and finding creative obstacles. Prerequisite: Prior acting experience or previous acting classes at the School of Theatre or other reputable theatre studio that stressed the fundamentals of text analysis, beat breakdown and character objectives. May be repeated.
Marvin Greene is a professional actor and has performed with major regional theatres such as A.C.T., The Aurora Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre and San Jose Rep. Marvin has been an instructor at A.C.T. since 1994 and also teaches at UC Berkeley and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
MON 7–10pm • 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16 • $260
Acting (Advanced)
Instructor: Andrew Hurteau
Acting (Advanced) is an intensive scene-study course for people with previous acting training and/or experience. The class focuses on solidifying technique, deepening internal connection and strengthening textual analysis skills. Scenes are drawn from a variety of styles and genres. Students should expect to spend substantial rehearsal time outside of class. Students need to apply for this class by sending a resume to school@berkeleyrep.org or mailing it to Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, 2025 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94704. An audition may be required. May be repeated.
Andrew Hurteau has been acting and teaching since graduating from A.C.T. He has performed with Berkeley Rep, A.C.T., The Magic Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, Aurora Theatre Company and throughout the Bay Area. In addition to the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, Andrew teaches at A.C.T., the Academy of Art University and the Nueva School.
TUE 7–10pm • 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10 • $260
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improvisation / comedy
Stand-Up
Instructor: Julia Brothers
People really are funny—especially people who think they aren’t. What makes things funny and why? This class is designed to help each student write his/her own stand-up routine. Each student will be challenged to explore their “hook”—the individual strengths that they can bring to their routine. This class will give students a forum to get in front of people who are supportive and fun as opposed to going to an open-mic night. Students should come to class with ideas about material they would like to develop. The class will culminate with a performance for family and friends on the last day of class.
Julia Brothers has performed stand-up in NYC and LA, getting her start with Lew Black at The West Bank Café. She performed at The West Bank Café’s Saturday Midnight Free Show numerous times over a period of years. Other New York clubs include Stand-Up New York, Dangerfield’s, The Comic Strip, Comix, Village Gate and countless bars and restaurants that had comedy nights. In Los Angeles, Julia performed at The Improv (and “opened” for Jay Leno), and was also a joke writer for Alan Thicke. Outside of stand-up, Julia has been a professional actress for 30 years, making her living in the performing arts and commercials.
TUE 7–10pm • 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10 • $260
The Art of Play: Two Points of View (Beginning/Intermediate)
Instructors: Diane Rachel and Laura Derry
Adulthood can be a challenging existence, riddled with timelines, deadlines and bottom lines. “Play” not only alleviates the pressures of everyday life, but also enhances one’s life and provides a fresh perspective. This class offers two fresh perspectives from two professional improvisers. The focus will be on games and exercises that encourage play, laughter and “letting go” in a safe, supportive environment.
Diane Rachel has been performing and teaching at BATS Improv since 1989. She created a specialty long-form program with a focus on intimate acting and stage combat, which has attracted an international following. She has led workshops in Amsterdam, Helsinki, Melbourne and Paris, and has taught at A.C.T. and Stanford. Diane is a founding member of San Francisco’s True Fiction Magazine improv group.
Laura Derry is an improviser, actor, teacher, director and musician. She has been performing with BATS Improv since 1991 and teaching since 1993. Laura teaches students ranging from age 5 to 90 at BATS Improv, A.C.T., Cal Shakes, UC Berkeley, Stanford University and the Academy of Art University.
TUE 7–10pm • 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10 • $260
Advanced Improvisation: Four Favorite Genres
Instructor: Diane Rachel
Open your mind to the infinite possibilities of improvised theatre. Students will delve into the more potent possibilities of improv while exploring the nuance of style in storytelling and continued development of spontaneity and dynamic play. The focus of this class will be on four specific genres: musical, horror, romance and action-adventure. We will practice improvised singing with a musician, stage combat techniques and how to create intimacy and action-packed scenes without the aid of a million-dollar budget.
