arvold.education core curriculum
True artistic growth must be both individual and collective. Our programs and events provide creative artists a place to recharge, expand, share, reflect and learn. No matter the city we are in, our classes provide a safe space for actors & filmmakers of every experience level to gather and grow.
Find a comprehensive list of the arvold.education core curriculum below:
total preparation I: art meets craft in the audition room
Total Preparation I offers actors personal, in-depth co-instruction and practical, professional advice on the entire audition preparation process from master teachers Richard Warner and Erica Arvold. The class specifically addresses film & television auditions and is for intermediate adult actors (college-level and above). Completion of this class is a prerequisite for Total Preparation II: Character Exercises.
Features of the class include:
- script analysis
- character creation
- audition techniques
- on-camera practice
- individual coaching
Actors learn preparation techniques to create exciting, original and personal work. The first half of class is discussion and exercise based, and the second half is intensive coaching – please come prepared to work!
total preparation II: character exercises
This four-hour intensive class expands and deepens the craft concepts introduced in Total Preparation I. Actors continue to explore in-depth the 10-step preparation checklist, participate in group exercises and receive individual coaching through scene work. Required prerequisite: Total Preparation I
Features of the class include:
- sensory work
- in-depth script analysis
- external and internal character development
- on-camera practice
- personalized coaching
Grounded in the detailed study of a scene, actors practice efficient, effective techniques for creating action-based characters. The first half of class is discussion and exercise based, and the second half is intensive coaching – please come prepared to work!
the actor’s persona: honing your craft through self-awareness
Knowing your professional persona is a valuable tool that can direct, guide and inform your growth as a creative artist. In this class, participants explore how to discover, shape and authentically present oneself in an optimal way to agents, casting directors, producers, directors and other professionals. Master teachers Richard Warner and Erica Arvold lead creative exercises to discover each participant’s own essence and persona.
The Actor’s Persona is limited to 10 students.
“Thank you so much for a lovely, informative, vigorous class…it kicked off the evolution of my persona as an actor. We now have tools that will travel with us through our careers. Thank you for your frank and generous comments.” – Persona class participant
the art of reviewing your self-tape
One of the biggest advantages an actor has when self-taping is choosing which “take” to submit…but stepping back to evaluate one’s own performance can be tricky! Master teachers Richard Warner and Erica Arvold explore the art of reviewing the self-tape through interactive viewing exercises, instructor feedback and group discussion. Actors learn how to analyze and assess their own work by developing multiple points of view. The goal of this two-part class (limited to 8 students) is to empower each student to think critically, look at their work objectively and develop a skill set to confidently say, “submit that take please”.
This intimate discussion-based class requires homework, active participation, and an openness to constructive criticism. Please note: this is not an on-your-feet audition technique class; it focuses purely on the elements of assessing self-tape audition takes.
This class is for intermediate to advanced students 18 and over.
Students must attend both sessions.
actor workout I: creating relationship (by invitation only)
The Actor Workout Series is an invitation-only, on-your-feet, down-and-dirty exploration of essential actor craft skills. Each session consists of a profressive through-line of vocal/physical/internal exercises focused on a specific creative area. Actor Workout I: Creating Relationship is a vigorous, playful journey investigating the art of making intuitive, active choices to create relationship.
“Simply put…your commitment to actor training and development is clear. I will always get more than I expected. Thank you for being so generous with us!” — C Hoag, Actor Workout participant
actor workout II: impulse into action (by invitation only)
The Actor Workout Series is an invitation-only, on-your-feet, down-and-dirty exploration of essential actor craft skills. Each session consists of a progressive through-line of vocal/physical/internal exercises focused on a specific creative area. Actor Workout II: Impulse into Action explores tested and practical techniques to create exciting characters inspired by the script and the original use of each actor’s unique persona.
actor workout series – master class (by invitation only): sourcing and committing
This curated Master Workout is an integrated, progressive series of hands-on acting exercises challenging the working actor to tap and mine personal inner resources in order to craft truthful characters. Limited to eight (8) professionals, the class explores the rigor of committing to and building upon a character choice as a scene develops. Peer actors will collaborate to create work infused with the nuance of each actor’s own essence through the skin of their character.
Features of the class include:
- increasing intensity of awareness and fluidity in performance (and preparation)
- committing fully to the character and the scene from entrance to exit
- improving the ability to serve the story
- sustaining a choice on the 17th take
- developing true confidence to drive a scene as a series regular or lead
- creating nuanced, layered performances that reveal a character’s way of thinking
This intensive is inspired by the growth of the film and television industry in the Mid Atlantic and Southeast. Master teachers Richard Warner and Erica Arvold will lead the group in an interactive, physical & emotional workout.
actor workout YOUTH: character agility (by invitation only)
Actor Workout Youth Series is an invitation-only, on-your-feet, curated exploration of essential actor craft skills. Each session consists of a progressive through-line of vocal/physical/internal exercises focused on a specific creative area. Character Agility is a vigorous, playful journey that opens up a range of interpretation and discovery while developing a character. Prerequisite: Total Preparation Youth
total preparation YOUTH
Total Preparation for Youth offers actors personal, in-depth co-instruction and practical, professional advice on the entire audition preparation process from master teachers Richard Warner and Erica Arvold. The class specifically addresses film & television auditions and is for intermediate and advanced young actors. Completion of this class is a prerequisite for Actor Workout Youth.
Features of the class include:
- script analysis
- character creation
- audition techniques
Actors learn preparation techniques to create exciting, original and personal work. The first half of class is discussion and exercise based, and the second half is intensive coaching – please come prepared to work!
private acting instruction with richard warner (by application only)
Master Teacher Richard Warner offers private instruction and coaching for actors. Richard believes his task is to create a safe, inviting environment where every actor can explore choices and expand imaginative resources. His work focuses on advanced script analysis that helps the actor to craft multi-layered, three-dimensional characters.
To apply: Please send your resumé and reel to education@arvold.com.
Admission to the private instruction requires application and approval by Richard Warner.
“Thank you for your inspiration and guidance. You changed my world forever. I am currently starring in a new tv series for Showtime entitled, THE CHI, which we are just starting to film in Chicago! Feeling like this is a full circle moment from the days of Walter Lee.” -Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Actor (Queen of Katwe, Blood Diamond, The Knick, Bosch, Tremé, Heroes)
For exact days, times and locations of current offerings, please visit our events page.
arvold.education focuses on the philosophical & pragmatic aspects of being a film artist.
For further information about our educators, please see their bios here.
DISCLAIMER: Erica Arvold is a member of the Casting Society of America, and the following disclaimer is aligned with both the rules and regulations of CSA as well as the core beliefs of arvold.education. This class is a learning experience. It is not an audition or employment opportunity. As such, when this class is over, Erica will not be taking home, nor be given access to your headshot, resumé or any of your other promotional materials.