Method acting was developed by Russian actor Konstantin Stanislavsky and made popular in the United States in the 1940s by New York Actor's Studio teacher Lee Strasberg. Method acting teaches actors to draw on their own experiences and emotions to give characters more depth and realism.
Shelton Studios, founded in 1961 by Robert Elross and Jean Shelton, boasts an impressive alumni list including Danny Glover and Peter Coyote. Jean Shelton was an associate of Lee Strasberg in New York and is a nationally recognized method acting teacher. Classes for beginners through seasoned professionals, ages 17 and over, run from part-time evening or weekend courses to a two-year immersion program. Advantages include casting opportunities in the school's theater and film production company, as well as networking with industry professionals who attend the classes.
Shelton Studios
Pier 26, The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 882-9100
sheltonstudiossf.com
The Meisner Technique was developed by Sanford Meisner, and although this training method is rooted in some of the same principals as method acting, it relies heavily on an actor's response and ability to improvise.
Jim Jarrett is the founder and director of The Meisner Technique Studio, and is one of the few teachers personally trained by Sanford Meisner. There is no audition, and previous acting training is not required. The Meisner Technique Studio is a two-year program meant for those who "desire to call themselves an actor."
The Meisner Technique Studio
The San Francisco Film Center Building in the Presidio
39 Mesa St.
San Francisco, CA 94129
themeisnertechniquestudio.com
Conservatory theaters train actors in contemporary and classical works, and provide performance opportunities through their productions. The American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), was established in 1965 and is the largest theater company in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving 3,000 students every year. Actors at all levels can apply to the ten-week Studio A.C.T. courses, but the three-year, highly competitive, Master of Fine Arts program and five- and two-week summer intensives are geared for those intent on a professional acting career. Distinguished former students include Denzel Washington, Annette Bening and Benjamin Bratt. The Young Conservatory program, for students ages eight to 19, has been attended by Winona Ryder and Nicolas Cage.
A.C.T.
30 Grant Ave., 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 439-2350
act-sf.org
Improv--acting in the moment without scripts, dialogue or rehearsa--is the backbone of many comedic actors. The BATS School of Improvisational Theater trains 1,300 people every year, and offers classes and workshops for beginners through professionals. Youth and teen classes are available during the summer and after school for students ages 11 to 17. In addition, the school's BATS On-the-Go Training, brings workshops to companies and schools to teach collaboration and communicate skills. Notable On-the-Go clients include Pixar and Kaiser Permanente Medical Group.
The BATS School of Improvisational Theater
B350 Fort Mason Center
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 474-6776
improv.org
