technique Master class with Howard Fine
sydney Dates: TBC
melbourne dates: TBC
9:30am - 6:30pm each day
Due to current travel restrictions all Master Classes have been postponed. New dates will be announced as soon as possible. Applications are still open and all existing registrants will be considered priority applicants when new Master Class dates are finalised.
The Master Class is the most intensive four days of tuition offered by The Studio. Each full day of the program consists of a rigorous exploration of technique as Howard Fine works with an ensemble of actors on preselected scenes.
Being a part of the Master Class ensemble represents the chance to study with one of the world’s leading acting coaches in one of the most dynamic, open and engaging learning experiences in the Australian industry calendar. For participants and auditors alike, the Master Class represents not only a fantastic learning opportunity but also provides the best possible introduction into the work, techniques and ethos of The Studio.
Before the Master Class, Howard will dedicate time to selecting and pairing an ensemble of actors, who will then rehearse and work on preselected scenes using the techniques outlined in his book, ‘Fine on Acting: A Vision of the Craft’. The ensemble then work intensively with Howard Fine work-shopping their scene in the public forum of the Master Class. This scene work acts as an entry point for actors and auditors (observers) to explore Howard’s acting technique, lessons and processes.
Howard’s spirit of generosity works to create a learning environment free of judgement, and participants are guaranteed to experience lessons that allow them to flourish both during and after the Master Class.
About Participating in the Master Class
Participants are provided with a scene and scene partner. Each scene pairing workshop their scene three times within 50-minute time slots in front of an audience of their peers and industry colleagues. Participants are expected to commit to approximately 10 - 20 hours of rehearsal prior to the event and are required to attend all four days of the Master Class in full. To ensure participants get the most from the Master Class, The Studio provides the opportunity to participate in a hands-on pre-Master Class preparatory tuition (lasting one hour).
Applicants must be aged 18 years and over.
sydney venue
Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Marrickville, 2204
melbourne Venue
Howard Fine Acting Studio, Level 1, 7 Cozens Street, Brunswick, Melbourne
Course fee
$1395 (we offer extremely flexible payment options with direct debit schedules that range from 4-10 weeks. If you establish your direct debit using your BSB and account number it will be fee-free, if you use a credit card or debit card number it will incur a small fee).
Additional application information
In the weeks prior to the Master Class, successful applicants are assigned a play and scene partner. Upon acceptance into the Master Class, participants are required to read Howard’s book. The techniques outlined in Howard’s book should then be used when preparing for the Master Class, doing homework or rehearsing. Very infrequently, participants may be asked to choose a scene from their allocated play (Howard generally applies specific scenes to participants), in this instance the scene must be no longer than five minutes in duration. In addition to the general furniture provided by The Studio, participants are expected to provide the necessary small (or specific) props and objects required to ‘make place’ as outlined in Howard’s book. Applicants must also be available to meet up with their scene partner and rehearse prior to, and during, the Master Class.
Please note that participation in the Master Class is subject to an application process and selection is based on the strength of each participant’s application letter, as well as their CV and showreel. Howard Fine’s Master Classes are extremely popular, and we strive to create a varied and eclectic ensemble for each Master Class. Please know the selection process is not designed to reflect Howard’s opinion of your progress, talent or ability as an actor.
Applications OPEN
Audit Master class
Auditing the Master Class represents a unique learning opportunity and provides the best possible introduction into the work, techniques and ethos of The Studio. We strongly recommend auditing to anyone interested in training with us.
As an auditor, you will actively observe the class, experiencing the work through the Master Class ensemble and Howard’s critique. Auditors are given the opportunity to ask questions, and are provided with a list of the texts that the participants will be work-shopping, enabling them to study the source material at a later date and appreciate Howard’s approach to script analysis.
In order to make the most of auditing the Master Class and gain a thorough understanding of Howard’s approach to technique training, we strongly encourage auditors to read Howard’s book, ‘Fine on Acting: A Vision of the Craft’ prior to the class, and to audit all four days of the Master Class.
Auditing prices vary and are; $110 per day, $200 for a weekend pass and $345 for all four days.