Copyright © 2015 by Lena Harris. All rights reserved.

                                             

   

 

 LENA HARRIS ON-CAMERA WORKSHOP

 

 

Lena Harris' workshop consist of a basic boot camp for beginners

and an  Advanced on-camera technique class; " The Master Class".  

Lena teaches actors how to draw on their imagination with emotional preparation,

and the use of Stanislavsky method of using Physical Actions to induce

 feelings and emotions.  To quote Stanislavsky, "In the doing, the emotion will come"."

Stanislavsky believed that the use of  "sense memory" (meaning the actor's private

and/or painful memories to portray a character's emotions) would be detrimental

to the psyche of actors; and that to draw from the imagination

was more valuable to the development of a character. 

This is never more apparent than in the case of youthful actors

who by the very nature of their youth have

little frame of reference.   

 

 The actors are given their scripts 24 hours prior to class. 

During class, the scene is broken down rehearsed, blocked and then

filmed--a system that parallels the

usual audition procedure in the industry.

 

Lena teaches techniques that are based on The Stanislavsky System and
 
Sanford Meisner exercises.  She teaches the mastery of these techniques resulting 
 
in the actor becoming relaxed, spontaneous, reactive, fully-present
 
in the moment and truthful under the given circumstance.  In the beginner's
 
workshop, Lena additionally offers scene study and work on monologues
 
allowing the actor to apply the techniques step by step.  Lena also gives the 
 
actors a relaxation technique.  The actors master
 
dialects, and impediments (for example blindness or an addiction) 
 
while deepening their emotional preparation and working to make their
 
actions specific.
 
 
 During the 1950's Stanislavsky worked closely with Stella Adler,
 
who was a memberof the legendary Group Theater (other members include 
 
Marlon Brando, Sanford Meisner, Harold Clurman, Lee Strasberg,
 
Clifford Odets and Elia Kazan.   

~

 To quote Fonda St. Paul, personal manager, author/producer and performer,

in the entertainment industry -  "Lena teaches the actors specific  

techniques that lead to the ability to look at any script, memorize it,

break it down and deliver a stellar performance that results in getting the job.  

Because each actor is filmed every week at the Lena Harris On-Camera Workshop, 

he or she is able to accumulate finished scenes (original material written by Lena Harris)

and monologues to display to agents and other industry sources around

the world via Lena's state-of-the-art on-line broadcast platform."

 

                                                                                            - Fonda St. Paul 

 

Fonda's books: 

"FOREVER CHRISTMAS EVE", 

"SMILE PRETTY NOW", and  "ENCORE! ENCORE!"

are available  at amazon.com.

       http://www.amazon.com/Fonda-St.-Paul/e/B007VHAFL4

 ~

Lena Harris
 
 
 

Lena's recent artical for BACKSTAGE:

 

BACKSTAGE The Actors Resource

 
"On-Camera Technique"
By Lena Harris
 
Why should you take an on-camera class?

There are essential differences between acting for the stage and acting for the
motion picture and television industry. On-camera training prepares you to walk on to a
film or TV set having mastered techniques specifically for the camera.

There are certain constraints that actors should overcome in front of a camera that are not
present in stage acting.  For example, it takes studied on-camera technique to work within the
limitations often prescribed in blocking scenes, and specifically in close-ups.
 
I use Jack Nicholson's performance in the courtroom scene of "A Few Good Men" to illustrate how
to play a bigger-than-life character constrained to a tight close-up. Nicholson's disciplined
performance is a true joy to watch, as he is completely relaxed while being fully emotionalized
with all his rage and intensity, but without flailing his arms or animating his face, while not
moving an inch out of frame.

We all want to play bigger-than-life characters in bigger-than-life circumstances.
The challenge is to deliver that intensity while working within the limitations of the medium.

What level should you be at when taking this type of class?

If you have prior acting knowledge, it can certainly be to your advantage; however,
this training is for all levels. Beginners can learn acting techniques in concert with
on-camera techniques. Seasoned actors looking to hone their skills can work on
character types that are often differentfrom what they have currently on their reels.
In each case, the experience is muscle-building,with the distinct advantage that
actors are provided with finished, edited scenes that may be
emailed and streamed to the industry.

Is this for actors who want to do television, film, or theater?

An on-camera class is a good workout for all actors.
There is a tremendous amount of respect in the community for a theater actor, not least
because of the length of time for which the actor must be completely and fully connected
to the circumstances and to the other characters. This is an arduous workout, physically
and emotionally, that I employ in my workshop by shooting three- to four-minute
original scenes in one take and without a cut.

This strengthens the endurance of actors as they apply their techniques -

 an abilitythat islauded by the industry.

 Click on the link below to view  Actors' scenes on my Youtube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/lenaharrisstudio

 

~ 

 

"Always Be Studying" (On-Camera Technique)

   Click on - 

 
~
 
  
Lena's Book:

               

                  Written by Lena Harris.  (Scene Study Series) 

A Smith & Kraus Book  


 

  Lena Harris Imdb:  

 
 

~

Michael Emerson, producer/director says,

"Lena, from the moment I landed on your website I

found it appealing and engaging and was captivated by your

scenes and your wonderful actors.  Great Job!"

  
                                                             - Michael S. Emerson

~  

 
To quote Sean King, actor/writer/producer,
 

"I can honestly say that when I came to Los Angeles, I was completely

clueless about finding a reputable acting studio.  Luckily for me, a personal manager

mentioned Lena Harris.  That one recommendation has truly changed my

life personally and  professionally.  

Through her first-hand knowledge and mastery of  "Meisner Technique", and her

inventive exercises for true emotion, I now have the confidence I needed to succeed

in the entertainment  business as a trained professional.  Lena will teach you tools that

you can use and  sharpen throughout your professional career.  If you are ready to learn how

to act truthfully "moment to moment" in a  nurturing environment, where YOU are the main

focus, then the Lena Harris On-Camera Workshop is the  place for you!"     

 

                                                                                                          - Sean King   

 

  Sean King's  screenplay "Generation Gap" won the 

The CAMIE Award for Best Original Screenplay  (TV movie). 

 Sean King is currently starring in "Silverlake Video: The Movie".  

 

Sean King imdb - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1975166/

 
 
~

 If you would like to join the workshop, 

please send a recent photograph

and contact information to  

THE  LENA HARRIS ON-CAMERA WORKSHOP 

 

 ~~~ It is our obligation as actors to reflect the human condition ~~~

 

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Copyright © 2015 by Lena Harris. All rights reserved.