STAGE FOUR: Character Transformation
INHABITING THE ROLE
CLASS CONTENT
Weekend One: Psycho-Physical Transformation into Character
The first weekend focuses on the psycho-physical transformation into character.
Working with professional acting, voice, and movement instructors, this stage provides the professional actor with the opportunity to identify and implement the acting, physical, and vocal adjustments necessary to fully embody your character.
We will also examine the interconnection between these acting, vocal, and physical adjustments and the character’s psychological profile in greater detail which we originally explored in Stages Two & Three.
This work will be accomplished by guiding actors to:
- Develop and implement the Character Adjustment Sheet, enabling the actor to directly compare their own physical and vocal qualities with those of the character. This tool serves as a practical launchpad for determining the specific physical and vocal adjustments required.
- Identify the physical and vocal essence of the character through the use of Michael Chekhov's, Psychological Gesture.
- Activate the character’s physical and vocal transparency, both verbally and non-verbally, to clearly reveal the character’s point of view, or opinion, in any given moment.
Engage in targeted physical and vocal exercises and improvisations designed to support the committed physical and vocal adjustments necessary to fully embody and clearly distinguish the character.
Second Half of the Course: Psycho-Physical Surrender into Character
The second half of the course focuses on the psycho-physical transformation of character that culminates in what Jeff Zinn describes as the surrender into character. This phase of the work centers on high-stakes, climactic, and cathartic moments—those points in a scene where a character breaks free from established patterns of behavior and acts in a revolutionary or unexpected way.
This process is one of inspired alchemy, resulting in a genuine change of state that occurs simultaneously within both the actor and the character. Such transformations are often ignited by monumental discoveries or decisive actions that register internally and are transparently expressed through the character’s face, body, and voice.
This work will be accomplished by guiding actors to:
- Courageously and urgently pursue the Scene Task within the critical circumstances of a climactic scene.
- Fully surrender to the emotional life of the character, allowing the most vulnerable moments to be played with openness and without inhibition.
- Employ Stella Adler’s concept of the Big Idea—lifting oneself to the level of the character rather than reducing the character to personal limitations.
- Ride the dynamic wave of the scene, permitting dramatic tension to impulsively build, release, and shift as dictated by the given circumstances.
Integrate Immediate Acting Technique with personal instinct and process, forming a practical and individualized methodology that supports consistent, repeatable work.
TIMETABLE
Two consecutive weekends of intensive live classes (Thursday–Saturday, 10:00am–5:00pm)
Exact Dates:
TBA
PAYMENT & FEES
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