Self-Reliant Actor Scene Work and Monologue Training

I work very specifically from beat to beat for full understanding of the text to ensure authenticity, depth and range to your performance. I will work with you to help stretch your emotional expressiveness. In class we will start by exploring these impulses using cold reading exercises that build the foundation of our work. Through this process your confidence will increase until you rely completely on your own instincts where ultimately your emotions, creativity, expressiveness, personality and intelligence intersect at the same time setting you up to actively listen which should be the ultimate goal of any actor. Emotional expression is tricky because at the same time it's a necessary tool it's also an obstacle you must fight through. Your objective should be stronger than the emotion or it can sabotage getting what you want.

Cold reading and improvisation exercises are designed to overcome barriers of expression specific to each student. Great acting results from taking the risk to follow your instincts and expand your emotional range. Our defense mechanisms can be deeply ingrained making it a difficult challenge to let go. But it's an exciting challenge! 

In class we will learn the process of breaking down a scene and explore each beat for understanding and specificity .  

Please prepare a monologue or two so we can have an industry ready audition piece by the end of our six week session.

In class we work from film and play scripts to  emotionally and expressively stretch to find internal connections to the word. Teaching influences include the principles from Sandford Meisner's book ON ACTING while drawing on Stanislavski, Uta Hagen and Lee Strasberg and every teacher I've ever had including my mother.

Expect to be out of your comfort zone. Expect to grow as an actor.

Authenticity, instinct, vulnerability, honesty, specificity, spontaneity and relaxation are words you will hear repeatedly during your time in class. Actors who desire broadening and developing their art, are welcome.

Price: ​$300 (payment accepted via venmo, zelle, cash, check). Venmo /John Woehrle @ John-Woehrle-1

Date & Time: 6 weeks, starting Thursday February 13 - Thursday March 20, 2025 

Classes: 6pm-9pm 

Location: MacPhail Minneapolis 

501 S 2nd St, Mpls  (Studio 125)

Recommended Age: Adults 18 and over

Class Size: Limited to 10 students 

A phone interview is required for enrollment.

Enroll Today and let's get started!

https://www.selfreliantactor.com/

[email protected] and cc [email protected]

John Woehrle phone: 952-261-3636

TESTIMONIALS:

When I first started working with John, I had minimal training. I've been taking class from John every week for nearly 3 years. I feel so much stronger, and even though I get nervous for auditions, I've learned to use my nervous energy to fuel my focus in cold reads and monologue performances. I know that I'm pursuing my big dream and gaining more & more confidence as I continue to work with John and learn to bring myself into every role. That's what John focuses on - bringing yourself along with every audition and imagining *you* in a specific set of imaginary circumstances. - Lynda J. Dahl

I came to John for help preparing my auditions for graduate school, and I can honestly say that I would not have done even half as well as I did at my auditions if it hadn't been for his guidance and support. John dedicates himself fully to the goals of the actors he works with; I immediately felt like he was not only a teacher but a mentor. I have improved tremendously since starting to work with him. - Parker Sera

John's class is one of a kind; he brings out the magic in all of us. The environment he provides allows each student to push and challenge themselves to their very potential without feeling anything but support and safety. He brings both positivity and honesty, which allows the student to feel accomplished and successful but, also, make improvements and adjustments for the future. There are many great classes and coaches out there but John's is one that I HIGHLY recommend to actors and actresses of all ages and levels - Max Hawksford

I appreciated the observations and insights provided by John Woehrle and my fellow Scene Study participants as we worked through our scenes. John’s analysis and encouragement helped me inhabit a character and allowed me to make bold decisions that remained grounded and authentic. - Dennis Kelly