THE
TRAINING
• Admissions
• Courses
--- Six-Week Intensive
--- Character Interpretation & Script Analysis
--- Audition Technique
--- Master Class (Intensive)
--- Scene Study Lab for the Working Actor
--- Vital Acting
--- Alexander Technique
--- Voice and Speech
• Educational Policies
--- Attendance
--- Student Services
--- Rules of Conduct
Professional Programs Admissions
For the Professional Preparation Programs, the Studio encourages
both those wishing to prepare for their career as well as working
professionals to apply for admission. Acceptance to the Studio is
based upon an interview with the Studio Manager.
Baron/Brown Studio is an equal opportunity institution and admits
applicants who meet the admission standards and can benefit from
the training without regard to race, religion, sex, age, color,
national origin, physical disability, or place of residence.
To qualify for admission, an applicant must:
1. Be a high school graduate, hold a state-approved GED Certificate
or its equivalent, have completed college-level course work, or
otherwise demonstrate ability to perform postsecondary course work;
2. Interview with the Director, the Artistic Director, or the Studio
Manager; and
3. Submit a completed enrollment agreement together with the required
payment.
The Studio accepts admissions on any regular business day. The
applicant will receive prompt notification of acceptance or rejection
of admission. Programs start throughout the year and students should
contact the Studio directly for the latest schedule. Additional
materials are mailed as required to ensure maintenance of student
progress.
^back to top^
COURSES
Six-Week Intensive
The Six-week Intensive program provides fundamental training of
the actor as a theatrical instrument. This course of acting includes
exercises in listening and answering, basic activity, responsiveness,
and concentration, as applied individually and in couples in scene
work. Every actor will work every class. This program covers the
principle requirements of all acting. The program consists of six
weeks of training in which the student is enrolled in three classes
per week, with each class lasting four hours.
^back to top^
Continuing Education Program
Admissions
Continuing education programs are open only to the working actor
who has had a professional booking, belongs to an acting guild,
has signed an equity-waiver agreement or has performed in any theatrical
presentation where the public is charged admission. These programs
are open also to the writer, director or producer who has written,
directed or produced a play, screenplay or television play for public
performance or viewing. Admission into a continuing education program
is subject to verification by the student of their prior professional
work. There is no grading in continuing education programs.
The Studio accepts entrance into a continuing education program
on any regular business day. Programs start throughout the year
and students should contact the Studio directly for the latest schedule.
The following are a list of Continuing Education Programs for Working
Actors:
Character Interpretation
& Script Analysis (42 weeks)
Character Interpretation & Script Analysis is a continuing
education program that teaches improvisational techniques with character
additions and interpretation and character analysis as applied in
scenes. Scene work that includes modern, stylized and classic material
will be rehearsed and performed. Upon completing this program, the
student will be capable of performing any scene requiring script
interpretation and character analysis. Every actor will work every
week. This training will give the student a technique enabling them
to perform contemporary and style scenes for theater, television
or film. Students with prior acting experience or acting education
at other schools may be admitted directly into this program with
the permission of the Artistic Director. The program consists of
ten months (42 weeks) of training. Classes meet twice a week and
each class lasts four hours.
^back to top^
Audition Technique
(6 weeks)
Audition Technique is a continuing education program for experienced
actors designed to develop techniques for auditioning, including
working with a script on camera, working in mock audition exercises,
working on extensive cold reading of scripts, and interacting with
visiting casting directors, producers, and guest artists.
^back to top^
Master Class (Intensive)
The Master Class Mission Statement
To inspire and encourage artists to the highest level of work they can possibly achieve with full and uncompromising commitment, abandoning all fear, fully embracing the work and community of our art.
The Master Class—Advanced Scene Study
This Master Class is a four day, two weekend intensive taught by Joanne Baron, the Artistic Director of the Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio. The Master class is taught over two consecutive weekends, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at a state of the art, 100 seat theater in the Los Angeles area.
Actors, writers, directors, and producers work on fully prepared professionally performed scenes. The scenes selected by the Artistic Director are from the most current theatrical productions in New York, London, and Los Angeles. The class will address script analysis and character interpretation in-depth, facilitating the actor's ability to create a fully realized performance. Every actor will work every class.
The Graduate Industry Master Class
This Master Class is a four day, two weekend intensive taught by Joanne Baron, the Artistic Director of the Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio. The Master Class is taught over two consecutive weekends, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at a state of the art, 100 seat theater in the Los Angeles area. Every actor will work every class.
Studio graduates perform film scenes for a panel of industry judges consisting of agents, managers, casting directors and producers. Scenes selected by the judges are recorded on a DVD and sent to top industry professionals.