Diane Rachel has been performing and teaching at BATS Improv since 1989. She created a specialty long-form program with a focus on intimate acting and stage combat, which has attracted an international following. She has led workshops in Amsterdam, Helsinki, Melbourne and Paris, and has taught at A.C.T. and Stanford. Diane is a founding member of San Francisco’s True Fiction Magazine improv group.
WED 7–10pm • 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11 • $260
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physical theatre / movement
Acting Violence: Theatrical Combatant Certification—
Broadsword (Level Two)
Instructor: Dave Maier
Get Medieval! Take your violent acting to a new level in this Level Two scene-study class. Learn more advanced combat techniques and longer fights. This class challenges actors to learn both sides of a complicated fight while fully committing to character and scene work. All students will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform scenes that include stage combat and take a “Skills Proficiency Test” for recognition as a Level Two Theatrical Combatant with Dueling Arts International. Current Level One certification or permission from the instructor required. Full-fingered gloves are required.
Dave Maier has composed fights for Berkeley Rep, A.C.T., Shotgun Players, Cal Shakes, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, La Jolla Playhouse, the Cutting Ball Theatre, SF Playhouse, Impact Theatre and Berkeley Opera. He is a full instructor of theatrical combat with Dueling Arts International and outreach coordinator at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre.
MON 7–10pm • 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16 • $260
Clowning
Instructor: Ben Johnson
Explore the ancient and irreverent art of clowning. Whether they’re found on stage, screen or sitting around the Paleolithic campfire, clowns have always used their unique perspective on the human experience to upend the social order and provide laughter when it’s needed most. In this course students will examine the role of character, status and conflict as the engines that push comedic storytelling forward.
Ben Johnson has worked as a professional performer and teacher since 1997. Recently he has appeared as a featured clown in Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria, as Merrick in Bernard Pomerance’s The Elephant Man and as a core company member of Improv Jones, a long-form improvisational theatre company based in Providence, RI. Ben holds a Master’s degree in teaching from Brown University and has taught for UCSD, URI, Wheaton College, the ArtsLiteracy Project at Brown University and at public and private schools in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and California.
WED 7–10pm • 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11 • $260
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voice
Character and Status through the Ages
Instructor: Lisa Anne Porter
This class will explore character as it is revealed through the voice, body and text. Special emphasis will be placed on the influence of class and time in history as shapers of the character’s point of view and the choices they make. Students will work their way through the clergy, the military, royalty, upper class, middle class and lower class using various dramatic texts such as the Bible, Shakespeare, Shaw, Chekhov, Ibsen, O’Neill and Williams…just to name a few.
Lisa Anne Porter is a designated Linklater voice instructor and is currently teaching at UC Davis. She has also taught at A.C.T., Cal Shakes, Shakespeare & Company, Syracuse University and Naropa University. She has performed with numerous repertory companies and Shakespeare festivals including A.C.T., SF Shakes, Cal Shakes and Shakespeare Santa Cruz.
WED 7–10pm • 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11 • $260
British Dialects
Instructor: Deborah Eubanks
Students will work on placement, enunciation, color and intonation. In addition to in-class exercises, students will be given tapes to listen to at home. Cultural and class backgrounds will be examined. Texts will be taken from the works of Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, Alan Bennett and Monty Python. Students will work on creating a Standard Received Pronunciation dialect and the basics of South London Cockney. Both of these dialects are prerequisites to convincingly speak New Received Pronunciation, now known as Estuary. Some outside class work will be required.
Deborah Eubanks majored in theatre arts at Harold Pinter Studios in England. She has performed with BBC’s Hugh Stoddard and designed and implemented workshops with Stephen Hawking’s Company at Covent Garden Arts Center (Cambridge). She has written and directed for London’s Age Exchange, created and produced two teen operettas and has been teaching and directing in the Bay Area for 16 years. Deborah has taught at A.C.T., SF Shakes and USF.
