Winter 2008

The Actor's Workshop & Studio will be celebrating twenty-four years as an acting studio and resource center for actors and filmmakers. Founded in 1984 by Director Brian Lawrence (Corrupted Minds, Life Goes On), hundreds of actors of all ages and types have trained, studied and worked with Lawrence and a gallery of talented guest instructors including Randy Godwin (Escanaba In Da Moonlight), Bill Wendt (The Actor's Studio, NY), Charles Maas (The Picture Company), Mary Locker (Casting Director) and Aida Munoz (Corrupted Minds). With extensive experience in both film and theatre, the program focuses on role preparation. Additional services include private coaching (for auditions and role prep) and career guidance.

Since opening, the Studio has served filmmakers by providing casting sessions and auditions, studio space, production assistance and other resources. Brian Lawrence, a filmmaker and writer himself, has hosted other film directors as guest instructors, including Sam Raimi (Evil Dead I, II & III, Dark Man, A Simple Plan, Spiderman I, II & III), Robert Dyke (Time Quest, Moontrap) and Josh Becker (Lunatics, Running Time). Beginning in 1989, The Actor's Workshop & Studio produced countless stage shows (both original and published) at a variety of venues in the Detroit area. In recent years, the professional focus led by Lawrence has shifted to producing feature films. In January 2007, Lawrence saw the nationwide release of his first feature film, Corrupted Minds. A second feature, Life Goes On, awaits distribution. Lawrence is currently developing a three-film package for his new film company, Planet Four Films.

Corrupted Minds (a.k.a. Panic In Detroit) grew out of a desire by Lawrence and a group of actors studying with him to make a movie. The script was written by Lawrence, workshopped with his actors in class and -- with the contributions, time and resources of this dedicated group – produced and completed.

On June 8 & 9, 2007, The Actor's Workshop and Planet Four Films presented the Midwest International Film & Theatre Festival showcasing the work of local filmmakers (including Marty Shea and Karen Ostrovitz), actors and musicians. Actors from the Studio premiered a powerful one-act play called Sitting, Watching the World Go By. Audiences were also treated to live performances by The Displays, Freedom Underground, Yung Tact, Glenn Vernon and Wunshadow featuring Mys Vibe and Nosaj.

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Intro Workshop. We're offering our classic six-week fundamentals course twice this term: January 7 - February 11  (Session I) and again February 18 - March 24 (Session II).  Intro Workshop covers the basics of scene study and character development. The understanding of dramatic structure is explored by analyzing elements of a scene.  Exercises designed to strengthen creativity and concentration skills are also included. The differing ways these skills are applied to film versus stage is also discussed. The text for class is Sanford Meisner: On Acting -- available at most local bookstores. All other materials (scripts, props, etc.) are provided in class.

Our Winter Term of Actor As Filmmaker begins on January 9, 2008 and Ongoing Study classes begins January 10. The Winter Term is twelve weeks long.

Ongoing Study. Emphasis is placed on role preparation in this advanced workshop. Actors further their understanding of character development and script analysis as they explore techniques to strengthen concentration, listening skills and imagination. Monologues and/or scenes are assigned and prepared for presentation in class. Recommended text for this class is Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen.

Actor As Filmmaker. These classes offer opportunities to participate in film projects from Planet Four Films, our production company. Planet Four is developing a film deal to produce three features beginning with She Kills, a stylish psychological thriller. This workshop also covers film theory and production from an actor's point of view. Actors will have the chance to explore both sides of the camera by playing a role and working on production.

Actors in our program will be challenged to become team players and work within our system to achieve individual and group goals. It’s vitally important that you enter this session believing in yourself and in Planet Four Films. Working together, there’s honestly no reason we can’t produce great things as a collective. And, individually, every actor who challenges himself or herself will experience the joys of personal and artistic growth.

Schedule for Winter Term 2008.

Intro Workshop
Session I
Mon. 7:00 – 10:30 pm 01/07 -- 02/11 $ 199*
Session II
Mon. 7:00 -- 10:30 pm 02/18 -- 03/24 $ 199*

* A Flex Class is available for those not able to attend Monday nights. The Flex Class is held on Sundays from 3:00 – 5:30 pm. Session I runs 01/6 – 02/10; Session II runs 02/17 -- 03/23. Class fee for the Flex option is $169.

Actor As Filmmaker
Wed. 7:00 --10:45 pm 01/09 – 03/26 $ 450

Ongoing Study
Thu. 7:00 -- 10:45 pm 01/10 – 03/27 $ 299

Early Registration Discount for Intro Workshop. Class size is limited, therefore, advance registration is requested. Our Early Registration Discount (10% off the regular class fee) is granted if you register and pay in full by December 22, 2007 for Session I or by January 31 for Session II. You may call (248) 398-7744 to schedule an appointment to enroll.

After completing an Intro Workshop session, placement in our Ongoing Study program is available. Ongoing Study actors must register by the last class of the current term. All enrolled actors receive the Earned Discount -- amounting to 5% for each session previously attended, up to 50 percent.