Fall 2023 registration is open!
Once you pick your classes, pre-register & pay early to secure your spot.
Classes fill fast.
Find descriptions, teacher bios, pricing, and specifics about these classes, scroll down.
Acting Explorations, 9/7-10/12
Uproot Fears/Unleash Stage Presence, 9/11-10/23
Acting Fundamentals, 9/26-10/31 or 10/28-12/9 ~ THESE CLASSES ARE FULL
Improvisation I, 9/11-10/16 or 9/27-11/1
Self-Taping Your Audition, 10/20-12/8
The Commercial Audition, 10/28-12/9
NEW! ~ Audition Monologue Workout, 10/29-12/10- CANCELING
Improvisation II, 10/30-12/4
Private Coaching for Singers, Tuesdays/Thursdays
Acting on Camera 11/6-12/11
AT NORTHRIDGE CAMPUS:
Training the Speaking Voice, 9/6-10/11
Acting Fundamentals, 10/23-11/27 or 11/1-12/13
Acting Explorations, 10/26-12/7
Private Coaching for Singers, Wednesdays
ONLINE CLASSES:
Introduction to Voiceover II, 10/24-11/28
Accents for Film & Stage, 10/30-12/4
Teen Acting for Film, 10/30-12/4
These classes are for EVERYBODY — curious beginners; people who made theatre or films in school but then “real” life was interrupted for a few decades; professionals from non-theatrical industries who think an acting or voice class might help them perform more comfortably at work; theatre professionals who want to get back to basics and do self-care; empty nesters finally getting to do something they want to do; college students seeking a creative outlet… People like YOU, who want to connect and have more fun! THESE CLASSES ARE DESIGNED TO BE TAKEN MORE THAN ONCE AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE.
Acting Fundamentals
Led by Rick Roemer, Jacqui Calloway, or Bridget O’Neill, this playful class approach to the actor’s craft is conducive to the beginner. This class provides individuals the opportunity to experience living in the imaginary world of a character and a story while expanding their own self-expression and emotional life. Students will learn how to investigate a script as well as explore their own intuition through games, exercises, and scenes from film or stage. The class is designed to be taken more than once, as it is different in meaningful ways each time — ever-changing with the instructor, fellow students, and the material chosen for the class. In addition, while we are a professional training school, our beginning courses are for anyone who is curious about acting, seeking to expand their creativity, wanting a new challenge, or just to have fun. 
Acting Fundamentals Syllabus~Rick / Acting Fundamentals Syllabus~Jacqui / Bridget -Acting Fundamentals Syllabus
Sep 16 – Oct 21 (6 weeks) Saturday 10am-12:30pm $196 DRAM 3034 101 Syn 71964 South Austin Campus – Jacqui (Class is 15 hours; limited to 10 students) Full!
Sep 26 – Oct 31 (6 weeks) Tuesday 6:30-9:30pm $231 DRAM 3034 102 Syn 71973 Highland Campus – Rick (Class is 18 hours; limited to 12 students) Full!
Oct 23 – Nov 27 (6 weeks) Monday 6:30-9:30pm $231 DRAM 3034 103 Syn 71976 Northridge Campus – Rick (Class is 18 hours; limited to 12 students) Full!
Oct 28 – Dec 9 (6 weeks) Saturday 2:00-4:30pm $196 DRAM 3034 104 Syn 71981 Highland Campus – Bridget (Class is 15 hours; limited to 10 students) Full!
Nov 1 – Dec 13 (no class 11/22; 6 weeks) Wednesday 6:30-9:30pm $231 DRAM 3034 105 Syn 71985 Northridge Campus – Rick (Class is 18 hours; limited to 12 students) Sorry, this class is cancelled.
Uproot Fears/Unleash Stage Presence
Led by Amy Griego, this class is appropriate for anyone who has to present or perform in front of others, regardless of profession. If you’ve experienced recurring stage fright or performance anxiety, you know it can hold you back in work and life. Have people offered, “Just picture everyone in the audience naked” or “take deep breaths and don’t lock your knees” or other wildly unhelpful suggestions? If you’re ready to actually do something about your stage fright in a supportive environment with others facing similar experiences, this course is for you. In a group workshop setting across 6 weeks, you can find your calm, assertive center, enabling you to be more fully present on any stage — so that the story you want to communicate can be all it’s meant to be. Limited to 12 students. Amy Griego-Uproot Fears/Unleash Stage Presence Syllabus
Sep 11 – Oct 23 (no class 10/16; 6 weeks) Monday 11am-1pm $156 DRAX 4013 100 Syn 72017 Highland Campus
Improvisation I
Led by John Ratliff, this class provides proof that Improv is an indispensable asset for the actor, a great tool for development and self-discovery, and – maybe most important – FUN! In this class, we will explore the fundamental improv skills of paying close attention and reacting honestly, the essential ingredients of compelling scene work. It’s not about thinking fast or being funny!
