January 4, 2010

Janis Brenner
Movement, Voice and Theatre Improvisation
Monday, January 4
3:00pm to 6:00pm
Class Fee: $35

This workshop intensive integrates movement, voice and acting by delving into the mind/body connection, sensations and experiences through structured improvisations. The class includes a movement warm-up as well as a vocal/singing warm-up from which we will move into free-spirited improvisations first in duets and groups, culminating in solo character studies using this interdiscipliinary approach to performance. We will work on building both a "community" of performers as well as an holistic, fully-integrated, solo artist. The workshop is open to all actors, singers, dancers and "triple threat" performers. Ms. Brenner's work is based on her many years with Alwin Nikolais, Murray Louis, Meredith Monk, and her own unique approach as a dancer/choreographer/singer/actor/teacher. These workshops have been conducted throughout the world including Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Senegal, Austria, Germany and throughout the U.S. and New York City.

Janis Brenner - award-winning dancer, choreographer, singer, actor, and teacher, is Artistic Director of Janis Brenner & Dancers in New York. She has toured in 30 countries and is recognized as a "singular performer" with a multifaceted artistic range. Grants/Awards: a "BESSIE" for her performance in Meredith Monk's work, Lester Horton Award for Choreography in LA, NY Foundation for The Arts Fellowship, grants from the US State Department, Asian Cultural Council, Trust For Mutual Understanding, UNESCO, and The Fund for US Artists at International Festivals for tours to Indonesia, Taiwan, Senegal and Russia. Her work has been commissioned/restaged on companies and colleges in Europe, Asia and throughout the US. She is a sought-after teacher conducting workshops worldwide in technique, improv, repertory and vocal work. Brenner has an acclaimed debut CD with Theo Bleckmann, "Mars Cantata". She's worked extensively with Michael Moschen as Co-Choreographer (including PBS' "Great Performances") and with Murray Louis Dance Company working with Rudolf Nureyev, Placido Domingo, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Joseph Papp, Alwin Nikolais, and has appeared Off-Broadway at The NY Shakespeare Festival. Her last two concert seasons for Janis Brenner & Dancers, 2007 and 2009, have been critically-acclaimed highlights of the New York season. www.janisbrenner.com

January 6, 13, 20, and 27

Carol Morley
The Art of the Audition
Wednesdays, January 6, 13, 20, and 27
12:30pm to 2:30pm
Class Fee: $80

First day, bring in your best monologue or scene with scene partner. The critique will deal with your choice of material, your presentation, your acting, and the problems that come between you and your best work. Subsequent days will deal with what “they,” i.e. the auditioners, want and how to fill their expectations while showing them you at your best. We will deal with the selection of contemporary and classical material for monologues. We’ll address “cold” readings, improvs, and reading from sides. We’ll take a look at audition myths and explore how personal obstacles may sabotage your work. Advanced students only.

Carol Morley received a degree in dance from the University of Western Ontario. Has been a professional singer/dancer/actor since 1957. Worked in Canada and London, England in musical theatre and settled in New York City in 1961. She then came to HB Studio and studied with Uta Hagen. Her credits include GYPSY (with Angela Lansbury), DAMES AT SEA (the Plaza), MAD SHOW (New Theatre), THREE PENNY OPERA (Cleveland), RED HEAD (Good Speed). Broadway: PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE, SMITH. Off-Broadway: ADAPTATION-NEXT, BAD HABITS, ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES, A DOLL’S HOUSE, ROSMERSHOLM, LES JUSTE, JUNGLE OF CITIES, DROP IN THE BUCKET, and MRS. KLEIN. Regional: WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF, BEYOND THERAPY, HENRY IV parts I and II, HEARTBREAK HOUSE, ARMS AND THE MAN, TABLE MANNERS (Eileen Heckert), LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS (Sid Ceasar), GEORGE WASHINGTON SLEPT HERE (Jimmy Coco), UNVARNISHED TRUTH (John Ritter). Film: THE GODFATHER, A NEW LEAF (Elaine May), DOCTOR COOK’S GARDEN, MY MOTHER WAS NEVER A KID, HELP WANTED KIDS. TV: EDGE OF NIGHT, THE DOCTORS, LAW & ORDER. Over 100 commercials.

