Frequently Asked Questions
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Our studio requires full participation from every student in each class. Classes begin with group warm-ups and include different instructors to offer varied perspectives on the same technique. We aim for actors to discover their own style rather than follow one teacher's method. Classes take place on real film sets for a more authentic experience than a typical theater. Instructors provide scripts for each class, so students do not need to bring their own material.
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Our Saturday Traditional On-Camera Training Program for Adults welcomes individuals of all skill levels. This class serves as the most popular entry point for new actors to our studio and the craft. The program often includes advanced stage actors who are preparing for a film/tv career.
Each session features various instructors who tailor lesson plans to the participants' skill sets. Seasoned actors demonstrate first, providing a practical example for newcomers before they try the exercise or technique themselves. Students who exhibit advanced skills and require no further instruction will advance to a more challenging program. *An advanced actor in one studio might be considered intermediate in another.
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Our Beginner Programs focus on acting fundamentals in a safe and inclusive manner. We only introduce the camera when the group as a whole is prepared.
Our Traditional Programs (Exploratory) cater to all skill levels, incorporating both acting and camera techniques. This monthly program is perfectly designed for actors desiring to test out our facility, or who can only train sporadically throughout the calendar year.
Our Preparatory Programs are designed for actors who have chosen to dedicate themselves to year-round training, committing to 5 of the 6 annual training sessions, and considering our studio as their primary training venue. These programs involve homework and necessitate weekly performances on film sets. Entry into this program is audition-based, or for actors who've been personally invited from the Saturday Traditional Programs.
Our Professional Programs target BFA/MFA, and income-earning actors or those promoted from the Preparatory Program. Entry into a Professional Program requires instructor approval, a recommendation, and an audition.
*All auditions for Prep and Pro classes should be sent to auditions@in-studio.org
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Makeup classes are seldom offered as each week's session is tailored to a unique film set designed for that week's script. Actors who are unable to attend a class are advised to opt for private lessons, which incur additional fees not covered by the tuition. Instructors will not compel students to take private lessons or makeup classes due to potential financial burdens. These private sessions can be reserved via our website and it's advisable to arrange them in the same week as the missed class to utilize the film equipment. Actors are encouraged to verify their schedules prior to enrolling in a program.
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This depends mostly on when you withdraw from the program. Our handbook states, “Regardless of the circumstances, no refunds or credit transfers will be issued if an actor withdraws from a class, workshop, or training program within 14 days of the scheduled start date and time.
Actors who withdraw more than 14 days prior to the start date and time of the class, workshop, or training program will receive a full refund, subject to a $25 administration and processing fee.”
This 2-week window allows the studio to staff the class properly, hire potential contractors, and adequately prepare the sets with our film equipment.
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Most acting studios let you attend classes as a spectator before signing up. However, our studio functions like a film set, making this difficult. Safety rules and our film equipment limit how many guests can be present. There is no traditional seating in our filming warehouse, unlike a traditional stage-based acting school. This is why we keep class sizes small and maintain a safe space without strangers.
Parents of junior program students are invited to watch the last class each month. For advanced programs, we share video footage for accountability. If someone wants to meet an instructor before joining, they can arrange a visit through our contact page.
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Actors with paid set experience or those wanting to use our studio as their main training home can talk to their instructors for feedback on advanced training options and placement. Actors with a BFA, MFA, or SAG/AFTRA membership can audition for our advanced programs. To apply, send your professional materials to auditions@in-studio.org.
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Our studio, situated in a warehouse, boasts an open floor plan. As such, we lack conventional offices and cannot respond to the main studio line during classes, private lessons, or recording sessions. However, we can promptly respond to emails and texts. For a swift, same-day reply, please email auditions@in-studio.org or complete our contact form.