Serge Seiden
Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory
20 years of teaching experience
"...Before I started classes I was unsure that I was fit to act, but you gave me the push that I needed. You were the perfect teacher for me, tough love and high expectations." -E.S. 2014
The Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory curriculum offers professional training for actors of all levels. The core work has roots in early Stanislavski realism: stimulus/response technique, subtext, given circumstances, objectives, transitions, interplay and character. The classes are progressive; after mastering a strong realistic base, students take on the physical, vocal, and emotional challenges of Shakespeare, Greek, Comedy, Shaw, Pinter, etc. This advanced work in style develops the actor's instrument and expands range. The Conservatory's approach is effective for beginners and invaluable for more experienced performers. Each semester begins with work on a series of well-honed exercises and culminates in a presentation of final scenes. The Conservatory faculty attends all core final scene presentations. Most final scenes are also open to the public and fellow Conservatory students. Students receive feedback throughout the semester and a recommendation about future study at the end of each semester.
Testimonials
I especially felt like I wanted to give as much as I could to make you proud during final scenes. Yes, I know it's really about MY development as an actor and OUR progress as a class, and that YOU do this because you love it...but you pour so much into your students. I wanted to give it back to you...Thank you for the notes. For not allowing me to retreat into silliness when I felt unsure or self conscious. For pushing me to focus. For calling me out on my bad habits. Thank you for understanding.
D.T. -2015
See L.M.'s lovely blog post:
http://lifeintheact.blogspot.com/2014/07/confessions-of-crazy-summer.html?m=1
Serge,
I want to thank you for the Shakespeare experience. You are very passionate about his plays, work and definitely committed to respecting the process and the student's full enjoyment.
My journey at The Studio Conservatory has been quite a ride. I can truly say that throughout all the classes and great teachers, the memories and skills acquired have served me in many aspects of my personal and professional life.
Gracias,
R.V. - 2014
Serge,
Just want to thank you again for your audition advice on the phone last week . . . . . . . and for your excellent teaching in Character and Emotion and Auditioning.
Best,
P.B. -2014
Serge,
I must say how much I enjoyed being back at Studio. Seeing the hard work of the students and teachers paying off was rewarding...So thank you (and so many other instructors – Carol, Joy, Kate, Denise, Nancy) for your instruction that has enriched my ability to perform. To be given a quality set of abilities and tools to approach, interpret and perform text, I thank you all! The fulfillment achieved from this art form...it’s so rewarding, I am so grateful to be a part of this craft. It is oh so splendid to be taught and directed by you all at Studio. That final scene was great!!
Until the next time…
J.W. -2014
Hello Serge,
I learnt so much this weekend and I know it was just a taster of the great classes you have to offer. The main reason I decided to take the workshop, was an email I received from a dialect coach who used to work in DC, I asked her for recommendations on acting classes as I was relocating to DC. This is what she said
My friends have come through! Be aware that these are all solidly experienced professionals, with whose work I am familiar. One is the Artistic Director of one of the most important theatre companies in the country. The others are all Voice and Speech professionals of the highest caliber, most of whom have experience in other aspects of the theatre as well.
The most highly endorsed program, by all my friends who are in or have worked in the area, is:
Studio Theatre
http://www.studiotheatre.org/education/.
Serge Seiden was mentioned in particular as a wonderful teacher, but as a beginning student, you should take whatever courses are recommended to you.
I have to write and thank her for such good advice!
Thanks again for a great workshop
Regards,
C.S. -2013
Hi from Miami!
You may have heard that I've moved our of the DC area...
I miss Studio theater, the people I got to know there, and the opportunity to act. I'm thinking of starting my own theater company...
Thank you so much for what you have shared with me as a teacher. I think having you as a teacher from the beginning of my time at Studio made a huge difference in how I approached acting. I very much appreciated your honesty and dedication.
Hope you're doing well.
Hugs,
G.R. -2013
Hey Serge,
Thanks again for all of your guidance during this course. It has been awesome.
A.W. -2013
Serge,
I want to thank you for a wonderful semester … I thoroughly enjoyed your class and learned a great deal -- both as an instructor and a student. We have similar teaching styles and essentially, we have the same learning objectives. We use different words for the same concepts/techniques, but ultimately, we are on the same page.
Thanks too for the opportunity to understudy for Motherfucker with the Hat. (This whole acting thing has put me miles from my comfort zone -- as in, I need a plane to get me back to it.)
See you soon.
C.M. -2013