Focusing on teachings from Uta Hagen, actors will work in pairs on scenes from contemporary plays.
Scenes are presented in class for critique, then reworked to explore and apply feedback. Technique exercises may be introduced diagnostically to address problems as they arise.
Students start by presenting a single minute, and must earn the right to add more text each week, for a total of 6 weeks. The final class is open to auditors and invited guests.
The studio provides a wide range of furniture and set pieces for actors to create an on set or on stage experience. Actors will learn the key elements to mastering physical life and how to be fully alive in the given circumstances.
Areas of focus include:
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A meticulous approach to text analysis
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Creating ‘place’ and motivating physical life
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The detailed creation of character
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The personalization of character
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The embodiment of character and life condition
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Understanding of circumstance and story
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The embodiment of prior circumstance
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Exploration and cohesion of whole instrument including voice and body
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How to rehearse effectively
Actors will be held to a high standard and are expected to research, prepare and rehearse outside of class times.
Pre Requisites
Before first class, actors must read either:
Fine on Acting by Howard Fine
OR
A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen
Shane Savage has trained extensively with Howard Fine as both an Actor and Teacher, serving on Howards Australian faculty, and will be referencing techniques and exercises contained in Fine on Acting.
Howard Fine was named ‘LA’s Best Acting Coach’ by Backstage magazine and has coached many notable names including OSCAR Winners Jennifer Connelly, Will Smith, Brad Pitt and Jared Leto, OSCAR Nominees Bradley Cooper, Michelle Williams, Salma Hayek and Austin Butler, GOLDEN GLOBE Nominees Brooke Shields and Mark Harmon and EMMY winners Kim Delaney, Sela Ward and Michael Chiklis.
The techniques taught in this class are the same techniques these actors use.
You can purchase the revised edition of Fine on Acting HERE (requires shipping from US) or you can listen to it on Audible.
A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen can be purchased HERE or you can listen to it on audible.
“Shane Savage is one of the more intuitive, sharp, efficient and effective coaches I've worked with and alongside. His discipline, passion and creative gifts lend themselves to a safe and potent environment for growth and excellence at any level you may be starting from. Couldn't recommend more.”
ZIBBY ALLEN
Virgin River (Netflix), Greys Anatomy (ABC), Gabby Duran & The Unsittables (Disney)
Meet Your Instructor
Shane Savage has been teaching professionally for over a decade and has designed programs for, and served on the faculty of the National Theatre Drama School, Howard Fine Acting Studio (Australia) and is the proud founder of the Sonder Acting Studio.
He has won awards Internationally for his extensive work as an Actor, Producer, Director and Writer in both theatre and film. He believes that the pursuit of Mastery can be lead with kindness and humour, and while he expects the highest level of commitment from his students, he always approaches the work with curiosity and joy.
Class Timeline:
Week 1: Table Reads, Making Place, Improvisations
Week 2: First Work and script exploration
Week 3: Scene presentation and reworks
Week 4: Scene presentation and reworks
Week 5: Scene presentation and reworks
Week 6: OPEN CLASS - Actors can invite guests to witness the final work of their scenes.
New dates announced soon
6 x 4hr Classes
$500
Location: 560 Beatty St, Vancouver
Maximum 12 participants.
Places are limited to ensure quality of work and time under instruction.
*Please note Sonder Acting Studio has a strict lockout policy. Class will begin on time and no latecomers will be admitted. Refunds will not be provided for missed classes.
*Application does not guarantee admission.
Successful applicants will be notified and must pay in full to confirm their place in class.
This application process ensures that actors are paired with scene partners of similar experience level.
Class Stage Manager
Each scene study class at Sonder Acting Studio requires a stage manager whose duties include:
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Forwarding messages from the tutor to all participants.
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Requesting floor plans and furniture requirements for all scenes in order to create a class running order.
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Over-seeing the changeover of scenes in each class.
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Making sure The Studio is neat and tidy at all times.
To show our gratitude to the Stage Manager, they shall receive 20% off their class fees.
*To apply to be Stage Manager simply click the checkbox at the end of the class application form*
Testimonials
“Shane has given me the tools and resources to create a daily working routine as an actor. He holds me to the highest standard of accountability, and provides me with the resources to be self-sufficient. He has been instrumental in any and all of the success that I’ve had. Shane is more than just my mentor, he is a cherished friend.”
RYAN MAH
Avatar: the Last Airbender (Netflix), The Good Doctor (ABC),
Fakes (Netflix/CBC), The Hurt Unit (ABC)
Cancellation Policy
Refund Policy
Full Refunds may be granted up to 7 days before a workshop commencement date.
No refunds will be granted if an actor cancels within 7 days of a workshops start date. However, if an actor needs to cancel within 7 days of a workshop commencing, that actor may be able to allocate their place in that workshop to another actor - provided their replacement has completed the necessary pre-requisites needed for that workshop. It is up to the cancelling actor to collect reimbursement from their replacement. Where possible, if there is a wait list for a class, we will do our best to help you allocate your place. Late Cancellation If an actor cancels a private lesson within 24 hours of their confirmed time, they are liable to pay 50% of their lesson cost. This goes straight to the instructor and covers a portion of the instructors lost income.