Classes
To receive priority notification about class registrations and school events, please join our email list and select "School—Adult Classes" or "School—Youth/Teen Classes" under interests.
If you are interested in joining a class that has already started, please email school@berkeleyrep.org.
Q: I want to register for a class, but have a conflict for one or two dates. Is that an issue?
A: Not at all! If you know of your absence ahead of time, let our teaching artist or School staff know and they’ll be happy to work with you to catch you up once you’re back. If you have a last-minute absence, that’s okay too.
Q: The dates for this quarter’s classes don’t work for me — will you offer the same classes next quarter?
A: While certain classes (Beginning through Advanced Acting and Improv) are offered every quarter, we cannot guarantee the same class or the same instructor for every quarter. Class dates, times, subjects, and teaching artists are subject to change each quarter.
Q: Is the price listed online for the whole session, or per individual class date?
A: The price listed on our website is for the entire class session (i.e. for an 8-week class at $340, the $340 covers all 8 weeks).
Q: Do I have to take Beginning Acting Session 1 before taking Session 2? What’s the difference?
A: There is no difference between our two sessions of Beginning Acting, and they are not connected in any way. Both sessions cover the same curriculum; the only difference is the time and day of the week. By offering two sessions at different times, we hope to make this class as accessible as possible.
Q: Do School of Theatre classes count toward academic credits?
A: No, the School of Theatre does not offer certification or transferable academic credits.
Youth and Teen Summer Programs
Youth and teen summer programs will be held in-person at the School of Theatre located at 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley. Students must be fully vaccinated to attend. Masks will be optional for students attending our 2023 summer programs.
MON–FRI · 9am–4pm · 6/12–6/30 · $1,300
Jump in and explore the magic of theatre-making by performing in an original play with Berkeley Rep!
Students will discover the tools to harness their imaginative power by collaborating with peers alongside a professional playwright and director to breathe life into an original play that challenges, thrills, and speaks to young artists, and their community. With daily acting, improv, voice, and movement classes, as well as special electives such as musical theatre, stage combat, on-camera acting, and contemporary dance, students will have the opportunity to let their voices shine explore a wide variety of creative mediums!
Mid-way through the program, we’ll shift into rehearsal mode to focus on staging, character development, and incorporating the skills learned in classes and electives! Students will collaborate with Berkeley Rep’s professional cohort of artists and designers during this process to add production elements such as lights, sound, and costumes, in order to prepare for the final professional performance.
Finally, on the last day of class, we invite friends, family, and community members to join us for a performance of this original play starring all summer intensive students, in Berkeley Rep’s world-class Peet’s theatre!
All experience levels are welcome and embraced for this dynamic theatrical adventure!
Summer Intensive Session 1 Instructors:
Dylan Russell | Director
Dylan Russell is a director, teaching artist, new play developer and community engagement specialist. Dylan has directed productions at American Conservatory Theatre Conservatory, TheatreFirst, New Conservatory Theatre, and Actors Lab Arizona. Most recently, Dylan was the Director of Education and Community Engagement at Laguna Playhouse. Dylan envisioned and created the OUR STORIES program at Laguna Playhouse, which utilizes generative theatre practices to create awareness about mental health and amplify the voices of youth and young adults ages 16-25. Dylan created the Drama Department at Jewish Community High School of the Bay, which was recognized as one of the top high school theatre programs in America by Stage Directions Magazine and twice performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland. She has taught at Laguna Playhouse, California Shakespeare Theatre, Northwestern University's National High School Institute, Marin Theatre Company and New Conservatory Theatre Center.
Jennifer Leblanc | Playwright
Jennifer Le Blanc is an actor, director, playwright/adaptor, and teaching artist. Jennifer has acted regionally and internationally. Her plays and adaptations have been produced in the U.S. and Canada. Jennifer has taught for Perspective Theatre Company’s and Livermore Shakespeare Festival’s education programs, taught workshops at Cerimon House, and coached style and movement for productions at several local companies. Jennifer has an MFA from the National Theatre Conservatory and a BA in English Literature from UC Berkeley.
Kate Cherry & Kenny Ransom | Playwright/Director Team
Kate Cherry is an internationally acclaimed artistic director and director of theatre and opera. As artistic director of both Australia’s Black Swan State Theatre Company and NIDA, and associate director at Melbourne Theatre Company, Kate has directed over 50 professional productions for various notable performance institutions, including Seattle Opera, New Zealand Opera, Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney’s Belvoir Street Theatre, and many other theatre and opera companies throughout Australia. She has commissioned over 30 new works, and created labs to explore new ways of creating work. Kate has an MFA from UCLA where she assisted Oskar Eustis and Tony Taccone and studied with Martha Clarke and Peter Sellars. She is a Drama League Alumnae and has received numerous awards for her directing. She has listened to over 1000 pitches, and advocated for work like The Sapphires, by Tony Briggs, ensuring the story skyrocketed from a conversation in a Melbourne pub to an acclaimed Hollywood movie. Kate has directed numerous screen and theatre luminaries, including multi-award winners Ben Mendelssohn (Emmy Award), Guy Pearce (Golden Globes and SAG Award), and Greta Scaachi (Emmy Award). She has also produced work by Judy Davis (BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Emmys) as a director, and studied with Oskar Eustis (artistic director of New York’s Public Theater, dramaturg of Angels in America, and producer of Hamilton).
Kenneth Ransom is a professional actor, teacher, and coach who has worked consistently in the industry for over 30 years in the US and Australia and has himself secured most of his recent work through self-tests. Most recently, on the Untitled Amazon Project and The Wilds, starring Rachel Griffiths, both shot in New Zealand this year. Kenneth’s acting credits include over 35 films and television productions, including Gods of Egypt with Geoffrey Rush, Gerard Butler, and Chadwick Boseman; China Beach with Dana Delaney and Michael Boatman; Equal Justice with Sarah Jessica Parker and Joe Morton; and Fame with Debbie Allen and Gene Anthony Ray. Kenneth has taught acting at most of the major actor training institutions in Australia, where he lives, and did a successful two-course stint at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre last year.
MON–FRI · 9am–4pm · 7/10–7/28 · $1,300
Jump in and explore the magic of theatre-making by performing in an original play with Berkeley Rep!
Students will discover the tools to harness their imaginative power by collaborating with peers alongside a professional playwright and director to breathe life into an original play that challenges, thrills, and speaks to young artists, and their community. With daily acting, improv, voice, and movement classes, as well as special electives such as musical theatre, stage combat, on-camera acting, and contemporary dance, students will have the opportunity to let their voices shine explore a wide variety of creative mediums!
Mid-way through the program, we’ll shift into rehearsal mode to focus on staging, character development, and incorporating the skills learned in classes and electives! Students will collaborate with Berkeley Rep’s professional cohort of artists and designers during this process to add production elements such as lights, sound, and costumes, in order to prepare for the final professional performance.
