nyu program HANDBOOK 2015-16
Atlantic Acting school. the most rigorous courses of film, television and theater training for actors.
nyu program HANDBOOK 2015-16
Atlantic Acting school. the most rigorous courses of film, television and theater training for actors.
WHO WE ARE
We are you!
The Atlantic Theater Company was started in the mid 1980’s by a group of New York University
undergraduates who were empowered by their teachers David Mamet and William H. Macy to create their own
work—instead of waiting for the work to find them. We started producing with summer seasons in Vermont,
then Chicago, then back to New York. Our home has been the Off-Broadway Atlantic Theater in the Chelsea
neighborhood of New York City since 1990.
At every moment of your experience here please remember we have been in your shoes: maybe
being in New York for the first time and certainly when regarding the prospect of a possible career
in show business with both excitement and terror!
What made so much sense to us as students was Mamet and Macy’s practical and inspiring advice. Later
in this packet you will read a bunch of rules. Some of our classroom rules will seem strict. NO RULE IS
ABOUT BEING AT SCHOOL; INSTEAD EACH IS ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES TO PUT ON A VIABLE
THEATRICAL, FILM OR TV PRODUCTION. Every one of them is to help you create HABITS while you
are here that will kick in for you and be there for you when you are under the stress of being asked to deliver as
a professional actor – whether in the audition room, on stage, or in front of the camera.
Atlantic Theater Company has produced well over 100 plays and has garnered 12 Tony Awards®, 15 Lucille
Lortel Awards, 16 Obie Awards, 7 Drama Desk Awards, 6 Outer Critics Circle Awards, 3 Drama League
Awards, 3 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Company members are
active in virtually all areas of show business; acting in theater, film and television; screenwriting, producing
and directing and designing. You are now part of this tradition!
School alumni and/or members of the theater company include Felicity Huffman, Kristen Johnston, Giancarlo
Esposito, Camryn Manheim, Chris Bauer, Jason Ritter, Jessica Alba, Bryan Greenberg, Eddie Cahill, Skeet
Ulrich, Matthew Fox, Heather Burns, Clark Gregg, Elizabeth Olsen and Peter Facinelli.
We strongly feel that the best teachers are working professionals. Atlantic Acting School has grown to a faculty
of over 30 teachers, made up of company members and other artists. The school has provided classes for
thousands of actors from all over the U.S. and the world.
nyu program HANDBOOK 2015-16
Atlantic Acting school. the most rigorous courses of film, television and theater training for actors.
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Mary McCann
Heather Baird
Lorielle Mallue
Allison Karman
Brandi-lea Harris
Alison Beatty
Ian Guzzone
Cecile Oreste
Tyler Easter
Andrew Slater
School Executive Director
Director of Education and Recruitment
Director of Conservatory Training & Academic Affairs
Director of Student Affairs
Director of Admissions
Artistic Director, School Productions
Production Manager, School Productions/Stage 2
School Marketing Manager
Education Associate
School Coordinator
WHAT IS PRACTICAL AESTHETICS?
Practical Aesthetics is an acting technique and a philosophy of the theater. Developed by David Mamet and
originally taught by him and William H. Macy, Practical Aesthetics’ central principle is that human beings
need to tell and hear stories. Therefore each theatrical element must fully serve the story that is being told.
The acting technique encourages acting that is brave, specific, truthful and spontaneous.
When it comes to actor training, we treat will as much more important than talent in telling the story. We
believe that acting is a craft made up of a set of skills that can be learned. As with any craft, some will learn
some of the skills more easily than others, but in the end, will matters most. David Mamet said “the actor
who has the will to turn an ugly voice into a beautiful voice will have the will to play Hamlet; the ‘naturally
talented’ actor will probably not.”
WHAT WE WANT FOR YOU
It is our goal to graduate actors who are highly skilled professionals, inspired to fully tell the stories of their
time with their craft. Specifically this means actors who:
• Know how to analyze a script for simple, playable actions (objectives)
• Have professional-level physical, vocal and speech skills
• Are brave, honest and generous on and off stage
• Know how to work as part of an ensemble
• Are a pleasure for others to work with
• Respect their audience
• Have practical knowledge about the business and how to conduct themselves in it
• Have respect for all parts of the theater/show business
• Are knowledgeable and passionate about the dramatic work that most inspires them, and bring that passion
to their work here and elsewhere
nyu program HANDBOOK 2015-16
Atlantic Acting school. the most rigorous courses of film, television and theater training for actors.
