CLOSED FOR SPRING
Summer programming coming soon.
The Scene Study Lab: One Screenplay, Six Weeks
One screenplay. Six weeks. Real rehearsal. Real growth.
This lab concludes with a public performance of scenes!
Who This Is For
Actors who:
▪️ have training in Stanislavski-based technique
▪️ or have completed AZAA’s Acting Essentials course
▪️ are seeking growth without a long-term class commitment
▪️ want to add a focused lab alongside their ongoing training
6- Week Intensive Labs
The Scene Study Lab
Led by Maren Maclean
March 22 – April 26
Sundays + One Saturday | 1:00–4:00 PM
Public Scene Performance: Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 PM
Standard Tuition: $400
(for currently enrolled *ongoing students)
Because this lab builds week to week, consistent attendance is strongly encouraged.
*”AZAA add on discount” applies only to students actively enrolled in modular or ongoing enrollment. The discount above does not combine with another short-term intensive.
FULL CLASS OVERVIEW
The Scene Study Lab is a six-week, deep-dive acting intensive focused on one screenplay and a professional rehearsal process. At the end of these six weeks we will have a public performance! You’ll also have scenes ready to shoot for your reel.
Rather than sampling disconnected scenes, actors commit to a single text and build their work over time — developing character, relationship, and behavior through repetition, direction, and refinement.
This lab is designed both as:
a natural next step for students completing Acting Foundations and Acting Essentials, and
a specialty add-on for continuing actors who want focused scene work without an ongoing Technique commitment.
What Makes This Lab Different
This lab follows a true rehearsal arc, allowing actors to:
break down a screenplay as working actors do
explore playable objectives, tactics, and obstacles
strengthen listening and impulse under complex dialogue
rehearse scenes week to week with intention
receive detailed, individualized direction
integrate notes and adjustments into repeat performances
prepare scenes for public presentation
By the final week, actors aren’t “trying things,” they are inhabiting the work.
The Scene Study Lab at Arizona Actors Academy
In this specialty lab at Arizona Actors Academy, local director, coach and teaching artist Maren Maclean Mascarelli leads actors through a focused, rehearsal-based deep dive into professional scene work. Rooted in Stanislavski-based technique and informed by her work in classical theatre, new works, and education, Maren guides actors through the disciplined process working artists rely on.
Over six weeks, students commit to one contemporary screenplay; developing character, relationship, and behavior through repetition, direction, and refinement. Emphasizing deep listening, clear objectives, and truthful action, Maren helps performers move beyond experimentation into fully inhabiting the work.
The lab culminates in a public performance, offering actors both a polished presentation and scenes ready for reel development.
The Sene Study Lab: FAQ
Who is this class for?
The Scene Study Lab is recommended for actors who have completed Acting Foundations and Acting Essentials at AZAA, or who have previous acting training and experience rooted in Stanislavski-based technique.
This lab is ideal for students looking to deepen their scene work without committing to an ongoing Acting Technique class, as well as continuing actors seeking a focused specialty add-on.
Is this class appropriate for beginners?
This is not a beginner-level class.
Actors should have some prior training and comfort with basic acting principles such as objectives, listening, and truthful behavior.
If you’re unsure whether this lab is the right fit, we’re happy to help guide you.
What makes this different from other scene study classes?
Most scene study classes rotate through multiple scenes or texts.
In this lab, actors work from one screenplay over six weeks, allowing for:
- deeper character development
- repeated rehearsal and refinement
- incorporation of direction and adjustments
- a more professional, rehearsal-based process
The focus is on building the work, not sampling it.
What kind of material will we be working on?
Students will work from a contemporary, dialogue-driven film screenplay selected for its high stakes, complex relationships, and demands on listening and precision.
The material supports advanced scene study focused on behavior, objectives, power dynamics, and moment-to-moment responsiveness.
Will I be assigned a scene partner?
Yes.
Actors will be paired with scene partners and will work on assigned scenes throughout the lab. Because the work builds week to week, consistency and collaboration are key components of the process.
Is there a performance at the end?
Yes.
The lab concludes with a public performance of scenes at Arizona Actors Academy on Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 PM.
Friends, family, and members of the AZAA community are welcome to attend.
Do I need to attend every session?
Because this lab follows a continuous rehearsal arc, consistent attendance is strongly encouraged. Each week builds on the previous one, and absences can impact both your work and your scene partner’s progress.
What is the time commitment outside of class?
Actors should expect to:
- rehearse with scene partners outside of class is recommended but not required
- review notes and adjustments
- come prepared to work each session
This is a focused, professional-style lab and works best when students treat it as such.
What is the cost of the class?
- Standard Tuition: $400
- AZAA Add-On Discount: $250 for currently enrolled students
Tuition covers the full six-week lab and the public performance.
Can I take this class while enrolled in another AZAA class?
Absolutely.
This lab was intentionally designed to work as a specialty add-on for continuing students who want concentrated scene study alongside their regular training.
Will this lab replace Acting Technique?
No.
The Scene Study Lab is a finite, focused experience, while Acting Technique is an ongoing, cumulative training program.
This lab is best understood as:
- a bridge between Essentials and Technique, or
- a specialty offering for actors who want deep scene work without a long-term commitment.
What if I’m not sure this is the right next step for me?
We’re happy to help.
If you’re unsure whether this lab is the right fit for your experience level or goals, please reach out and we’ll guide you toward the best option.