Acting For Beginners
Class Overview
Shelton Studios, home of one of the oldest and most popular acting classes, is now accepting students for its Spring Session beginning on Tuesday, April 5th. Classes will be held weekly, live, and in-person, on Tuesdays from 7pm - 9pm through Tuesday, May 24th at the Shelton Theatre located at 533 Sutter Street in San Francisco. This session will be led by Bay Area theater veteran Richard Ciccarone, with visiting guest instructors, such as Danny Scheie who will teach a special session on classical text, Liam Vincent, who will hold a special class on auditioning and Benita Ward Jarrett, who will lend her vast experience in movement and physicality. In "Acting for Beginners" we will collaborate to learn the basics of acting including character and scene analysis and breakdown, working from both within and without to develop a character, basic speech techniques, how to find the right monologue for your auditions and essential tools to hone your individual talent and voice. Whether you're interested in learning the fundamentals, wanting to brush up after being sheltered in place, or want to feel more confident speaking in front of groups, Shelton Studios can help you get there.
For questions and to sign up email: sheltonartsllc@gmail.com
Tuition: $400
Your Instructors
Acting Instructor Richard Ciccarone attended Boston University's School for Fine Arts where he earned his Bachelors in Fine Arts for Theater and has been a part of the Bay Area Theater scene for over two three decades. His production company, Strange Prescription, has produced over 30 productions and Richard has personally co-written and/or directed over 40 shows in San Francisco, New York, and for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Richard has also coached many Bay Area actors one-on-one, guiding them through scene analysis and character development, covering both classic and contemporary works. In addition, he has worked with several high-profile public figures with speaking engagements to craft their performance as well as assisting with speech writing. He also creates and curates a yearly arts festival in San Francisco (Yerba Buena Night) where he works directly with local artists to develop and bring their pieces to the public covering all disciplines including theatrical performance, dance, and music.
Danny Scheie is a Professor Emeritus from UC Santa Cruz where he not only taught theater but was also the Artistic Director for Shakespeare Santa Cruz. He holds a PhD and Masters from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a long and successful history in teaching, directing, and performing. He has starred in numerous productions and won multiple awards leading productions including Berkeley Repertory Theatre where he starred in the role of Nero in Amy Freed’s, You, Nero. He has also won accolades for his leading performances at the Old Globe in San Diego, The California Shakespeare Theater, The Arena Stage in Washington D.C., and South Coast Rep.
Liam Vincent is currently the Associate Lead Director and Director of Growth at the Magic Theatre and will be directing at the Presidio Stage for this year’s holiday production. He brings years of experience as an actor and casting consultant and a robust understanding of audition practices and strategies. A graduate of Boston University’s School of Fine Arts, Liam has performed at the California Shakespeare Theater, The Actor’s Conservatory Theater, and Shakespeare Santa Cruz.
Benita Ward Jarrett received a BFA in Dance/Theater performance and scholarships to study at both the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. Benita danced professionally for a number of years with Martha Graham Dance Ensemble and with the Martha Graham Company for the New York Seasons. In the Bay Area, she has worked with Anne Bluethenthal and Oleg Liptsin, renowned directors known for utilizing movement in forming narratives.