CURRENT OFFERINGS
COMPREHENSIVE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
These classes are designed to offer actors a comprehensive training in both the Meisner and Chekhov Techniques.
- Classes meet in 8 week sessions, and we offer 5 sessions each academic year.
- Sessions follow a progression over either a 10-month period (2 classes/week in each technique) or 20-month period (1 class/week in each technique over 2 academic years).
- Starting in September is best! But students can enter this program at the beginning of any new 8-week session
- Enrollment includes a FREE Saturday Seminar each month and other benefits (See our Certificate and Pay-By-Session Options page for complete information, including benefits, pricing, and how to apply)
Next Session Offerings in Comprehensive Program Begins September 3rd
- Our schedule is posted and registration is open! See options HERE.
- Upcoming Classes in Session 1:
- Chekhov: Session 1: “INTO THE BODY IN THE SPACE IN THE MOMENT”--This Session of the Chekhov Progression focuses on the first 9 Psychophysical Exercises covered in Michael Chekhov’s TO THE ACTOR, Chapter 1 and/or Chapter 4 in ON THE TECHNIQUE OF ACTING. This Session is about learning basic Chekhov & Laban vocabulary, connecting the actor to his or her body, breath-to-moment work, imagination through the body, ensemble work and more. It is about the actor developing a way of working/processing/creating through the body.
- Meisner: Session 1: Those new to the work will begin with Repetition (see The Actor's Art and Craft by William Esper, chapters 2 and 3), with the goal of progressing to Activities with High Degree of Difficulty. Continuing Meisner students will continue where they left off (contact Lisa Berger if you are not sure where you are in this process, [email protected])
SATURDAY SEMINARS
Each month (usually on the 4th Saturday) MCITStudio offers extracurricular workshops in various topics and techniques.
Each month (usually on the 4th Saturday) MCITStudio offers extracurricular workshops in various topics and techniques.
- These classes are designed to enhance our COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM and are available at no additional cost to anyone who is a current student at the Studio. They are also open to non-Studio participants for a class fee.
- Topics vary each month and may include the following:
- Auditioning and Cold Reading Technique, Viewpoints, RasaBoxes, Script Analysis, Approach to the Self-Tape, Introduction to Voiceover Techniques, Mask Work for Characterization, Stage Combat, Improvisation in Rehearsal and more…
- September Seminar
- 9/28, 10am-1pm: Tackling Monologues, with Jaeonnie Davis Crawford
- Location TBD
Individual Technique Classes
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Past offerings and possibilities for the future!
INTRODUCTORY INTENSIVES
INTRODUCTORY INTENSIVE
This full-day Saturday Intensive (Held 2-3 times per year) is designed to introduce actors to MCIAT Studio's unique approach to actor training. It's a little taste of what we do. Actors will discover a bit of themselves, their strengths and connections through a sense of creative play. This work will awaken your imagination and open access to an active emotional and physical life. We recommend this class to anyone interested in studying at the Studio.
What's covered...
Fee: $45.00 General, $35 senior/student/military
Location: Studio Oasis, 5700 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
INTRODUCTORY INTENSIVE
This full-day Saturday Intensive (Held 2-3 times per year) is designed to introduce actors to MCIAT Studio's unique approach to actor training. It's a little taste of what we do. Actors will discover a bit of themselves, their strengths and connections through a sense of creative play. This work will awaken your imagination and open access to an active emotional and physical life. We recommend this class to anyone interested in studying at the Studio.
What's covered...
- Basic Introduction to Meisner & Chekhov Techniques
- Individual & Ensemble Explorations
- Opening doorways to your Physical/Emotional/Imaginative SELF
Fee: $45.00 General, $35 senior/student/military
Location: Studio Oasis, 5700 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
Voice Acting Boot Camp!
- This 4-week intensive, taught by Casting Director Gary Giambo and voice actor Callie Ray, will be an introduction to 4 key areas essential to today’s VO industry. Each week we will focus on 1 of those areas. A class cap of ten participants ensures that everyone will have time to read, receive and implement feedback, and ask questions.
- Takes place ON ZOOM, the first four Sundays in June, 1-4pm
- Class limited to 10 students to ensure time for individual feedback each session
- Find the weekly breakdown and register using the button below
ACTING BASICS
This is a class for any actor looking to gain new skills and confidence as a performer. In this class you will:
Date/Time TBA (Once the class fills)
This is a class for any actor looking to gain new skills and confidence as a performer. In this class you will:
- Enhance your ability to express yourself
- Develop a personalized approach to the craft of acting
- Gain a deeper understanding of your actor’s instrument (body, voice, imagination)
- Build confidence performing for an audience
- Explore tools for creating characters
- Analyze scripts
- And more!
