I’ve been teaching professional acting for over 40 years in venues ranging from professional studio to MFA programs. I trained in the early days with a Meisner teacher and branched off from there to form my studio, The Actor’s Center, in the 1980s in Chicago, training the professional and touring actor for 10 years. After a number of years focusing on my directing career and working as Associate Artistic Director of Arena Stage in Washington DC, I accepted the position of the Head of the Professional Actor Training Program at UC San Diego, which I ran for 18 years. I taught and oversaw all aspects of the MFA program at UCSD, ranked in the top schools every year. I continued freelance directing throughout my time in San Diego, traveling to major regional theaters in the country. Since then, I have moved to the East Coast and come back to professional studio classes in New York City.

The actors in this workshop want to further their training by practicing their craft and expanding the idea of what they can and should do as an actor. Much of the work is based on existing scripted material, learning discipline with text while experimenting with irreverence, expectations, and physical choices. This is an ongoing workshop tailored to the individual needs of the actors. Preparation, Imagination, Improvisation, and Revelation are key aspects of my approach.

Now, that all sounds really good and pretty much what one would expect from a Master Level Professional Studio Acting Class. So, what’s the difference?

Come and see for yourself and audit a class. The success of the class depends on the makeup of the actors in the class and a synergy with the acting teacher. You will have a pretty good idea after attending a class whether it is the right place for you.

If we haven’t met, or there is no reference from another actor, an interview is a good idea. Please reach out via email to arrange an audit: kyleedonnelly@gmail.com

This summer there are two 4-week classes held, one in June and one in July. The fee is $300 for each 4-week course. The 6-week schedule will resume in the Fall.

Classes are held once a week on a rotating 6-week schedule for 3 hours per class. There is a maximum of 12 actors per class. The fee is $450 for each 6-week course and actors must commit to the full course. An ongoing list of actors is maintained and those currently in class are given priority for the following month. The waitlist is utilized when a spot is open in the class for the following month.

A hands-on approach to directing for the stage geared especially to film and theatre practitioners who have had few if any opportunities to step into the stage director role. Topics addressed in class will include: text analysis, research, conceptualization, working with designers, collaboration, casting, staging, working with actors, time management and the trials and tribulations of being the one everyone in the room looks to for the answer.

Everyone will present and/or work every class on a project that they are interested in directing.

Class is held at Playwrights Rehearsal Studios, 440 Lafayette Street.

Acting Workshop
Must commit to 4 weeks

ACTOR’S CHOICE AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY
Actor’s will choose their own scenes and are encouraged to look to contemporary American works. Actors will be guided in using the tools of Preparation and Improvisation in their work. Material from the following writers is being considered: Lucas Hnaith, Brandon Jacob-Jenkins, Tracy Letts, Sarah Ruhl, Amy Herzog, Annie Baker, Beth Henley, Martyna Majok, Will Arbery, among others. Enrollment Limited.

June Session
Time: Tuesdays 2pm-5pm
Dates: June 4th, 11th, 18th 25th

Fee: $300

July Session Time
Time: Tuesdays 2pm-5pm
Date : July 9th, 16th, 23rd 30th

Fee: $300

Fee for both Classes: $550