Peter Sardi's School of Acting
Teaching online drama classes over the past couple of years has exceeded our expectations.
Initially, we held the belief that acting classes must be conducted in person to be effective however, we have been proven unequivocally wrong. Our online classes have challenged us and driven us to put more attention on the written word, the script. We have a renewed respect for dramatic text and the contribution of the writer, re-discovering the power of the spoken word. Tapping into the ‘rhythm’ of the writing has become an important element and as we are dealing with original material, the process becomes even more exciting. Writing specifically for actors we have worked with in the past, we are able to develop characters that are rich and accessible to the actors themselves. Our actors are challenged in ways they have not been previously, as the material itself is closely aligned to where they need to grow next. The students are also able to benefit from Peter’s many years of working with actors and Sophie’s knowledge of the play’s themes and backstory. The fact that we have been able to transcend the limitations of a two dimensional plane has been our biggest joy and discovery.
A Compilation of Scenes
Inside Our Online Acting Class
Respect the TEXT!
The scene will come ALIVE for you and the audience through the written words on the page once you the Actor has discovered and embodied the RHYTHM inherent in the scripted lines.
In search of your Character
Peter talks about the actor's struggle to find his/her character, and the need to 'let go'. It's important that we not only play the character but that we give ourselves the opportunity for the character to play us!
Accept Where You Are
The concept here is about not pushing (usually emotion). Understanding and taking this concept into your acting will keep you present, in the moment and help you not get 'self-absorbed' in your acting. . . It's something that took me about 20 years to understand. But maybe Sanford Meisner was right when he said:
"It takes a 20 years to make an actor."
Three Scenes From Our Online Acting Classes.
ACTORS: Tayla Garrod & Luke Mawley
Characters:
"Chloe and Stephen"
Scene Written by Sophie Sardi
Directed by Peter Sardi
ACTORS: Simon Leung & Gabriella Malignaggi
Characters:
"Jimmy and Marcella"
Scene Written by Sophie Sardi
Directed by Peter Sardi
ACTORS: Hem Tiwary & Steve Durber
Characters:
"Ivaan and Marko"
Scene Written by Sophie Sardi
Directed by Peter Sardi
Three Monologues From Our Online Acting Classes.
ACTOR: Tayla Garrod: Character "Chloe"
Written By Sophie Sardi.
Directed by Peter Sardi
Here is a good example of the courage it takes to be an actor. Tayla allows herself to be truly vulnerable in service of the character and the play.
ACTOR: Luke Mawley Character "Stephen"
Written By Sophie Sardi.
Directed by Peter Sardi
ACTOR: Steve Durber Character "Marko"
Written By Sophie Sardi.
Directed by Peter Sardi
Developing a Character with Actor Gabriella Malignaggi
Excerpts focusing on the work of Gabriella Malignaggi who plays 'Marcella.' It's immensely helpful for the writer to hear the author's dialogue spoken out loud. It can help ignite the writer's imagination and inspire him/her to further enhance and develop the script.
We are reminded of this quote by MAYA ANGELOU.
“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.”
Rhythm and Emotion
Peter and Sophie engage with students after having done their scenes.
The Actors share their thoughts on what they learned in doing their scene. The focus here is to do with Rhythm and the importance of not letting the feeling get in the way of the rhythm inherent in all good writing.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable!
Don’t play the quality, the intended ‘result’ but simply be with the text/dialogue and see where that takes you. It takes courage to do that. To say a line not quite knowing ‘how’ to say it. Allowing yourself to be a little off balance, a little uncomfortable. It’s difficult to put this into words.
Have a listen to Peter talk to Gabriella (a long standing student) who shares her experience of doing just that, the courage it takes to just listen to the writing and simply be with it.
Student Testimonials. . .
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
LUKE MAWLEY Talks about his time at our school including
his recent experience in our online classes.
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
TAYLA GARROD
Listen to more Talks On Acting by Peter Sardi here:
TESTIMONIALS