Finally, on the last day of class, we invite friends, family, and community members to join us for a performance of this original play starring all summer intensive students, in Berkeley Rep’s world-class Peet’s theatre!
All experience levels are welcome and embraced for this dynamic theatrical adventure!
Summer Intensive Session 2 Instructors:
Kate Cherry & Kenny Ransom | Playwright/Director Team
Kate Cherry is an internationally acclaimed artistic director and director of theatre and opera. As artistic director of both Australia’s Black Swan State Theatre Company and NIDA, and associate director at Melbourne Theatre Company, Kate has directed over 50 professional productions for various notable performance institutions, including Seattle Opera, New Zealand Opera, Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney’s Belvoir Street Theatre, and many other theatre and opera companies throughout Australia. She has commissioned over 30 new works, and created labs to explore new ways of creating work. Kate has an MFA from UCLA where she assisted Oskar Eustis and Tony Taccone and studied with Martha Clarke and Peter Sellars. She is a Drama League Alumnae and has received numerous awards for her directing. She has listened to over 1000 pitches, and advocated for work like The Sapphires, by Tony Briggs, ensuring the story skyrocketed from a conversation in a Melbourne pub to an acclaimed Hollywood movie. Kate has directed numerous screen and theatre luminaries, including multi-award winners Ben Mendelssohn (Emmy Award), Guy Pearce (Golden Globes and SAG Award), and Greta Scaachi (Emmy Award). She has also produced work by Judy Davis (BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Emmys) as a director, and studied with Oskar Eustis (artistic director of New York’s Public Theater, dramaturg of Angels in America, and producer of Hamilton).
Kenneth Ransom is a professional actor, teacher, and coach who has worked consistently in the industry for over 30 years in the US and Australia and has himself secured most of his recent work through self-tests. Most recently, on the Untitled Amazon Project and The Wilds, starring Rachel Griffiths, both shot in New Zealand this year. Kenneth’s acting credits include over 35 films and television productions, including Gods of Egypt with Geoffrey Rush, Gerard Butler, and Chadwick Boseman; China Beach with Dana Delaney and Michael Boatman; Equal Justice with Sarah Jessica Parker and Joe Morton; and Fame with Debbie Allen and Gene Anthony Ray. Kenneth has taught acting at most of the major actor training institutions in Australia, where he lives, and did a successful two-course stint at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre last year.
MON–FRI · 4:30–7:30pm · 6/12–6/23 · $800
Lights, camera, action! Delve into the fundamentals of filmmaking and explore all major disciplines of the craft including screenwriting, directing, acting, and editing/post-production. Students will get to develop and produce their own original pieces, which will be shown at a final short film screening for friends and family the last day of class.
Filmmaking Intensive Instructor:
Samuel Tomfohr | Director
Samuel Tomfohr is a filmmaker and actor who holds a BA in Film from UC Berkeley and an MFA in Film Directing from Columbia University. He is also a former Fulbright Scholarship recipient in filmmaking to Brazil. His past short films have screened in film festivals throughout the US. He has taught courses and workshops in screenwriting and filmmaking in New York and Brazil. More recently Sam has been acting in Bay Area theatre and short films. Sam loves the collaborative nature of film and continues to write scripts and stories for future work. He lives in Oakland.
7/24–8/4 · $1,000
Week 1: MON–FRI, 4:30–8:30pm
Week 2: MON–FRI, 3–8pm, dinner break included
Are you ready to dance, sing, and act your heart out? Join us for this dynamic, super-charged musical theatre camp!
This two-week summer intensive is an unparalleled opportunity for students to reach that next level in their musical theatre experience and learn from a professional Broadway actor. Week one offers a deep dive into technique, allowing students to expand their skill set in dance, voice, and acting classes. Using the best of Broadway selections, students will harness their triple-threat talents and receive valuable, constructive feedback on their work.
Week two is performance-focused as students begin a rigorous rehearsal process, culminating in a live cabaret-style presentation on stage in Berkeley Rep's renowned Peet’s theatre. This program is tailored for students interested in triple threat-training and aims to prepare students for what it takes to be successful on Broadway.
Musical Theatre Instructor:
Ben Hartley | Director
Ben recently directed & choreographed Let the Right One In for The Neighborhood Playhouse, NYC, alongside Another Hundred People & By the River. He served as Movement Director and/or Choreographer for twelve full-scale productions for "The Fame School" NYC & a tribute to Broadway legend Ben Vereen. He choreographed Held Momentarily for NYMF, Gypsy in Houston, TX, Hairspray in Stamford, CT, & Ballet Central UK. Ben served as the Assistant Choreographer on the Broadway production of Enron & the reading of Robin & The Seven Hoods.
Ben was on the theater dance faculty at Broadway Dance Center NYC & has guest taught at all other major NYC dance studios. In addition, he has been invited to guest teach for various companies, schools, & studios in the UK, across Europe, Japan, & the USA. Ben was the Artistic Director of Broadway Arts Factory, a 501(c)3 musical theatre school based in NYC. He was the founder and director of The Broadway Experience from 2008 - 2021.
He performed in Broadway & West End productions of The Little Mermaid, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Fiddler on the Roof, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Cinderella, & The Carman, Follies, Cats, & Fosse as well as regional productions of Hello Dolly, Pirates of Penzance, & The Most Happy Fella. He danced in the Met Opera Ballet, Santa Fe Opera, and English National Ballet. He has been featured in American Vogue & New Yorker magazine.
Financial aid for summer programs
Financial Aid applications are now closed for all summer 2023 programs.
Summer Intensive scholarships made possible by Andrea Gordon Real Estate.
Summer program cancellation policy
If you cancel before April 1, your tuition will be refunded less a $200 fee. If you cancel after April 1, your tuition will be refunded less a $450 fee. After May 1, no refund will be given.
Adult classes | In person
In-person classes will be held at the School of Theatre located at 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley. Students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a legitimate medical, religious, or legal exemption. Masks will be optional for all students attending class.
Class protocol regarding COVID safety, how to get to the theatre, and what to expect, will be emailed to students the day before the class begins.
SAT 10am-12:30pm · 5/27, 6/3, 6/10 · $160
Richard Topol (performing as Hakan in Let the Right One in at Berkeley Rep) will cover this 3-week master class in the Actor’s Process, from auditioning through performing. Each week students will explore a different element of the actor’s journey, using Berkeley Rep’s production of Let The Right One In (LTROI) as a focal point. The first class will focus on the audition - working on monologues and then reading from sides from LTROI. The second class will have students rehearse select scenes from LTROI, looking at the specific challenges and opportunities of being in the rehearsal room. During the final class, students will perform their scenes and discuss the challenges of/tactics for keeping a performance fresh and alive when required to repeat it for the run of a show. All class participants will receive one free ticket to see a performance of Let the Right One In.
