Summer Sampler Serves Up a Buffet of Studio A.C.T. Classes

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By Taylor Steinbeck

Whether you’re a seasoned classical actor or a software engineer with an affinity for the arts, there’s a class for everyone at Studio A.C.T. From playwriting to clowning to stand-up comedy, Studio A.C.T. offers rewarding classes for adults of all levels of theatrical experience where skills can be gained and sharpened. In anticipation of the Fall 2017 Session, 30 Grant’s 8th floor is opening its doors to the public on Sunday, August 27 for the annual Summer Sampler.


Studio A.C.T. students practice a theater exercise. Photo provided by Studio A.C.T.
Studio A.C.T.’s Summer Sampler gives participants the chance to learn more about a course or an instructor with bite-size versions of a selection of this fall’s classes. The afternoon event is split into four 50-minute sessions, and includes six of fall’s 20 classes: Intro to Acting, Alexander Technique, Improv I, Intro to Feldenkrais, Clowning I, and Intro to Stand-Up Comedy. “This is a great opportunity to dip your toe into the possibilities of what theater training can offer you,” says Emily Hanna, A.C.T.’s Young Conservatory and Studio A.C.T. coordinator. “For anyone who’s been flirting with the idea of taking an acting or improv class and would like to see what it looks like in action, the Summer Sampler is an invaluable experience.”

The Summer Sampler’s array of classes encourages past and current students, especially actors, to attain new performance skills that will develop existing theater strengths. “Actor training is unique to each student,” says Studio A.C.T. instructor Patrick Russell. “The Summer Sampler offers students the opportunity to get a feel for which courses will best suit their needs as an actor and artist.”

Beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m., the Summer Sampler will conclude with a short reception with dessert. The event is completely free and drop-in attendance is welcome. “Our hope is for Summer Sampler participants to walk away feeling refreshed and energized,” says Hanna, “ready to dig into the work with confidence.”

Studio A.C.T.’s Summer Sampler is Sunday, August 27 in Studio 8C on the 8th Floor of 30 Grant Avenue, San Francisco. Click here to see the schedule. To learn more about Studio A.C.T. and Fall Session 2017, click here.

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