Mondays, November 7 through December 12
6:45–9:15 p.m. ET
In-Person: 516 8th Street SE, 3rd Floor Rehearsal Studio

Reserve by November 6, 11:59 p.m. ET

Instructor: Nancy Robinette
Prior experience: Not required

Plunge into scene work from contemporary and classical comic plays using text analysis as well as concentration exercises, relaxation technique, and improvised interplay. Through concentrated partner work under guidance from Helen Hayes Award winner Nancy Robinette, discover techniques professional actors use to develop character and make bold, dynamic choices in interpreting and playing the scene for all its comic potential.

Essential Question: What is the best way to approach comic style in both contemporary and classical scenes from plays?  How do comic classical acting styles differ from contemporary ones?

Course Objectives: Participants will be assigned scenes to work on in class to address individually identified acting needs and issues while learning how to uncover or create a character’s progression throughout a play.

Course Outcomes: Participants will be able to apply objective technique to unfold the sense of a scene while using exercises to inspire spontaneous and natural reaction and interaction within it while juxtaposing certain comic ideas to bring out comic structure.

Enduring Understandings: An expanded awareness of what the actor uniquely brings to the table and the kinds of choices available to explore and open up a scene; a sense of play and spontaneity; an appreciation for a basic comic point of view in acting.

From the Syllabus:

Week One: Introductory exercises; cold readings of comic verse and/or scenes

Week Two: First take on classical scenes

Week Three: Second take on classical scenes incorporating adjustments

Week Four: Cold readings of contemporary comic scenes; exercises

Week Five: First take on contemporary scenes (some rehearsal time in class)

Week Six: Final take on contemporary with adjustments.

Last Seen In At STC: Everybody

Seen on Broadway In: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

What Her Students Say: “Nancy Robinette is a very generous teacher! Patient but knowledgeable when guiding us. The class was fun, interesting, and informative.”

“Nancy Robinette is awesome. Her gifts as a true artist comet through in her teaching style, which is patient, supportive, inventive, completely engaged. We all love her!