Date/Time TBA (Once the class fills)
ADVANCED SCENE STUDY & DIRECTING
This class brings actors who are interested in directing together in one class. Participants can choose to act or direct only or take the opportunity to direct a short piece as well as act in one. You’ll be directing each other. Working directors will offer ways of engaging in the process of building a scene or short play as we progress through stages of rehearsing a play. You will be expected to spend time outside of class working with your partners. Class structure will depend on who is in the class. MCITStudio Faculty and Guest Directors will guide the process.
Note that we may integrate this class with our new SOLO ARTISTS COLLECTIVE class.
Date/Time TBA (Once the class fills)
This class brings actors who are interested in directing together in one class. Participants can choose to act or direct only or take the opportunity to direct a short piece as well as act in one. You’ll be directing each other. Working directors will offer ways of engaging in the process of building a scene or short play as we progress through stages of rehearsing a play. You will be expected to spend time outside of class working with your partners. Class structure will depend on who is in the class. MCITStudio Faculty and Guest Directors will guide the process.
Note that we may integrate this class with our new SOLO ARTISTS COLLECTIVE class.
Date/Time TBA (Once the class fills)
ACTOR'S BODY WORK
This class meets for 8 weeks total. It includes 6 Actor Body sessions plus 2 monthly workshops (10-1pm)*
The 6 classes focus on the body and is designed to help actors discover themselves through their unique physical being, to develop an "acting-ready" instrument. The work is Laban/Bartenieff based and provides each actor with an opportunity to create a personalized warm up that can be used in preparation for acting class, rehearsals or auditions. Each week will focus on physical techniques that engage the "whole actor" and tap into specific psycho-physical connections. There will be times when we fold the work into the acting process. For this you'll be selecting your own material. The material you choose will allow you to "work out and into" what's most immediate and usable for you that day. *Monthly Saturday Seminars are usually scheduled on the 3rd Saturday of the month. See Fall '23 dates above.
Date/Time TBA (Once the class fills)
This class meets for 8 weeks total. It includes 6 Actor Body sessions plus 2 monthly workshops (10-1pm)*
The 6 classes focus on the body and is designed to help actors discover themselves through their unique physical being, to develop an "acting-ready" instrument. The work is Laban/Bartenieff based and provides each actor with an opportunity to create a personalized warm up that can be used in preparation for acting class, rehearsals or auditions. Each week will focus on physical techniques that engage the "whole actor" and tap into specific psycho-physical connections. There will be times when we fold the work into the acting process. For this you'll be selecting your own material. The material you choose will allow you to "work out and into" what's most immediate and usable for you that day. *Monthly Saturday Seminars are usually scheduled on the 3rd Saturday of the month. See Fall '23 dates above.
Date/Time TBA (Once the class fills)
ARTIST’S WAY FOR ACTORS
This version of the Artist’s Way has been developed by Artistic Director, Lisa Berger, and is specifically designed for actors. The journey will change the way you approach your craft and see yourself. It has inspired and changed anyone who undertakes it.The group meets weekly on Zoom for 12 weeks.
Next Session TBA
This version of the Artist’s Way has been developed by Artistic Director, Lisa Berger, and is specifically designed for actors. The journey will change the way you approach your craft and see yourself. It has inspired and changed anyone who undertakes it.The group meets weekly on Zoom for 12 weeks.
Next Session TBA
CHEKHOV ON ZOOM—Special Topics
See online workshops explore various aspects of the Michael Chekhov Technique. They differ from our regular Chekhov classes as they delve more deeply into concepts and aspects of the work. Classes may vary in format from 1 day to up to 8 weeks. Topics might include Exploring Archetypes, Psychological Gesture, Creating and Working with Atmospheres, Developing Deep Awareness through the Chekhov Technique, Working with Chekhov’s First 9 Psychophysical Exercises. Taught by Artistic Director/Chekhov Specialist, Liz Shipman, and adapted for Zoom, actors can develop their skills, presence and artistic individuality from the convenience of your personal space. * This class can count as a part of our COMPREHENSIVE or STUDIO CHEKHOV PROGRAMS.
Next Session TBA
See online workshops explore various aspects of the Michael Chekhov Technique. They differ from our regular Chekhov classes as they delve more deeply into concepts and aspects of the work. Classes may vary in format from 1 day to up to 8 weeks. Topics might include Exploring Archetypes, Psychological Gesture, Creating and Working with Atmospheres, Developing Deep Awareness through the Chekhov Technique, Working with Chekhov’s First 9 Psychophysical Exercises. Taught by Artistic Director/Chekhov Specialist, Liz Shipman, and adapted for Zoom, actors can develop their skills, presence and artistic individuality from the convenience of your personal space. * This class can count as a part of our COMPREHENSIVE or STUDIO CHEKHOV PROGRAMS.
