BA Theatre Performance: MFA Directing Theatre
Level 1- The beginning (ages 13 and up)
Do you dream of being onstage? Do you dream of landing that big role or getting into that school? Do you love the whole process of being in a play? Well this class could be just what you've been looking for!
This class is designed for the
student who has interest in understanding how to become a better actor onstage. Learn the tools to be truthful on stage and go beyond “performing”. Stefanie teaches a Meisner based technique
which is hands on, effective for monologues, cold readings and scene
study. Through the use of acting
exercises, studying human behavior, and relaxation techniques, you will start
to begin to understand yourself and the world around you which will translate
to doing truthfully under imaginary circumstances!
The class will study open
scenes with partners and finish with a variety of monologues in preparation for
the end of the session presentation for family and invited guests. The monologues will be selected for audition
purposes and the students will learn proper audition etiquette and technique.
- Class meets on Sundays
- 6 Weeks January 24 – February
28 (final presentation)
- Class will meet at the Film
Center Building
Level 2- The One Act Play (ages 13 and up)
Don’t stop now, you’re just
beginning your training!! Take the next
step to level 2 and enjoy the process of putting on a play!
This class is designed for the
student who has successfully completed Level 1 or has taken Master Acting at
Stagedoor Manor.
The class will be like a
rehearsal process in a professional theatre.
The students will utilize all skills learned in Level 1 to develop a
fully realized character in a play. The
students will become a company of actors who work together as an ensemble to create
a finished product.
The Class will end with a performance
of the One Act play or scenes, open to family and invited guests.
- Classes meet on Sundays
- 6 Weeks January 24 – February
28 (final presentation)
- Class will meet at the Film Center
Building
TO REGISTER
Please 503-449-5191 or email at sertich@yahoo.com
Stefanie is also available for individual coaching for auditions
What others say about Stefanie's class
- "I'm sitting in the back of the playhouse. It's awards. I used your Gratitude Rock to be thankful for you being such an amazingly influential person in my life. My acting has improved, as has my outlook on the world, and I owe so much of my speedy growth to you and what you taught me. So thanks, and I hope to see you soon!"
- "Master acting was amazing. I honestly think about it all the time."
- "I was just commenting to say thanks for all the master acting classes. I'm in a play and today during our dress rehearsal, to get in character today i used the exercises you taught and it WORKED SO WELL my director said "you seem a lot more focused and in character today"!
- "I am so happy that i got to be a part of your production. My mom said that it was the most engaged I have ever been in a show, at stagedoor. I miss you so much. Thanks again and have a wonderful 2008 and 2009!"
NYU Tisch School of the Arts MFA Writing Program
Collaboration Class with Eduardo Machado (2008-currently)
Adjunct Faculty, University of Portland, 2004-2006
Acting for Non-Majors (3 semesters)
Acting I (2 semesters)
Movement for the Stage (2 semesters)
Musical Theatre Performance (1 semester)
Teaching Assistant, University of Portland, 2002-2004
Acting I (2 semesters)
Acting III: Shakespeare (1 semester)
Development of Theatre (1 semester)
Dramatic Criticism (1 semester)
Theatre History I (1 semester)
Theater History II (1 semester)
- ACTF Irene Ryan’s Coach 2002-2005
- Instructor, “Introduction to Viewpoints” and “Audition Workshop”, Theatre Workshops for high school students, University of Portland, 2004-2005
- Lecturer, “Peer to Peer: Students Directing Students”, ACTF Conference, 2002-2004
- Instructor, “Audition Workshop”, Portland Area Theatre Alliance, 2002-2003
- Founder and Coordinator, New Play Festival for high school students, staging two student productions in conjunction with Stark Raving Theatre, Portland 2002
Children's Theatre
Stagedoor Manor
Instructor- Players Ensemble, Master Acting, Building a Character, Shakespeare, Directing, Sing and Dance, Jazz I, Ballet I, Tap II, Jazz II -Summer 2007 - 2009
Oregon Children’s Theatre
Instructor- Sing, Dance and Act! - Summer 2005-2007
Northwest Children's Theatre
Instructor- Musical Theatre Performance Lab for Kids and Teens - Fall/Winter 2004
Southeast Effective Development - Seattle, WA
Instructor- Summer Theatre Camp Grades 1-3, Drama for Kids, Workshops in schools Grade 4-5, Summer 1999-2000
"Song and Dance" Class at Stagedoor Manor 2007
My most recent training came from the head of the Acting Department at University of Portland, Mindi Logan, who is now the Chair of KC/ACTF Region 7. She got her MFA from Rutgers University under Maggie Flannigan who is voted the best acting teacher in New York City. Mindi has developed her own style which has directly influenced my style. I teach a variety of exercises that come directly from Mindi, Slava Dolgachev (Moscow Art Theatre), Michael Rhod (Sojourn Theatre), Anne Bogart (Viewpoints) and others that I've picked up along the way.
Please inquire if you are interested in learning more about workshops. Workshops are created to specifically meet the needs of the group.
MY OWN TEACHING STYLE
In my experience, I find the acting training system in the US somewhat disconnected. Maybe its a reflection of our culture and society but I find that young American actors are not being trained to properly rehearse rigorously or to utilize their imagination.
In my travels to Europe and with working with European artists, theatre seems different. The rehearsals are longer, there is much more discipline, the physical world feels more demanding and there's not a lot of notice to emoting emotion. That part just exists.
I have been influenced by many people and philosophies, including my own theatrical training which includes Mindi Logan's Action Based Theatrical Training (which is most of what I use in Master Acting), Anne Bogarts Viewpoints, Mary Jane Dancers, Chekhov, Vinyasa Yoga, Powderpuff Football and my brother pushing me to my edge ever since I could walk.
I believe in a strong work ethic and discipline that begins within the body to then transform the inner life of the actor. This can lead to find the inner truth about ourselves and our world. Once a physical life has been found the imagination has a better chance at exploring and creating a full character.
For students, I believe in strong imagination work, rather than imposing ones emotional baggage and placing that on top of a character. Imagination is safer and longer lasting. Yes, its HARDER to learn. As Americans, the TV has replaced many imaginative games for children but I'm hopeful that the "imaginary friend" still exists in our young ones, instinctively.
The Cast of "Electra" during rehearsal warmup
