Frequently Asked Questions

dates and times

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Acting for Audio, Part 1 CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT AVAILABLE SESSIONS

Acting for Audio, Part 2 - To be scheduled Summer 2024

How much work/commitment is involved?

The level of time committed is pretty directly comparable to a freshman level college course.
Obviously the main commitment is the 2-3 hour class, meeting once a week. Weekly there will also be assignments to be prepared for class. Some of these take a written form in addition to performance, the others are preparing scene work/performance exercises. They will generally not require more than an hour outside of class. Although a strong familiarity with scene work/monologues is necessary when performing your exercises, memorization is not required - since audiobook narrators always have to act and bring the text alive while reading from the page. For certain exercises and scene work you will be assigned a partner, and you are expected to be available and commit to working with them appropriately.
If you’ve taken Sean Pratt’s class, I would say some weeks it’s a little less, some weeks a little more.

what kind of space/equipment do i need?

All you’ll need is a webcam, a microphone and a modest space in which you can move around. You will NOT be able to participate effectively the entire time locked in your booth. The class does involve some physical movement and at least a few feet of freedom. A private space, where you aren’t afraid to feel free, play and let yourself be a bit silly without judgement is ideal. Sometimes your booth will be an ideal space as we dive into text and scene work. But having a spot without frequent noise interruption is important not only for you but for your classmates. :)

What if I can’t make a class?

Each class will be recorded. Should you miss a class, you can have access to that recording for the next week to keep up with content. However, if you miss performing an in-class assignment you may not be able to make up that experience. When you are assigned work with a partner you are expected to uphold your commitment to work with them on a specific class day or arrange in advance for an alternative time to present.

i did acting training years ago, i want a refresher.

Perfect! This class is designed to work best with a mixture of people of all levels of exposure to acting techniques. Specifically taking your personal acting training (whether it be none at all, or a degree in acting) and personalizing it further towards the specialized acting needs of the audio narrator. We have had numerous people with an Acting Degrees take the class and each of them felt the experience was invigorating, rewarding, and helped challenge them to reach a new level in their acting journey and connect to the specific challenges of audiobook narration.

i’ve done over fifty books. why can’t i just straight to part two?

Great Question! Part one provides the actor a foundation of technique, understanding of actor vocabulary, and a tool box that trained actors use to approach character and storytelling, as well as a how these tools are applied to audiobook performance. Part two makes constant reference to and utilization of those tools while tackling a new audiobook-specific challenge each week. So, Part 2 isn’t about being a more experienced narrator - it’s about growing and developing strength and flexibility with the lessons learned in part 1.

ok, ok ok. how much?

Fifteen week college-level course, only ten students,
35-42 class hours plus a one-on-one private 1/2 hour session.
One up-front payment of $1,500
Or email Joel about a payment plan possibility.

is joel the only teacher?

Yes, we are not farming out the classes to other coaches. Joel will be leading every class.