These teen classes teach our specific approach to storytelling and introduce students to the same tools that our adult professional artists practice. All of our teachers have gone through an intensive teacher training program with TBG master teachers to ensure the highest quality experience for students.
Explorations in Acting for Teens (ages 14-18)
Our Teen Explorations in Acting for Teens (14-18 years old) classes encourage spontaneity, simplicity and fun.
The class begins with ensemble building exercises, improvisation games and script analysis. Students then explore The Barrow Group approach and acting tools via scene study. The class culminates in an open class for friends and family to come watch their work.
We believe that to act is to PLAY, and that students learn the most in an atmosphere of relaxed positive reinforcement. This class teaches our specific approach to storytelling, and introduces students to the same tools that our adult professional actors work with.
Teen Advanced Scene Study (ages 14-18)
In this class students will explore script analysis of a full play while taking a deeper dive into The Barrow Group tools via working on scenes and monologues.
The class culminates in an open class for friends and family to watch their work.
Prerequisite: Students must have completed Teen Explorations in Acting Class.
Teen Film/TV Acting Class I
In this class, students apply the Barrow Group acting tools to monologues and scenes in front of the camera and watch playback each week. Students will also explore script analysis, on-camera vocabulary, and on-camera technique.
Teen Film/TV On-Camera Acting Class II: Audition Prep
The follow-up to Teen Film/TV Class I, students will focus on prepared and cold-reading on-camera audition techniques. Students will experience auditioning for lead, guest star and under-5 roles, using film and television scripts. Students will review taped work at the end of every class– no videotapes or links will be given out.
This class is on-going, and can be taken multiple times.
*No additional video-cameras are allowed in the classroom other than the one provided by the teacher.
Prerequisite: Students must completed Teen Film/TV I before registering for this class.
Teen On-Camera Self Tape Workshop (ages 14-18)
In this class, students will explore the equipment and setup necessary to make a great self-tape both under ideal circumstances, as well as when you have to make the most of what you have around. Each student will be individually assigned a self-tape, and will review both the acting work and the technical results. Students will leave with a greater confidence and ability to deliver their best work to Casting Directors in the current climate of at-home auditioning.
The class begins with a discussion and a step-by-step demonstration of how to set a great self-tape filming location in your home. The instructor will go over ideal equipment that could be purchased, as well as how to use equipment you probably already have. The class will then do a few self tapes in real time, to look at set up and to introduce The Barrow Group acting Tools. Students will also be given a tutorial on how to submit these files. Students will be given scenes to film on their own as an assignment.
The instructor and students will review the submitted tapes, give feedback on the technical set up, as well as introduce students to The Barrow Group acting tools.
There are no prerequisites for this class. However, we do recommend students considering this class have previous training/experience. If you are a beginner actor, we recommend starting with our Teen Explorations in Acting Class.
In our Teen Musical Theatre Workshop, students apply the Barrow Group approach and tools to musical theatre material. The focus is on script analysis, how to break down lyrics, find the story of their song, as well as listening to and giving constructive feedback to classmates. Students will work on two songs. For the first, the instructor will select one book scene that goes into a duet/trio/quartet (depending on material). For the second, students will select one solo song. The students will also work with a professional music director. The class culminates in an open class for friends and family to watch their work.
In our teen classes, students are asked to observe fellow classmates and give objective feedback based on what changed/what was different is crucial to the learning process and understanding of The Barrow Group approach.
This class is ongoing and can be taken multiple times.
Performing Arts College and Audition Prep
Ages 16-18
Fall Session Only
Class size limited to 8 students
This class is designed for teens who are auditioning for college and university performing arts programs.
During this class, students will work on:
– Material selection; students will select 1-2 monologues
– Exploring the Barrow Group acting tools
– Audition techniques
– Mock interviews and auditions
– Learn how to successfully set up, film, and submit a self tape
Several parent and student meetings are included to answer questions about the audition process.
The goal is for students to leave the class with prepared material and the confidence to do well in their auditions and interviews.
Teen Improv and Sketch Comedy (ages 14-18)
The Teen Improv and Sketch Comedy class explores improvisation games, techniques, and concepts in a fun, supportive environment. This class encourages students to become more spontaneous, creative, playful, and imaginative, all while developing valuable theater and interpersonal skills.
The class begins with ensemble-building exercises to strengthen the ensemble and encourage positivity as well as enhance listening and reacting skills. Students will then work on Yes…And, short-form games, long-form structures, and character exploration. The class culminates in an open class for friends and family to attend.
No experience required. This class can be taken multiple times.
Teen Shakespeare Acting Class
Shakespeare’s plays offer actors some of the richest roles in theatre, with characters that explore every facet of the human experience. This course introduces the skills an actor needs to tackle the unique demand of this richly rewarding, classical material. Students will delve into Shakespeare’s texts through script analysis, exploration of language, vocal work, monologues, and scene study. This class teaches our specific approach to storytelling and introduces students to the same tools that our adult professional actors work with.
This class is ongoing and can be taken multiple times.
Teen Voice Over Workshop
Our Teen Voice Over Workshop is designed to introduce students to the voice over market, the equipment needed, and how to apply The Barrow Group tools to this medium.
The class begins with a primer of the current industry and ways to work as an actor in commercials, promos, narrations, animations, and video games. Next students explore exercises designed to attenuate the ear to various vocal delivery styles ranging from realistic conversation to promotional announcing to heightened character voices.
Students will then explore The Barrow Group acting tools and script analysis using commercial, promo, trailer, and animation copy. The class culminates in auditioning techniques for the medium.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this class. However, we do recommend students considering this class have previous training/experience. If you are a beginner actor, we recommend starting with our Teen Explorations in Acting Class.
Teen Directing Workshop
In our Teen Directing Workshop, students explore all the beginning steps to directing. The class begins with a focus on script analysis and set building. Next students explore the rehearsal process, communication between actors and directors, tools to provide constructive feedback, and The Barrow Group acting tools (found in An Actor’s Companion by Seth Barrish) via scene work from a full-length contemporary play.
Students will work as a director on one assigned scene from the full-length play selected by the instructor. Each student will also work as an actor in their fellow director’s scenes.
Prerequisite: Students must have completed Teen Explorations in Acting Class I.
Students will explore the most effective way to tell stories in dramatic form and will finish the class with an original short play.
Through study of traditional dramatic structure and exercises, students will work from conception to complete draft, resulting in an original short play. Students will bring in material to each class to be read and discussed in a teacher-led session where we explore “what story do we hope to tell and is that story being told?” Through positive feedback, students will work to sharpen and clarify their story, ultimately finding the story that wants to be told.
This class is ongoing and can be taken multiple times.