Instructor: On Broadway, Richard Topol has been seen in Indecent as Lemml (Outer Critics Circle Nomination), Fish in the Dark (with Larry David), The Normal Heart (Drama Desk Award), The Merchant of Venice (with Al Pacino), The Country Girl (directed by Mike Nichols), Cymbeline, Julius Caesar (with Denzel Washington), School for Scandal, and in Clifford Odets' Awake & Sing (Drama Desk Award). Off-Broadway credits include Prayer for the French Republic (MTC), Anatomy of a Suicide (Atlantic Theater Company), Dance of Death (CSC), The Unbelieving (The Civilians at 59E59), Bronx Bombers and Opus (Primary Stages), The Wayside Motor Inn (Signature Theatre), King Lear and Twelfth Night (Public Theater), The Winter's Tale (Public Theater – Shakespeare in the Park), When the Rain Stops Falling (LCT), Mouth to Mouth (The New Group), Hamlet (Theatre for a New Audience), and Omnium Gatherum. Also Playwrights Horizons, Soho Rep, Naked Angels, EST, New Georges. Regional: Long Wharf, Yale Rep, McCarter Theatre, Hartford Stage, Angels in America at ACT, CTG, The Huntington, and upcoming at Berkeley Rep. Film/TV credits include: Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, Indignation, Mickey Blue Eyes, Party Girl, recurring roles on “Godfather of Harlem”, “Manifest”, “Genius: Einstein”, “Perception”, “Covert Affairs”, and “The Practice” as well as guest starring on “The Good Doctor”, “The Blacklist”, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “The Good Wife”, “Elementary”,, all the “Law & Order” series, “Rescue Me”, “Nurse Jackie”, “Damages”, “Ed”, “Gilmore Girls”, “Malcolm in the Middle”, “Drew Carey” and upcoming on Netflix’s “A Man in Full.”
As a teacher and director, he has worked at NYU’s Graduate Acting Program, Fordham University, Hunter College, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Brown University, Primary Stages’ ESPA, and with The Acting Company. He has taught Scene Study, Auditioning, Shakespeare, and Acting for the Camera, among many other classes. He holds an MFA from New York University, is a Fox Foundation Fellow, a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect, and an Acting Company Alum.
SAT 9:30am-12pm · 6/3 · $65
Instructor: Eliza Foss has directed audiobooks for Audible and has narrated over one hundred audiobooks for Audible, Macmillan, Penguin Random House and many other audiobook publishers. She also directs Audio Description for the blind and disabled for Bridge Multimedia.
TUE 7–10pm · 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8 · $290
This course explores the art of acting in a playful, encouraging, collaborative atmosphere, and offers a dynamic and engaging introduction to the craft of acting. Develop a basic understanding of acting fundamentals through Stanislavski-based practice. Using exercises and scene work, this class introduces students to the elements of dramatic action, text analysis, and character development, as well as the tools for releasing inhibitions and expanding vocal and physical range. May be repeated.
Instructor: Marvin Greene is a professional actor and has performed with major regional theatres such as ACT, Aurora Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Company, Westport Country Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre, and San Jose Rep. Marvin served as an instructor at ACT for over a decade and also teaches at the Academy of Art College and Voice One in San Francisco. Marvin has taught at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre since 2003.
SAT 10:30am–1pm · 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12 · $290
Students will analyze and perform scenes straight from dramatic literature. Special emphasis is placed on encouraging students to make 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 Berkeley Rep School of Theatre or another reputable theatre studio that stressed the fundamentals of text analysis, beat breakdown, and character objectives. May be repeated.
Instructor: To Be Announced
TUE 6:30–9:30pm · 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8 · $290
Advanced Acting is an intensive course for actors serious about developing and refining their craft. Actors will utilize exercises and scene study designed to awaken and cultivate each actor’s emotional and physical gifts, yielding techniques applicable to stage and film.
Students will:
- be assigned a series of individual exercises, increasing in difficulty, structured to deepen their instinctive and personal connections to character.
- strengthen textual analysis skills (active analysis).
- expand their range of physical and vocal characterization.
Scenes are drawn from a variety of styles and genres, and students should expect to spend substantial rehearsal time outside of class.
Prerequisite: Prior acting experience or previous acting classes at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre or another reputable theatre studio that stressed the fundamentals of text analysis, beat breakdown, and character objectives. May be repeated.
Instructor: Dylan Russell is a director, teaching artist, new play developer and community engagement specialist. Dylan has directed productions at American Conservatory Theatre Conservatory, TheatreFirst, New Conservatory Theatre, and Actors Lab Arizona. Most recently, Dylan was the Director of Education and Community Engagement at Laguna Playhouse. Dylan envisioned and created the OUR STORIES program at Laguna Playhouse, which utilizes generative theatre practices to create awareness about mental health and amplify the voices of youth and young adults ages 16-25. Dylan created the Drama Department at Jewish Community High School of the Bay, which was recognized as one of the top high school theatre programs in America by Stage Directions Magazine and twice performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland. She has taught at Laguna Playhouse, California Shakespeare Theatre, Northwestern University's National High School Institute, Marin Theatre Company and New Conservatory Theatre Center.
SAT 10am–1pm · 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5 · $290
The Camera is ruthless at picking up on your thoughts. Meryl Streep once said that “good acting can be measured in thoughts per second.” The camera immediately reveals those thoughts, (or lack thereof), and tells us whether you’re succeeding or failing to convey the truth of the situation.
Students will focus on creating character by thoroughly understanding the relationship between the text, situation, and the technical aspects of camera work. When these fundamental tools are genuinely understood and used correctly, only then can actors be free to work to the best of their ability in front of a camera. Areas of study will include script analysis, scene study, and character development, as well as camera technique, set discipline, and set etiquette. All scenes will be rehearsed with direction from the instructor, and copies will be given to students for their reference; please bring a 16GB SD card. A variety of other subjects will be also discussed relating to the business side of show business, including audition technique, agents, union membership, photographs, and websites.
Instructor: Marvin Greene is a professional actor and has performed with major regional theatres such as ACT, Aurora Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Company, Westport Country Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre, and San Jose Rep. Marvin served as an instructor at ACT for over a decade and also teaches at the Academy of Art College and Voice One in San Francisco. Marvin has taught at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre since 2003.
MON 7–10pm · 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7 · $290
Students will analyze and perform scenes straight from dramatic literature. Special emphasis is placed on encouraging students to make dramatically effective choices by playing provocative actions, discovering the event within the scene, and finding creative obstacles.
