High Stakes Acting Lab

high stakes acting lab

about the lab

This scene-study workout originated in Los Angeles, where actors sought to deepen their craft with challenging work. It is designed for adult actors hungry to delve into demanding, high-stakes scenes and explore the roles they've always yearned to portray. Whether you prefer to team up with a friend and choose your own scene or go solo and have one assigned, this workout is designed to adapt to your needs. Each scene is 5-15 minutes long, providing a personalized experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in your chosen role with the available time for prep outside of class. Explore complex scenes that demand complete concentration and preparation. Experience the thrill of emotional peaks, depth of vulnerability, and the disciplined challenge of sustaining physical and vocal presence while accessing high emotional stakes. Some of my favorites from past workouts include Summer and Smoke & A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Willams, night, Mother by Marsha Norman, A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen, Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Blasted by Sarah Kane, and more! In the final session, actors can film or invite friends & family to watch their performance. Actors will receive their scenes two weeks before the lab and start preparing off-book, ensuring a thorough understanding and effective lab workouts.

about the instructor

logistics

Caitlin Hart (she/her) is the founder and Artistic Director of the award-winning theatre company The Vagrancy, as well as a theatre director and intimacy professional in both theatre and film. She holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts and completed the Atlantic Theatre company’s two-year Professional Acting Conservatory in NYC. Some favorite directing credits include Indecent by Paula Vogel (Broadway World 2023 Best Director & Best Play Nominee), Romeo and Juliet (Broadway World 2018 Best Play Nominee), Macbeth (Broadway World 2017 Best Play Nominee), and The Revolutionists (Broadway World 2023 Best Director Nominee). She is the Resident Director of ‘Capitol Comedy’ and helms their new touring production yearly. She has produced and directed many new plays, new play development workshops, staged readings, and instructed acting and intimacy choreography classes and workshops. She is a proud associate member of SDC. You can see her resume and learn more about her theatre work at caitlinhartdirector.com.

The deadline to sign up is Tuesday, May 28
June 19-July 24
Wednesday’s 7PM-10PM
$125

Location: TBD Grand Rapids, Michigan
Maximum 12 actors per lab session

Questions?
Email: [email protected]

working with caitlin...

Arthur Keng says, "Acting at its greatest involves the actor testing the limits of their vulnerability. My experience in Caitlin's high-stakes workshops pushed me to do exactly that. As an example, she had me work on a scene from Streetcar, playing Stanley, a character I didn't think was in my wheelhouse at all. But she knew that I could find it within myself to bring out the strength and the rage necessary to do him justice. She challenged me to dig deep into the darkness of the character because that was the only way to truly begin to understand him. Through that discomfort came the freedom to discover and play at a significantly higher level. I've brought that lesson with me to all my roles since. If one wants to truly understand theatre, they can only dabble at the surface for so long. Caitlin's workshops are about exploring the depths of the characters and finding their truth in the joy and pain of their lived experiences."

See Arthur's work on IMDB.

Eddie Ramos says, "Caitlin is a great director and an amazing person. I can't thank her enough for working with me".

See Eddie's work on IMDB.

Karina Wolfe says, "Caitlin's rigorous acting workouts have proved invaluable lessons in my acting journey. In every session, her meticulous approach pushed me to new heights, refining my skills and deepening my understanding of the craft. I can confidently say I always emerged as a more prepared and empowered actor."

See Karina's work on IMDB.

June Carryl says "Caitlin is really smart and supportive - she is amazing!"

See June's work on IMDB