My first Actor's training I ever took was Intro to Shurtleff with Joshua, and On Camera Intro with Sarah Charipar. Both classes- because of the instructors- unlocked my brain into the world of immersing myself into imagination and critique of self. Because of ASC, I have been able to dive deep into an evolution of my auditions. Last year, I worked on a short film that was nominated for multiple film festival selections. I recently booked another short film, which begins filming next week. The current training with Christina [Gorman] allowed myself to be warmed-up and prepared for my booking. I'm extremely grounded in the fact that out of all training types I have received so far, ASC is a hidden gem of Chicago and possibly the U.S. Thank you ASC--I'm so happy to have learned everything I have so far from you. Best, John Stripe Tiggemann
LEVEL 1: INTRODUCTION TO SHURTLEFF
Looking for the online Core Level 1 class? Click here!
Are you ready to finally take the leap and start your acting training? Build a solid foundation in a friendly, supportive environment where you’ll learn a practical way to achieve goals during rehearsal and performance. Get to know Shurtleff's Guideposts as an effective approach to personalizing scripts, creating importance in a scene, and making clear, unique choices.
In this class, you will learn:
- Physical and vocal warm-ups to train your instrument.
- Theatre exercises and improvisation techniques designed to build your confidence and to connect with your scene partner.
- Neutral scene work intended to assist in focusing on the importance of Relationship, Conflict, Action, and Communication.
- Script analysis as the foundation for understanding the scene and discovering what you’re doing.
- Scene work and guaranteed class time to rehearse and perform scenes with partners.
You’ll also receive personalized feedback and guidance from passionate industry professionals who care about your journey as a developing artist.
At the beginning of each session, we provide a New Student Webinar free of charge for all new ASC students. This dynamic and useful introduction to Michael Shurtleff's Guideposts is led by actor, director, and faculty member, Kurt Naebig and acquaints students to the common language and practices of the studio.
Want to learn more about ASC and Michael Shurtleff's Guideposts? Prospective students are welcome to join a New Student Webinar for $10 (applied to a future class if the student chooses to enroll).
"The clarity that the Shurtleff method gave me definitely surpassed my expectations and gave me a definitive method to use when preparing scenes. I 100% would take another class as well as recommend to a friend." — Past student Siubhan Stormont
Required: No prior training is required - just tell us a little bit about yourself when you submit your application!
8 WEEKS - SCROLL DOWN TO SEE WHICH CLASS SECTION WORKS BEST FOR YOU!
Upcoming Classes
Tuesdays, 6:00p-9:00p
Starts July 8
Only 4 spots left!
Wednesdays, 6:00p-9:00p
Starts July 9
Only 3 spots left!
Jack Bronis
Jack Bronis brings a wealth of acting, improv, and directing experience to his teaching at ASC!Thursdays, 6:00p-9:00p
Starts July 10
Jack Bronis
Jack Bronis brings a wealth of acting, improv, and directing experience to his teaching at ASC!Saturdays, 2:00p-5:00p
Starts July 12
NO CLASS Aug 30
Jack Bronis
Jack Bronis brings a wealth of acting, improv, and directing experience to his teaching at ASC!Mondays, 6:30p-9:30p
Starts September 15
Danny Taylor
Danny Taylor brings his extensive experience as a performer to create a fun and dynamic acting class experience.Testimonials
I truly enjoyed my experiences in Level 1 and I am looking forward to continuing my training at ASC! The feedback provided was priceless and specific enough for me to be able to apply it in real-time. Jack Bronis pointed out areas that I didn't know needed improvement; areas that manifested based on my personality e.g. vocal volume, movement etc. He reminded me that while acting, I have to bring the emotions to life. Thank you Jack!
— Nathaniel Johnson
Echaka Agba was very patient and encouraging. Her positivity, coaching, and scene suggestions (in Level 1) are among the great things I take away from this term with her!
— Mark Fearon
Linda (Gillum — Level 1: Introduction to Shurtleff: Online) was great at answering questions and encouraging everyone!
— Sarah Sherwood
As an intro class, I really enjoyed that things were kept simple. There wasn't any big pressure other than just show up, prepare a little for scene work, engage and have fun. I'm not sure if it was Danny's (Taylor- Level I Online) intention, but I feel like this intro class was more about connecting with people, rather than straight up acting, although there was plenty of scene work. And I get a sense from his descriptions of the industry that connecting might be just as if not more important than skill. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and am glad I stayed with it when things moved online. Danny has a knack for engaging people on an emotional level
— Nick Hu
Danny (Taylor- Level 1 Online) is a treasure. He created a fun yet supportive atmosphere from the very beginning. He established a big level of trust from day one. He taught us that often failure leads to becoming better and to embrace when we fail and see what we can learn from it. Even when critique was needed, Danny did in it a positive way and always found something about everyone's performance to praise. THAT is the sign of a great teacher, encouraging yet not shy to provide assistance in a positive way. His ability to adapt the course to still make it enjoyable in an online environment I think speaks volumes to his creativity and dedication to his students. While I would have preferred class to be in person as I feel like I missed learning how to move on stage, I am glad that I kept on with the online version. It was the highlight of my week
— Jon Kadus
(Jack Bronis-Level I online) was thoughtful, sensitive, and yet truthful in his advice. He never got annoyed with anybody’s challenges, and handled a case of stubbornness with the grace of a ballerina. He’s where he needs to be in a fluid way that comes off as natural.
— Michael Hill
Jack (Bronis-Level I Online) did a wonderful job of promoting respect, opening up, and making us feel valued as a beginning actor. Prior to class, I was feeling uneasy but that quickly ended and I felt like I belonged exactly where I was.
— Michael Rubio
The instructors at ASC are the cream of the crop and this includes Jennie Moreau (Level 1). Jennie always brings really great energy to her class. I gained a lot of powerful insight about myself. Jenny helped me to grow as a performer.
— Warren Baskin III
I took both levels 1 and 2 of the core classes with Sarafina Vecchio. Sarafina is an amazing instructor! I was really nervous going in, but she put me at ease immediately with her warm and welcoming spirit. I can't believe how much I've learned already from just the first and second courses. I've been doing theatre for a long time now, but I've always struggled with a lack of self-confidence. Her encouragement and emphasis on positive feedback and constructive criticism really helped me to shake the nerves and drop my guard. Thanks to Sarafina, I've already been auditioning with a lot more confidence, feeling prepared, strong, and self-assured.
— Rebecca Fassbender
"Jack Bronis for Level 1 Shurtleff is great at giving balanced feedback as well as helping students to discover rather than telling them what to do. Jack is fun and engaging. He knows how to direct and encourage "newbies" like me."
— Roy K Pugh