Instructor: William Thomas Hodgson’s regional credits include Romeo (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), It Can’t Happen Here (Berkeley Rep), Calligraphy (TheatreWorks), Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame (La Jolla Playhouse), An Octoroon (Mixed Blood Theatre), Trufaldino Says No (Shotgun Players), Seussical the Musical (Berkeley Playhouse), and I Am My Own Wife (Oakland Theater Project). He received his MFA from UC San Diego, and he is co-artistic director of the Oakland Theater Project. He has taught for Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, Berkeley Playhouse, ACT, UCSD, OSF, Park Day Middle School, Chatauqua Center, Roads Scholars, and more.
WED 7–9:30pm · 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9 · $290
Build a strong portfolio of audition pieces for both film and theater! Your monologue is your handshake. It’s your way of reaching out and introducing yourself to a director, casting director or agent. Monologues are an important tool to help you thrive in the audition process, and they are a tool that many actors overlook.
In this class we’ll look at types of monologues and situations that call for different kinds of pieces. We’ll examine in depth how to take a monologue apart, rehearse it, and set it on its feet. We will discuss the kinds of monologues that every auditioning actor should have in their portfolio. Lastly, we’ll experiment with the difference between using monologues for theater and for film. The etiquette for each type of audition will be discussed and practiced. Best practices for filming your own auditions will also be emphasized as self-submissions are becoming more common and necessary.
Instructor: Marvin Greene is a professional actor and has performed with major regional theatres such as ACT, Aurora Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Company, Westport Country Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre, and San Jose Rep. Marvin served as an instructor at ACT for over a decade and also teaches at the Academy of Art College and Voice One in San Francisco. Marvin has taught at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre since 2003.
SAT 10am–2pm · 6/24, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5 · $550
In-person staged readings presented over 4 days, Aug 10–13.
This program is for playwrights who are interested in an intensive developmental workshop period of 6 weeks, followed by a staged reading of the work in an open workshop setting. Writers all participate as readers in workshop presentations. The workshop is an exciting process that moves scripts from the page to the first stage of production: a staged reading. It’s a hands-on production program that requires writers to take the lead in the staging of your play, participate in the readings of other writers in the group, and generate an audience for your own reading (if you want one). The culminating reading series amounts to the presentation of eight new plays in four days. It's an exhilarating experience, and a demanding one. So, if you're interested, be prepared to work hard and learn a lot.
Instructor: Gary Graves is a playwright and director living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 1998, he has been a company co-director of Central Works “The New Play Theater” in Berkeley, California, where he has overseen the development of over 65 world premiere productions. He received a PhD in dramatic art at UC Berkeley in 1994, and he teaches playwriting at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre throughout the year.
Instructor approval required for enrollment. Submissions are reviewed in the order received. To apply, email school@berkeleyrep.org with the following:
- A brief description of the project you plan to work on in the class.
- A PDF draft of the script (partial drafts are acceptable).
Submissions are reviewed in the order received. Class enrollment is limited to 8.
WED 7–9:30pm · 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9 · $290
In this class, we will explore personal stories and delve into the process of what it takes to transform each piece into a short play or solo show. Working with techniques used in Theatre of the Oppressed, our goal is to fully witness and transform your story into a meaningful and engaging piece of art. We will explore the core purpose of each personal story, and expand upon the unique theatrical potential for sharing your story on stage.
Instructor: Robin Dolan has been leading post show talks with audience members at the Aurora Theatre, and pre-show talks at California Shakespeare Theatre for over 10 years. She works as a theatre administrator, and loves research and delving into the heart of the creative process. She was Co-Artistic Director of Magical Acts Ritual Theatre where she directed the ensemble-created piece Heretics, Harlots and Heroes. She has taught classes in audition prep, singing, improvisation, and acting.
SAT 1–4pm · 7/8 · $65
“Within this fathom-long body, lies the world of suffering, its cause, and its liberation.” - Gautama Buddha
All oppression involves the body – the body holds and reflects the experience of its oppression. Fear, anxiety, and oppression bleed their way into the habits of our human expression, trapping, binding, and shutting down our natural spontaneity and aliveness, making us mechanized, divided, and imbalanced in our bodies and our minds and isolated, aggressive, or confused in our relationships and interactions. The original form of mindfulness — the mind’s capacity to observe itself, reflect, and transform — is theatre. This workshop will explore the rich, deep, powerful practices of mindfulness, dishabituation, and embodiment within the corpus of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed, focusing on practical techniques for transforming and finding liberation through somatic and energetic awareness in the personal, interpersonal, and political dimensions. We will use demechanization, dynamization, image theatre, forum theatre, and rainbow of desire while developing presence, focus, and a strong capacity for meditative awareness. Open to anyone with a desire to use theatre, art, and meditation to explore a powerful approach to transforming self and society.
Please dress comfortably to move.
Instructor: Jiwon Chung is a professional actor, director, and a key theorist of Theatre of the Oppressed. He is the Artistic Director of Kairos Theater Ensemble, adjunct professor of Theater and Social Justice at Starr King School at the Graduate Theological Union, and past President of the national organization for Theatre of the Oppressed. Author of numerous books, articles, and performances, he is considered a pioneer in the integration of somatics, Theatre of the Oppressed, and socially engaged art. The focus of his work is in the application of theatre as a tool for social and political change, using Theatre of the Oppressed to challenge, resist, and transform systemic oppression and structural violence and to redress large-scale historical atrocity and injustice. His approach to performance and social change is informed by his background as a veteran, a martial artist, and three decades of vipassana meditation.
WED 7–10pm · 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9 · $290
Theatre of the Oppressed, conceived by Augusto Boal, is a collection of games, techniques, and exercises for using theatre as a vehicle for personal and social transformation. It uses the dynamized human body and the charged theatrical space as laboratories for exploring power, transforming oppression, and finding solutions to the fundamental problems of conflict, inequality, injustice, and human suffering. This workshop will introduce basic techniques (demechanization, dynamization, image theatre, forum theatre) from the Theatre of the Oppressed, with an end to understanding their application as practical and essential tools for artistic development, creative expression, social engagement, and personal transformation. This class is open to both experienced and beginning performers, as well as anyone interested in exploring art as a method for social and personal change, while developing spontaneity, fluidity, presence, creativity, and critical intelligence.
Instructor: Jiwon Chung is a professional actor, director, and a key theorist of Theatre of the Oppressed. He is the Artistic Director of Kairos Theater Ensemble, adjunct professor of Theater and Social Justice at Starr King School at the Graduate Theological Union, and past President of the national organization for Theatre of the Oppressed. Author of numerous books, articles, and performances, he is considered a pioneer in the integration of somatics, Theatre of the Oppressed, and socially engaged art. The focus of his work is in the application of theatre as a tool for social and political change, using Theatre of the Oppressed to challenge, resist, and transform systemic oppression and structural violence and to redress large-scale historical atrocity and injustice. His approach to performance and social change is informed by his background as a veteran, a martial artist, and three decades of vipassana meditation.
