Screen Acting Class at The Brownstone Class
Pedagogy
THERE IS NO "BROWNSTONE METHOD"
Acting has been investigated for centuries by artists and teachers with radically different ideas about how the work is made. We take those traditions seriously without treating any one of them as universal. Our teaching draws from Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, Adler, Hagen, Active Analysis, physical and imaginative approaches, textual investigation, and techniques developed through years of work in The Brownstone Class.
But the question is never, “Are you doing the technique correctly?” The question is: What are you trying to create, and what is keeping you from creating it? One actor may need greater imaginative specificity. Another may need physical freedom. Another may understand the scene perfectly but be trapped by its language. Another may need to stop protecting a prepared performance and become more available to direction. The teacher’s responsibility is to diagnose the problem and help the actor find a usable path through it.
We are not trying to produce actors who resemble one another. We are trying to develop independent artists with enough craft to understand their own instruments and enough flexibility to work under the changing conditions of professional film and television.
PREPARATION SHOULD MAKE AN ACTOR MORE ADAPTABLE, NOT MORE FRAGILE.
Film and television are collaborative forms. A performance is shaped not only by the actor, but by the writer, director, scene partner, camera, editor, costume, location, and the circumstances of production. Actors must arrive with ideas without becoming trapped inside them. We train actors to prepare deeply, make strong choices, and then release those choices when the work demands something else.
Taking direction is not submission. It is part of the artistry. The strongest actor can hear a major adjustment, understand what the director is asking for, recreate the work through their own imagination, and answer with the professional equivalent of: “Copy that.”.
Class Structure
Each week you’ll be assigned a two-person original script and asked to prepare your preferred role independently. You will see the set and meet your scene partner on the day of class. This is deliberate: professional actors rarely control every condition surrounding their work. The actor must arrive prepared without arriving fixed. Once the scene begins, new information appears: another actor’s choices, blocking, camera requirements, adjustments, time constraints, and discoveries no one could have prepared alone. We use those variables to train adaptability rather than the preservation of a rehearsed result.
Our focus is helping actors become bulletproof. From learning lines to your Actors Access profile; we discuss it all.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Filming: Each take during class is filmed. Personalized Feedback: We recognize that each actor is at a different training level and has unique learning styles; this is considered when providing direction. Footage: At the end of each week, your class footage will be processed and uploaded to a private gallery. You will receive the footage within a few days for review. Please note: Scene editing is available at an additional cost. Growth: Actors who train continuously will experience exponential growth by practicing in front of the camera, learning from the class environment, and reviewing their footage.
Testimonials...
"I just wanted to let you both know that today’s class was one of the best learning experiences I have had with acting... I am inspired. It’s been a while - since I have felt that. Thank you." - Kellie N.
"The community they’ve built is filled with talented, generous classmates who make the experience even better. I’m grateful to be part of such a positive, inspiring place to train." - Jackie V.
"This class is one of the rare acting classes in NYC that actually delivers what it promises." - Luca T.
"Adam has a unique ability to help actors connect deeply to their material while also understanding the realities of the industry...What I appreciate most is that Adam doesn't teach a one-size-fits-all approach. He helps each actor discover their own truth and develop the tools needed to succeed."
- LeMark M.
*Class FAQ and Policies*
Class Rates: Drop-in: $85 / 4-Class Pack: $270 (valid for 5 weeks)
Class Schedule: Tuesdays 12PM, Thursdays 6PM, and Saturdays 2PM
Scripts are sent via e-mail every Friday for the following week’s classes.
Payment is due before class. We accept credit cards, Venmo, Zelle, and cash.
Need to reschedule? We understand life happens. Just give us at least 24 hours’ notice. Last-minute cancellations and missed classes still require payment.
Classes are non-refundable, but we’re happy to offer a credit toward a future class when applicable.
Running late? Just send us a quick text or email before class. We’ll do our best to work with you.
