ONGOING TRAINING

All our classes are ages 18 and older.

Featured Programs

Best of Our Valley 2024
Best of Our Valley 2024

Beginners & New Actors

Acting Foundations

Acting Foundations

In-Person Class

Meeting Wednesdays

6:00pm – 8:00pm or 8:30 depending on size

$225 per month | $450 Full Program

Instructor: Rachel Grimes

Limited spots – Register for Availability

Open enrollment for beginning actors and you can begin anytime. This ongoing class learning the fundamentals is a high energy, fun class that introduces the new actor to the craft through group exercises, games, simple scenes and basic monologue work. In our intro class, you’ll build a basic skill set in acting technique while discovering the creative voice that called you to acting in the first place. Every student new to acting can begin with this class and enrollment does not require an audit. We encourage growth in our program and students can move into Acting Technique upon approval from the instructor. The estimated dedicated time to complete Acting Foundations is eight weeks. Register to try a class audit or begin anytime.

Online Virtual Actors

Acting for Adults

Zoom Acting Technique

Online Class Via Zoom

Meeting 

Thursdays

Oct. 26, Nov. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 30th and Dec. 7th.

$325 for 6-Weeks

Instructor: Maren Maclean Mascarelli

Time: 6:30-8:30pm* PST

Duration depends on class size.
This class is individually focused and appropriate for all levels.
Led by Maren Mascarelli, this six week class meets over Zoom to give actors anywhere access to our unique, inclusive, inspiring approach. Designed for Zoom to be as dynamic, challenging and fun as any of our in person classes. You will progress through solo pieces from stage and film/tv over the six weeks. This weekly class will quickly become your haven for creative self expression while learning solid real world technique to jump start your career!
This zoom option will be offered whenever there is interest and the class is available now! Contact us with any questions.

Ongoing Actor Training

Acting for Adults

Acting Technique

In-Person Class

Meeting 

Sundays 1:00pm – 4:00pm*

Thursdays 6:30-10:30pm*

$240 per month

Students are invited into Acting Technique from our Foundations class. Experienced actors can start in this class after auditing our Foundations or Thursday night Technique class and receiving a recommendation for approval.
In this ongoing class, the actor moves beyond the basics. Acting Technique deep dives into the Stanslavski System and American acting approach through individual monologue and scene work. Actors will learn all the skills they need to excel in auditions and projects in film or on stage. Students can continue growth in this class to find their artistic voice and exercise discipline. Outside rehearsal is required for this class.
 
Students at this Level are welcome to join Meisner and keep this class for $175 with our added program discount.
It is highly recommended that students by this level add Improv For Actors and Shakespeare Intensives. 
  • Thursdays – 6:30pm-10:30pm*

  • Instructor: Rachel Grimes

  • *End time is dependent on class size.

Shakespeare Intensives

Acting for Adults

Meisner

In-Person Class

Meeting Mondays

Opens Quarterly

$250 per month

Instructor: Isaac Byrne

Class requires a 3 month commitment. Isaac teleconferences into our Arizona Classroom from New York.

The Meisner technique begins with step by step exercises designed to hone the actor’s ability to listen, respond, and to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances. It’s often the “magic pill” that helps unlock actors in their ability to improvise truthfully, craft deeply meaningful objectives for themselves as actors, and to develop their active listening skills. The Meisner technique is highly valued for its active—“doing” approach to learning the foundations of acting, and it’s simple but highly effective psychological approach to acting. Based on the Stanislavsky system, Meisner technique is especially renowned for its effectiveness with emotional preparation and “unblocking” actors. Learning this technique is like core strength for actors; it makes you an all around stronger, faster, and more flexible “athlete of the heart!”
Students can audit this class the first two weeks of open enrollment.

Meisner Dynamics

Mondays 6:00pm – 7:45pm MST | $250

This section is on-going and welcomes new actors as well as those with some past Meisner training. You will move through the progressive modes of Meisner training, building skill upon skill, while opening up artistically. This section opens enrollment every three months with a limited number of spots.

The Meisner system is sequential and our program is broken into modules.

Enrollment for Module One, welcoming new students, opens quarterly.

2024 open enrollment:

Students can pursue virtual enrollment in this class & join from anywhere.

Isaac visits regularly to work with AZAA students.

Advanced Meisner Dynamics

Mondays 8:00pm – 10:00pm MST | $250

Using the guiding principles of the Meisner Technique, this class dives into deeper challenges for the advanced actor: Relationships, Criminal Action Problems, Physical and Vocal Impediment work, Death scenes, and Characterization. This demanding yet inspiring work will develop a technical foundation that will give them a compass to navigate the most complicated roles and challenges facing actors.  Invitation only.

Ongoing Improvisation Classes

Acting for Adults

Improv Mechanics

In-Person Class

Meeting Tuesdays

6:00pm-7:30pm

$225 per month | $200 Special if you enroll now

$150* with added program discount 

*Special $100.00 Retro Pricing for April

Instructor: Liz Hutchman

2024 open enrollment:

April 2nd | SPRING

Enrollment open until April 23rd!

Unleash Your Inner All-Star

Ever feel like your creativity is stuck in second gear? Improv Mechanics is for anyone who wants to shift into high gear and unleash their ability to create brilliant moments in any situation – on stage, on camera, at the podium, or even just navigating life’s unexpected detours.

Think of this class as your personal improv garage. Here, you’ll learn the essential tools and techniques – the pistons, spark plugs, and carburetors of improv – that power dynamic performances. We’ll diagnose your improv engine, identify areas for improvement, and fine-tune your skills for maximum impact.

This ongoing modular course gets you ready to hit the improv racetrack with confidence, leaving audiences (or colleagues!) in the dust. Fuel your creativity, maximize your presence, and dominate the race to improv mastery! Open enrollment is quarterly for all experience levels.

Class requires a three month commitment, new students are welcome to audit the first two weeks of open enrollment.

High Performance Improv

High Performance Improv

In-Person Class

Meeting Tuesdays

8:00pm-9:30pm*

$240 per month

$175* with added program discount 

*Special $125.00 Retro Pricing for April

Instructor: Jacque Arend

2024 open enrollment:

April 9th| SPRING ~ DUOPROV

Join through April 30th

From Tuner to Turbocharger

Congratulations! You’ve put in the time, 9 months in the Improv Garage or its equivalent and conquered the improv racetrack. You’re leaving the competition behind. But what’s next? High Performance Improv is your turbocharger, taking your skills from winning to dominating.

This advanced class goes beyond the basics, focusing on synthesizing your knowledge. Just like high-performance engines, we’ll compound simple ideas into complex systems, layering advanced concepts onto your existing skill set.

This four-month module program includes a live show and dives deep into various high-performance “systems” of improvisation, including:

  • Summer features Longform Performance: Master the art of multi-scene storytelling, building intricate narratives on the fly.
  • Fall rotates Sketch, Genre and Short Form Performance: Hone your comedic timing and razor-sharp wit to create side-splitting scenes.
  • Winter/Spring Features Improvised Drama: Elevate your emotional connection and create deeply affecting scenes.

High Performance Improv is where your improv journey truly takes off. Be prepared to push your limits, explore uncharted territories, and become an improv powerhouse. Are you ready to leave the competition in the dust and dominate the stage? Buckle up and prepare for the ride of your life!

Class is a four month commitment, new students are welcome to audit the first two weeks of every open enrollment. 

APRIL – JULY FEATURE:

DUOPROV – two person longform technique. Learn how to work as a pair to create a dynamic show that fits your strengths and style of play.

Other Offerings