The Malibu Playhouse Performing Arts Conservatory guides students on every level of storytelling technique; including basic and advanced acting, improvisation, scene study, and musical theater performance. At the end of a number of the courses, students will perform in an audience-invited showcase and be given the opportunity to audition for the Artistic Director of the Playhouse.

Master Classes (one-time intensive workshops) will be offered covering a range of specific areas of the the actor’s craft such as Suzuki Method, Spolin Exercises, Alexander Technique, Clowning, Mask Work, Stage Combat, Directing, Playwriting, Shakespeare, among many others. Click here for more information.

One-on-one private coaching with a teacher of your choice is also available, covering any topic of your choosing including audition preparation, television and commercial work, and voice-over.

All classes take place at our newly renovated theatre.

Students receive a certificate of completion upon finishing a class.

All classes are paid in full on the day of the first class.


Level I Acting: Foundations

Taught by Rick D. Wasserman.

Meets Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 20, 27, November 3, 17. (Eight classes or 24 hours of instruction.) There are 12 students (maximum) in each class.

Topics include:

  • Anatomy of the theater
  • Developing a warm-up
  • Exploring vocal techniques
  • Improvisation
  • Understanding the fundamentals of story-telling
  • Content-less scene work
  • Scoring a script

COST: $280

Level II Acting: Advanced Techniques

Taught by Matthew Orduña and Michael Evans Lopez.

Meets Sundays, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.: September 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27. There are 12 students (maximum) in each class.


Topics include:

  • Creating a character: physical, vocal, emotional
  • Analyzing a script
  • Exploring various performance styles (for example, naturalism, period piece, etc.)
  • An introduction to various acting techniques, such as Viewpoints and Suzuki
  • Examining a playwright
  • Honing an audition monologue

This class culminates with a public performance of a scene and monologue.

COST: $280

Photography: Brian McCarthy/McCarthy Photo Studio


Musical Theatre Performance Class

Taught by Julia Holland.

Meets Wednesdays, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.: September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Each three-hour class meets once a week for eight weeks (eight classes or 24 hours of instruction.) There are 12 students (maximum) in each class.

Topics include:

  • Anatomy of vocal production
  • Performance technique
  • Telling a story
  • Selling a song
  • Making a song your own

This class culminates in a public showcase.

COST: $280, plus $25 for piano accompanist

Improv

Taught by Kiff VandenHeuvel.

Meets Tuesdays, 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. beginning September 10th.

An ongoing class exploring the actor’s craft through improvisation. 90 minutes. There are 12 students (maximum) in each class. A group workout or “boot camp” for performing and reacting in the moment.

Topics include:

  • Exploring and heightening a character
  • Environment and object/space work
  • Building confidence and experience
  • Building relationships and connection in scenes
  • “Finding your funny”, POV, and serious improv
  • Bringing improv choices to scripted text analysis

COST: $25 per class; package of 10 classes for $225

Scene Study

Taught by Rick D. Wasserman. An ongoing practical performance class focusing on scene work and monologues.

Meets Thursdays, 8 p.m.-10 p.m., beginning September 12th. 120 minutes. There are 12 students (maximum) in each class.

COST: $25/per class; package of 10 classes for $225

Private Coaching

Taught by the instructor of your choice or the one best suited to your needs. Coaching sessions are scheduled between the coach and student.

Coaching topics may include:

  • Monologues
  • Scenes
  • Auditions
  • Public speaking
  • Voice-over
  • And every other performance-related skill you’d like to improve

COST: $85 per hour; packages are available

Scholarships

There is one Work Study scholarship per class available. Contact the Conservatory for more information and details.