THU 7–10pm • 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12 • $260
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playwriting
Summer Playwriting Workshop
Instructor: Gary Graves
This program is for playwrights who are interested in an intensive developmental workshop period of six weeks, followed by a staged reading of the work in an open workshop setting. This very successful program, now in its fifth season, is an exciting way to take a script to the next stage. Writers must be prepared to take the lead in the staging of their own plays, as there is a hands-on production component to this workshop. Secondly, writers will participate in the readings of fellow students within the group and are responsible for generating an audience for themselves and their peers. The culminating reading series amounts to the presentation of eight new plays in four days. It’s an exhilarating experience, but a demanding one. Consent of the instructor is required prior to enrollment. Writers must submit a script of the play they wish to develop. For submission guidelines and availability, please call 510 647–2978. Class size is limited to eight.
Gary Graves is a company co-director of Central Works Theater Ensemble in Berkeley, dedicated to the development of new works. He has written and directed productions with Central Works, UC Berkeley, Hardback Theater and American Theater Arts. He holds an M.F.A. in playwriting from Southern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in directing from UC Berkeley.
SAT 10am–2pm • 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14 • $475
In addition, the course includes a four-day staged-reading showcase of students’ new work presented from Thursday, August 26 to Sunday, August 29.
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workshop
Shakespeare’s Verse: Discovery and Action
Instructor: Daniel Fish
This workshop, presented with California Shakespeare Theater, introduces experienced actors and directors to a rigorous and practical technique of working with Shakespearean verse. Daniel Fish appropriates a method developed largely by Peter Hall and John Barton and makes it work for American actors by synthesizing the emotional, psychological and physical demands of bringing these texts to life. The impulse for this technique and for the class comes from a belief that Shakespeare’s plays are living works that demand constant reinvention for a contemporary society. Students must submit a resume for acceptance into this class. Please e-mail resume to school@berkeleyrep.org.
Daniel Fish is a stage director based in New York City and Berlin. He began his career directing the plays of Shakespeare and Molière and in recent years has made new work from sources as varied as Elliott Smith’s album From a Basement on a Hill and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!. He has directed plays by Chekhov, Ibsen, Wilde, Odets, Mee, Sarah Ruhl, David Rabe, Roland Schimmelpfennig and Sheila Callaghan. In New York City his work has been produced by Signature Theatre, Classic Stage Company, The Juilliard School, HERE and The Zipper, where his production of True Love opened in 2001. He has also created work for Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Bard College, Yale Repertory Theatre, McCarter Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre/Washington, D.C. and Cal Shakes. Daniel has taught directing at The Yale School of Drama, Princeton University, University of California at San Diego and Bard College.
FRI 7/9, 7–9pm • SAT 7/10, 1–5pm • SUN 7/11, 1–5pm • $150
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spring class schedule
(Enrollment for the spring classes is closed.)
Acting (Beginning)
WED 7–9:30pm • 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9
Acting (Intermediate)
MON 7–10pm • 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 6/7, 6/14
Acting (Advanced): Practical Aesthetics Technique,
developed by David Mamet and William H. Macy
THU 7–10pm • 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10
On-Camera Acting
THU 7–10pm • 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10
Improvisation (Beginning)
TUE 7–10pm • 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8
Improvisation (Intermediate)
TUE 7–10pm • 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8
Improvisation Performance Lab
WED 7–10pm • 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5 (performance), 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/4 (performance)
Introduction to Biomechanics
WED & THU 7–9:30pm • 5/12, 5/13, 5/19, 5/20, 5/26, 5/27, 6/2, 6/3, 6/9, 6/10
Lecoq: Action in Motion
MON 7–10pm • 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 6/7, 6/14
Acting Violence: Rapier, Dagger and Quarterstaff
(Level 1)
MON 7–10pm • 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 6/7, 6/14
Playwriting
TUE 7–10pm • 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8
school of theatre
major sponsors
($25,000 and above)
Fellowship Program Sponsor
Arts Education and Outreach
The S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation / The Mosse Foundation for Education and the Arts / The Woodlawn Foundation
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