The Meisner Intensive Review Class
The Meisner Master Class is a review of the Vital Acting or Character Interpretation and Script Analysis classes condensed into an intensive for those who have already taken these courses. The program will review and refine the actor's understanding and mastery of all aspects of the fundamental precepts of acting including basic moment-to-moment contact with another performer, working with techniques for further stimulation of the imagination, creating specific relationships, and advanced improvisational and scripted scenes. Every actor will work every class.
^back to top^
Scene Study Lab for the
Working Actor (42 weeks)
The Scene Study Lab for the Working Actor is a continuing education
program that provides students the opportunity to work on a wide
variety of scripts, developing a broad range of characters with
the goal of stretching and expanding their skills. The actor will
work on scenes and monologues chosen in collaboration with their
teacher.
^back to top^
Vital Acting (42
weeks)
This is a continuing education program meant to reinvigorate the
professional actor to realize the most vital aspects of performance.
From creating the most dynamic possible contact with other performers
and generating profound emotional connections to imaginary events,
to meeting the requirements of complicated scene work; this course
guides the actor to rediscover the fundamentals with a purity of
aspiration that is extremely challenging. This program disciplines
the performer to access their truest selves, their core, and enables
them to present this mastery publicly, both through improvisation
and work on written material. Every actor will work every class.
It is a demanding but inspiring course meant to reactivate those
talents that are needed for any and all professional work. The program
consists of ten months of training (42 weeks). Classes meet twice
a week and each class lasts four hours.
^back to top^
Review Course (6
weeks)
This is a Continuing Education course that will meet twice a week
for a period of six weeks (12 total classes) for the purpose of
reviewing and refining the actor's understanding and mastery of
all aspects of the fundamental precepts of acting. The program will
review and refine basic moment-to-moment contact with another performer,
progress to involve work with activities and techniques for further
stimulating the imagination, and continue to include the creation
of specific relationships and advanced improvisational and scripted
scenes. Every actor will work every class. The program consists
of six weeks of training. Classes meet twice a week and each class
lasts four hours. Every actor will work every class.
^back to top^
Alexander Technique
Call the school for details (310) 451-3311
^back to top^
Voice and Speech
Call the school for details (310) 451-3311
^back to top^
EDUCATIONAL POLICIES
Mandatory Attendance Policy
Because of the close collaboration between instructor and student
and the challenging nature of this demanding training, students
enrolled at the Baron / Brown Studio are expected to attend all
scheduled classes.
Excused Absence
A student’s lateness to or absence from any class will be
excused only if the student is delayed in or prevented from attending
class for the following reasons:
If a student or a member of a student’s immediate family becomes
ill or suffers a personal emergency, which illness or emergency
must be confirmed by a physician’s letter or other evidence
acceptable to the Studio prior to the student’s next class.
If a student secures acting, writing, directing or producing work
and provides Studio with at least twenty-four (24) hours prior notice
of the student’s planned absence.
Unexcused Absence
Unexcused absences from class, or more than three unexcused late
arrivals to class, are not permitted and shall be grounds for termination
from the Studio. A terminated student will receive a refund in accordance
with the institutional refund policy.
Make-up Class
If a student is late beyond the grace period for their class time
or absent from any class, the student should arrange and pay for
a private instruction session. Please see the Current Schedule of
Charges in the catalog or enrollment agreement for the Make-up Class
fee. Such a session should be scheduled before the student may return
to his or her regularly scheduled class.
Leave of Absence
If a student and Studio agree in writing, the student may be granted
a leave of absence from the Studio, subject to the terms of such
written agreement and in accordance with the institutional leave
of absence policy.
Mandatory Rehearsal
In addition to attending all scheduled classes, each student must
participate in two (2) rehearsals each week during their period
of instruction. The Studio considers rehearsal time the equivalent
of homework. The dates and times of such rehearsal will be determined
by mutual agreement of each student and his or her rehearsal partner(s).
Multiple Absences
Studio strongly discourages multiple (more than one) absences
from class for any reason. Multiple absences from class may impede
a student’s ability to reasonably and successfully progress
within the program and may be grounds for termination from the Studio.
In addition, multiple absences from class for any reason may require
the Studio, at its discretion, to require a student to attend private
training sessions with the student’s instructor at no additional
charge to the student prior to the student’s return to normal
program class sessions.
Student Performance and Grading System
Students in professional preparation programs lasting more than
100 hours are graded on the basis of classroom participation, improvement
in acting ability, and their interaction with other students. The
Studio uses a pass / no pass system of grading. Programs lasting
less than 100 hours and continuing education programs are not graded.
