ADULT STUDIO CLASSES
Adult Studio classes are for ages 18+ and take place at the Hartford Stage Rehearsal Studios, 942 Main St, Hartford.
Spring 2025
Audition Monologues
Special Guests: Melia Bensussen, Godfrey Simmons, Lucien Douglas, Geoffrey Sheehan, Rachel Alderman and Liam Toner
May 5 – June 16 (No class 5/26)
Mondays: 7 – 9 pm
$275
Get audition ready with advice from the experts! Receive guidance on selecting audition monologues, preparation, audition etiquette, self-taping and feedback from local industry professionals. Students will begin by choosing and preparing audition material. They will learn about self-tape best practices with Hartt School Acting for the Camera instructor Liam Toner. They will then perform for and receive coaching from a number of local leaders in the field like HartBeat Ensemble Artistic Director Godfrey Simmons and Hartford Stage Artistic Director Melia Bensussen. Some experience recommended.
Introduction to Acting
Instructor: Justin Pesce
May 5 – June 16 (No class 5/26)
Mondays: 7 – 9 pm
$275
This six-week class will foster acting skills through on your feet ensemble building and improvisation techniques. Students will work with monologues and other text throughout the course. Classes will begin with physical and vocal warm ups. No previous experience necessary.
Playwriting
Instructor: Jan Mason
May 5 – June 16 (No class 5/26)
Mondays: 7 – 9 pm
$275
This six-week writing workshop will focus on the craft of playwriting, including exercises in writing monologue and dialogue, developing strong characters, creating dynamic scenes, and structuring plot and action. The course will create a safe space for writers of all experience levels to explore a love of writing for the stage in a supportive atmosphere. All experience levels welcome.
Scene Study
Instructor: Nina Pinchin
May 8 – June 12
Thursdays: 7 – 9 pm
$275
Whether you are new to acting or a seasoned performer, you will love how it feels to stretch your creative muscles as part of an ensemble working on scenes from great plays. In this six-week workshop students will practice listening, finding truth and making strong choices on stage. Some experience recommended.
Acting for the Camera 2
Instructor: Erica LuBonta
May 8 – June 12
Thursdays: 7 – 9 pm
$275
Are you interested in taking your film or television work to the next level? In this six-week course students will explore how to evolve and execute layered work within the complexities of being on set. We will explore strategies and techniques that allow you to access your unique approach to the material while still adapting to the ever-changing circumstances of the production. Prerequisite: Acting for Camera I or on set work experience.
More Information
Have questions? Please contact Emely Larson at elarson@hartfordstage.org or (203) 908-1832
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Student Testimonials
“I experienced freedom to try something new without the possibility of ‘getting it wrong.’”
“I enjoyed learning new things in a new way.”
“Excellent scenes and diverse group of actors.”
“Jan was very informative with structure in writing – and I really enjoy writing prompts!”
“Fun and non-judgmental environment.”
“Nina Pinchin is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She respects student’s boundaries, while also knowing when/how to push them to find their strengths as actors. She is very receptive to requests on the types of scenes her students want to try out but is also fantastic at casting students in roles they never quite saw themselves playing. Her classes really feel like an ensemble.”
“Excellent instructor. Imparted knowledge in a fun and understandable way.”
“Very passionate and encouraging teaching style. Clearly knowledgeable and talented.”
“I love Justin’s energy.”
“With this class, I got the opportunity to play character types that I’ve always wanted to but never got the opportunity. I got to explore a different side of myself as a performer and that has really helped me get better.”
“I learned to be braver and to have fun. Really eye-opening and makes me curious to learn more.”
“It was great being in a room with others who shared the same interest.”
“Great class!”
“I haven’t done any acting in 40 years. It is exciting to rediscover something I enjoyed so long ago. The experience has brought back a lot of good memories about people and times from my past.”
