WINTER SESSIONS

The Approach

With over 20 years of experience as a director, actor, screenwriter, and producer, David offers a distinctive approach to the craft, rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the industry. Over the course of the five-week session, actors will delve into multiple scenes, focusing on building character through a blend of physical, intellectual, emotional, and philosophical exploration.

David’s deep understanding of script and story serves as a foundation for helping actors make bold, informed choices and develop a richer understanding of their character’s place within the narrative and the world around them. His instruction is tailored to each actor’s unique qualities and career stage, recognizing that no two journeys are the same.

This approach rejects rigid methodologies or one-size-fits-all rules for achieving a great performance. Instead, the class is designed to encourage actors to discover and refine their own methods while collaborating with like-minded individuals. By prioritizing hands-on experience and thoughtful exploration, this class empowers actors to uncover their artistic potential and deepen their craft.

Class Structure

Over five weeks, you’ll dive into five unique scenes, each tailored to challenge and expand your craft. I will send your scene and partner information 4-5 days before class, giving you ample time to prepare. The material will range across plays, TV shows, and films, with a focus on less conventional or well-known works to encourage original interpretations rather than mimicry. If you have specific characters or types of scenes you'd like to explore, let me know—this is your chance to tackle roles and material you might not typically encounter.

Props should only be brought if essential. I often remove project names and character descriptions from the sides to focus on how you interpret the text. Please aim to come "off book," or as familiar with the material as possible. Being present with your scene partner allows for meaningful discoveries, and we embrace calling for a line without apology. This is a space to experiment, take risks, and grow—perfection is not the goal. If you feel like you’re struggling, you’re likely uncovering something valuable about your craft.

Each class runs approximately 3-4 hours. While I encourage everyone to stay and observe—there’s much to learn from watching others work—you’re welcome to leave between scenes if needed.

The structure of the class is fluid and responsive to individual needs. Sometimes a theme emerges across the group, and we’ll explore it together. Drawing from my experience as a writer, actor, and filmmaker, I emphasize the importance of story and the hidden truths within character relationships. This class isn’t just about performance; it’s about uncovering the deeper layers of storytelling and refining your artistic process.