This class is open to everyone, from actors who want to upgrade their technical toolkit to people with no performance experience who want to try something a little challenging (but FUN!) in a super-supportive environment. Limited to 12 students. John’s Improv Syllabus
Sep 11 – Oct 16 (6 weeks) Monday 6:30-9:00pm $196 DRAX 4042 100 Syn 72004 Highland Campus Full!
Sep 27 – Nov 1 (6 weeks) Wednesdays 6:30-9:00pm $196 DRAX 4042 101 Syn 72005 Highland Campus Full!
The Commercial Audition
Led by Jacqui Calloway, this class is for actors who are new to commercial acting. Students will learn how to approach various types of commercial auditions, including no-dialogue, solo improv, group improv, and scripted auditions. We’ll cover slating, camera & teleprompter techniques, clothing and styling tips, and how to adjust the tone of your performance for different types of commercials. Students will learn how to film professional audition tapes at home and participate in mock live auditions and callbacks. We’ll also discuss business logistics, including headshots, casting websites, agencies, and self-submitting in the Austin market. (Limited to 12 students). Jacqui Commercial Audition Syllabus
Oct 28 – Dec 9 (6 weeks) Saturday 10:30am-1pm $196 DRAX 3088 100 Syn 72003 Highland Campus No class Saturday Nov 25 (Thanksgiving weekend) This class is full!
Training the Speaking Voice
Led by Adam Roberts, this class is intended for anyone desiring to increase the power and impact of his or her speaking voice. Training in healthy vocal production is an essential part of speaking intentionally in any situation, from the stage or screen to the classroom or boardroom. In this course, you’ll learn a variety of techniques for preparing and utilizing your natural voice to speak confidently in a variety of environments. The first few classes will focus on active exercises designed to healthily engage the various aspects of vocal production, while the final sessions will practically apply what you’ve learned to scenes, speeches, interpersonal communication, or presentations. Limited to 12 students. Adam-Training the Speaking Voice Syllabus
Sep 6 – Oct 11 (6 weeks) Wednesday 6:30-9:30pm $231 DRAX 3064 100 Syn 71990 Northridge Campus
Introduction to Voiceover
Led by Cliff Miller, this course is for actors and curious individuals wanting to learn more about the world of voiceover. We will cover acting for voiceover, home studio setup, mic technique, and recording and editing. Through analyzing, performing, and critiquing voiceover copy, we will focus on commercial and narration. Limited to 8 students. Materials needed: internet connection & audio/video capability with computer or tablet; updated (free) Zoom account. Cliff’s Intro to Voiceover Syllabus
Aug 29 – Oct 3 (6 weeks) Tuesday 6-8:30pm $191 DRAX 3068 110 Syn 71993 Online/Zoom This class is full
Sep 11 – Oct 16 (6 weeks) Monday 6-8:30pm $191 DRAX 3068 111 Syn 71994 Online/Zoom This class is full
Foundations of Singing
Led by Adam Roberts, this course provides an introduction to vocal technique for the beginning singer. Students will have the opportunity to sing both individually and as part of a group. This class is ideal for anyone who desires to gain a foundational knowledge of singing, including stage and film actors. Students are encouraged to focus on the musical styles that most interest them, with support from the instructor in identifying specific song choices. By the end of the course, participants will have become better acquainted with the unique qualities of their individual voices. No prior singing experience is necessary. Limited to 10 students. Adam’s Foundations of Singing Syllabus
Sep 5 – Oct 10 (6 weeks) Tuesday 6:30-9:30pm $231 DRAX 3038 100 Syn 73106 Highland Campus
If you’ve taken our Fundamentals classes and want to stretch further, Explorations are for you! These classes are also right for those with plenty of experience who are looking to get back into acting work after a break or people who have previous training in basic acting concepts and techniques. THESE CLASSES ARE DESIGNED TO BE TAKEN MORE THAN ONCE AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE.
