Performance Network Theatre Announces 2012-13 Professional Actor's Curriculum

Ann Arbor's Professional Theatre, Performance Network, whose award-winning productions have been fulfilling its mission "to provide uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produce works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists" for years, announces a program that will deepen its ability to serve artists by offering a comprehensive training curriculum designed to provide professional acting and business skills to a wide variety of students.

Associate Artistic Director Carla Milarch, who will helm the program, has big visions for its future. "We believe strongly in the potential of the Michigan acting community to be among the finest in the nation." she says "It is already very strong, as our audiences have affirmed, but we also want to develop and broaden our talent base, and encourage our veteran actors to share their valuable knowledge, in order to foster the next generation. By investing in Michigan actors we're 'thinking local' in the truest sense of the term."

Classes range in scope from two-hour master classes on subjects like The Dos and Don'ts of Auditioning and The Business of Acting, geared to help actors develop career-building skills, to the day-long intensive Acting for the Camera taught by award-winning filmmaker Christina Morales Hemenway and television Actor/Producer Rudi Daniel Davis, which will cover a variety of topics like script analysis, film lingo, how to improve cold readings, and turning theatrical acting into on-camera performance. Also offered will be Four 6-8 week long classes by some of Michigan's finest professional actors: Naz Edwards (Preparing the Vocal Audition), Carla Milarch (Auditions That Kill), Phil Powers (The Fundamentals of Acting), and John Seibert (Acting for Pre-Professionals).

More information on schedules and pricing can be found on www.performancenetwork.org.

All of PNT's 2012-2013 Professional Actor's Classes are affordably priced and appropriate for serious students in various stages of their acting careers, designed to both develop and reinforce skills that are specific to the professional actor. Students of all ages interested in pursuing a professional acting career are encouraged to attend, from the high school student preparing for undergraduate study, to the Equity Actor interested in flexing their "acting muscles" in new ways. Payment plans are also available by contacting carla@performancenetwork.org.

2012-2013 Professional Actor's Curriculum:

Acting for the Camera, Saturday October 20, 10am-3pm, price: $175
One day intensive, with Rudi Daniel Davis & Christina Morales Hemenway
Learn what casting directors want, script analysis, film lingo, how to improve cold readings, turning theatrical acting into on-camera performance & more! Space is limited, reservations recommended.

Acting Master Class, Monday October 22, 7-9pm, price: $40
Two-hour discussion/demonstration with veteran actors John Seibert, Kevin Young, Sarab Kamoo, and Suzi Regan
Associate Artistic Director Carla Milarch leads an in-depth discussion of the techniques, tools and tricks some of Michigan's most successful actors use to bring brilliant performances to life. Space is limited, reservations recommended.

Fundamentals of Acting, October 22 – November 26, price: $350
Eight-week workshop with Phil Powers, Instructor
This class is designed to introduce or refresh students on the acting fundamentals and tricks of the trade needed to deliver honest, invested performances night after night. Creating "high-stakes," playing the verb, and other applicable tools will help you take your own method to the next level. Includes the acting master class as the first session. Limit 16 students.

The Dos and Don'ts of Auditioning, Monday January 21, 7-9 pm, price: $40
Two-hour discussion/demonstration with Artistic Directors David Wolber and Carla Milarch
They're silly mistakes, so why do so many actors keep making them? Learn the top 10 mistakes you may be making at your general auditions, and the top 10 ways to make sure that callback is yours. Space is limited, reservations recommended.