SAT 10am–1pm · 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5 · $290
Play helps us stay connected—through improv you can bring play and laughter into your life during these times of uncertainty! This class is designed to introduce you to the thrills and chills of improv and to develop your acting and narrative skills to boot, all while reconnecting with others in real time. Tap into your sense of joy, connection, and creativity as you learn the basic building blocks of improv!
Instructor: Diana Brown is an award winning performing and teaching artist, a producer, director and playwright. She was named Most Valuable Mentor and Teacher at the San Francisco Improv Festival. She’s taught with Laguna Playhouse, Grupology, and as a guest teaching artist at City College San Francisco. She is Director of Community and Senior Producer with Leela Improv Theatre Companyin San Francisco. She serves as director for the improv ensemble The Professionals. Diana is also a communication facilitator, working with physicians and business leaders, helping them to interact with patients and clients in ways that promote empathy and cultural equity. She is half of the nationally touring improv comedy duo Bingewatch. Bingewatch was awarded Best Improv at the Fringe Festival of Pittsburgh. She’s performed and presented workshops at festivals around the country including San Francisco Sketch Fest, New York Improv Festival, Twin Cities Improv Festival, New Orleans Improv Fest, Vintage Improv Fest, Denver Improv Festival, 2nd Best Comedy Fest, San Francisco Improv Fest, Tucson Comedy Arts Fest. She’s appeared in theater productions in New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Diana has studied with master improv teachers from Second City, IO, Annoyance Theatre, UCB, The Pack Theatre. She studied performing arts with the Arizona Theatre Company Conservatory. Diana co-authored and performed the solo play When You Are Called with award winning playwright Susan Jackson.
TUE 7–10pm · 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8 · $300
This class introduces the skill of performing improvisational games and stories in a light and generous atmosphere. Students explore the philosophy of “giving” rather than “shining,” and practice interaction techniques that demystify the perceived barriers between performers and an audience. There will be two scheduled performances during the five-week time frame. The class will have up to 10 participants. Prerequisite: Approval from instructor prior to registration.
Instructor: Diana Brown is an award winning performing and teaching artist, a producer, director and playwright. She was named Most Valuable Mentor and Teacher at the San Francisco Improv Festival. She’s taught with Laguna Playhouse, Grupology, and as a guest teaching artist at City College San Francisco. She is Director of Community and Senior Producer with Leela Improv Theatre Company in San Francisco. She serves as director for the improv ensemble The Professionals. Diana is also a communication facilitator, working with physicians and business leaders, helping them to interact with patients and clients in ways that promote empathy and cultural equity. She is half of the nationally touring improv comedy duo Bingewatch. Bingewatch was awarded Best Improv at the Fringe Festival of Pittsburgh. She’s performed and presented workshops at festivals around the country including San Francisco Sketch Fest, New York Improv Festival, Twin Cities Improv Festival, New Orleans Improv Fest, Vintage Improv Fest, Denver Improv Festival, 2nd Best Comedy Fest, San Francisco Improv Fest, Tucson Comedy Arts Fest. She’s appeared in theater productions in New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Diana has studied with master improv teachers from Second City, IO, Annoyance Theatre, UCB, The Pack Theatre. She studied performing arts with the Arizona Theatre Company Conservatory. Diana co-authored and performed the solo play When You Are Called with award winning playwright Susan Jackson.
MON 7–10pm · 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7 · $290
Unleash your inner Mercutio! Learn to create the illusion of violence while studying the sword style most commonly practiced in Renaissance Europe. Students will learn to layer acting skills and stage combat technique to create convincing scenes containing theatrical violence. Use both sides of the brain and body while learning this unique and versatile art form. All students will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform scenes that include a choreographed fight and take a Skills Proficiency Test for recognition as a Theatrical Combatant with Dueling Arts International.
Class size is limited to 10. Full fingered gloves are required.
Instructor: Dave Maier is a prolific fight director who has choreographed violence for over 300 professional and college productions. He is the resident fight director at San Francisco Opera, California Shakespeare Theater, and Oakland Theater Project. He has been awarded several honors including six San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards, five Theatre Bay Area Awards, and a Falstaff Award. He is recognized as a senior instructor with Dueling Arts International and is a founding member of Dueling Arts San Francisco. He has taught combat related courses at Stanford University, University of California Santa Cruz, St. Mary’s College of California, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Studio ACT, Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, and national workshops for Dueling Arts International, as well as independent workshops through Dueling Arts San Francisco.
Special offers
Sign up for two classes and save 10%! Simply add both classes to your cart, and our multi-class discount will automatically apply.
The following classes are not eligible for the multi-class discount: Advanced Acting, On-Camera Acting, Playwriting Residency Workshop, and Improv Performance Lab.
Current Berkeley Rep season subscribers receive 10% off classes.
Blue Star families receive 15% off classes. Please email school@berkeleyrep.org to register.
Any student registered for a School of Theatre class is entitled to two half-price tickets to any currently running Berkeley Rep production for select Sunday evening performances. Offer details and booking instructions will be emailed along with class protocol before the first day of class.
Discounts cannot be combined or applied retroactively. Certain specialty classes may not be eligible for discounts.
Payment plans available
Email school@berkeleyrep.org to set up a payment plan for classes.
Lead education funders
Gisele & Kenneth F. Miller
The Woodlawn Foundation
Executive education funders
Adult classes | Online
Online classes will be held through Zoom meetings. Zoom links will be emailed to students the day before class starts. If you do not receive your link, please email school@berkeleyrep.org.
THU 7–9pm · 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10 · $250
Learn physical triggers that will help you quickly find the placement, melody, and general sound changes for the Yorkshire dialect. We will study the Yorkshire dialect in a multi-sensorial way, with a focus on the physical changes, the phonetic sound changes, and immersion/mimicry (listening to and imitating primary sources of the dialect). Once there is a comfort level with the Yorkshire dialect, we will work on text from films and plays.
Instructor: Rebecca Castelli holds a BA in voice and theatre and an MFA in acting. Previously from Seattle, she won a Seattle Times Footlight Award for her role of Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, and also had the honor of acting with Tony award-winning actress Judy Kaye in Gypsy at 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company. She was a company member of the Marin-based Porchlight Theatre Company for five years and had leads in many of their main stage productions, including Chekhov’s Three Sisters and Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband. Locally, Rebecca has also acted with Shotgun Players and Cinnabar Theater Company. She dialect coaches for various Bay Area theatres, including Shotgun Players, Theatre Rhinoceros, Town Hall Theatre Company, Mendocino Theatre Company, Virago Theatre Company, and Ross Valley Players. She is a founding member of The Incidentalists, a long-form improvisational group based in Oakland.
Classes in progress
If you are interested in joining a class that has already started, please email school@berkeleyrep.org.
