Knight & Hopkins to Offer Performance Master Classes

Theatre stars Shirley Knight and Kaitlin Hopkins will offer a number of upcoming master classes at Chelsea Studios (151 W. 26th St. Studio 505).

A Weekend Theatre Acting Intensive with Knight and Hopkins (the daughter of Knight) will be offered Saturday, March 31st, April 1st and 2nd.  Knight is a Tony Award-winner for her performance in Kennedy's Children, and has also received a nomination for The Young Man from Atlanta.  Other Broadway credits include The Three Sisters and The Watering Place.  Hopkins has been seen on Broadway in Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and Noises Off, as well as Off-Broadway in shows such as Bat Boy.
 
A Shakespeare Master Class with Knight will take place Saturday 11-2pm.  "Everyone is welcome, beginners, intermediates professionals—even if you've never done Shakespeare before, come to this inspired class by one of our great theater actresses. The only requirement, if you wish to work, is you must have a short scene or monologue memorized. Shirley will do personal work sessions with each actor. This class is informative, dynamic, and a lot of fun…you won't want to miss this one. It is also offered as an audit for those who wish to attend but do not want their own work session," state press materials.

A Musical Theater Performance class with Hopkins will take place on Saturday 3- 6pm.  "This is a musical performance class which focuses on each actor's material and how to get it to the next level--how to make strong and specific choices to achieve the level of work that will get you the job. This class will be especially helpful for actor-singers who want to work on how to audition for musicals. Please come with a song prepared and two copies of your music. This class is also offered as an audit for those who wish to attend but do not want their own work session."

Film and Television Acting will feature Knight and Hopkins on Sunday 11-2pm.  "We will spend a short time discussing the technical aspects and terminology of how to work in front of a camera and give an overview of how each medium differs--soaps, sit-coms, film and one –hour dramas. We will talk about what is expected of an actor on a set, how to prepare to meet those expectations, and we will also allow time for questions. The majority of the time will be spent on work sessions in front of the camera. We will provide an audition scene (if needed) to each participant in advance and create a mock audition environment. We will then playback each scene and discuss what is working and identify areas for improvement. It is a unique opportunity to see what the casting directors and producers see when they review audition tapes. This class is also offered as an audit for those who wish to attend but do not want their own work session."

Both Knight and Hopkins will also take part in "Things They Don't Teach in School--How To Succeed in 'The Business' on Sunday 3-5 pm. 
"For the first hour this panel will focus on making the transition into show business and what to expect---how to arm yourself with the tools you need both in your training and your mental preparation to succeed in the acting world. This forum will be helpful to both young and working actors. The second hour will be more of a forum to share and discuss what we all struggle with as artists in our lives and how to meet those challenges in a positive, healthy way. We will discuss ways you can actively protect yourself and avoid self-sabotage, whether you are sitting in a waiting room, stressing at home, or just plain getting in your own way.   This class will focus on how to harness your innate talent, how to trust what is extraordinary and unique about you and how to bring that into the audition room and eventually on to the stage. These issues are all things we experience no matter how successful we become. Get a leg up and a head start on them with this class."

Hopkins will host the Actor/Singer Survival Guide, Monday 12-2pm.  "This workshop will focus on how the actor or singer maintains vocal health during a long run-- essentials you need to know to keep your voice, body and mind healthy. What to do when you get sick (do's and don'ts), what to do if you loose your voice or experience vocal problems during a run or the day before an audition, what is expected of you when you finally book that first Broadway show. This class is an in-depth exploration of how to live up to professional expectations and take care of yourself in the process, including specific examples of Broadway stars and their individual approach. There will be a question/answer session."

An Acting Master Class with Knight will take place Monday 3-6pm.  "This is an amazing opportunity for growth and creative exploration for any actor or singer who wants to hone their craft. Everyone is welcome, beginner to seasoned pro--the only requirement is to bring a short scene or monologue, fully memorized. Shirley will do one-on-one work sessions, providing an opportunity for the actor to work on auditions, monologues or scene study. This class is also offered as an audit for those who wish to attend but do not want their own work session."  A price list follows:

Shakespeare Master Class with Shirley Knight
Saturday 11-2pm Price $100
 
Musical Theater Performance with Kaitlin Hopkins
Saturday, 3- 6pm Price $120
 
Film and Television Acting with Shirley Knight and Kaitlin Hopkins
Sunday 11-2pm Price $120
 
Things They Don't Teach in School--How To Succeed in "The Business" with Shirley Knight and Kaitlin Hopkins
Sunday, 3-5pm Price $60
 
Actor/Singer Survival Guide with Kaitlin Hopkins
Monday 12-2pm Price $60
 
Acting Master Class- with Shirley Knight
Monday 3-6pm Price $100
Three Day package; For anyone wishing to attend all the classes, there is a $60 discount making the total $500 for all three days.

Visit www.kaitlinhopkins.com for more information on the workshops and on Hopkins.

Photo of Kaitlin Hopkins by Allison Leger