Theater 29 has extended its offering of free method acting classes now through December 7 on Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. The classes are taught by Desert Theater League award-winner Abe Daniels. Our assignment reporter Rebecca Havely attended last Sunday’s class and offers this review…
The classes are offered for beginners through experienced actors, ages 16 and up. You may know Abe Daniels from seeing him perform locally in many high desert productions. He has won several Desert Theater League awards for his acting and directing. Daniels who has studied with Salome Jens of the Actors Studio in Los Angeles uses the Method Acting approach to theatre. Russian stage actor and director Konstantin Stanislavski created a highly influential system of dramatic training known as method acting. It was Americanized by Lee Strasberg and actor/director who founded The Actor’s Studio in New York City. Other renowned teachers of the method include Stella Adler and Uta Hagen. While living in New York and studying theatre I often heard mention of these teachers and their techniques. I never had taken any classes of this type until last Sunday.
With a monologue in hand and butterflies in my stomach I entered the familiar lobby of the Theater 29. It had been many years since I actually took a class in acting. I wasn’t sure what to expect but soon felt right at home as I was greeted by the familiar faces of the other participants. Some were old friends and some new. The group was a mix of men and woman, newcomers and stage veterans.
Daniels gave his interpretation of what method acting means, saying, “It’s all about discovery, approaching the first rehearsal to the last performance as though it’s for the first time.” He then led us through some discovery exercises that were referenced throughout the rest of class. All the participants were then able to perform monologues that were provided and were given personalized coaching.
I enjoyed the class and would recommend it to anyone interested in improving their acting skills and broadening their knowledge of the craft. The classes are held at Theater 29 located at 73637 Sullivan Road. Classes are Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. For more information or to register, call Abe Daniels at 626-233-4768.
WE ATTEND A FREE ACTING CLASS AT THEATRE 29