January 9

David Sharp
Financial Planning for Performers: Mutual Funds
Saturday, January 9
2:30 - 4:30pm
FREE OF CHARGE!

Dancer/choreographer/finance whiz David Sharp continues his series of free financial planning seminars for performing artists. How to save, invest, and build financial security on a limited and changeable income.

Open to newcomers as well as those who have attended David's previous workshops, the January session will focus on mutual funds.

The session will break down as follows:
2:30 - 3:00 Refresher on the basics
3:00 - 4:00 Focus topic
4:00 - 4:30 Questions and investment reviews.

David will be holding additional follow-up workshops throughout the year to check in on your financial progress, review the basics, and then focus in on different topics. Join us and take charge of your financial future!

January 11, 18, 25 and February 1

Rasa Allan Kazlas
Commedia dell 'arte Workshop
Mondays, January 11, 18, 25 and February 1
3:00pm - 5:30pm
Class Fee $88

Learn the basics of Commedia dell'Arte (Italian comedy). Move and improvise as the stock characters: Arlecchino, Pantalone, Dottore and Capitano; and their female counterparts: the Inamorata, the Soubrette, the Courtesan and the Duenna.

Commedia was performed by professional players who traveled in troupes throughout Italy in the 16th century. Music, dance, witty dialogue, and all kinds of lazzi (comic business and routines) contributed to the total effect. The focus was placed on the physical rather than on spoken text. Playwrights ranging from Moliere to Goldoni were greatly influenced by Commedia.

The workshp will introduce the classic and broad physical movement of Commedia. Students will work with traditional character masks and will have the opportunity to do some improvisational work along the lines of Commedia plots.

Requirements: All students need to wear light, loose fitting clothing or dance apparel. Dance, mime or acrobatic shoes are also suggested (not sneakers). Bare feet are acceptable, but no stocking feet.

Rasa Allan Kazlas is currently working as director and actor with playwrights to develop new works through staged readings and workshops. Most recently directed VALPARAISO with the HB Ensemble. HB PLAYWRIGHTS FOUNDATION: FREUD'S LAST SESSION with Fritz Weaver and Matthew Conlon. Created and directed CAGED VISIONS, based on prison poetry; directed three one-acts, MUTE SWAN, PERHAPS and SECRETS in the HOLIDAY PLAYS for Donna de Matteo's playwriting class. Performance labs include works by Shepard, Brecht, Pinter, Mrozek, and Jarry. As a member of the Emerging Artists Theater, directed numerous workshops and one-acts. Former member of the New York Theater Workshop's Usual Suspects, and the Women's Project Directors Circle. Worked with the following theater companies: EAT, Abingdon, Rattlestick, CAP 21, Wings, Vital, and the Independent. Directed a broad range of plays from Mrozek's TANGO to a musical version of Sheridan's THE RIVALS. Directed works in Bosnia and Lithuania. Some acting credits include the role of Claire Zachanassian in THE VISIT, directed by Amy Wright, Toby in GINGERBREAD LADY, Isabella in MEASURE FOR MEASURE, Helen in TROJAN WOMEN, and Renevskaya in THE CHERRY ORCHARD. Acting tours include Europe, the Middle East, Israel and North Africa. Appeared in concert at Lincoln Center with Lena Horne and the Boston Pops at Carnegie Hall. Co-founder of the Morse Mime Theater with Richard Morse. Studied with Uta Hagen, Warren Robertson, Larry Moss, and Richard Morse. BA in Theater from Smith College.

January 13, 20, 27 and February 3

Sue Maskaleris
Pop, R&B and Jazz Styles for the Working Singer
Wednesdays, January 13, 20, 27 and February 3
3:00pm to 5:00pm
Class Fee: $88

Musical theatre songs are usually meant to be sung as written. Add vocal authenticity to your palette when auditioning for specific types of shows, while increasing your versatility for other fields such as recording, clubs, weddings, etc. Inflections, melissmas and "languages" of each style will be analyzed and applied. Students will also have the opportunity to create new arrangements of songs in a different genre than intended. Ms. Maskalaris will accompany.

