“I walked through the doors of The Barrow Group and rediscovered not only joy in Acting, but an essential belief in myself.” — Martin Moran, OBIE Winner & Lucille Lortel Winner
The Professional Scene Study Intensives are the heart of the Barrow Group Acting School. They are an ordered progression from which experienced, professional actors train in The Barrow Group Acting Approach. All students, regardless of experience, start with Professional Scene Study Intensive I: The Tools.
Please note, these are not beginning acting classes, and require an audition. Register for an audition .
Professional Scene Study Intensive I: The Tools
Prerequisite: Audition Required
Our Professional Scene Study I: The Tools class is designed for professional actors to build on the actor’s existing set of skills. The actor is introduced to the simple, effective tools compiled in Seth Barrish’s book “An Actor’s Companion – 99 Bits of Craft.”
The first class is devoted to exercises that introduce The Barrow Group approach. The second class focuses on script analysis. Next students are introduced to The Barrow Group acting tools via scene study. Students will select scene partners and scenes of their choice to work on in class.
Professional Scene Study Intensive II: Self-Adjustment
Prerequisite: Professional Scene Study I: The Tools
In this class, students continue to explore The Barrow Group approach and tools via scene study. Students also begin to practice the art of self-diagnosis by learning how to evaluate their own work, with the guidance of the teacher. The goal of the course is to foster independency, empower the actor to make choices, and prepare actors for the “on-the-job” challenges, so that they can perform better and maximize their potential even in the worst of situations.
Professional Scene Study Intensive III: On-Going
Prerequisite: Professional Scene Study II: Self Adjustment
This ongoing class is meant for acting students who have taken Professional Scene Study I and II and wish to continue to practice their craft at The Barrow Group.
Scene Study III focuses on a deeper and more precise understanding of the individual tools taught at TBG, the theory behind them, and how and when to use them. To this end, students are often asked teach the tool. The process of having to teach the tool helps them clearly define the tool for themselves. The result is a more impactful application of the tools in their own work.
This class also focuses on getting to the second “go” on the first try. Before the first go, students are sometimes distracted and self-conscious. They forget to take a moment to remind themselves what they are working on. In this class, students explore taking a moment before starting to ask themselves, ‘What am I there to do?’, or ‘what might I be doing in the space?’ or ‘What just happened?’.
Finally, Scene Study III explores in-depth the idea of self diagnosis and adjustment while playing, which ties into a larger conversation about the value of being a self generating, collaborative artist.
Professional Scene Study III: Transformation
Prerequisite: Students must have completed Professional Scene Study II, a One-Year Acting Program, or a Professional 6-Week Summer Acting Program.
In our Transformation Workshop with Lee Brock, actors advance their skill set and explore tools to transform a character with selected monologues and scenes.
The class begins with an overview of what transformation work is, when to use it, and examples of actors using it effectively in their storytelling. The workshop breaks down how to get started, observing people as research, and applying simple physical adjustments that can be made to transform a character. Students will work on scenes and monologues in class to further explore these transformation tools with material in and outside their comfort zone.
Professional Scene Study IV: Theatre Performance
Pre-requisites: Professional Scene Study III
This class is for students who are experienced with The Barrow Group tools, to learn how to use these adjustments in a performance setting. Weeks 1-4, students will help select material for the culminating performance under the guidance of the instructor. Weeks 5-12 are in class rehearsals, as the instructor directs and guides students from in class work to performance ready work. Weeks 13-14 are tech and performances. The class culminates in two performances in The Studio Theatre.
Please note:
*Students will work on at least one short play
*All students are required to attend each class, as this is part of the process of rehearing and working with a director
*Students MUST be available for each date listed on the individual class scheduled for class, tech, and performances
*Culminating performances are free for audiences
Master Classes with Seth Barrish & Lee Brock
Prerequisite: By invitation only. Students must have completed Professional Scene Study III to be considered.
The master classes are by invitation only (most students have taken Scene Study III several times, and are very familiar with The Barrow Group tools). Here, the members of The Barrow Group acting community, gather to continue their development in this “acting gym class.” Our Master Teachers will help the actors shape their performances while sharing specific bits of craft and receiving specific direction. This environment has a decided emphasis on script analysis and its application to scene work.
Actors who have been invited to join this class, will receive an email notification prior to the start of the next class session.