WHAT WE EXPECT OF YOU
In order that we have the best classroom environment, we have the following expectations of you in your class
work:
• To come to class prepared. This means learning lines, preparing and rehearsing for all scenes, wearing the
proper clothes for movement and voice class, coming to scene classes warmed up, and any other preparation
your teachers request
• To take care of yourself and come to class fed and rested so you can pay attention (falling asleep in class will
not be tolerated)
• To stay open minded as you learn what the work is in each class
• To support the work of others in your group, to work as an ensemble
• To help create a focused class (talking while the teacher is talking or while others are working will absolutely
not be tolerated)
• To treat teachers and each other with respect
• To be responsible and to communicate to ALL involved if it seems some circumstance may jeopardize the
work that is to be done. This is expected in the professional world and we expect it of you.
• To come to class ready to have fun and show enthusiasm.
WHAT you can expect
Everyone can expect that they will have both ups and downs; from inspiration to frustration; breakthroughs,
plateaus, exhaustion, exhilaration.
All of your time in studio will be spent in groups – as will all of your life in theater. You will have the
opportunity to learn how to be an effective, functioning member of an artistic group. Every group has the
potential to become a place of support and inspiration for its members. Every group will have its challenges
and every group has the opportunity to learn from those challenges.
In your Second and Third years, you will be expected to bring your habits and skills automatically so that you
can concentrate on creating the best possible advanced class work and productions.
nyu program HANDBOOK 2015-16
Atlantic Acting school. the most rigorous courses of film, television and theater training for actors.
welcome for students
returning students
Welcome back! We are excited to have you as returning students.
As returning students we ask all Second and Third year students to take your place as leaders
within the school. Please set good examples for the incoming first year classes; be welcoming to them
and lend them your experience from your previous year(s).
nyu second year
Second year is about applying the Atlantic Technique to advanced scene work, Shakespeare, and different
styles of comedy and drama in both film and theater. You also have the opportunity to perform here for the first
time, and to work with the technique in rehearsal with your directors, and on stage in front of an audience. You
will also have classes advanced voice and speech, and Suzuki/View Points.
In Second Year you’ll find out what you need to do to bring your best to your work, and learn to take
responsibility for it. You are expected to prepare fully on your own time so you can get the most out of each
class and rehearsal.
In Second Year, we ask that you treat yourselves as professionals, and therefore do not waste any teacher or
director’s time by making them discipline you. You are expected to be completely responsible for your analysis,
lines, being on time and anything else that is asked of you. Please also bring what worked from last year into
your groups and ensembles. If everyone makes this commitment you can have an unforgettably fulfilling year
here, in your classes and productions.
nyu third year
Third Year is about performance, professionalism and creating your own work. You will perform full
productions and have opportunities to learn and grow and challenge yourselves in new ways in all of your
classes.
We are very excited to have such a strong and vital group returning for third year. It is a testament to the work
and the relationships you nurtured in your first and second years, and we are so pleased to have all of you back.
We can’t wait to see what you will accomplish together, and the new levels to which you will grow as artists.
nyu program HANDBOOK 2015-16
Atlantic Acting school. the most rigorous courses of film, television and theater training for actors.
school policies
All school policies are in place to aid you in learning to tell the story, as a professional. They are also there to
provide a positive working environment for you and others studying at the school. The founding members of the
company were taught these policies, and we pass them on to you. They are the reason that our company
has been able to survive and thrive for this long, and why you have a place to come and study.
I. “15 Minute Rule”
In order to instill professional habits, students are encouraged to be in the studio 15 minutes before each
class begins. During this time students should be silently preparing for the class. If you need to speak, do
it in a designated area outside of the room. There is no use of electronic devices (phone, iPods, iPads, etc.)
during this time. The energy should be one of focus on and preparation for the task that is about to begin.
PROFESSIONAL PARALLEL: Arriving early, and being quiet and focused during the 15 minute rule gives you
time to ‘wipe your feet,’ tune in to your focus and your ensemble, and fully concentrate on the work at hand.
Your work will be of MUCH higher quality if you use this time to do these things and support others in doing
so.
II. Attendance
You are allowed 2 absences per class. If you exceed 2 absences in any class, your grade will be lowered in that
class for each additional absence. For example, if you have 3 absences in any class your grade in that class will
be lowered once; if you have 4 absences in any class your grade will be lowered twice, etc. There are no excused
absences beyond these 2 allowed absences. Absences due to illness are not excused.