SUE MASKALERIS is a Grammy-nominated and award-winning singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger and producer. She sings in six languages and plays 3 other instruments. Sang and recorded with Cissy Houston, and is on many other CDs. Her own CD Unbreakable Heart features many jazz legends on her jazz and Brazilian jazz originals and has aired worldwide. She has played for Tony winners LaChanze, Lillias White, Liz Calloway, B.D. Wong, Anne Crumb, John Tartaglia, Natalie Belcoin, and Betty Comden; tv stars Cybill Shepherd, Philip Michael Thomas; jazz legends Annie Ross, Abbey Lincoln; film great Austin Pendleton and many former HB faculty luminaries, including Charles Nelson Reilly, Rita Gardner and Carol Hall for over 30 years. Worked on new works with Burt Bacharach, Stephen Schwartz, Galt McDermott, Taj Majal, and Lenny Pickett (SNL). Performed original music with groups at Birdland, Damrosch Park, Bryant Park, and Blue Note; worked in Europe, GA, FL, NC, TX, and on 24 ships worldwide. Created many open mics in NYC and now produces a series at Rouge Wine Bar in the West Village. Studied Composition with John Corigliano at Manhattan School of Music and film scoring at NYU. www.suemask.com.

February 7, 14, 21, and 28

Christopher Martin
Approaching the European Classics
Sundays, February 7, 14, 21 and 28
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Class Fee $160

A four-part workshop intensive focusing on the actor’s and director’s preparation for rehearsal and production of the classics, led by international actor/director Christopher Martin, who has mounted more than a hundred productions in New Yorkand around the work in Spanish, French, German, Finnish, Swedish, Polish, Turkish, Serbo-Croatian, and Russian.

The workshop will guide participants through how to choose the appropriate translation, how to come to a basic understanding of the play’s original language and the world for which it was written, the social and cultural research necessary to support the author’s intentions, the verbal and physical aspects of foreign characters, text analysis, verse, rhymed verse, prose, techniques of staging for both proscenium and the open stage, and the differences in approach to Ibsen (HEDDA GABLER, PEER GYNT), Strindberg (MISS JULIE, GHOST SONATA), Chekhov (THE CHERRY ORCHARD), Pirandello (SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR), Moliere (LE MISANTHROPE), Rostand (CYRANO), Feydeau (A FLEA IN HER EAR), Schiller (MARY STUART), Buchner (WOYZECK), and Wedekind (SPRING AWAKENING), among others.

Founding Artistic Director of CSC REPERTORY (Classic Stage Company), mounting nearly 100 productions during his 18-year tenure, including: Goethe's FAUST I/II, Ibsen's PEER GYNT, the 5-play CUCHULAIN CYCLE of William Butler Yeats, Melville's MOBY-DICK, Sophocles' OEDIPUS TRILOGY, Aeschylus' ORESTEIA, half the works of Shakespeare, and major plays by Marlowe, Moliere, Chekhov, Strindberg, Ibsen, Wedekind, and Büchner. As an actor he has appeared both on and off-Broadway, as well as in regional theatre, and currently works as freelance director/designer for National and State Theatres abroad from Paris to Berlin, Warsaw, Stockholm, Helsinki, Minsk, Belgrade, Ankara, Istanbul, Singapore and Seoul. As a composer he has created the blues opera JACKHAMMER (the legend of John Henry) and rock opera QUASIMODO (in collaboration with Karen Sunde). He recently published his translations of German poet Ralph Günther Mohnnau, rendered Rostand's CYRANO DE BERGERAC into English verse, and completed the first in a series of crime novels based on his international experiences.