Academic Progress
Students in professional preparation programs lasting more than
100 hours are expected to maintain minimum attendance requirements
and performance of "pass" or better throughout their enrollment
in any particular program. Programs lasting less than 100 hours
and continuing education programs do not have academic progress
requirements.
Enrollment Period Limits and Leaves of Absence
Students begin their studies at the established times specified
in the latest schedule of classes. The enrollment period may be
extended, upon written request of the student and approval by the
Artistic Director, for a period of three months, subject to a $100
extension fee. Students who are temporarily unable to continue their
studies due to personal circumstances or emergencies may be granted
a leave of absence of up to six months. During a leave of absence,
a student's enrollment period is placed "on hold." At
the end of the designated period, students are expected to resume
course work. To receive a leave of absence, a request letter must
be written to the Artistic Director, detailing the reasons for the
request and the time period of leave requested (not to exceed six
months). Should circumstances change at any time during the leave
period, students may notify the Studio that they wish to end their
leave of absence, and they may resume course work at that time.
Probation and Termination
Studio reserves the right to place on probation or terminate a student
from any program for any of the following reasons:
-Failure to demonstrate reasonable and successful progress.
-False statements with regard to personal history, educational record
or dates of enrollment.
-Intimidation, harassment, violence or any other disrespectful conduct
directed at or towards any Studio staff person or student.
-Failure to pay tuition pursuant to the terms of the enrollment
agreement.
-Failure to adhere to the Studio Rules of Conduct.
English as A Second Language
This institution does not offer instruction in English as a Second
Language.
^back to top^
Student Services
Alumni Support:
As the leading institution specializing in preparing people for
careers in acting, the Studio has always had a strong commitment
to the success of its students. Efforts are undertaken to assist
students including introductions to agents, managers, and casting
directors. The Studio also recommends specialists who provide personal
counseling in job search techniques, resume and letter writing,
interviewing, and presentation skills.
While the Studio cannot guarantee placement or bookings to those
who complete our program, we are committed to providing useful and
up-to-date employment information when ever possible.
Individual Assistance:
In addition to the regular programs, students may contact instructors
to arrange for individualized coaching and tutoring.
Student Advisement and Guidance:
Advising students is an important Studio responsibility. The Studio’s
staff is available to answer student questions regarding admissions,
educational, financial, and other matters. The Studio does not provide
professional counseling services. In the event the student wishes
to discuss personal matters with Studio staff, they will be welcome
to do so, in confidence, but verbally will be reminded that the
person they are talking to is not a trained, professional counselor.
Student Records:
Permanent educational and attendance records are maintained for
all Studio students. Individual records will be maintained for a
minimum of five years following the end of the last enrollment period,
graduation or withdrawal. The contents of these records are confidential
and will not be divulged except upon written request of the student
or under force of law.
Transcripts:
The Studio does not provide formal transcripts to students. Students
are encouraged to use copies of their certificate of completion
in lieu of a transcript. However, for a $15.00 fee, the Studio will
provide a letter documenting the student’s attendance in any
program.
^back to top^
Studio Rules of Conduct
Communications:
Any communications that a student desires to make with the Studio
must be made directly by the student to the Studio. In no case is
a student to communicate with the Studio through any agent, manager,
attorney or family member or other intermediary. Violation of this
rule will be grounds for expulsion from the Studio.
Damage Caused to Studio:
Any student must pay, upon request, for the repair of all damage
to Studio facilities and equipment caused by that student.
Use of Studio Name:
No student is to use enrollment in the Studio as an excuse for refusing
any acting work, leaving a set early or doing any other act which
may result in adverse publicity for the Studio.
No student shall make or allow to be made any statement, or publish
or display or allow to be published or have the effect of creating
in any person the belief that the student has been endorsed as an
acting instructor by the Studio, at any time.
Other Rules:
The Studio may from time-to-time distribute additional written rules
relating to conduct of Students enrolled in the Studio, and the
Studio may amend these rules in its sole discretion whenever it
desires. Student is obligated to observe all such rules, and violation
of such rules will be grounds for termination from the Studio or
other disciplinary action.
Drug and Alcohol Use:
The use or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs during class hours
will result in that student’s immediate expulsion from the
Studio. In addition, attending class under the influence of alcohol
or illegal drugs will result in that student’s immediate expulsion
from the Studio.
Recording Class for Dissemination to Public:
The videotaping, filming or tape recording of any class by any student
is prohibited. The taking of any notes for dissemination to the
public or for the purpose of making a film, writing a book and or
script, or teaching acting or any other such use is also prohibited.
^back to top^
|