WED 4:30–6:30pm · 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31 · $185
Explore the art of comedy from every direction— physical, vocal and improvisational! Test the basics of clowning and take the next step in vaudeville and sketch comedy, before graduating to monologues and scene study - all the time improving your improvisational chops. Have fun being funny! Then share your creations with family and friends at our last class.
Instructor: Nancy Gold is a multifaceted performing artist, director, teacher, and author of Finding Your Funny Bone! The Actor’s Guide to Physical Comedy and Characters. She has studied physical theatre in Paris with Jacques LeCoq, mime with Claude Kipnis, and clowning with Ctibor Turba. She has a BFA from the University of Illinois and a Master’s equivalence. She teaches at Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, ACT Young Conservatory, Academy of Art University, California Shakespeare Theater, Marin Theatre, UCLA, and public and private schools throughout the country. Directing credits include A Servant of Two Masters, Pippi Longstocking, Madeline and the Gypsies, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, as well as numerous original plays about empowering women for young audiences and adaptations based on literature. Nancy performs comedy and vaudeville with her partner, Lol Levy.
TUE 4:30–6pm · 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 · $185
Students will explore the tools of the actor through monologue and scene work by analyzing scripts and performing for one another. This is an opportunity for students to gain valuable rehearsal and stage experience with feedback on their work, improve stage presence and confidence as a performer, and sharpen their text analysis! All experience levels welcome.
Instructor: Ramon Higuera (he/him) is a Bay Area native who received his BA in Theatre and Dance from UC Davis in 2022. He began teaching at the School of Theatre during last summer's Middle School Summer Intensive, serving as the assistant director for An Early Summers Daydream as well as the teaching artist for voice and movement. In 2018, Ramon became one of the youngest show announcers for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and has mastered the use of the stage ever since. He enjoys the art of acting and specializes in teaching the Stanislavski method to students of all ages. Outside of the School of Theatre, Ramon specializes in managing one of the largest escape rooms in the grand Sacramento region known as Beat The Room. Applying techniques of storytelling, acting, and stage design, Ramon is able to incorporate the world of theatre into an immersive escape room experience.
WED 4:30–6pm · 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24 · $185
Expand your imagination through improvisation! As an ensemble, students explore technique, theory, games, and tricks that help them open up to the kind of spontaneity that breeds better comedic timing on stage, stronger reactions in rehearsals, laughter at parties, and a lot more fun at family functions. All levels welcome. Returning students will be challenged with more advanced exercises.
Instructor: Hans Probst has been teaching acting and improv to young actors for the past year at Berkeley Rep. He has been acting since middle school. He attended a Summer Camp production of Guys and Dolls and immediately fell in love with the theatre. While attending San Francisco State University’s Theatre Arts program, he directed with Tri-Valley Young Performer’s Academy. Hans led the Kinderdrama Program and the Center Stage Players Program with TVYPA. The Kinderdrama program, a class designed for very young actors ages 4-6, would teach the basics of stage performance using children’s books as inspiration. The Center Stage Players was a company of 20-25 young actors from ages 7 and up that performed a variety of plays such as Fools, Metamorphosis, and A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream. Teaching children the art of theatre is a passion he holds dearly!
TUE 7–9:30pm · 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30 · $340
This course explores the art of acting in a playful, encouraging, collaborative atmosphere, and offers a dynamic and engaging introduction to the craft of acting. Develop a basic understanding of acting fundamentals through Stanislavski-based practice. Using exercises and scene work, this class introduces students to the elements of dramatic action, text analysis, and character development, as well as the tools for releasing inhibitions and expanding vocal and physical range. May be repeated.
Instructor: Marvin Greene is a professional actor and has performed with major regional theatres such as ACT, Aurora Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Company, Westport Country Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre, and San Jose Rep. Marvin served as an instructor at ACT for over a decade and also teaches at the Academy of Art College and Voice One in San Francisco. Marvin has taught at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre since 2003.
MON 7–9:30pm · 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15 · $280
Students will analyze and perform scenes straight from dramatic literature. Special emphasis is placed on encouraging students to make 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 Berkeley Rep School of Theatre or another reputable theatre studio that stressed the fundamentals of text analysis, beat breakdown, and character objectives. May be repeated.
Instructor: William Thomas Hodgson’s regional credits include Romeo (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), It Can’t Happen Here (Berkeley Rep), Calligraphy (TheatreWorks), Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame (La Jolla Playhouse), An Octoroon (Mixed Blood Theatre), Trufaldino Says No (Shotgun Players), Seussical the Musical (Berkeley Playhouse), and I Am My Own Wife (Oakland Theater Project). He received his MFA from UC San Diego, and he is co-artistic director of the Oakland Theater Project. He has taught for Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, Berkeley Playhouse, ACT, UCSD, OSF, Park Day Middle School, Chatauqua Center, Roads Scholars, and more.
TUE 7–9:30pm · 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30 · $340
Dive into the world of scene study! Students will analyze and perform scenes straight from dramatic literature to develop a better understanding of character, voice, and narrative. Special emphasis is placed on encouraging students to make dramatically effective choices by playing provocative actions, discovering the event within the scene, and finding creative obstacles.
Instructor: Dylan Russell is a director, teaching artist, new play developer and community engagement specialist. Dylan has directed productions at American Conservatory Theatre Conservatory, TheatreFirst, New Conservatory Theatre, and Actors Lab Arizona. Most recently, Dylan was the Director of Education and Community Engagement at Laguna Playhouse. Dylan envisioned and created the OUR STORIES program at Laguna Playhouse, which utilizes generative theatre practices to create awareness about mental health and amplify the voices of youth and young adults ages 16-25. Dylan created the Drama Department at Jewish Community High School of the Bay, which was recognized as one of the top high school theatre programs in America by Stage Directions Magazine and twice performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland. She has taught at Laguna Playhouse, California Shakespeare Theatre, Northwestern University's National High School Institute, Marin Theatre Company and New Conservatory Theatre Center.
MON 6:30–9pm · 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 6/5 · $280
Advanced Acting is an intensive scene study course for students 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, and students should expect to spend substantial rehearsal time outside of class.
Instructor: Lisa Anne Porter is a acting, voice and speech specialist with over thirty years of professional coaching and teaching experience. She served as the Resident Director well as the Co-Head of Voice and Dialects for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco. Prior to the closing of their MFA program in May 2022, she was also the Head of Acting and Dialects at the American Conservatory Theatre. In addition to owning her own coaching practice, Lisa also works as an Executive Leadership and Presence Coach for Springboards Consulting where she works with executives throughout the world in developing their communication skills. She has coached clients from Facebook, Genentech, BristolMyersSquib, Wells Fargo Bank, Cornerstone, Analysis Group, Brattle Group, Predictive Technologies, Fidelity, Kaiser Permanente, and Gilead. She teaches Public Speaking at the University of California, Berkeley.