Next Session TBA
VIRTUALLY SHAKESPEARE
This 8-Week class* focuses on Shakespeare Scenes and Monologues. Actors will hone their Shakespeare skills in a relaxed, supportive & creative environment. This class was originally offered while we shelter in place due to Covid-19, but has continued by popular demand. All levels welcome!!! Let us know if you're interested.
Faculty: Liz Shipman
Next Session TBA
This 8-Week class* focuses on Shakespeare Scenes and Monologues. Actors will hone their Shakespeare skills in a relaxed, supportive & creative environment. This class was originally offered while we shelter in place due to Covid-19, but has continued by popular demand. All levels welcome!!! Let us know if you're interested.
Faculty: Liz Shipman
Next Session TBA
*ACTIVE CHEKHOV/MEISNER INTEGRATIONS
This class focuses on the individual actor and his or her individualized needs at any given class session. Each Session has a specific focus--ADVANCED SCENE STUDY, REHEARSAL PROCESS & PERFORMANCE, INDIVIDUAL ACTING PROCESS where actors may work on material from either Comprehensive class, self-chosen monologues or scenes, activities, character work, audition material or self-devised work. Each Session features both the Chekhov and Meisner Approach and/or Integrated explorations. Throughout each Session, actors receive INDIVIDUALIZED COACHING/FEEDBACK based on both Techniques and Integrations. Our approach engages the "whole actor" working truthfully in given circumstances. This class functions much like a "lab" and is designed to allow actors to develop facility in the Integration Process. This class is considered part of our Comprehensive curriculum, as a class for Studio Alumni and can be taken as a stand alone workshop.
Faculty: Liz Shipman & Lisa Berger
Next Session TBA
This class focuses on the individual actor and his or her individualized needs at any given class session. Each Session has a specific focus--ADVANCED SCENE STUDY, REHEARSAL PROCESS & PERFORMANCE, INDIVIDUAL ACTING PROCESS where actors may work on material from either Comprehensive class, self-chosen monologues or scenes, activities, character work, audition material or self-devised work. Each Session features both the Chekhov and Meisner Approach and/or Integrated explorations. Throughout each Session, actors receive INDIVIDUALIZED COACHING/FEEDBACK based on both Techniques and Integrations. Our approach engages the "whole actor" working truthfully in given circumstances. This class functions much like a "lab" and is designed to allow actors to develop facility in the Integration Process. This class is considered part of our Comprehensive curriculum, as a class for Studio Alumni and can be taken as a stand alone workshop.
Faculty: Liz Shipman & Lisa Berger
Next Session TBA
ADVANCED SCENE STUDY
Our Advanced Scene Study class is by invitation or audition/interview only. Classes combine both the Meisner and Chekhov approach. We get physical, dig into the texts, work to find real presence in the moment with your partner(s) and have good fun doing it. We occasionally focus on one playwright or Genre per session. We work on 1-2 scenes each 8 weeks--from page to stage. Playwrights we've focused on include Arthur Miller, Tracy Letts, Sam Shepard and William Shakespeare.
*This class may be incorporated into ACTIVE INTEGRATIONS COMPANY CLASS
Next Session TBA
Our Advanced Scene Study class is by invitation or audition/interview only. Classes combine both the Meisner and Chekhov approach. We get physical, dig into the texts, work to find real presence in the moment with your partner(s) and have good fun doing it. We occasionally focus on one playwright or Genre per session. We work on 1-2 scenes each 8 weeks--from page to stage. Playwrights we've focused on include Arthur Miller, Tracy Letts, Sam Shepard and William Shakespeare.
*This class may be incorporated into ACTIVE INTEGRATIONS COMPANY CLASS
Next Session TBA
BASIC ACTING--PRINCIPLES OF TECHNIQUE
This class welcomes ALL actors at any level of training, skill and ability. The 4 week class is taught by MCIT Graduates and approved by our Core Faculty. Classes are designed to offer an introduction to the MCITStudio approach to acting that develops artistic individuality, presence and true connection. Each week actors will be invited to explore the basics of one of the techniques, basic integrations and will be treated to an Artist's Way session. Actors will discover a bit of themselves, their strengths and connections through a sense of creative play. This work will awaken the actor’s imagination, as they begin to develop a rich and active emotional and physical life. We recommend this class to anyone interested in studying at the Studio.
Next Session TBA
This class welcomes ALL actors at any level of training, skill and ability. The 4 week class is taught by MCIT Graduates and approved by our Core Faculty. Classes are designed to offer an introduction to the MCITStudio approach to acting that develops artistic individuality, presence and true connection. Each week actors will be invited to explore the basics of one of the techniques, basic integrations and will be treated to an Artist's Way session. Actors will discover a bit of themselves, their strengths and connections through a sense of creative play. This work will awaken the actor’s imagination, as they begin to develop a rich and active emotional and physical life. We recommend this class to anyone interested in studying at the Studio.
Next Session TBA