SPRING SCENE STUDY CLASS

This month-long  scene study class is an in-depth and playful exploration into the art and craft of acting. The course offers a space where actors can stretch, take risks, and rediscover their love for the work. It is rooted in curiosity, generosity, and a deep respect for each actor's individual artistry. The focus of the class is on identifying and personalizing a character’s driving need and connecting the actor — voice, body, mind, and spirit — to its active pursuit.

"Brian's class creates a rare and spectacular opportunity to work with high caliber professional performers in a low stakes environment. Brian cultivates a place for experimentation and growth. His focus on the work allows you to wander into new discoveries about yourself and the character. I couldn't recommend his scene study course enough, especially for professionals looking for a safe place to play and grow.” — Doug Harris

May 6th — June 5th

TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS

10:00 am — 1:30 pm

NYC

Class fee: $900

Admission by invitation/audition only. Class limited to 12 students. 

Scholarship opportunities available for applicants who identify as members of the BIPOC community.


Application deadline: April 21st

APPLICATION

Brian McManamon is an actor, acting instructor, director, and acting coach based in New York City.

He currently teaches acting at The Juilliard School Extension Division, Syracuse University’s Tepper Semester, and the National Theater Institute (NTI) at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. He has also taught and/or directed at The Juilliard School, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Columbia University’s MFA program, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, NYSF/Public Theater, Manhattanville College, Vassar College’s Powerhouse Apprentice Training Program, CAP21, and Yale University’s Dwight-Edgewood Project. From 2015 to 2018, Brian served as Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Academy at Stratford.

Brian has trained with some of the most respected acting teachers in the U.S. and abroad, including Ron Van Lieu, Evan Yionoulis, Mark Wing-Davey, Austin Pendleton, Andrew Wade, and the late John Barton.

He holds an MFA in Acting from the Yale School of Drama and a BFA in Acting from Boston University’s School of Theatre. Brian is a proud member of The Actors Center Workshop Company and the National Alliance of Acting Teachers.

As an acting coach, Brian works with both emerging and established actors in film, television, and theater. He specializes in preparing actors for graduate school auditions, with his clients consistently gaining acceptance into the top MFA acting programs in the country.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

"Taking class with Brian has completely revolutionized my approach to performance, my mindset as an actor, and my commitment to the craft. On the first day of class I knew he was something special. With him, I learned tips and tricks for getting out my own way, the endless possibilities I have at my disposal, and various exercises to bring more of myself to the work. He radiates bravery and professionalism, trust and compassion from every pore on his body. I couldn't have asked for a better experience learning.” — Mel Golliday

"With a gentle guidance, Brian helps you to become a better actor and more importantly, a more intentional and better human being. Brian’s class is safe space for any actor, looking to play, to learn, to be in community, and to work on this strange and beautiful art form." — Samuel H. Levine

"Brian McManamon is the best acting instructor I’ve ever had. His approach to the work is very genuine. His thoughtful approach to teaching definitely helped me become a better actor. Brian, I can’t thank you enough." — Newton Mayenge

"This class has given me more freedom to be bold, to embrace the unknown, and to have fun doing it. Brian creates environments that challenge actors in the most loving and supportive way. I'm now more comfortable expressing my characters' deep needs, trusting my body, and playing with my scene partner. Finally, the likeminded artists I've met in Brian's class have wowed me with their talent, heart, and generosity. I can't recommend this class enough." — Rebecca Gever

“Brian is an incredibly gifted and highly intuitive teacher. He has a way of saying things so that they click immediately and I can put them right into my work. But he's not heavy handed. He simply empowered me to bravely experiment and to trust my own choices. I've booked every audition I've gone on since I started working with Brian and I think it's because he really trained me to find the answers myself. The other benefit of working with Brian is that he has a gentle but probing way of and unlocking what you need to do to present your best work. Much of our work together was about stripping away: my fears, my excuses, my over-thinking. With his help, I was able to unlock all the fun, playful impulses that were already there but needed to be set free. He's generous, present, kind and patient and will get you results! I highly recommend him.” — Medina Senghore

“Taking this class is genuinely incomparable to any other acting class. You will leave not only trusting Brian as a mentor but trusting yourself as an actor even more. Brian exceeds expectations of how to make a space that feels safe, engaging, and filled with a deep sense of exploration. It would behoove any actor to work him.” — Jared Kemp

“I simply cannot speak highly enough about Brian as a teacher and a coach. He's done so much for me as an actor and a person. My favorite thing about Brian’s work is his deep interest in connecting you to your character. He is always interested in what YOU have to bring to your work. Working with him is such a fun process, and he allows you to bring so much joy and play into your work. Having Brian as a teacher and coach is, without a doubt, the best thing I've done for myself as an actor.” — Yonatan Gebeyehu

"Brian’s teaching comes from a place of deep love and care for the craft that he extends towards each of his students. He leads from a place of true curiosity, free from judgment, and invited us to do the same. I learned to lean into wonder, to be curious about my scene partners and fellow classmates as they worked, and to avoid doing everything the “right way”. This class and what I’ve gained — in my art, in my confidence, in my sense of community — cannot be captured in a few sentences but I do know the lessons I’ve learned with Brian will continue to grow and change as I do." — Sophie Hoyt

"It's rare that you can consistently leave a class feeling passionate and fulfilled with the work that you're doing. Yet, with Brian's class I managed to do this week after week. Brian encouraged me to open up, let go, and embrace acting all while learning so much about myself as a person. He has the ability to transform the work by bringing you in touch with yourself. Brian is the sort of special person who manages to always remind you of why you fell in love with acting in the first place. There is no doubt that you will leave his training feeling centered and strong with an amazing sense of self love.” — JeVon Blackwell

“Brian provides an exceptionally safe space, which allows room for tremendous freedom to take risks and make bold choices; he is constantly offering pearls of wisdom while also meeting you where you are at and honoring your specific needs. This class was also so much fun! Every one of us looked forward to the work and being with each other; it provided some much needed community and a fantastically joyful environment. Run to take this class!” — Sarah Joyce

ADDITIONAL TESTIMONIALS