As a professional actor, she has performed with numerous repertory companies and Shakespeare festivals throughout the country. In March of 2023, she will play Tracey in Sweat at Center Repertory Theatre. Most recently she performed as Gruach in Dunsinane at Marin Theatre Company and Julia in Fefu and Her Friends at the American Conservatory Theatre. Prior to the COVID shutdown she performed in the world premieres of Eureka Day at the Aurora Theatre Company, The Eva Trilogy, the west coast premiere of A Bright Half Life at the Magic Theatre, and Twelfth Night at California Shakespeare Theatre. She has an MFA in Acting from ACT and a BA in Theater and American Studies from Wesleyan University. She is a Designated Master Linklater Voice Teacher, trained by the world-renowned voice teacher Kristin Linklater. She also has a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.
WED 6:30–9pm · 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17 · $280
The Meisner technique (one of the most widespread and renowned acting techniques of the past century) was designed to create work that is raw, spontaneous, truthful, and alive. While the full Meisner curriculum unfolds over 128 classes, this 6-week class will give participants an introduction to the technique’s foundational principles. In this class, students will focus on Meisner’s “repetition exercise” in order to hone listening skills and stay present, which are essential skills for every great performance.
This course is equally suited for seasoned actors looking to deepen truthfulness and spontaneity in their performances as well as any human interested in cultivating their voice and taking risks in a safe space. Students will be asked to rehearse with partners between weekly classes. They will be encouraged to show up as the most authentic versions of themselves, with a willingness to look at the social habits that may be getting in the way of honest human connection.
Instructor: Carolyn McCandlish has taught the Meisner acting technique at NYU Tisch’s Experimental Theatre Wing, the Terry Knickerbocker Studio, Acting Studio Chicago, the Actors' Center D.C., and the Greenbrier Valley Theatre. Carolyn trained with Terry Knickerbocker in two subsequent 2-year Meisner conservatory programs, first as an actor at the William Esper Studio, then again as a teaching apprentice while assisting the opening of his own Terry Knickerbocker Studio. Other creative mentors over the years include Maggie Flanigan, Fay Simpson, Richard Armstrong, Elena McGhee, Alisa Endsley, Ted Morin, and Jeff Wirth. Some of Carolyn's favorite theatre credits are The Spoon River Project (Green-Wood Cemetery), Crimes of the Heart (Fable Farm Theatre), Stomp and Shout (Babel Theatre Project), and Donnie Darko (American Repertory Theater). She was a founding member of art.party.theater.company, which specialized in designing creative performance installations and reinvigorating classical texts through site-specific, physical theater, and she co-founded the interactive, dramatic improv ensemble Playing With Reality, with which she performed and taught in Amsterdam and across New York City. Carolyn co-wrote, co-produced, assistant directed and acted in Whispers in the Dark, an interactive 24-hour film project for the New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center. She received a B.A. from Harvard and a Master's in Social Work from NYU with an additional focus on therapeutic drama techniques. She is a firm believer in the healing and transformative powers of acting.
MON 7-10pm · 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22 · $280
Build a strong portfolio of audition pieces for both film and theater! Your monologue is your handshake. It’s your way of reaching out and introducing yourself to a director, casting director or agent. Monologues are an important tool to help you thrive in the audition process, and they are a tool that many actors overlook.
In this class we’ll look at types of monologues and situations that call for different kinds of pieces. We’ll examine in depth how to take a monologue apart, rehearse it, and set it on its feet. We will discuss the kinds of monologues that every auditioning actor should have in their portfolio. Lastly, we’ll experiment with the difference between using monologues for theater and for film. The etiquette for each type of audition will be discussed and practiced. How to film your own auditions will also be emphasized as self-submissions are becoming more common and necessary.
Instructor: Patricia Miller is a freelance director/producer whose credits include Magic Theatre, Ashby Stage, Marine’s Memorial, Custom Made, Ross Valley Players, Taube Atrium as well as Edinburgh Festival and London venues. Favorite acting credits include Theatreworks, Magic Theatre, NCTC and film roles. Professor Miller has been on the Acting faculty at Mountview Conservatory, London; City Colleges of San Francisco and Berkeley; Berkeley Rep; as well as educating citizen artists at Cal Shakes, SF Shakes, Aurora Theatre, UC Riverside (visiting Professor) and UC Davis (guest artist). Miller’s teaching and coaching integrates a practical working knowledge of professional theatre, film, and broadcasting, with creative inspiration and craft. She collaborates with performers across all genres, from classical to contemporary performance, from commercials to indie features. She has an MFA from UC Davis and is artistic director of Pollinator Arts and Panto SF.
TUE 7–9:30pm · 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6 · $475
Ever wanted to write a play? Got a little time on your hands? Push that dream forward in a 10-week playwriting workshop. We’ll meet weekly, discuss the basics of playwriting, and share excerpts of developing scripts. If you’ve never written a play before, this is a good way to get started. If you’ve got a script in the works, but no one to share it with, here’s a writer’s group ready to listen and respond supportively. Do you find (like most playwrights) that nothing motivates you like a deadline? We’ll provide that, too. Join us, and start working on that play you’ve always wanted to write.
Instructor: Gary Graves is a playwright and director living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 1998, he has been a company co-director of Central Works “The New Play Theater” in Berkeley, California, where he has overseen the development of over 65 world premiere productions. He received a PhD in dramatic art at UC Berkeley in 1994, and he teaches playwriting at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre throughout the year.
SAT 10am–12:30pm · 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 6/3 · $340
The Camera is ruthless at picking up on your thoughts. Meryl Streep once said that “good acting can be measured in thoughts per second.” The camera immediately reveals those thoughts, (or lack thereof), and tells us whether you’re succeeding or failing to convey the truth of the situation.
In this class, students will focus on creating character by thoroughly understanding the relationship between the text, situation, and the technical aspects of camera work. When these fundamental tools are genuinely understood and used correctly, only then can actors be free to work to the best of their ability in front of a camera. Areas of study will include script analysis, scene study, and character development, as well as camera technique, set discipline, and set etiquette. All scenes will be rehearsed with direction from the instructor, and copies will be given to students for their reference; please bring a 16GB SD card. A variety of other subjects will be also discussed relating to the business side of show business, including audition technique, agents, union membership, photographs, and websites.
Instructor: Marvin Greene is a professional actor and has performed with major regional theatres such as ACT, Aurora Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Company, Westport Country Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre, and San Jose Rep. Marvin served as an instructor at ACT for over a decade and also teaches at the Academy of Art College and Voice One in San Francisco. Marvin has taught at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre since 2003.
