Lena Harris' workshops consist of an on-camera basic boot camp for beginners and an on-camera technique "Master Class". MASTER CLASS ACTORS' VIDEOS www.lenaharris.com/content.html?page=3
The actors are given their scripts 24 hours prior to class. During class, the scene is broken down rehearsed, blocked and then filmed in one take--a system that parallels the usual audition procedure in the industry.
Each actor works at every workshop session to sharpen and hone his on-camera and audition technique skills.
Lena teaches techniques that are based on The Stanislavsky System and Sanford Meisner exercises. Stanislavsky was a brilliant actor and stated, "Your attitude about your work is just as important as your talent and even the greatest talent will fade without technique." Lena 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 beginners 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 work on monologues, dialects, and impediments (for example blindness or an addiction) while deepening their emotional preparation and working to make their actions specific.
Lena Harris recent article in BACK STAGE - "Approaching a Role with an Accent":
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.
During the 30’s Stanislavsky worked closely with Stella Adler, who was a member of the legendary Group Theater (other members include Marlon Brando, Sanford Meisner, Harold Clurman, Lee Strasberg, Clifford Odets and Elia Kazan).
Fonda St. Paul, a personal manager for 20 years says “Lena coaches in a firm yet nurturing and safe environment that encourages and elevates the actor’s uniqueness. Lena is inspiring. She gives her actors a tremendous workout. In the real world an actor will audition for a casting agent on video at a casting call. He or she must have the acting tools and On-Camera techniques mastered to give nothing less than a brilliant audition. Lena gives her 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. Casting agents will need a photograph as well as a video of the actor. Because each actor is filmed every week at Lena Harris Studio On-Camera Workshop, he or she is able to accumulate scenes (mostly original material from 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 and the ability to email each individual scene.”
"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 Studio is the place for you!”
Sean King - Actor / Writer / Producer
Sean King is currently starring in "Silverlake Video: The Movie".
