THE TRAINING

• Admissions

• Courses
--- Six-Week Intensive
--- Character Interpretation & Script Analysis
--- Classical Style Work
--- Audition Technique
--- Master Class (Intensive)
--- Master Class
--- Scene Study Lab for the Working Actor
--- Vital Acting
--- Alexander Technique
--- Voice and Speech

• Educational Policies
--- Attendance
--- Student Services
--- Student Rights
--- Rules of Conduct

• Tuition and Fees

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.

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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.
There are approximately 72 hours in the program and the total cost is $775.

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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. The programs totals 336 hours and the total cost is $3,000. The standard practice is to pay $300 per month for this ten-month program.

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Classical Style Work (64 hours)

The Classical Style Work course is a continuing education program that offers training in historical theater styles with scripts focusing on The Restoration, Edwardian, Victorian, Greek, and Elizabethan periods. This program includes work with the texts of William Shakespeare. Students will work with texts and focus on the specialized speech and movement from these periods while working to retain their organic and personal emotional connection to the imaginary circumstances of the text. Every actor will work every week. Upon completing this program the student will be capable of creating a performance in classical scenes for theater, television or film. The program consists of two months of training in which the student is enrolled in two classes per week, with each class lasting four hours. There are approximately 64 hours in the program and the total cost is $600. The standard practice is to pay $300 per month for this two-month program.

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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. The program is ongoing, meets once a week, and the cost is $200 per month.

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Master Class (Intensive)

This Master Class (Intensive) is a 4 day 2 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 high profile 100 seat theater in the Los Angeles area.

Actors, writers, directors, and producers work on fully prepared professionally performed
scenes.

Admission is by invitation or audition for actors. Auditing is available. Space is limited.

Click here to find out more about Joanne's Master Class

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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. The program is ongoing, meets once a week, and the cost is $200 per month.

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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. The program totals 336 hours and the total cost $3,000. The standard practice is to pay $300 per month in this ten month program.

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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. The program totals 48 hours and the total cost $430.

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Alexander Technique

Call the school for details (310) 451-3311

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Voice and Speech

Call the school for details (310) 451-3311

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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.

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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.

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Student Rights

Student Rights:
Each student has the right of consultation regarding the programs of study or any other matter relating to Studio enrollment. If questions have not been satisfactorily answered by instructors and/or staff members, the student has the right to consult with the Artistic Director by telephone or in writing. If questions or problems have not been resolved by the school, the student has the right to contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, Department of Consumer Affairs, 400 ?R Street, Suite 5000, Sacramento, CA 95814-6200. Telephone: (916) 445-3427.

Refund Rights:
Please see the refund section for a discussion of refund rights.

Student Tuition Recovery Fund:
Please see the refund section for a discussion of STRF rights.

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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.

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TUITION AND FEES

Current Schedule of Tuition and Fee Charges

Please note that all fees except tuition are non-refundable. Except where noted, all tuition and fees are mandatory and are subject to change without prior notice. Included in each program’s total cost is a registration fee of $100. Below is a complete schedule of tuition and fees.

PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION PROGRAMS HOURS COST/ Total Month Cost

Six-week Intensive 72 N.A. $760

Straight Essential Acting 224 $285 $1,995

CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS HOURS COST/ Total Month Cost

Character Interpretation & Script Analysis 336 $300 $3,000

Classical Style Work 64 $300 $600

Audition Technique 36 N.A. $200

Master Class 126 $500 $5,000

Scene Study Lab for the Working Actor 336 $200

Vital Acting 336 $300 $3,000

Review Course 48 N.A. $430

OTHER COSTS (the following fees are conditional; if the condition does not apply, there is no fee)

Equipment charge $0.00

Extension Fee (Postponing an enrollment for three months) $100.00

Make-up Tutoring (Having a private tutorial for a missed class; mandatory for C.E. classes) $50.00

Artistic Tutoring (Private tutoring for improvement) $20.00 /hour

Transcript Letter $15.00

Graduation Ceremony Donation (Not necessary to receive a certificate of completion) $50.00 to $75.00

The Baron/Brown Studio does not have charges for housing, transportation, books, supplies, materials, equipment, shop, or studio use.

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