Summer 2023 Registration opens April 3
If you are ready to take classes, send in your pre-registration form now!
Register & pay early to secure your spot because these classes fill fast.
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 Cliff Miller, this playful 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~Jacqui / Acting Fundamentals syllabus~Rick
Jun 2 – Jul 7 (6 weeks) Friday 11:00am-2:00pm $226
DRAM 3034 300 Syn 70845 Highland Campus Studio – Rick (limited to 12 students)
Jun 5- Jul 17 (6 weeks) Mondays 6:30-9:30pm $226
DRAM 3034 301 Syn 70846 Highland Campus Studio – Rick (limited to 12 students)
Jun 12 – Jul 24 (6 weeks) Mondays 11:00am-1:30pm $191
DRAM 3034 305 Syn 71955 Northridge Campus – Cliff (limited to 10 students)
Jul 15 – Aug 19 (6 weeks) Saturdays 10:00am-12:30pm $191 DRAM 3034 306 Syn 71956 South Austin Campus – Jacqui (limited to 10 students)
Jul 19 – Aug 23 (weeks) Wednesdays 6:30-9:00pm $191 DRAM 3034 303 Syn 70849 South Austin Campus – Jacqui (limited to 10 students)
Jul 27 – Aug 31 (6 weeks) Thursdays 6:30-9:30pm $226 DRAM 3034 304 Syn 70850 Northridge Campus Studio – Rick (limited to 12 students)
Uproot Fears/Unleash Stage Presence
Led by Amy Griego or Luke Wallens, 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.
Click the instructor names to read more about their approaches to this class. Limited to 12 students.
Jun 8- Jul 6 (5 weeks) Thursdays 7-9pm $151 DRAX 4013 300 70886 Highland Campus Amy Griego
Aug 5 – Sep 9 (6 wks) Saturdays 10:30am-12:30pm $151 DRAX 4013 301 70887 South Austin Campus Luke Wallens
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
Jun 3- Jul 8 (6 weeks) Saturdays 11am-1:30pm $191 DRAX 4042 300 Syn 70867
Highland Campus
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. (Class is 15 clock hours, limited to 12 students). Jacqui Commercial Audition Syllabus
July 13 – Aug 17 (6 weeks) Thursdays 6:30-9:00pm $181 DRAX 3088 300 Syn 70866 Highland Campus Studio
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 10 students. WE NEED: Adam’s Training the Speaking Voice Syllabus
Jul 12 – Aug 16 (6 weeks) Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm $216 DRAX 3064 300 Syn 70859 Highland Campus Studio
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
May 31 – Jul 5 (6 weeks) Wednesdays 6:00-8:30pm $186 DRAX 3068 310
Syn 70860 Online/Zoom
Jun 20 – Aug 1 (6 weeks) Tuesdays 6-8:30pm $186 DRAX 3068 311
Syn 70861 Online/Zoom
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 necessary. Limited to 10 students. Adam’s Foundations of Singing Syllabus
Jul 11 – Aug 15 (6 weeks) Tuesdays 6:30-9:30pm $226 DRAX 3038 300 Syn 70855 Highland Campus Studio
Yoga for Actors
Led by Amy Griego, this class is ideal for actors who desire to increase mind-body connection. Participants will be guided through a weekly 60-minute Vinyasa Flow and encouraged to focus on breath and body awareness to build internal and external strength and stillness. The breath and movement built into the class deepen the ability to find calm when needed and bring ease to both connection and expression. By the end of the course, participants will have begun and/or continued to build a Yoga practice and a foundation of mindfulness. No prior Yoga experience is necessary. Limited to 10 students. This course is intended to be repeated for ongoing practice. Bring your own yoga mat.