SAT 10:30am–1pm · 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 6/3, 6/10 · $250
Dive into the possibilities of improvised theatre! We’ll do lots of scene work to deepen comfort and spontaneity in a variety of genres. Work on establishing character, building and exploring the world of the scene, and co-creating story together. You will receive direct, tailored, and supportive feedback. No matter what, we will play and laugh. A lot.
Instructor: Diana Brown is an award winning performing and teaching artist, a producer, director and playwright. She was named Most Valuable Mentor and Teacher at the San Francisco Improv Festival. She’s taught with Laguna Playhouse, Grupology, and as a guest teaching artist at City College San Francisco. She is Director of Community and Senior Producer with Leela Improv Theatre Companyin San Francisco. She serves as director for the improv ensemble The Professionals. Diana is also a communication facilitator, working with physicians and business leaders, helping them to interact with patients and clients in ways that promote empathy and cultural equity. She is half of the nationally touring improv comedy duo Bingewatch. Bingewatch was awarded Best Improv at the Fringe Festival of Pittsburgh. She’s performed and presented workshops at festivals around the country including San Francisco Sketch Fest, New York Improv Festival, Twin Cities Improv Festival, New Orleans Improv Fest, Vintage Improv Fest, Denver Improv Festival, 2nd Best Comedy Fest, San Francisco Improv Fest, Tucson Comedy Arts Fest. She’s appeared in theater productions in New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Diana has studied with master improv teachers from Second City, IO, Annoyance Theatre, UCB, The Pack Theatre. She studied performing arts with the Arizona Theatre Company Conservatory. Diana co-authored and performed the solo play When You Are Called with award winning playwright Susan Jackson.
TUE 7–9:30pm · 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6 · $475
This class is focused on play: the joy of improv in its purest form. Students will practice the art of getting deeply in flow with one another, and build their skills from those experiences. The environment is supporting and generous. New students will be joining a warm and established ensemble of players.
Instructor: Diana Brown is an award winning performing and teaching artist, a producer, director and playwright. She was named Most Valuable Mentor and Teacher at the San Francisco Improv Festival. She’s taught with Laguna Playhouse, Grupology, and as a guest teaching artist at City College San Francisco. She is Director of Community and Senior Producer with Leela Improv Theatre Companyin San Francisco. She serves as director for the improv ensemble The Professionals. Diana is also a communication facilitator, working with physicians and business leaders, helping them to interact with patients and clients in ways that promote empathy and cultural equity. She is half of the nationally touring improv comedy duo Bingewatch. Bingewatch was awarded Best Improv at the Fringe Festival of Pittsburgh. She’s performed and presented workshops at festivals around the country including San Francisco Sketch Fest, New York Improv Festival, Twin Cities Improv Festival, New Orleans Improv Fest, Vintage Improv Fest, Denver Improv Festival, 2nd Best Comedy Fest, San Francisco Improv Fest, Tucson Comedy Arts Fest. She’s appeared in theater productions in New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Diana has studied with master improv teachers from Second City, IO, Annoyance Theatre, UCB, The Pack Theatre. She studied performing arts with the Arizona Theatre Company Conservatory. Diana co-authored and performed the solo play When You Are Called with award winning playwright Susan Jackson.
Prerequisite: Approval from instructor prior to registration.
WED 7–9:30pm · 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24 · $280
If the word "Dramaturgy" is unclear to you, you're not alone. It's a word and job that is frequently defined in many different ways, depending on context and who you ask! In this class, we'll explore some of the jobs of the dramaturg, such as: play analysis, researching historical context of the play's setting, in support of designer choices or directorial decisions, researching history of prior productions, researching the playwright, and engaging the Audience through talks or articles or social media.
Instructor: Robin Dolan has been leading post show talks with audience members at the Aurora Theatre, and pre-show talks at California Shakespeare Theatre for over 10 years. She works as a theatre administrator, and loves research and delving into the heart of the creative process. She was Co-Artistic Director of Magical Acts Ritual Theatre where she directed the ensemble-created piece Heretics, Harlots and Heroes. She has taught classes in audition prep, singing, improvisation, and acting.
THU 7–9pm · 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25 · $250
Learn physical triggers that will help you quickly find the placement, melody, and general sound changes for the Italian dialect. We will study the Italian dialect in a multi-sensorial way, with a focus on the physical changes, the phonetic sound changes, and immersion/mimicry (listening to and imitating primary sources of the dialect). Once there is a comfort level with the Italian dialect, we will work on text from films and plays.
Instructor: Rebecca Castelli holds a BA in voice and theatre and an MFA in acting. Previously from Seattle, she won a Seattle Times Footlight Award for her role of Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, and also had the honor of acting with Tony award-winning actress Judy Kaye in Gypsy at 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company. She was a company member of the Marin-based Porchlight Theatre Company for five years and had leads in many of their main stage productions, including Chekhov’s Three Sisters and Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband. Locally, Rebecca has also acted with Shotgun Players and Cinnabar Theater Company. She dialect coaches for various Bay Area theatres, including Shotgun Players, Theatre Rhinoceros, Town Hall Theatre Company, Mendocino Theatre Company, Virago Theatre Company, and Ross Valley Players. She is a founding member of The Incidentalists, a long-form improvisational group based in Oakland.
MON 6:30–9:30pm · 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 6/5 · $375
From audiobooks to dubbing, narration of web videos and documentaries, commercial VO and of course characters in video games and animation, voice acting continues to grow and expand. Building on skills learned in Beginning Voice-Over, students will develop and refine their techniques and approaches to current script styles, exploring commercial, narration, and character scripts. This class will study and refine multiple styles of voice acting, introduce students to more advanced techniques, and encourage students to deepen their choices and gain confidence on the microphone. In addition, students will learn about basic recording equipment and how to begin setting up a home studio.
Prerequisite: Beginning Voice-Over Acting class with Jim or another studio.
Instructor: Jim Edgar has been captivated by voice-over and recording his whole life. As a full-time VO, he has voiced a Star Wars Stormtrooper ornament warning kids to stay away from presents, the Levi’s Stadium Talking Scoreboard campaign, and appeared as an ongoing voice for John Muir Health. He works across all areas of voice-over with commercial, narrative, eLearning clients including Adobe, Exploratorium, Samsung, Visa International, Oracle, Cisco, and Eisenhower Healthcare. You may have heard him as several characters in Helheim Hassle, Captain Thorn and the Evil Dr. Houser in the Deadwood Mansion VR Escape Room, Blackfeather the Assassin in VainGlory, Quigley the Robot in Leapfrog’s Letter Machine Rescue Team, The Birdman of Alcatraz in 1954 Alcatraz, or the laconic (and holographic) Bartender in Emerald Theater. With a lifelong love of teaching, Jim has led voiceover classes through the Global Voice Acting Academy and Google Arts. Jim also works as an audio consultant training voice actors to set up home studios and is on the faculty at Voice One, San Francisco.