This class is an introduction to the fundamentals of acting as a process, a craft, a discipline – with basic techniques used by actors. You will discover how actors are trained and why while developing an understanding of basic acting skills, theater/acting terminology, and learn to heighten powers of observation, focus, and invention through exercises in breathing, voice, movement, and improvisation. This beginning work will lead you to the exploration and performance of texts from short scenes. The class requires a high degree of participation and willingness to engage in structured play in an ensemble.

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Talya Klein is an award-winning Director, writer, producer and visual artist. She holds a BA from Duke University and an MFA from Brown University/Trinity Rep. Locally, she has directed at Manbites Dog, Duke and UNC Chapel Hill. She currently teaches in the Theater Studies Department at Duke.