If you are absent, see your teacher afterwards; you are responsible for any material or assignments missed.
PROFESSIONAL PARALLEL: Theater cannot happen unless everyone is there. When you don’t show up you
let others down. Certain personal circumstances such as illness, etc. can and do happen to everyone; however if
this happens you are responsible for communicating to EVERYONE whom your absence will affect, especially
scene partners. Please inform your scene partners and call the front desk to inform the teacher.
III. Tardiness
Classes start and end on time. If you are tardy, you will receive an absence for that class regardless of whether
or not the teacher allows you to join part way through. If you are late, no matter the reason, do not attempt
to enter the class or plead your case with the teacher. If you must have a discussion about it, talk to the
administration. Meetings with faculty members are not excuses for being late. You are responsible for any
material or assignments missed. PROFESSIONAL PARALLEL: If you are late past a certain margin, your
understudy will go on. It is rude and unprofessional to be late.
IV. Alcohol and substance abuse
Any student suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while at studio will be dismissed from
studio for the remainder of that day. Such dismissal, if during class time, counts as an absence for each missed
class. The student is not allowed to return to studio until having met with the administration of Atlantic
Acting School. More than one such offense may result in dismissal from studio. PROFESSIONAL PARALLEL:
Substance abuse prevents true acting and acting with others. You will be hastily dismissed from productions
for these reasons.
nyu program HANDBOOK 2015-16
Atlantic Acting school. the most rigorous courses of film, television and theater training for actors.
V. Responsibility to others
If you are going to miss class, please call the school 212-691-5919 and specify which classes you will be missing.
You must also contact your scene partners and anyone else who will be affected by your absence. Texting
your scene partner moments before the class begins is not a demonstration of being responsible to others.
PROFESSIONAL PARALLEL: On shows you must call the stage manager so that arrangements can be made
to replace you for the performance.
VI. Responsibility for knowing where you are supposed to be
Atlantic Acting School 212-691-5919
Main facility:
76th Ninth Avenue (Between 15th and 16th Streets), Suite 537
Stage 2:
330 West 16th Street (Between 8th and 9th Avenues)
Chelsea Studios
151 West 26th Street (between 6th and 7th)
Floors 5 & 6
Each student will be issued a photo ID Security Badge for access to the school spaces. You must have this
Security Badge to get into the building. These badges are the property of 111 8th Avenue. All badges must be
returned at the end of your time at Atlantic. If you lose this Security Badge, there is a $60 replacement fee.
Atlantic Theater Company
336 West 20th Street (Between 8th and 9th Avenues)
Please be sure to check the schedule regarding your class location. Most of your classes will be at the school
spaces, but some classes may be rescheduled to happen at the theater or at another nearby studio. We will
adjust the time so you have enough time to get there. The posted schedule will reflect any changes. You are
responsible for checking the board and knowing where your classes will be held. Tardiness due to
location change is not an excuse.
You may always call the hotline to learn which classes are: 646-216-1185.
VII. Using the Space:
The Operations department works closely with the School to make sure the studios and common spaces stay
clean and safe for everyone. The guidelines below are in place to make it easier for everyone to enjoy the space
and present their best work.
a.
Help keep our spaces quiet! There are many students attending class and professional productions
rehearsing during the day. Noise carries very easily in the halls and from the student lounge. Please be aware
that there are often performances in Stage 2 in the evenings and be respectful of the noise in that area as well.
PROFESSIONAL PARALLEL: You may often rehearse shows at spaces that also house other productions; all
shows benefit from cooperation in creating a focused work environment.
b.
Studios must be neat and without trash and personal belongings at the end of classes. Return chairs,
blocks, tables, and set pieces neatly against the walls in the marked areas on the floor. DO NOT MOVE
CHAIRS, BLOCKS OR SET PIECES FROM STUDIO TO STUDIO.
nyu program HANDBOOK 2015-16
Atlantic Acting school. the most rigorous courses of film, television and theater training for actors.
Taking classes in Stage 2 is a privilege. That space needs to be treated with special care as it is often home to
Atlantic productions or outside rentals in the evenings. Please make sure the space is CLEAR of anything and
everything you bring into that space for your classes. The 15 minute rule provides you time to set things up
for class, but also make sure you give yourself enough time to break down and remove all props, blocks, chairs,
tables, and clip lights.
