Ensemble Training Intensive (ETI)

FREEHOLD’S ENSEMBLE TRAINING INTENSIVE (ETI)

2015-2016

Application Information Here

Freehold’s Ensemble Training Intensive (ETI) will return in Fall 2015, offering the only independent 10-month certificate program for dedicated adult actors in the Pacific Northwest. Our central aim is the development of core acting skills that are as delicate as they are vital, and too often overlooked.

The Ensemble Training Intensive was created for the serious student who is ready to commit to the next level artistically and professionally. With curriculum focused on developing skills necessary to meet the technical demands of classical text and extraordinary contemporary material, students are led by a celebrated and uniquely qualified faculty. ETI empowers emerging professionals with a dependable inner and outer process, so that they can make a meaningful contribution to the community at large. We work with actors to integrate their core truthful connection to the given circumstances, and playing of action with extraordinary physical and vocal expression. 

The Instructors

The ETI faculty includes some of Seattle’s most treasured performing artists, many of whom are working professionals with many years of experience in their field in addition to their teaching qualifications. We have experienced that the integration of skills, encountered by the ensemble growing together, results in exponential growth.

Spectrum Dance Theater’s world-renowned Artistic Director Donald Byrd will teach Movement for Actors; Author and Master Teacher Cathy Madden will teach the Alexander Technique; Freehold’s celebrated Artistic Director Robin Lynn Smith and industry veteran and Juilliard graduate Andrew McGinn will teach Acting; Seattle Shakespeare Company and New Century Theatre Company’s Amy Thone will lead the training in Shakespeare; prized filmmaker John Jacobsen will teach Acting for Film; vaunted independent artistic Marya Sea Kaminski will guide students through the development and production of unique solo performances; esteemed playwright, director, and actor Rebecca Tourino will teach diction; Janet McAlpin, co-founder of UMO Ensemble and Master Teacher of Lecoq-based actor created theater will teach Character Creation; Certified Teacher, Fight Director, and Fight Master with The Society of American Fight Directors Geof Alm will teach stage combat; and Christine Marie Brown, MFA from The Old Globe/USD and Broadway veteran, will teach auditioning and professionalism and direct the industry showcase.

Performances

Each ETI participant is guaranteed substantial performance opportunities that include public Solo Performances, Shakespeare Scenes, and a Professional Showcase for invited industry professionals. The 10-month intensive culminates in the development and performance of a Classical play that will perform in Seattle, and tour to the non-traditional sites of Freehold’s Engaged Theater Program. The Engaged Tour is an important part of the intensive, as performing for people in extraordinary circumstances challenges the artist to be more honest and generous in their playing. Tour sites may include prisons, military bases, hospitals, and homeless shelters.

The Curriculum

To empower the dedicated artist determined to advance their skills and career with a uniquely accomplished faculty, we emphasize small class size (16 students) and individual attention. The curriculum comprises both group and tutorial sessions. The course work is focused on:

• Opening up the artist’s access to natural inspiration, and availability to the life of the moment.
• Expanding their imaginative and transformational powers.
• Honing their physical and vocal instruments by detailed anatomical discovery, development, practice, and conscious expression.
• Preparing the artist for many paths such as working as a professional, further study, or preparing as a teacher. It is a solid launching pad for the next step.

Actors will need to be ready to take on the rigor and discipline of this ten-month technical curriculum, which includes up to 24 hours a week in class and will require an estimated 5-10 hours per week for individual rehearsal and preparation time.

Tuition and Schedule

Quarter 1: September 8 - December 20, 2015
Quarter 2: January 11 - May 1, 2016 
Quarter 3: May 9 - June 19, 2016

ETI participants must make a commitment to the entire 10-month program which begins in early September and concludes in mid-June.  Tuition is $10,500 for the 10-month program. Payment plans are available. 

Application Information Here

Alumni

Students who completed the program have found professional work in New York and Los Angeles, as well as in local theatres such as The Seattle Repertory Theatre, Intiman Theatre, ACT Theatre, and in regional theatres beyond Seattle.

 Current 2014-2015 Students

Marie Bolla
Linda Cleckler
David Cravens-O'Farrell
Brace Evans
Janet Hietter
Dara Lillis
Fernando Luna
Ellen McMahon
Noelle Mestres
Aaron Moore
Laura Nelson