YAS CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

METHOD ACTING FOR YOUNG ACTORS

Method Acting, also known as The Method, is a world-renowned acting technique developed by Lee Strasberg. Building on the work of Stanislavsky, Lee created The Method to help actors deliver authentic, nuanced performances by drawing on their own experiences and relating to their character as only they can.

So, what happens in class? Each Method Acting class is divided into two parts: work on the self and work on the character.

WORK ON THE SELF

In the first part of class, students develop the actor’s instrument: themselves!

Classes begin with relaxation, where students learn to release physical and mental tension. This practice helps young actors improve concentration and stay present, focused, and ready to make creative choices.

Students also explore sense memory exercises, calling on the five senses — sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch — to inspire their imaginations.

WORK ON THE CHARACTER

In the second part of class, students apply what they’ve learned to scene work and storytelling.

Led by our experienced faculty, our young actors explore character creation, create believable behavior, and use exercises from their actor toolbox within scenes or monologues. Students tackle fun, age-appropriate material from stage or screen in a supportive and engaging environment. Along the way, they build confidence, creativity, and communication skills — tools that serve them in performance and in everyday life.

SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSES

The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute offers a wide variety of classes to help our Young Actors grow into well-rounded performers. Each semester, students take part in engaging electives designed to support their development and reflect the ever-changing demands of the industry. Supplemental offerings change each term to meet student interest and ensure variety for returning students.

ACTING FOR FILM & TV

Acting for Film & TV covers everything you need to know about working in front of the camera. With lessons on self-tapes and auditions, script analysis, and on-camera scene work, this class is perfect for the aspiring screen actor.

AUDITION PREP

In this class, Young Actors will learn to enter the audition room with confidence and professionalism. Students will develop go-to audition monologues, practice cold-reads and self-tape, and understand essential audition materials like headshots and resumes.

BUILDING A CHARACTER

Students will learn how to make informed and creative choices to bring rich, believable characters to life. Young Actors will learn to use physicality, voice work, script analysis, and Method Acting exercises in their character development process.

IMPROV

This class helps students learn to trust their instincts, make bold creative choices, and embrace spontaneity using a range of exercises, including improv, stand up comedy, and scene work.

STAGE COMBAT

Stage Combat focuses on learning safe and effective techniques of unarmed staged combat, or choreographed fight sequences. Students learn fundamental safety skills and common techniques for crafting effective combat scenes for stage or screen.

MOVEMENT FOR THE ACTOR

Actors focus on using the body as an instrument and explore full expression through movement. Students will practice different styles of dance and get their bodies moving. This class will also teach actors how to warm up the body and voice on their own and develop healthy vocal habits.

MUSICAL THEATRE

Each class, Young Actors will practice physical and vocal warm ups, focusing on technique and developing healthy habits. The teachers will work collaboratively with the students in selecting songs, including solos, duets, and ensemble numbers. Students will also learn choreography or blocking for these numbers and practice merging their singing, dancing, and acting skills.