Class Descriptions 

The Professional Actors Lab teaches David Rotenberg's unique approaches to acting through scene study on camera.  Acceptance into any class will be at the instructor’s discretion.  Auditors are welcome.  AUDIT FEE is $10 per session, $50 for David’s New Students class, or $20 for David's Intermediate class; there is no limit to the number of sessions that can be audited.  Exception: Voice for Actors classes may not be audited because they are closed session.  PRICES for classes are shown below, for standard six-week session or as indicated on information found in Application Section.  All figures indicate or include HST (13%); prices are subject to change.

Mr. Rotenberg does not teach beginning acting. All of his classes are designed for professionals and those entering the profession. All classes are done on camera and primarily use scene study - on camera - as the teaching tool.  Classes cover: hits, actions, image, keying, beats - volitional, interlocked and reactive - swings, crie de coeur, drone notes, states of being, icons, playing firsts, playing seconds, modulators, modifiers, etc. Audition work is broached as actors bring in pieces for which they are auditioning.  Acting problems are addressed as they arise in scenes.  

See below for basic descriptions of classes taught at Professional Actors Lab.  If you have any questions, please email us with your questions.  Although you are welcome to apply for any class, it may be recommended that you take a class with Bruce Clayton as a pre-requisite to studying with David Rotenberg.

MASTER CLASS -  David Rotenberg  ($425 for 6-week class)

The Master Class is for actors who have already had, or are presently cast in large roles in television and film. On the whole the master class is for students who have studied with David for some time. Some accomplished actors join the Master Class without having worked with David but take the New Students Class at the same time.

ADVANCED CLASS  -  David Rotenberg ($425 for 6-week class)

The Advanced Class is for actors who have completed the New Students class and are progressing well in the profession. It is an especially effective class for actors who have done much theatre work but little television or film.

INTERMEDIATE ACTING CLASS  - David Rotenberg ($445 for 6-week class)

This class is specifically designed for those who have already taken the NEW STUDENTS CLASS with David or have studied with David before. Some students might be taken into the class who are presently taking or auditing the New Students Class. Some of the class time will be devoted to highly structured improvisational work designed to help the actor use the Lab's unique acting system, with an emphasis on Getting Present. The rest of the time will be used for the performance of scenes on camera. As an afternoon class it is understood that students may need to arrive late or leave early due to the demands of auditioning. We expect the actors at the Lab to audition. Auditions are good, auditions are good, auditions are good. 
{Audit fee: $20}

NEW STUDENTS CLASS -  David Rotenberg  ($570 for 3-week class)

The New Students Class is a place where David lays out the technical foundations for this unique and highly successful approach to acting. It is basically a prerequisite for getting into the Master and Advanced Classes. It is not a class for beginning actors, but rather for those actors who are anxious to find a way to work on camera or just make their acting more rewarding.  {Audit fee: $50}

This is not a class for beginner actors. These classes explore a specific method of acting for the camera. The classes will focus on contemporary scene study for the camera, methods of self-direction, analysis for the actor, cold readings and the realities of preparing and auditioning for casting directors. Terminology and technique will be studied as problems arise in particular scenes. Bruce uses the technique and terminology developed by David Rotenberg. .

Advanced On-Camera Class - Bruce Clayton  ($420 for 6-week class)

This is a class for actors with professional training and experience and/or film/TV experience. These classes explore a specific method of acting for the camera. The classes will focus on contemporary scene study for the camera, methods of self-direction, analysis for the actor, cold readings and the realities of preparing and auditioning for casting directors. Terminology and technique will be studied as problems arise in particular scenes. Bruce uses the technique and terminology developed by David Rotenberg.

This is a class for actors who have made the choice to pursue acting professionally.  Focusing primarily on scene study, these classes will reveal a specific method of acting for the camera created by David Rotenberg.   Other areas covered will include audition technique, improvisation, cold reads and breaking down a script thoroughly for the sole purpose of achieving present tense in front of the camera.

Introduction to On- Camera Acting - Marvin Hinz ($325 for 6-week class)

This is a class for actors who have made the choice to pursue acting professionally. Focusing primarily on scene study, these classes will reveal a specific method of acting for the camera created by David Rotenberg.  Students will be asked to work on the following: achieving Present Tense in front of the camera; working moment-to-moment; using primary emotional states of being rather than secondary emotional states; clarifying actions (or objectives); and using scene icons "to get you in" at the top of a scene.

On- Camera Acting (II)  - Marvin Hinz ($325 for 6-week class)

A stronger focus on actions and tactical play (relationships), but otherwise a  continuation of the process and technique established in Introductory or Basic On-Camera.  We will also spend more time on scene analysis and on how to continue to make salient, compelling choices specific to your work.

Interpreting Sides for Film and TV - Marvin Hinz ($275 for 5-week class)

Don't Get Suckered by the Script!   This class was created in response to numerous requests from students who are "stuck" when confronted with the task of auditioning with thin, minimal or poorly-written sides or breakdowns. Students will be encouraged to bring in "real-life" examples to analyze, whenever possible. Part of the class time will be spent on-camera.
      A considerable amount of table work will be required, as we examine scripts and scenes ("good" and "bad"), looking at how to define icons, beats, and "moments before", looking at how to make stronger and more effective choices with whatever we are given.  How to approach an audition will also be covered.  For one class, students will be sent sides to prepare the day before, to simulate the process and as a way of addressing problems that occur.  Time permitting, we will also practice cold readings using the "short-hand" terminology developed by David Rotenberg.

Acting Fundamentals - Glen Gaston ($325 for 6-week class)

Need a place to start?
Acting Fundamentals is designed for students who have little to no formal acting training but have the desire to develop a technique. This class identifies the practical building blocks needed to be a successful actor and gives students the opportunity to apply them in a studio environment. It is open to students just starting out and to those with agents but no practical training. We will explore technique exercises to develop the skills of being present and grounded, as well as developing "authentic listening" skills. Using material from theatre, film and television, Acting Fundamentals gives students the chance to learn how to be "present", how to "break down" a script, how to identify and focus on "objectives," "actions" and "tactics," as well as how to develop a sense of personal connection with your scene partner so as to reveal the truth of the moment. Not a bad place to start, eh?
      This is the entry level course at Professional Actors Lab.
      Please note: This class is an off-camera class.

Intermediate/Advanced 'Off-Camera' Class - Glen Gaston  ($325 for 6-week class)

A continuation from Acting Fundamentals, introducing Professional Actors Lab methodology of States of Being, Drone noting, and Swings. Scene work is more challenging.  Open to those who have taken Acting Fundamentals or have taken an Introductory or Basic On-Camera class, and wish to go deeper with the concepts before returning to camera.

Learn what it means to be “grounded”, “centred” and “connected” when you are acting. This class focuses on physical awareness and sensation and the relationship between breath, body, sound and text. We also explore the actor’s imaginative inner life and how it can be accessed and more freely and fully embodied in the work. A warm-up will be developed, and various modern texts will be explored.

Class (A) is a Beginner class, suited to those actors who are new to Voice work, or those who are new to auditioning/working in the profession  (This class is usually held on Mondays).
Class (B) is an Intermediate/Advanced class, and is suited to those actors who have received some prior Voice training, or the more advanced professional actor. (This class is usually held on Fridays).

NOTE: these voice classes are closed (no drop-ins allowed) and enrollment numbers are limited to ten students per class.

 
A registration fee of $33 is charged once per calendar year.  All prices shown include HST.