"Learning can only take place when children are emotionally open and receptive, and this happens only when the learning process is fun! This is the principle upon which all beginnings classes are based."
Peter Sklar
Ed. M. Harvard University
Director, Beginnings Workshop
| Class Samples: Video Library |
The thrust of all beginnings classes is encouraging young people to get in touch with their feelings. We believe that effective teaching should build self-awareness, which in turn fosters self-acceptance, confidence and maturity. These are qualities essential not only for success in the entertainment field, but for a healthy and meaningful life.
In New York, London, and Hollywood, class sizes average fifteen (15) students per instructor. In New York, students additionally participate in individually-assigned private coaching sessions, casting workshops, lectures, and other professional activities, all designated on the basis of age, interests, and professional needs. The total educational curriculum of all workshops, including classes and a variety of other learning activities, averages nine (9) hours daily. In Hollywood and London, acting technique classes are supplemented by professionally guided tours of major industry-related sites.
Auditioning: First-hand professional guidance from leading New York casting directors in preparing for actual auditions for national commercials, television, film, Broadway and print.
Legitimate: Exercises, improvisations and a variety of techniques most applicable to film and the Broadway stage. Concentration on monologue work, improvisation, character and scene study.
Commercial: Interpretation of ad copy (commercial dialogue); guidance in adapting one's performance to the commercial and television camera.
Interviewing: Presenting oneself in a verbally expressive, open, sincere, interesting and comfortable manner.
Prominent casting directors, agents, managers, directors, producers, celebrity performers and/or specialists in various areas of the professional entertainment field conduct seminars and workshops focusing on a variety of practical, business-related topics. These always include a behind-the-scenes view of practical procedures, basic do's and don't's, advice about rip-off's, and more. A question-and-answer period always follows.
In New York, visiting casting directors conduct an individual reading and personal interview with every student, followed by a detailed, written evaluation of marketability and potential.
Beginnings offers its New York students introductory classes in Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation and related disciplines in which students are taught techniques for handling stress, enhancing focus, increasing self-awareness and building overall health.
In New York, every student will participate in a thorough, eclectic approach to Broadway, Jazz, Modern, and/or Hip-Hop. Emphasis is on building a solid technique through exercises, combinations, and actual choreography taught directly from the Broadway stage, and/or from the repertoire of major dance companies. All classes are taught at beginning through advanced master levels, and are assigned according to age and skill.
Selected students will additionally learn professionally choreographed routines, solo and group, for their appearance in the Off Broadway showcase.
Every New York student will learn and practice exercises and musical pieces for improving tone and range. Special emphasis is on sensitizing children, teens and young adults to the natural limitations and vulnerability of young vocal chords, while developing vocal strength to its age-appropriate maximum.
Selected New York students will additionally develop vocal repertoire for stage and studio, including the selection, interpretation, arrangement, and rehearsal of appropriate musical material for the Off Broadway showcase, and suitable for agent presentations, Broadway auditions, and demonstration tapes for jingles and pop.
Auditioning for Broadway
Lecture: the Broadway experience, choreography from Broadway's The Producers
Marketing and Branding for Actors
Vocal technique for musicals and recording
Introduction to Writing
Story and Character
Acting for Film and Television
Casting for Commercials
Holistic Health and Nutrition
Vocal Performance
Intermediate modern dance
Meisner acting technique
Horton-style jazz dance
Lecture: industry overview, audition workshop
Lecture: getting started in Broadway, vocal performance workshop
Lecture, Casting Process, Individual Interviews & Critiques
Lecture: casting process, individual interviews and critiques
Fosse-style choreography from Broadway's Cabaret
Improvisation technique
Lecture: the Broadway experience, choreography from Broadway's Grease
Lecture, Casting Process, Individual Interviews & Critiques
Vocal Performance
Introductory class in Shakespeare
Lecture & Discussion: getting started, choreography from Broadway's Hairspray
Voice-over and acting workshop
Choreography from Broadway's Wicked
Choreography for Stage and Camera
Vocal performance workshop and discussion: singing industry
Discussion: the casting process, individual critiques
Intermediate jazz
Character Development
British Theatre
Character Analysis
Acting for Broadway Stage
Scene Study
Shakespeare script interpretation and workshop I
Shakespeare script interpretation and workshop II
Acting for Film and Television
Discussion and question & answer session
Discussion: TV & film industry, individual reading critiques
