Foundations Class for Actors

8 Students only

10 weeks, 1 day/week, 2.5–3 hours
Commitment must be for 10 weeks.

Class will consist of:

• relaxation
• talking/listening, repetition exercises
• open scenes
• independent activities
• objectives
• simple scene work

Based in Sanford Meisner’s methods, the Class is an exploration of the fundamentals of how we as Actors communicate through behavior. First, a simple relaxation technique is learned which you will be able to do on your own in about 15 minutes. Then, Simple Talking and Listening, employing Repeat Exercises; Working through Open Scenes-focusing on not only what is said but how it is said, Listening!; Constructing Independent Activities; moving through Obstacles and Objectives; and then onto simple scene work, beginning with a creative read-through, breaking down the first few beats and putting the scene on its feet.

This class is for Film, Television, or Stage. What we as Actors strive for is to live truthfully under the given imaginary circumstances.

Please email Michael Mendelson for more information.

Michael received his BFA from Wayne State University and his MFA from The University of Washington-Professional Actor’s Training Program under Jack Clay. While in New York City he studied with Tanya Berezin, founding member of Circle Repertory Theatre and Artistic Director of Circle Repertory Theatre after Marshall Mason till they closed their doors. Tanya is a celebrated Actress herself honored with an Obie for her work in Lanford Wilson’s ‘The Mound Builders’ and currently teaches herself in Los Angeles. He has worked all across the country and now calls Portland home. Michael is committed to this community and the highest standards he can bring to the stage through the craft of Acting. He is a proud member of Actors Equity Association.

He is also available for Private Coaching/Monologue work. Please contact him directly for rates.