FAQs
How many students in the class?
14 students
Do I work every week?
Yes. The class time is not perfectly divided, but if you work less one week, you work more the next.
Is there rehearsal outside of class?
Yes. You are expected to meet with your scene partner at least twice a week.
What is the price of the class?
$300 for four classes
I am interested. How do I proceed.?
Contact me at JoanRosenfels@aol.com and include a headshot, resume, or website. After a conversation, you’re welcome to audit the class. If you enjoy the class and my teaching, I meet with you at no cost to you. We talk and work on a monologue or song for a half an hour to get to know each other.
Process
What is the structure of class?
We begin with a conversation about process. Followed by a class exercise. There is a different theme to each class so that the actor has a roadmap to how to approach the work and how to initiate an insightful artistic conversation. I integrate the theme through Improv, physical work, and text work. Then we look at prepared scenes, exercises, songs, or monologues.
The intention of the class?
To cultivate working actors and creative artists. To bring authenticity to their work. To enable the actor to have their own artistic conversation as they approach the work. To inspire collaboration and learn to take adjustments. To deepen their own ability to personalize the work by asking questions. To have a sustainable process that is useful on sets or on stage.
Okay. That sounds impressive. How does that happen?
Joan draws on a variety of acting methods to encourage the actor to live out the story of the play. Employing physical techniques such as Alexander work, there’s a focus on the body as the conduit for expression. Students learn to “start where they are” and through investigation are able to bring their fullest and most present and authentic selves to the work.
What about the script?
From table work to staging, students are taught to break down scripts, play beats, actions, and objectives so as to bring the play alive.
Could you describe the classroom?
Collaborative and creative. Open hearted. Every member works every week. Students are passionate, hard working, and successful. They dive into the work. They take risks. They support each other.
What does the student learn?
Joan encourages students to use their own rich life experiences and their imaginations to move beyond the conventional. To be specific in their personalizations and choices. Students are taught to viscerally explore and discover the moment. To engage deeply. To take adjustments constructively.
Who is in the class?
Actors who want to work professionally. Graduates of BA, BFA, MFA programs. Singers and dancers who need to focus on their acting. Actors who need a tune up or a place to practice.
What about my critic?
Leave it at home. Lock it up in a closet.
Are Joan’s students working?
Yes. Broadway, Off-Broadway, Television, Film