Acting Explorations
Led by Rick Roemer, this course is for those who have had previous acting training, such as Acting Fundamentals. Using scenes or monologues, the focus will be on strengthening text analysis and following inner impulses to create a powerful need to speak. The work in class will enliven the imagination and increase emotional availability and vulnerability of the actor. This class can be taken more than once, as it is different each time with new students and new scenes to explore. Limited to 12 students Acting Explorations Syllabus – Rick
Sep 7 – Oct 12 (6 weeks) Thursday 6:30-9:30pm $231 DRAM 9002 100 Syn 71987 Highland Campus Full!
Oct 26 – Dec 7 (6 weeks) Thursday 6:30-9:30pm $231 DRAM 9002 101 Syn 71988 Northridge Campus Full! See our spring classes
Page To Performance
PHOTO: Craig Nigh as Hill- Fear the Walking Dead Season 6, Episode 13 – Photo Credit: Ryan Green/AMC
Keith Carradine as John Dorie Sr., Craig Nigh as Hill- Fear the Walking Dead _ Season 6, Episode 13 – Photo Credit: Ryan Green/AMC
Led by Craig Nigh this workshop is a must for film and television actors, particularly for auditions! Craig Nigh offers a step-by-step process for examining scripts quickly and thoroughly. Having a clear perception of the writer’s intentions will help inform the choices an actor makes and gives ultimate creative freedom inside the context of the story. The class also focuses on connection (with another actor or reader), and basic camera techniques. Scenes are filmed for playback and critique. Limited to 12 students. Craig’s Page to Performance Syllabus
Aug 25 – Sep 1 (2 weeks) Friday 10am-2pm $106 DRAX 3062 100 Syn 73513 Highland Campus This class is canceled. Look for it in the spring
Acting On Camera
Led by Francine Michelle or Craig Nigh, this is an intermediate class focusing on acting for the camera. It is required that you have had at least a basic acting class before joining — such as Acting Fundamentals or the equivalent. It is suggested that you have had Acting Explorations. The emphasis is on developing a naturalistic acting style through connection, honesty, vulnerability, and following intuitive impulses. The student’s work will be explored through exercises and scene study from film and television scripts. Some videotaping and playback will be used for critique. Limited to 12 students.
Francine-On Camera I Syllabus ~ Craig-Acting On Camera I Syllabus
Oct 29 – Dec 10 (6 weeks; no class on 11/26) Sunday noon-3:00pm $232 DRAM 3010 101 Synonym 78570 Highland Campus – Francine Full!
Nov 6 – Dec 11 (6 weeks) Monday 6:30-9:30pm $232 DRAM 3010 102 Syn 78572 South Austin Campus – Craig Only 2 spots left!
Audition Monologue Workout
Led by Bridget O’Neill
Auditioning is an essential (and occasionally dreaded) skill that each actor must master. In this class, students will find the FUN in entering a casting room, reframing auditioning into an opportunity to do the thing we love. This class will increase confidence and hone dynamic monologue techniques for stage auditions. Recorded auditions for theatre will be covered briefly. (To focus on film & TV, register for Self-Taping Your Auditions). Skills covered include character study, choosing clear and high-stakes objectives, entrances/exits, and who to be fully present in the room. Register early! Once the class makes students will receive guidance on finding monologues. Students will bring a 1-minute to 90-second monologue of their choice to the first meeting.
Bridget O’Neill Audition Monologue Workout
Oct 29 – Dec 10 (6 weeks) Sunday 3-5:30 p.m. $196 DRAX 3086 100 SYN 81556 Highland Campus This class is canceled. See our spring offering!
