Intro to acting
Ages 5 to 7
Intro to Acting is the class we offer to kids who show an early interest in the craft. Self confidence and a strong sense of self is the first goal here. Reinforcing the importance of being who they are, becoming comfortable with their own uniqueness, and confronting fear and self-doubt are the foundation of our work. This is accomplished through encouragement, positive reinforcement. Students are then challenged by a vast array of acting exercises from all over the world, by some of the greatest teachers, directors, actors, and playwrights the theatre has ever known. Students will begin to discover and develop their creativity. The curriculum includes; creative dramatics, improvisation, auditioning, public speaking, voice and movement, monologue and scene study, dialects, commercial work and camera technique. Most of all, these classes are designed to be fun, because acting is fun. As my teacher always said, "To be an actor, you have to look through the child's eyes.
This class is taught by Megan Sambataro
Intro to advanced acting technique
Ages 8 to 12
Intro to advanced acting technique is designed to be an older child's first acting class. Self confidence is nurtured here as it is in Intro to acting, but is now channeled into developing stage presence. Creative dramatics, improvisation, auditioning, public speaking, voice and movement, monologue and scene study, dialects, commercial work and camera technique are all taught in this course, as well as the beginnings of actor's preparation, inside out technique, creating the character, and advanced vocal and movement work. This class is a perfect beginning to a young actor's training.
This class is taught by Ralph Colombino and Megan Sambataro
Advanced acting technique
Ages 8 to 12
Advanced acting technique 2
Ages 13 to 18
Advanced acting technique 3
Ages 14 to 19
All advanced acting technique classes are primarily the same. What makes them different is that they get progressively more challenging. Since acting students begin their training at many different ages and stages, these choices in level allow a student to find a class that's right for them.
Advanced Acting Technique levels 1, 2, and 3 offer 13 to 19 year olds an extremely challenging and cutting edge curriculum. The class covers a vast array of acting styles and philosophies. The curriculum includes: The Stanislavski System, Meisner Technique, The Uta Hagen Exercises, sense memory, scene study, auditioning, public speaking, camera technique, dialects, voice and movement work, masks, commercial work, voice-over technique, improvisation, monologue work, and performance art. This program is designed to give our students the advantage they need in this competitive field and specializes in proper preparation for college auditions as well as the acting industry itself. The program also presents opportunities to audition for elite theatrical representation. Discipline and respect for the craft are taught, along with a thorough process of education in the art of acting.
Our most popular and most enduring class, Advanced Acting Technique levels 1, 2, and 3 is the heart of our school and its curriculum has been recognized by some of the country's most respected universities. Many of this program's alumni have gone on to attend virtually every major college conservatory theatre program in the world, many others have gone on to successful careers in film, television, and theatre. Judging by its reputation and success rate, we think you'll find this unique class second to none.
These classes are taught by Ralph Colombino
Acting for Conservatory Students
Ages 8 to 18
This class is the third weekly class for kids who take two classes and are extremely dedicated to their craft. Since a third class is free, we figured it should be a special one. Any student willing to take three classes a week deserves to be challenged. Meisner Technique is the main course of study in this class, although its main purpose is to work with each actor on a more individual basis. Each student has very different artistic challenges they work through. What comes easy to one student is not so easy for another. The challenges every actor must face are vast and diverse, this course addresses each individual's particular battle. Whatever challenge a particular student is facing is not faced alone because the class is an ensemble. The class culminates at the end of each year with a final scene presentation.
This class is taught by Ralph Colombino
Advanced acting technique for adults
Ages 19 and up
Advanced Acting Technique for Adults levels 1 and 2 are classes that concentrate primarily on breaking into the acting industry, with all the techniques, teachings, styles, and philosophies the advanced acting technique classes offer including; The Stanislavski System, Meisner Technique, The Uta Hagen Exercises, sense memory, scene study, auditioning, public speaking, camera technique, dialects, voice and movement work, masks, commercial work, voice-over technique, improvisation, monologue work, and performance art. Networking, agent and manager showcases, play readings, and industry seminars are also a big part of this program. These classes serve as a communication hub where actors, writers, and directors can come together and jam, as well as a place where modern acting technique is taught and practiced. Auditioning for all levels and for all mediums is extensively covered, as well as advanced voice and movement work, voice over technique, and acting for the camera as well as many opportunities to perform in student and independent films. Class unity and the acceptance of each other's freedom of creative expression are strongly encouraged; dissention of any kind is not tolerated. This is a nurturing artistic environment where one who is focused and dedicated can thrive. This program's absolute focus is on the ultimate artistic goal of its students.
This class is taught by Ralph Colombino
Advanced Improvisation
Ages 8 to 18
From Viola Spolin to Second City, Advanced Improvisation levels 1 and 2 cover it all. Improvisation is a crucial element of an actor's craft. The ability to improvise is not only an essential part of the creative process, but comes in very handy at auditions as well. Many of today's directors like to use improv during rehearsal-and performance. This class is equally effective in giving a platform to those who want to polish their comedic skills to a student who simply needs to open up and have more confidence in their choices. Learning the rules and the different styles of improv can help sharpen creative instincts but also give the young actor a great deal of confidence. Improvisation has also evolved into its own style of theatre and is very popular with all ages among the student body.
This class is taught by Megan Sambataro
Please refer to our Philosophy and Curriculum page for further details on these classes.
You must be asked to join the conservatory students program. First year students cannot join this particular class without prior experience and must be accepted by an audition.
If you have any questions at all feel free to call us at 732-935-1800.
Classes begin the week of September 10th. Please check off which class or classes you would like to enroll in. Tuition is $30 for one weekly class and is $45 for two classes a week. A third weekly class is free. Unlimited private sessions to enrolled students are always free. Artistic Director, Ralph Colombino teaches all classes except for the Saturday Improv & Wed./Fri./Sat. Intro to Acting which will be taught by Megan Sambataro. Tuition is $90 to begin the fall semester for students taking one weekly class. FOR STUDENTS TAKING TWO CLASSES-- tuition is $135 to begin the semester. Please remember that tuition is paid monthly and is due the first class of each month. To get the most out of the program please try to make up missed classes, however, you will not be charged for extended absences or special circumstances. Please let us know what class you would like ASAP, to ensure you get the class times you desire. Call 732-935-1800 if you have any questions at all. To reserve your place please call, email, or send a check for the first month of class made out to Actors Playground School of Theatre to: 1 Main Street, Suite 217 Eatontown NJ 07724.