WHAT IS MOVEMENT FOR ACTORS?

While movement may fall outside the usual pursuit when it comes to acting class, training in movement is a vital component of the actor’s craft. The body is the vessel through which behavior is displayed, which is why developing the body as a tool for expression is an important part of an actor’s practice. An established practice in movement can allow for freedom in acting and endurance to sustain the demands of various roles and performances. It teaches specificity by offering tools for transformation and can open access to imagination and emotional life.

While different from the typical approach to acting classes, our training program is dedicated to expanding process, allowing for a deeper, fuller, richer craft.

Vernal & Sere

WHY IS MOVEMENT TRAINING IMPORTANT?

As actors, it is imperative that we seek specificity and truthfulness in the story that we’re telling. The expression of the body can support this truth or betray it.

BEGINNING TRANSFORMATION .

When starting movement training, acting students may experience restriction, immobility, discomfort, and heightened self-awareness, which works in opposition to being present in the moment in performance. With dedicated time and practice, the work begins to release uncontrolled physical tension and open up the body's power, stamina, and presence. It allows the actor to work under the gaze of an audience while staying fully in the moment of their own experience and in collaboration with other actors.

When the actor becomes aware of their habits and is supported with the necessary tools to move away from them, they are given the potential to transform. By making physical choices rooted in imaginary circumstances or character, the actor can fully embody different modes of being.

WHAT ACTING CLASSES DO YOU OFFER?

Vernal & Sere Theatre offers movement-based acting classes in Atlanta focused on the techniques of Laban, Suzuki, and Viewpoints. The methods work to further develop presence, openness, specificity, and body awareness, as well as equip the actor with tools for transformation and access to imaginative play.

upcoming movement courses

STOMPIN' DROP-IN SERIES

The Stompin' Drop-in (We know it's silly, but we like it!) centers around the Suzuki method for actors. The drop-in classes will encourage a deeper practice of the Suzuki work while engaging with alternative movement methods for embodied understanding of performance. These drop-in sessions are offerings to provide time for practice and creative exploration as we head to the end of the year.

While these drop-ins are designed for folks with previous experience, you are welcome to attend if you're a beginner or have a general curiosity about the technique.

These sessions are pay-what-you-can.

Suggested donation: $20 per class

Drop-in dates: Saturdays 12/2 and 12/9 from 12-2pm

Location | The Windmill Arts Center, East Point, GA

Course Instructor: Erin Boswell

*Part of VST's mission is to offer accessible classes while compensating our teaching artists for their time and training.

Click here to register.

Laban

Viewpoints

LEVEL I: Movement & Performance

Level I is a fast paced, comprehensive course that explores Laban, Viewpoints, and Suzuki to the general concepts of movement and how physicality can deepen the study of acting. Students will begin their training by exploring the pathways of the body, and discovering the manner in which the body can experience motion. Students will further analyze movement through qualities and buildable actions. Level I is primarily focused in the study of Laban's Motion Factors and Efforts, with Suzuki and Viewpoint methods introduced for more expansive, multi-approached learning.

Class participants will begin to identify their personal physical habits, and use movement vocabulary to move away from their natural state into transformation. There is an acting application component at the end of the course.

6-Week Course starting 1/17

Wednesday evenings | 7-10PM

Location | The Windmill, East Point, GA

Course Instructors: Erin Boswell and Erin O'Connor

Part of VST's mission is to offer accessible classes while compensating our teaching artists for their time and training. Payment plans available.

To register, please select a pricing option. The selected option will direct you to the registration page.

Sliding Scale Pricing Options

$200, $225, $250

LEVEL II: Crafting Character

Level II builds upon the concepts learned in Level I. In this intermediate course, students will begin to apply Laban's Efforts to the internal experience, using control of interior movement to guide their emotional life. Students will then begin utilize the concept of the Effort Duo's in a practical exploration of character in a scene with a partner. There will be an emphasis on script analysis, using movement in transformation, and use of Viewpoints in self-directing a scene. Students will use these investigations to inform their process in acting, directing, and devising.

This course requires outside preparation for the scene study component of the work.

6-Week Course starting 1/14

Sunday evenings | 7-10PM