Master Scene Study
The Scene Study Experience:
Discovering what is behind the words is a collaborative effort that starts with you and the author. Deborah Aquila is offering a weekly Scene Study class. This class will help actors discover and identify the themes at work in the scripts and plays. We will explore the big story themes which are the foundation of character development and interpretation. Get ready to investigate the world of the character in intensive sessions. Strict attention will be paid to specificity in all areas of preparation of the circumstances of a scene and script, character backstory, and emotionally relevant sense memory work to feed the scene at hand.
Students will work, individually, with instructor Deborah Aquila as she guides investigation into the world of character building in safe, yet challenging sessions.
Teaching Assistant: Jackie Rhoades
*All new students must email submission materials to be approved for class. Please send materials to officeadmin@theaquilastudio.com.
Please see the next available session below.
Class Dates for 2025: Saturdays, 1:00-6:00pm, HYBRID CLASSES: THE OPTION FOR IN-PERSON OR ZOOM
Jan 25 - Mar 1
Mar 8 - April 19 (no class April 12)
April 26 - June 7 (no class May 24)
June 14 - July 26 (no class July 5)
Aug 2 - Sept 13 (no class Aug 30)
Sept 20 - Nov 1 (no class Oct 25)
Nov 8 - Dec 13
*Class dates are subject to change
You MUST submit your materials to be accepted into class.
Please send headshot, resume, demo reel or self tapes to officeadmin@theaquilastudio.com.
Master Scene Study - $600 in-person // $500 over zoom - 5-week course
MASTER SCENE STUDY with Deborah Aquila
We start with the themes, the big ideas, in the scripts we explore in class. From there we build the world, the backstory and the emotional core of the character.
From this foundation, we will connect the backstory you create for your character to what will activate your emotional engine. Factoring in “time and place” and the five pillars of script analysis, we will work on specific emotional sense memory work and imagery. It’s about craft.
Our courses/intensives are a learning experience. It is not an audition or employment opportunity. When the course/intensive is over, the instructor teaching this course/intensive will not be taking home, nor be given access to your headshot, resume, or any of your other promotional materials.As we are an educational institution, the use of the studio and faculty’s names and likenesses for any professional or personal purposes without our permission is strictly prohibited.