Summer 2023 Registration is open!

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 / Acting Fundamentals Syllabus-Cliff

Jun 2 – Jul 7   (6 weeks)    Friday   11:00am-2:00pm    $226   DRAM 3034 300  Syn 70845  Highland Campus StudioRick (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) Class is full

Jun 12 – Jul 24  (6 weeks) Mondays  11:00am-1:30pm  $191
DRAM 3034 305  Syn 71955  Northridge Campus – Cliff (limited to 10 students)
This class is canceled

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, 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 Syllabus  

Jun 8- Jul 6  (5 weeks) Thursdays  7-9pm  $126  DRAX 4013 300  70886  Highland Campus  Amy Griego  Class is full

 


Improvisation I

Led by John Ratliff or Luke Wallens, 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.  Luke’s Improv Syllabus  John’s Improv Syllabus

Jun 3- Jul 8  (6 weeks)  Saturdays  11am-1:30pm   $191   DRAX 4042 300    Syn 70867  Highland Campus  This class is canceled

Jun 10 – Jul 22 ~ no class on July 1 ~  (6 weeks)  Saturdays  10am-12:30pm   $191   DRAX 4042 301    Syn 72767  South Austin Campus
Few Spaces left!

 

 

 

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  $191    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.  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  Class is full! Taking waitlist

 


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 

 


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

Craig Nigh as Hill- Fear the Walking Dead -Season 6, Episode 13 – Photo Credit: Ryan Green/AMC

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)   Saturday  10am-2pm / Sunday 12-4pm  $101   DRAX 3062 300 Syn 70858  Highland Campus Studio 

 

 

Acting On Camera

Led by Matthew Iott or Craig Nigh, 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 the 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 is limited to 12 students. Matthew-Acting on Camera Syllabus

June 26- July 31  (6 weeks)    Mondays  1:00-4:00pm  $226    DRAM 3010 301 Synonym 73514  Highland Campus – Craig 

July 10 – August 14  (6 weeks)    Mondays  6:30- 9:30pm  $226    DRAM 3010 300  Synonym 73460  South Austin Campus – Matthew  

 


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  This class is canceled  (see fall schedule)

 


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 18  (5 weeks)   Fridays   11:00-1:30   $151   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
This class is canceled  (see fall schedule) 

 


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)   $271   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)   $271   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 12 students.

Jun 3- Aug 5  (10 weeks)  Saturdays  10:00am-1:00pm   $326  DRAX 3084 300   Syn 70865  Northridge Campus   This class is full! 

 


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.