Jun 9 – Jul 28 (8 wks) Fridays 9:30-10:30am $80 DRAX 4012 300 Syn 70885
Highland Campus Studio
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
May 31 – Jul 5 (6 weeks) Wednesdays 11:00am-2:00pm $226 DRAM 9002 300
Syn 70852 Northridge Campus
Jul 24 – Aug 28 (6 weeks) Mondays 6:30-9:30pm $226 DRAM 9002 301 Syn 70853 Highland Campus
Page To Performance
Led by Craig Nigh (pictured right as Hill in Fear the Walking Dead, Photo: Ryan Green/AMC), 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 technique. Scenes are filmed for playback and critique. Limited to 12 students. Craig’s Page to Performance Syllabus
July 15 – 16 (2 days) Sat/Sun 10:00am-2:00pm $101 DRAX 3062 300 Syn 70858 Highland Campus Studio
Acting On Camera
This is a beginning-to-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 equivalent. 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. In-person class limited to 12 students.
Schedule TBA (6 weeks) $226 DRAM 3010 300
Acting on Camera II
Led by Tony Sears, this class is for students with professional experience and/or previous film acting training. Tony Sears 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, or other previous acting training/experience. Materials needed: internet connection & audio/video capability with computer or tablet; updated (free) Zoom account. Limited to 8 students Tony’s Acting on Camera II Syllabus
Aug 1 – Sep 5 (6 weeks) Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm $166 DRAX 3003 310 Syn 70854 Online- Zoom
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. (Class is 10 clock hours, limited to 12 students) Jacqui’s Tools of the Trade Syllabus
Jul 21 – Aug 11 (4 weeks) Fridays 11:00-1:30 $121 DRAX 3087 300 Syn 71953 Highland Campus Studio
Self-Taping Your Auditions
Led by Tony Sears, this course covers the technical how-to of self-taping: setting up the proper space, framing, lighting and sound, slating, editing, labeling, and uploading. Students will also learn how to make blocking and behavior choices that work within the confines of the camera frame to create auditions that look good and stand out. Students should have previous on-camera experience and will receive individual coaching specific to each audition. Students will need one device to shoot their scene and a separate device to read with another actor over facetime/ skype/zoom, etc. Limited to 8 students. Materials needed: internet connection & audio/video capability with computer or tablet; updated (free) Zoom account.
Jul 26 – Aug 30 (6 weeks) Wednesdays 11:00am-1pm $166 DRAX 3046 310 Online/Zoom
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
See Fall 2023 for VO II – No class this summer
Accents for Film & Stage 
Led by Cliff Miller, this course introduces two important accents used for stage, film, television, and video games. In the Summer 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 10 students. Cliff’s Accents syllabus
See Fall of 2023 for American Southern and Australian Accents – No class this summer
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
Jul 22 – Aug 26 (6 weeks) Saturdays 11:00am-1:30pm $191 DRAX 3081 300 Syn 70863 Highland Campus
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/week for 3 weeks (3 lessons). Schedule your day and time during the weeks indicated below by contacting booking@adamkroberts.com
Tuesdays Jun 6-20 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 300 Syn 70869 Highland Campus Studio
Wednesdays Jun 7-21 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 301 Syn 70871 Highland Campus Studio
Thursdays Jun 8-22 (3 sessions) $270 DRAX 3063 302 Syn 70872 Highland Campus Studio
Tuesdays Jul 11-25 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 303 Syn 70873 Highland Campus Studio
Wednesdays Jul 12-26 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 304 Syn 70874 Highland Campus Studio
Thursdays Jul 13-27 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 305 Syn 70875 Highland Campus Studio
Tuesdays Aug 8-22 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 306 Syn 70876 Highland Campus Studio
Wednesdays Aug 9-23 (3 sessions) $271 DRAX 3063 307 Syn 70878 Highland Campus Studio
Thursdays Aug 10-24 (3 sessions) $270 DRAX 3063 308 Syn 70883 Highland Campus Studio
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 MORE THAN ONCE AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE.
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.
Jun 3- Aug 12 (10 weeks) Saturdays 10:00am-1:00pm $361 DRAX 3084 300 Syn 70865 Northridge Campus (no class July 15)
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, 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.