Improvisation II
Led by John Ratliff, this class expands on the basic principles of improv by going deep into the nuts and bolts of scene work. The class will cover the most common categories of improv scenes and explore the many different approaches to playing them. (There’s never just one right answer!) Other topics include the practical challenge of creating fully realized characters on the fly and the productive tension between absurd circumstances and emotionally grounded performance. Important note: you will laugh a lot in this class! This class is for students who have successfully completed Improvisation I. Students who have taken introductory improv classes elsewhere may be eligible to take this class at the instructor’s discretion. Limited to 12 students. John’s Improv II Syllabus
Oct 30 – Dec 4 (6 weeks) Monday 6:30-9pm $196 DRAX 3081 100 Syn 71996 Highland Campus This class is canceled
Movement Fluency for Actors
Are you aware of how you use your body – how you stand, walk, and use your limbs for any activity? The actor’s body is his/hers/their instrument. You must learn to play it well! This class will enhance your best physical attributes, improve your physical awareness, and unleash your physical potential. You will experience and practice an array of mobility concepts while acquiring tools and information about effective performance physicality. You will also explore your own body’s mobility and expressive abilities. This is a physically active, experiential class to introduce you to Movement Analysis, and Body Language techniques. All actors will benefit from this class. A must for actor training. Bring a short monologue to work with, (1 minute to 90 seconds long) and a yoga mat for comfort. Toni Bravo -Movement Fluency Syllabus
Sep 6- Oct 25 (8 wks) Wednesday 7:00-9:00pm $191 DRAX 4000 100 Synonym 72016 Highland Campus Studio Cancelled- look for it in the Spring!
Tools of the Trade
Led by Jacqui Calloway, this class is designed for actors with prior training who are beginning their professional acting journeys, revamping their materials, or newly breaking into the Austin market. It covers headshots, resumes, demo reels, personal websites, casting websites, and social media. We’ll discuss the industry standard for each element, look at professional examples, assess students’ current materials, and work on them in class. We’ll end by discussing the logistics of getting an agent and sustaining an acting career in Central Texas. Limited to 12 students. Jacqui’s Tools of the Trade Syllabus
Oct 20 – Dec 1 (5 weeks) Friday 11am-1:30pm $161 DRAX 3087 100 Syn 72000 (no class Veteran’s Day observed 11/10 & Nov 24 for Thanksgiving holiday) Highland Campus
Special guest: Jessica Sloan, a former agent with 16 years experience
Self-Taping Your Auditions
Led by Jacqui Calloway, this class is appropriate for actors who need to self-tape auditions for film, TV, or theater. The first half of the class will be the technical side of self-taping, building a home set-up, and some basic editing skills. The second half of the class will address the unique acting challenges of self-taped auditions, and how to make blocking and behavior choices that look good within the confines of the camera and stand out to casting directors. Students will be required to film weekly tapes at home and send them in for review in class. For actors with previous training/experience. Students will need to bring the phone/tablet/camera that they will be using to film, as well as a laptop for editing. Limited to 12 students.
Oct 20 – Dec 8 (6 weeks) Friday 2-4:30pm $196 DRAX 3046 101 Syn 78663 (no class Veteran’s Day observed 11/10 & Nov 24 for Thanksgiving holiday) Highland Campus
Introduction to Voiceover II
Led by Cliff Miller, this class builds on the techniques and industry knowledge established in Intro to Voiceover, which is a prerequisite for taking this course. This class is designed for the individual who would like to take their interest in VO beyond the classroom and into the industry. We will continue to analyze, perform, and critique commercial and audiobook copy. In addition, we will begin working on the growing field of e-learning narration. Limited to 8 students. Materials needed: internet connection & audio/video capability with computer or tablet; updated (free) Zoom account. Cliff’s Voiceover II Syllabus
Oct 24 – Nov 28 (6 weeks) Tuesday 6-8:30pm $191 DRAX 4053 110 Syn 72006 Online/Zoom Full!
