CLASSES

Ongoing Scene Study Class

"Every kiss you've ever received, every argument you've lost, every obstacle you've overcome, every funeral you've attended, every Christmas you've survived, every piece of music you've heard, every letter you've written, every job you've held, every human being you've loved: these are the forces of life that make you who you are. And who you are is what determines the kind of actor you'll be."

Michael Kearns, Acting = Life

In a safe, fun, and non-judgmental atmosphere, Kearns teaches an all-level Scene Study class on Sunday nights, 6:30-9:00 p.m. in Silverlake. His methodology, stressing personal investment, is detailed in his best-selling book, Acting = Life (www.heinemann.com). Acting class virgins are welcome.

Free audits by reservation only.
323.856.6168
or
mkla@aol.com

Solo Performance Coaching

"It has been said that we enter this world and exit this world alone. And many of us spend much of our lives alone on a stage, attempting to make sense of what happens to us in between that entrance and exit, between birth and death."

Michael Kearns, Getting Your Solo Act Together

Kearns is presently accepting private students for Solo Performance coaching. His book, Getting Your Solo Act Together (www.heinemann.com) is the result of his extensive experience as a solo performer and director of one-person shows. Among the performance pieces he has brought from the page to the stage are Precious Chong's The Porcelain Penelope Show, Syd Rushing's Brothers Talkin', Seth Cutler's Beyond The Song, Melanie DuPuy's Heroine and Eugene Paulish's But Stevie Nicks Understands.

Call for a preliminary interview.
323.856.6168
or
mkla@aol.com

WHAT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT MICHAEL’S CLASSES

BILL CHRISLEY

I was a stage manager for a play that Michael appeared in a couple of years ago. I could not believe the energy coming from this actor: intense, believable and dangerous. I’ve been in love with acting ever since I can remember but felt like I was too old, not talented, not good looking enough, too scared. But witnessing Michael’s performances inspired me so I asked him about his acting class. Over the last two years, Michael has forced me to take myself seriously. He gave me the confidence to do things, and go places I never thought possible. With his encouragement, I took chances. I reached deeper into myself and found things I didn’t know existed. He really believed in me when I did not believe in myself. Michael’s class is one of the most positive, fulfilling things I’ve ever done. Everyone in the class is very supportive of one another; there are no divas or stars. Everyone is treated equally.

ZO HARRIS

I am a psychologist with artistic leanings. Initially, I began Michael’s acting class as a lapsed writer, wanting to re-engage with my creative self, and to hopefully, hone my writing skills. I never dreamed that I would fall in love with acting. Michael’s passion for the art and his unique approach to teaching proved irresistible, however, and I soon developed a sincere appreciation for acting in its own right. While it would be disingenuous to say that his class is easy (it isn’t), Michael is adept at creating a supportive atmosphere. His expectations are high, and his students inevitably rise to meet them. His classes embody his philosophy, Acting = Life. Michael challenges and pushes each student to engage body, spirit, and soul in each and every performance. Taking his classes, have for me, proven to be a life-changing event. I have learned to act on the stage and live my life, with greater freedom, increased commitment and a purity of heart I could not have imagined.

REX LEE

I began studying with Michael more than a decade ago when I switched careers from music to acting. I was lucky to encounter someone who not only knows the craft inside and out but is also able to zero in on each student’s intrinsic gifts. Little did I ever realize that I would, through perseverance and always with Michael’s wholehearted encouragement, do television guest spots, independent movies and a slew of commercials. While Michael ostensibly would say that he doesn’t teach the business of acting, he concentrates on the things that the business requires: patience, persistence, and hard work. His methodology demands that actors dig deep and combat their internal demons. If I had not worked at the craft as thoroughly as I did in Michael’s classes, I wouldn’t have a legitimate career. It’s the reason why I can’t stay away. After studying consistently for five years, I make it a point to do a session whenever I feel the need to reconnect with who I am and the basics of good acting.

©2004 Michael Kearns

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