Acting Technique Masterclass

with Howard Fine | 10-13 Dec

2026 Applications Open!

Masterclass Overview

The Masterclass is the Studio’s most immersive training experience.

Across four intensive days, actors are invited into a deep exploration of craft and technique, working in an open, dynamic learning environment led by Howard Fine, who travels from Los Angeles to teach in person. The focus is on process rather than performance (on listening, responding, and working truthfully in the moment).

Each year, a carefully selected ensemble engages in scene work as a way into the Studio’s approach and ethos. This work unfolds in public, offering participants and auditors alike a powerful opportunity to learn through observation, inquiry, and lived process.

Grounded in generosity and trust, the Masterclass creates a space free from judgement, one that supports actors to grow not only during the four days, but long after they leave the room.

Howard Fine observing actors during a Masterclass session at Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia, smiling during scene feedback and direction.

Participating In The Masterclass

Participants in the Masterclass are provided with a scene and scene partner. Each scene pairing workshop their scene on three of the four Masterclass days, 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 Masterclass in full.

Key Details

  • 2026 Masterclass Dates: 10-13 December

  • Location: Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia, 7 Cozens Street, Brunswick

  • Applications Close: Sunday, 5 October

  • Cost: $1,595 AUD (payment plans available)

  • Notified of Application Status: Late October

  • Auditing Tickets Available: Early/mid November

  • Pre-requisites:

    • Applicants must be aged 18 years or over.

    • You do not need to have trained at Howard Fine Acting Studio to apply.

    • Interstate applicants are welcome, provided they can meet the rehearsal and attendance requirements.

    • Applicants must be available to attend all four full days of the Masterclass.

    • Successful applicants will be required to read ‘Fine on Acting: A Vision of the Craft’ by Howard Fine and are encouraged to read ‘A Challenge for the Actor’ by Uta Hagen to support their preparation.

Additional Application Information

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 Masterclass. 

Two actors performing an emotionally charged living room scene during a Howard Fine Acting Studio Masterclass, working with detailed naturalistic set design and scene realism.
Actor seated in a dramatic scene setup during the Howard Fine Acting Studio Masterclass, surrounded by practical set elements and warm lighting.

What Our Actors Say

  • Film still from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis (2022): Austin Butler in pink suit playing acoustic guitar on stage with cheering audience.

    Austin Butler (Elvis, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood)

    (On the most meaningful moment in his career development) “The day I met Howard Fine… it’s completely true, because I didn’t have a grasp of craft before we met and so I was shooting in the dark and it was inconsistent. That was enormously meaningful. I am so grateful for Howard”

  • Series still from The Haunting of Hill House (2018): Carla Gugino in a red robe standing indoors.

    Carla Gugino (The Haunting of Hill House, Gerald’s Game)

    “I have worked with Howard for many years and since the first time, I have found his insights to be spot on, not exclusively on acting, but on something much more important to an actor, the inner workings of human beings. Often teachers want to own an actor’s process. Howard shines a light on yours…”

  • Scene from All the Old Knives (2022): Chris Pine in dark peacoat and light turtleneck walking outdoors with blurred cars in the background.

    Chris Pine (Don’t Worry Darling, Star Trek, Wonder Woman)

    “When I first met Howard he told me his job was to make the actor a self-sufficient artist. His great skill is the joy he takes in watching you discover, with the tools he provides, the essence of a character. He loves actors, he loves the process, and he is all about the work.”

  • Studio headshot of Andréa Solonge with long dark hair facing the camera against a grey background.

    Andréa Solonge (Time Bandits, Prosper, Class of ‘07)

    “My training at Howard Fine was incredibly transformative. It gave me a solid foundation and structure to be able to approach every scene and character that I’ve worked on. The school and its teachers cultivate a perpetual curiosity about the work whilst developing a strong set of skills and technique in its actors.”

  • Samuel Johnson headshot in navy blazer against a neutral backdrop.

    Samuel Johnson (Molly, Rush, The Secret Life of Us)

    “I just wanted to use this opportunity to say that I really don't believe that any of this could have happened without the Howard Fine technique. Without the guidance, and support that I received from Howard's Australian faculty.”

  • Editorial portrait of Ra Chapman in a rust-brown coat against a grey brick wall, looking over their shoulder in soft daylight.

    Ra Chapman (Wentworth, Neighbours, Offspring)

    "[Howard gives] you the tools to access the extraordinary actor within yourself."

  • Editorial portrait from a 2018 Who magazine interview: Jay Ryan in a dark peacoat standing in a city street with blurred shop signs.

    Jay Ryan (It: Chapter Two, Offspring, Mary Kills People)

    "...if you think you are even close to your full potential already, then this guy will really shock you..."

  • Editorial portrait from 2016: Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor in a blue shirt by the ocean, side profile.

    Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor (Playing for Keeps, Love Child, Puberty Blues)

    “Howard and the Studio give you the tools, the passion and the self-belief to let go and trust your instincts. And that is where the magic happens. And that's where you book the job.”

Testimonials

Masterclass Application Form

Participation in the Masterclass is subject to an application process and selection is based on the strength of each participant’s response to the question ‘What do you hope to achieve by participating in this Masterclass’ & their online acting profile.

Howard Fine’s Masterclasses are extremely popular, and we strive to create a varied and eclectic ensemble for each Masterclass. Please know the selection process is not designed to reflect Howard’s opinion of your progress, talent or ability as an actor.

Two actors seated at a dinner table during a Howard Fine Acting Studio Masterclass scene, reacting during an ensemble performance.
Actor in bright pink costume lying across a bed during a Howard Fine Acting Studio Masterclass performance, capturing a playful theatrical moment.
Actors performing an intimate bedroom scene during a Howard Fine Acting Studio Masterclass in Melbourne, working with detailed set design and practical realism.
Two actors seated in matching striped pyjamas during a Howard Fine Acting Studio Masterclass scene study performance, holding mugs in a naturalistic domestic set
Three actors performing a high-energy ensemble scene during the Howard Fine Acting Studio Masterclass, exploring character relationships and conflict.