PROFESSIONAL PARALLEL: It is a longstanding theatrical tradition that you treat someone else’s
production-and your own-as sacred. You don’t mess with props; you treat all elements with the utmost care.
c.
Smoking is not permitted in any space.
d. Bathrooms on the 5th floor are accessed by exiting the door to the right of Studio 5. Upon exiting
that door you will follow the hallway to your left, turn right past the freight elevators and take a left. The
bathrooms are on the left down that hallway. Please treat the facilities respectfully. The other offices on our
floor use the same restrooms. Students are NOT permitted to use the bathrooms near the entrance to our space
(by the passenger elevators) as per our lease with 111 8th Avenue.
e. Eating is not permitted in any classroom studio or in the Atlantic Theater. On the 5th floor, you may
eat only in the student lounge or in the hallway directly outside the lounge. You may only take water into
the classroom. In the basement area, eating is only permitted in the outer lobby; no eating is allowed on the
carpeted areas.
f. Bring your own props for scenes. The Atlantic prop loan and furniture will be off limits to students for
classes. The prop storage in the basement is for second and third years only. All students may store props
upstairs in their lockers if they choose to rent one. AT THE END OF EACH DAY, THE CLEANING STAFF
WILL THROW OUT ANY ITEMS JUST SITTING AROUND THE BUILDING (THIS INCLUDES ON TOP OF
AND BESIDE OF THE LOCKERS). IF YOU LEAVE SOMETHING BEHIND, IT WILL BE TOSSED.
g. The Xerox machine and telephones are not for student use.
h. There are a limited number of lockers. You may be able to rent a locker for each semester. The rental
fee is $25/semester. Lockers will be offered first come first serve. At the end of each semester you must clean
out/empty your locker on or before the Friday two weeks after Final Scene Day. Any items left in a locker after
that day will be thrown away or donated to the Salvation Army.
i.
Students must always wear shoes when in the building’s public areas and public hallways. If a student
is seen outside the halls of Atlantic without footwear, that student may be sent home for the day. All classes
missed as a result of being sent home will be counted as absences (see attendance policy above). Students
also may not rehearse or sit in the hallways outside of Atlantic as it is a violation of our lease with
the building. We share the hallway common space with many different businesses who do not want to be
interrupted by people rehearsing or talking in the hallways.
j.
Stage 2 is a state of the art off-Broadway theater that you will have the privilege of using in your time
at Atlantic. It must be treated with respect. Under no circumstances are students allowed to climb up to the
grid without expressed permission from the production manager. Props and set pieces for productions
in Stage 2 cannot be used in scenes for class; additionally you may not move or touch anything from
productions without express permission from school administrators. If you witness any damage to props,
lights, set pieces in Stage 2 please report it to the front desk, no questions asked, so that we are
aware and can make repairs. The back hall behind stage 2 and the ‘Deep Storage’ area are off limits to
students outside of school production work calls. It violates Atlantic Theater Company’s lease with the building
nyu program HANDBOOK 2015-16
Atlantic Acting school. the most rigorous courses of film, television and theater training for actors.
k.
Students may rent studios at a deeply discounted rate. To make a paid reservation, speak to the Front
Desk. (Please be aware that you cannot make a same-day paid reservation.) If you want to be sure that you
have the space to rehearse, pay for a reservation.
Students may also reserve space for free. All available space is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, 15
minutes before the space becomes available. Students may check-in with the Front Desk to see what free space
is available each day. The maximum reservation allowed is 1.5 hours, although the time may be significantly
shorter based on availability. The Front Desk does not establish a waiting order; students are responsible for
managing the waiting order.
Space is a premium at Atlantic. Students found using space without signing it out may lose their privilege to
borrow space for free.
l.
Atlantic maintains a script library for student use. The library is in the main office. You may check out
2 books for 1 week at a time. After you’ve made your selection, be sure to check out the book at the Front Desk.
When finished with a book, check in the book at the front desk and then deposit the book in the box across from
the library. If you need to renew a book for another week, be sure to bring your books back to the Front Desk
before your due date. Habitually returning books after their due date will result in a loss of library privileges.
m.
The Front Desk is here to help you. Please remember that they are the main receptionists for the staff,
faculty, audience members, and you. Be patient if they are on the phone or helping others.
VIII. Keeping informed
Please check all bulletin boards daily for schedule changes, upcoming events, guest classes and productions. In
addition, NYU students should check the bulletin boards on the third floor of NYU weekly. PROFESSIONAL
PARALLEL: Theater is about communication, and depends on communication for a show to happen. Be a pro:
know what info you are responsible for knowing.
