CANCELED: WMA Conservatory- Cold Readings- A Meisner Approach

Last January, Bill Esper passed away, highlighting the prominent role of Meisner Technique in the training of actors. Meisner taught until the '90s, and trained great directors like Sidney Lumet, and prominent actors like Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton. His approach centered on truthful dynamic acting, and powerful character work. Over the past 30 years, Robert Epstein has expanded and refined the technique to include extended character work, detailed classical work, specific film and tv acting techniques, and audition techniques. The most important and most popular of the audition techniques in cold reading technique, which has great potential to show your abilities, and at the same time is difficult to master. It is the way in which most actors get a job.

In this workshop, we will break down short cold reading scenes according to Meisner principles, which focus on the human situation the character is in, and then embody that analysis with compelling acting choices and dynamic behavior. This quick and effective way of preparing cold readings has found popular versions in CD Michael Shurtleff's popular book Audition, as well as former Meisner student David Mamet's structural version of acting; but Meisner's approach remains the original and most incisive way of tackling cold readings.

Epstein, known as DC's resident Meisner expert, has taught his long-term program for actors, The Complete Actor's Training, for over 30 years. Epstein has performed roles on Cable and Network TV, has directed DC film and theatre projects, including Adams Morgan: The Movie here in DC. He directed his original play The Big A for the 2014 Fringe Festival, and has taught many workshops for the SAG-AFTRA Conservatory and the Actor's Center. Recent student accomplishments include SAG-AFTRA member and VO artist Bob Hurley's role of the DJ in the Tatum O'Neal film, Runaway Romance, directed by Brian Herzlinger.

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This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing — no guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome. SAG-AFTRA members, please bring your membership card or digital card from the app (paid through April 30, 2020) for admittance.

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.