Best Acting Classes near Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
The Michelle Danner Acting School focuses on a comprehensive approach to prepare actors for on-camera performance by blending foundational techniques with practical, hands-on experience. Here’s how the school equips actors to excel in front of the camera:
1. On-Camera Acting Classes
• The school offers on-camera scene study classes where actors perform scenes while being filmed.
• Students review their footage with instructors to analyze and refine their performances, focusing on subtlety, authenticity, and emotional truth.
• This helps actors develop a keen awareness of how their expressions and movements translate on screen.
2. Multi-Technique Training
• Michelle Danner teaches a “Golden Box” approach, incorporating several acting methods such as:
• Meisner acting technique (listening and reacting truthfully).
• Stanislavski acting technique (emotional memory and building a character).
• Stella Adler acting technique (imagination and circumstances).
• Uta Hagen acting technique (naturalistic behavior).
• Actors learn to adapt these techniques to the nuances of film acting, where small, truthful expressions are critical.
3. Cold Reading and Audition Techniques
• Actors practice on-camera auditions, learning to quickly break down scripts, make bold choices, and perform under pressure.
• The school teaches cold reading skills, ensuring students can deliver strong performances with minimal preparation.
• This is essential for on-camera work in film, TV, and commercial auditions.
4. Scene Study for Film and TV
• Classes focus on contemporary and classic scripts from film and television.
• Students rehearse and perform scenes as they would on set, paying attention to pacing, blocking, eye lines, and hitting marks.
• The scenes are often filmed to simulate real on-set conditions.
5. Technical Awareness
• Michelle Danner acting school emphasizes the importance of understanding the technical aspects of filmmaking:
• Adjusting performance for different shot sizes (e.g., close-ups, wide shots).
• Being aware of camera angles, lighting, and continuity.
• Managing vocal projection and physicality for microphones and framing.
6. Improvisation for On-Camera Work
• Improvisation classes help actors stay in the moment and make spontaneous, believable choices on screen.
• This skill is vital for handling unexpected changes on set or during auditions.
7. Film Production Experience
• Students participate in short film projects where they act in professionally shot films.
• This allows them to experience life on a real film set, collaborate with directors, and develop on-camera confidence.
• These projects often serve as material for their demo reels.
8. Building a Demo Reel
• The school helps actors create high-quality demo reels showcasing their on-camera work.
• A strong reel is essential for casting directors to see an actor’s ability to deliver compelling, camera-ready performances