Feburary 10, 17, 24 and March 3

Sue Maskaleris
So You're in the Chorus
Wednesdays, February 10, 17, 24 and March 3
3:00pm to 5:00pm
Class Fee: $88

Gain experience reading, blending, maintaining harmony parts and counterpoint from the musical theatre repertoire. Choral styles from barbershop, classic "legit" Broadway scores through Sondheim, Schwartz and their contemporaries; folk to current rock, pop, gospel, tropical and hip hop musicals will be sung as an ensemble. Sight reading ability and/or a good ear are recommended but not mandatory. Ms. Maskaleris will accompany.

SUE MASKALERIS is a Grammy-nominated and award-winning singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger and producer. She sings in six languages and plays 3 other instruments. Sang and recorded with Cissy Houston, and is on many other CDs. Her own CD Unbreakable Heart features many jazz legends on her jazz and Brazilian jazz originals and has aired worldwide. She has played for Tony winners LaChanze, Lillias White, Liz Calloway, B.D. Wong, Anne Crumb, John Tartaglia, Natalie Belcoin, and Betty Comden; tv stars Cybill Shepherd, Philip Michael Thomas; jazz legends Annie Ross, Abbey Lincoln; film great Austin Pendleton and many former HB faculty luminaries, including Charles Nelson Reilly, Rita Gardner and Carol Hall for over 30 years. Worked on new works with Burt Bacharach, Stephen Schwartz, Galt McDermott, Taj Majal, and Lenny Pickett (SNL). Performed original music with groups at Birdland, Damrosch Park, Bryant Park, and Blue Note; worked in Europe, GA, FL, NC, TX, and on 24 ships worldwide. Created many open mics in NYC and now produces a series at Rouge Wine Bar in the West Village. Studied Composition with John Corigliano at Manhattan School of Music and film scoring at NYU. www.suemask.com.

February 15

Perry Schneiderman
Master Class in Character Half Mask
Monday, February 15
11:00am - 4:00pm
Lunch break 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Class Fee $45

For many years mask work has been used very effectively in training as a liberating force that allows actors to risk in physical, psychological and vocal ways that would not otherwise occur to them. Through the use of 25 half masks, actors will explore the range of their physical and vocal potential. The process consists of very gentle individual improvisation using the actor’s masked reflection and gradually moves away from the mirror to non- performance oriented exercises that allow the actor to discover more fully one or two of the masks to which they have most connected during the initial exercises.

Perry Schneiderman is listed in the Canadian Who’s Who as one of that country’s leaders in the area of professional actor training. During his tenure as Artistic Director of the National Theatre School of Canada he was the responsible for the development of a program that produced such well know actors as Sandra Oh of Grey’s Anatomy. His master classes in mask have been conducted as far a field as Shanghai, Cape Town, Moscow and Oxford. Closer to home he has taught and coached for Cirque de Soleil (Montreal & Las Vegas) and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. He is currently Chair of Ryerson Theatre School which has an international reputation for the training of actors, dancers and production personnel. Graduates include Jeffrey Kuhn currently starring in The Thirty-Nine Steps on Broadway. His directing credits include many professional and conservatory productions ranging from the classics of Moliere and Goldoni to the works of Noel Coward, Ken Ludwig and Beth Henley. He returned to Montreal in 2007 to direct renown Quebec actor Benoit Briere and an all-star cast in his and Mr. Briere`s French translation of Lend Me a Tenor that played to critical acclaim and was subsequently remounted for a 30 city tour of Quebec in the Fall of 2008.

March 6

Peter Arcese
Copyright Basics for Theatre Professionals
Saturday, March 6
10:00am - 12:30pm
Class Fee $35

In this workshop we learn how Copyright Law protects your creative work in theatre. We answer such questions as: How do I acquire a copyright in a work? How do I protect my copyright? and How do I enforce my copyright? We look into what a copyright is, and how it is different from a trademark or patent. We learn how copyright in a work is created, what is protected, and what is not. We look at registration requirements, how long copyright protection lasts and what it means for a work to become part of the public domain. We discover how copyright interests can be licensed or transferred, as well as the impact of the "work made for hire" and "fair use" doctrines. Finally, we look at what remedies are available if a copyright is infringed, and consider the role of digital media as theater practices evolve in the 21st century. Peter Arcese, MA, JD, LL.M, is an attorney admitted to the bar in the State of New York, teaches at HB Studio and New York University, and draws on his experience as an author, publisher, producer, and director.

