PRACTICAL AESTHETICS ACTING TECHNIQUE

learn TO MAKE RAZOR-SHARP SCRIPT ANALYSIS CHOICES AND ACT THEM FULLY IN THE MOMENT

ABOUT PRACTICAL AESTHETICS
Practical Aesthetics is the acting technique and theater philosophy we teach at the Atlantic Acting School in New York City. Its principles formed the foundation of our company which has just passed its 40th anniversary. The technique demystifies the process of acting with a clear series of analysis steps that can be applied to any scene. The hallmark of PA is that we identify the one most essential objective/action for a character in a scene. We then "put all our money" on that one choice, which makes for thrilling, unexpected, and truthful moments with our partners. Practical Aesthetics is not a style; it can be applied to any theatrical genre. Telling the story truthfully in the moment, with our whole selves, is the goal. 

WHAT WE DO IN CLASS
Using PA’s 4-step script analysis process, actors will learn to analyze scenes of increasing length and difficulty, and will work on them in and out of class. A large part of the study is learning to deeply listen to a play/scene for the writer’s intentions. We will work with a variety of plays of different styles and genres.

The answer to the analysis IS in the script
The answer to the moment is in the other person

Once a scene has been analyzed, the focus shifts to acting the choices fully with another actor. When the choices are sharp and actors are truly connecting with each other, the acting becomes free, uncluttered, risky, and spontaneous WHILE honoring the writing and truthfully telling the story of that scene and play.

This class coincides with a book I am writing about Practical Aesthetics; I find it immensely helpful to be actively teaching the subject matter I’m writing about. We will start at square one learning the technique.

There is the possibility that one or more of the groups will continue after May in a weekly format through the summer.

Prerequisites | Full participants do not need to have studied Practical Aesthetics before, but should have some previous scene study experience. Auditors should have interest in the subject matter.

KAREN KOHLHAAS is a founding ensemble member of the Atlantic Theater Company and a senior teacher at the Atlantic Acting School where she developed the first and second year Script Analysis curricula for Atlantic’s Conservatory and NYU programs. She has been a master teacher of Practical Aesthetics for over 30 years. She teaches her own online classes in monologues, cold reading, scene study, and directing, and is the author of three books on monologues and auditioning.