EVDIV 71 - Acting Technique

Through a series of engaging exercises, improvisations, and scene work, participants will learn essential techniques to develop their imagination, concentration, and emotional expressiveness. The class will cover key elements such as voice and speech, movement, character development, and script analysis.

Guided by experienced instructors, students will gain confidence in their abilities, enhance their communication skills, and foster a deeper understanding of themselves and their artistry. Whether you aspire to perform on stage or simply wish to build your self-awareness and presence, this course offers a comprehensive foundation in the art of acting.

Join us and embark on a transformative journey that will enrich your creative life and equip you with valuable skills applicable both on and off the stage.

Biography: Mark Olsen was born in Denver. In addition to his undergraduate degree in Theatre from Trinity University, Olsen trained with many of the great master teachers in the mime and movement disciplines, attending studios in Paris, Los Angeles, São Paulo, and New York. Olsen completed additional specialty training in clowning with Cheryl McFadden, the Feldenkrais Method with Moshe Feldenkrais, the Alexander Technique with Troupe and Anne Matthews, and Yang Family Tai Chi with Don Ahn and Jeff Bolt.

Olsen is formerly the head of Graduate Acting at Penn State University, teacher emeritus and former secretary of the Society of American Fight Directors, and vice president of the Association for Theater Movement Educators. Olsen taught scene study and directed the industry showcase for the Columbia University Graduate Acting Program, stage movement at Carnegie Mellon University, mask performance at Sarah Lawrence College, and stage movement for New York Public Theater’s Shakespeare Lab. Olsen has appeared on Broadway and toured internationally with mime/mask ensemble Mummenschanz. Olsen has directed many professional and university productions and as a movement coordinator/fight director, his work has been seen on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in productions at the Signature Theater, the Roundabout, American Repertory Theatre, Hartford Stage Company, Long Wharf, Alley Theatre, Houston Grand Opera, New York Shakespeare Festival, and others. In 2010, he was part of the artistic team winning the Drama Desk award for his work on The Orphan’s Home Cycle. Olsen is currently the chair of the Musical Theatre Department for the New York Film Academy and is the author of three texts: The Actor With a Thousand Faces, The Golden Buddha Changing Masks, and Acting: Scene One.

Biography: Jasminn Johnson (Group 45), a Drama Division teaching fellow, is an actor and teaching artist based in New York City. Some of her recent Off-Broadway credits include King Lear (New York Classical Theatre), Blues for An Alabama Sky (Keen Company), and Twelfth Night (Shakespeare on the Sound); her TV and film credits include The Equalizer (CBS) and The Politician (Netflix). Johnson has taught throughout New York City as the former director of education for Keen Company and coached for the National August Wilson Monologue Competition, in which her student won first place at the 2020 New York citywide competition.

11 weeks

Online Section

Mondays 6–8pm ET

February 10–April 28

In Person Section

Mondays 6–8pm or 8-10pm ET

February 10–April 28

$935 

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