A poet, playwright, and director, whose credits include a translation of Aeschylus’s AGAMEMNON into English syllabic verse published by Lintel Press, and translations of selected fragments of SAPPHO in the The New York Quarterly. He earned the praise of Kurt Vonnegut for his directing of JOSEPH IN THE PIT: THE THIRD DREAM, a verse drama by Walter James Miller funded in part by the Ruttenberg Foundation and NY Foundation for the Arts. He directed the world premiere of BEHIND THE EYES and THREESOME, a series of one-act plays by the late William Packard and UNDER THE GREENWOOD TREE, a staged reading of Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT. His verse play, THE BREAKFAST, premiered in 1984 in NYC at the Douglas Fairbanks Studio Theatre. He has received the Award for Teaching Excellence from New York University, where he is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Humanities.

March 10, 17, and 24

Mark Blum
Commercial Voice-Over Intensive
Wednesdays, March 10, 17, and 27
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Class Fee $75

This is a practical workshop designed to acquaint the student with the specific techniques involved in performing commercial voiceover and radio copy. Students will practice the basics of mike technique, acquire tools to discover the point of view demanded by the commercial copy, and will learn how to translate that understanding into a compelling performance at an audition or a recording session. The student will also gain perspective on demo tapes, casting directors, agents and the audition process.

Mark Blum has over 20 years experience doing voice overs, including BB&T Bank (spokesperson), General Mills, MacDonalds, Superpretzel, NY Lottery, The American Diabetes Association, and many more. He has done numerous narrations for industrial films, coming attraction film trailers, many Books On Tape, and is the voice of several Museums. His demo is available on the Abrams Artists website.

Mark Blum's Broadway credits include TWELVE ANGRY MEN, LOST IN YONKERS, GORE VIDAL’S THE BEST MAN, A THOUSAND CLOWNS, THE GRADUATE, MY THING OF LOVE, and THE MERCHANT. Off Broadway: THE SINGING FOREST, MOURNING BECOMES ELECTRA, BUFFALO GAL, THE MUSIC TEACHER, THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME, THE WAVERLY GALLERY, THE SEAGULL, KEY EXCHANGE, TABLE SETTINGS, SAY GOODNIGHT GRACIE, LITTLE FOOTSTEPS, IT’S ONLY A PLAY, MISLANSKY ZILINSKY, and GUS AND AL, for which he received an Obie Award. Film: SHATTERED GLASS, DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN, CROCODILE DUNDEE, THE PRESIDO, BLIND DATE, JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS, WORTH WINNING, MIAMI RHAPSODY. TV: INDICTMENT, THE McMARTIN TRIAL, STEVE MARTIN’S THE JUDGE, THE DEFENDERS, as well as guest starring roles in LAW & ORDER, FRINGE, THE SOPRANOS, WEST WING, CSI MIAMI, JUDGING AMY, NYPD BLUE, ST. ELSEWHERE, MIAMI VICE, FRASIER, WINGS, ROSEANNE, THE PRACTICE, and many others.

March 13

David Sharp
Financial Planning for Performers: Choosing Stocks
Saturday, March 13
2:30 - 4:30pm
FREE OF CHARGE!

Dancer/choreographer/finance whiz David Sharp continues his series of free financial planning seminars for performing artists. How to save, invest, and build financial security on a limited and changeable income.

Open to newcomers as well as those who have attended David's previous workshops, the March session will focus on choosing stocks.

The session will break down as follows:
2:30 - 3:00 Refresher on the basics
3:00 - 4:00 Focus topic
4:00 - 4:30 Questions and investment reviews.

David will be holding additional follow-up workshops throughout the year to check in on your financial progress, review the basics, and then focus in on different topics. Join us and take charge of your financial future!