GRADING AND EVALUATIONS
Teachers will make clear what you are being graded on in each class. If anything is unclear to you about
grading in a class, ask your teacher. Teachers will also complete written evaluations for each student at the
end of each semester. A final, averaged cumulative grade will be given to you after each semester with your
evaluations.
ADVISORS
Each student will be assigned a faculty Advisor. You will meet with this Advisor after the faculty meeting that
happens mid-semester. The Advisor will go over notes and comments about your work made by other faculty
members at the meeting. This is not an appointment to dread; all faculty members fully support you in your
work. You are free to contact your advisor at other times during the semester and request a meeting if you so
wish. Please note that it is not your advisor’s responsibility to track you down to schedule your appointment.
Each advisor will stipulate how to make the appointment with them. You must be available on the advisement
day to meet with your advisor.
nyu program HANDBOOK 2015-16
Atlantic Acting school. the most rigorous courses of film, television and theater training for actors.
BUDDIES
All first year students will be assigned a Buddy from the Second year, at a meeting a couple of weeks into the
semester. Your Buddy may want to ask you questions about first year curriculum, or ask for advice. Many of
the first year students are new to New York City and may have questions about life in the big city. We ask
that each of you be available for your buddy and help them transition into life in New York City and Atlantic.
PERSONAL ISSUES
The following issues are a reality at any educational institution and are issues that have had come up with our
students from time to time: Substance abuse, eating disorders, emotional difficulties, family issues, chronic or
serious illnesses.
Each can affect the quality of your and/or others’ experience in studio. If any are or become a problem for you,
you are free to speak confidentially to the administration to receive an appropriate referral for assistance. If
you prefer to speak first to a faculty member you may do so but please know that faculty members are legally
obligated to inform administration.
GUEST CLASSES
Guest classes are on Friday afternoons, though not everyone is called each week. Each is an irreplaceable
experience that can inspire you greatly as an actor. The guest class time may also be used for all-school
meetings and presentations.
FINAL SCENE DAY
At the end of first and second semester, all first year students, NYU and Conservatory, will present scenes to
the entire studio and faculty at the Atlantic Theater. Final Scene Day is a celebration of the work of the first
year. It is a full studio day, all second year and fifth semester students are expected to attend.
seeing theatre
SEE STUDENT PRODUCTIONS!
You are expected to attend the student productions as part of your training at Atlantic. Admission is free for
Atlantic students. If you choose not to attend, we don’t know why you’re here!
SEE NEW YORK THEATER!
You can take advantage of being in New York City by seeing as much theater as your schedule allows. In the
student lounge is a board on which complimentary or reduced-rate tickets are posted for various shows we hear
about. Make a habit of checking it; great stuff comes in. The board also lists some Atlantic or Atlantic-related
actors and companies and what they’re up to.
* * * * * *
You are in an exciting place in the theater.
Help be part of what makes Atlantic a vital place in the theater by bringing your best.
nyu program HANDBOOK 2015-16
Atlantic Acting school. the most rigorous courses of film, television and theater training for actors.
EXCERPT FROM ATLANTIC THEATER COMPANY’S ORIGINAL constitution
VI. The Atlantic Theater Company will utilize a commonly held set of principles known as Practical Aesthetics.
These principles may be broken down into COMPORTMENT and TECHNIQUE.
A.
Principles of COMPORTMENT:
1.
Be on time.
2.
Do your job and only your job
3.
Be neat.
4.
Be courteous and respectful.
5.
Do what you say you will do.
6.
Work on those things that are within your control; do not concern yourself with those things that are not within your control.
7.
Work on your weaknesses until they become your strengths.
8.
Define when you are at work and when you are at leisure; wipe your feet at the door.
9.
Abide in moments of stress by what is decided in moments of leisure.
B.
Principles of TECHNIQUE:
1.
Make the difficult easy, the easy habitual, the habitual beautiful.
2.
Throw yourself into it; be brave.
3.
All aspects of the production must be subjugated to the idea of the play.
4.
Play well or play badly, but play truthfully.
5.
Analyze each scene fully and correctly in line with the playwright’s intention.
6.
Think before you act, so that on stage you can act before you think.
7.
Develop and maintain a strong, supple body and voice in order to carry out the analysis chosen.
8.
Develop the ability to act fully in the moment.
9.
Work off the other person.