An actor must proceed, not by a multitude of details, but by those important units,
which, like signals, mark his channel and keep him in the right creative line.
– An Actor Prepares By Constantin Stanislavski
Fall Workshop Dates:
Sundays from 12:00—5:00 PM, beginning September 26—December 12, 2010
At The Torn Page Salon, 435 West 22nd St. (between 9th and 10th Aves.)
Call for Reservations: 212-689-4362
From Scratch To Script Workshops
From Scratch to Script Workshops were created to apply the PPA process to scene work. Together we explore the nature of acting through:
- Exercise
- Improvisation
- Script Analysis
- Scene Preparation
The workshops are divided into teen and adult workshops, which are held weekly. The adult workshop is 5 hours weekly over a three-month period, which is 60 hours of intensive study. The teen workshop is 3 hours weekly over a three month period, which is 36 hours of intensive study.There is a final production before an audience that includes invited industry. There is a Q&A that follows with the opportunity to network with these generous auditors.
What is the PPA process?
An actor deals with his entire instrument—his senses, memory, imagination, physical and mental make-up and his spirit. If the actor does not invest in self-awareness and undertake a disciplined craft, he can only create a thin rendering of any character he interprets and also risks emotional blockage. However insignificant a character may appear, it should always be addressed as a “whole” being. Playing a character necessitates an understanding of, and empathy for, said character. If one can’t get “under the skin” of a character, you are merely drawing a sketch—rather than a finished portrait.
There are many signals that help lead the actor toward creating an inner and outer structure. Not unlike a sculptor who begins with a mere slab of indefinable clay, so the actor begins his description by using materials designed to create a character.
PPA is the clarification and application of these materials.
The workshops I offer begin with a review of these elements. They are then put into improvisations before applying them to script. When the playwright’s words enter the picture, an actor merely transfers these well-honed tools onto the written page, therefore bringing the words to life.
PPA combines the teachings of the father of organic acting, Constantine Stanislavski. It also incorporates Michael Chekhov’s physical vitality and ultimately my own extensive theatre experience to date. It stretches the actor’s psyche, senses and imagination not only in a way that enables each individual to master his craft, upon which he depends, but further deepens his awareness of life.
I want to make the necessary work available to the actor, at a reasonable cost:
Price - $600 for the three-month course of study.
Private Session - $75 per hour
For further information or to schedule an appointment for a free consultation:
T: 212.689.4362
C: 917. 544.4986
E: paula@pjrileystudio.com
W: www.tornpage.org