" Peter Kelley is the most gifted teacher of any kind that I have ever had in my entire life. His dedication to his profession is remarkable. I began my acting career late in life but thanks to Peter I have made amazing progress and have enjoyed considerable success in Boston and New York both in film and in theater"

– Dave Dwyer
(seen here in Sporting Dog)

   

 
THE 3-PART STRUCTURE: WORK, SHOOT, WATCH
note: please refer to the film clips to the right for examples of workshop structure

PART 1:  SCENES ARE WORKED (clip 1)
Similar to Week 1 of the New York ongoing class.  Actors come in off-book and rehearsed;  scenes are worked face-to-face.  This session is on Saturday afternoon;  afterward, actors rehearse on their own and prepare for...

PART 2: SCENES ARE SHOT (clips 2 and 3)
A rigorous shooting session.  Actors come in with staging and blocking prepared;  modifications are made as necessary and the scene is shot, one close-up take per actor.This session takes place on Sunday morning.

PART 3:  SCENES ARE SHOT (afternoon, day 2; clip 4)
Sunday afternoon. Footage is viewed, and some in-class editing is done to show actors the challenges faced in assembling the footage into a scene.  Focus is on how the dramatic arc of the scene is created in the editing room as much as it is on-set.


THE TRAINING WILL FOCUS ON:
  • rigorous, text-based scene work chosen from the best of contemporary American film (and occasionally theatre).
  • the difference between what's crucial to establish in rehearsal for film and what cannot be established in a film rehearsal.
  • the importance of absolute personal honesty in this medium.
  • how to work freely within the pressures and restrictions of the shooting environment.
THE TRAINING WILL NOT FOCUS ON:
  • character work; improvisation; dialect; voice; movement.
A FEW TIPS:
  • The more work put in prior to session 1, the better the actor's overall experience will be.
  • Actors need not be overly intricate when staging their scenes. Simplest is often best.
  • Prop and independent activity work, however, should be specific and revealing.



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