Accents for Film & Stage
Led by Cliff Miller, this course introduces two important accents used for stage, film, television, and video games. In the Fall, we’re offering American Southern and Australian. Through Knight-Thompson Speechwork, a new standard-bearing approach to speech, students will acquire the skills to convincingly perform these accents. Areas of focus include developing the oral posture, learning how to create the unique pronunciations, and analyzing the “music” (rhythm, tempo, and intonation) of the accent. Studies include native speakers of these accents, and dialogue from stage and screen scripts will be utilized to apply the work. This course is for actors with and without speech training and for people who simply would enjoy learning two interesting accents. Limited to 8 students. Materials needed: internet connection & audio/video capability with computer or tablet; updated (free) Zoom account. Cliff’s Accents syllabus
Oct 30 – Dec 4 (6 weeks) Monday 6-8:30pm $191 DRAX 3065 110 Syn 71991 Online/Zoom This class is canceled. Check out the Accents for Spring 2024
Private Coaching for Singers
Led by Adam Roberts, Private coaching sessions with Adam Roberts are offered in musical theatre and contemporary vocal styles such as pop, folk, rock, etc. Coaching packages are tailored to each student’s unique goals and may include work toward preparing upcoming auditions, building a rep book, bolstering technique, expanding range, and strengthening a variety of performance skills. Coachings are available for adults from beginning through professional levels, and to advanced high school students. Adam’s Private Coaching for Singers Syllabus
Lessons are once a week during the scheduled dates below. Book your day and time during the weeks indicated below by contacting booking@adamkroberts.com
Tuesdays Sep 5 – Oct 10 (6 sessions) $541 DRAX 3063 100 Syn 72007 Highland Campus
Wednesdays Sep 6 – Oct 11 (6 sessions) $541 DRAX 3063 101 Syn 72008 Northridge Campus
Thursdays Sep 7 – Oct 12 (6 sessions) $541 DRAX 3063 102 Syn 72009 Highland Campus
Tuesdays Oct 31 – Nov 14 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 103 Syn 72010 Highland Campus
Wednesdays Nov 1 – 15 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 104 Syn 72011 Highland Campus
Thursdays Nov 2 – 16 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 105 Syn 72012 Highland Campus
Tuesdays Nov 28 – Dec 12 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 106 Syn 72013 Highland Campus
Wednesdays Nov 29 – Dec 13 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 107 Syn 72014 Highland Campus
Thursdays Nov 30 – Dec 14 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 108 Syn 72015 Highland Campus
Advanced Scene Study
Led by Rick Roemer, this ten-week course is available only with instructor approval. Participants are expected to have had Acting Explorations, Ongoing Scene Study or other comparable training. Advanced Scene Study is the best opportunity for actors to flex their acting muscles and refine their craft on a consistent basis — a weekly workout with a community of peers. Actors will test their performance abilities in a safe and playful environment, using realistic scenes both comedic and dramatic. Expand your comfort zone, dive into character and gain more confidence in your art and your craft! Limited to 10 students. To request instructor approval, please send a resume and reel to theactorsschool@austincc.edu with Advanced Scene Study Request in the subject line. Rick-Adv Scene Study syllabus
Sep 9 – Nov 11 (10 weeks) Saturdays 10am-1:00pm $366 DRAX 3084 100 Northridge Campus
Acting on Camera II
Led by Francine Michelle, this class is for students with professional experience and/or previous film acting training. Francine focuses on achieving an honest and vulnerable performance for the camera. The emphasis is on energy and making choices that highlight the actor’s power to tell a story. Students will explore the work through scene study from film and television scripts with some videotaping and playback for evaluation. Suggested prerequisite: Two or more beginning acting classes, Acting Explorations, Advanced Scene Study, or other previous acting training/experience. Limited to 12 students Francine- Acting On Camera II Syllabus
Sep 8 – Oct 13 (6 weeks) Friday 2-5pm $231 DRAX 3003 100 Syn 78609 Highland Campus Postponed until Spring 2024
Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop 
Led by Adam Roberts
Join this workshop for an afternoon of musical theatre coaching in a group setting, This masterclass is intended for experienced theatre performers with an existing rep.
Each participant should bring sheet music for 2 audition-appropriate cuts of 32 measures/1-minute in length.
Limited to 15 participants. Lunch from 1:30-2:30PM on your own.
TO BE RESCHEDULED $100 DRAX 4040 100 SYN 82285 Highland Campus
Working actors rejoice! The Actor’s School is expanding to include an “actor’s gym” program called the Pro Series. These classes require instructor approval and are designed to be taken as often as you like. Look for the Pro Series to roll out in Spring 2024!
Private Coaching
Several teachers at The Actor’s School offer private studies to older teens and adults. Areas of study range from auditioning for film and stage to Shakespeare, Voice, Monologues, and more. Contact the school for more information at theactorsschool@austincc.edu
Where our classes are held:
ACC Highland Campus – 6101 Highland Campus Dr, Austin, TX 78752, Bldg 4000 in our Studio – details sent upon registration.
ACC South Austin Campus – 1820 W Stassney Ln, Austin, TX 78745 – Room number and details sent upon registration.
ACC Northridge Campus – 11928 Stonehollow Dr, Austin, TX 78758 – Room number and details sent upon registration.