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School of Acting academyart.edu SCHOOL OF ACTING

Contents

Program Overview ...... 5 What We Teach...... 7 Faculty ...... 11 Our Facilities ...... 13 Degree Options...... 15 Student & Alumni Testimonials ...... 17 Partnerships ...... 19 Career Paths ...... 21 Additional Learning Experiences ...... 23 Awards and Accolades ...... 25 Online Education ...... 27 Academy Life ...... 29 ...... 31 Athletics ...... 33 Apply Today ...... 35

3 SCHOOL OF ACTING

Program Overview

Bring your passion for acting to life. The School of Acting helps prepare you to become a leading artist in , film, and television.

OUR MISSION WHAT SETS US APART Join Academy of University’s School of Acting, • In-depth focus on both acting for stage, and for . and gain the marketable acting skills that uniquely camera, qualifies you for diverse acting work qualify you for work on a wide array of projects. • Gain marketable skills in acting technique, You’ll develop the ability to deliver truthful acting for the camera, voice, speech, singing, performances that bring characters to life movement, dance, technique, through technique, emotion, and presence. , and • Train in theatre, film, television, commercials, Our instructors are professional, working and voiceover who will provide you with industry insights and • Learn on professional-quality sound stages inside knowledge that comes from their personal equipped with the latest tech, cameras, and expertise. Plus, networking opportunities can lead equipment to internships and rewarding careers in theatre, • Get the confidence and permission to go after . film, commercials, or voiceovers. Enjoy access to everything you’ve ever wanted the latest technology, cameras, and professional quality sound stages, which are necessary for optimal learning experience.

academyart.edu 5 SCHOOL OF ACTING

What We Teach

Our degree programs are designed to equip aspiring acting professionals with a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to career success. Our personalized training and hands-on learning experiences will prepare you for both stage and screen.

THE ACTING PROGRAM Our program hones real-world skills driven by a mandate to provide the most current industry techniques and practices. This includes the development of a professional acting demo reel that is edited and assembled by our team of full- time editors. This invaluable professional resource leads to exposure to agents, managers, and casting directors in every market, providing you with an advantage in the highly competitive field of acting.

The School of Acting works hand in hand with prominent industry professionals to help you make invaluable contacts within the acting industry We host guest speakers, workshops, and events, providing a professional network where you can connect directly with the entertainment industry.

academyart.edu MOVEMENT Physical acting employs the body as a primary instrument of expression and communication. Imagination, body awareness, and physical communication are key to crafting characters. Through movement, you will expand your facility, range, focus, and depth, resulting in greater authenticity in performance.

ACTING FOR STAGE & CAMERA Acting for both stage and screen demands being truthful within the given circumstances of a script. Through behavior and subtext, every detail is an opportunity to reveal a story. By training in both stage and screen media, you will strengthen your skills and marketability, providing a more success- ful transition into the professional world.

7 VOICE PRODUCTION The full potential of the voice is achieved by employ- ing attention and adjustment to posture, breath, and speech. Integrating these physical elements, you will cultivate vocal creativity, range, and projection, to craft richer characters.

IMPROVISATION Improvisation provides you with the tools to react and behave reflexively while creating a within a story. Partner work, risk-taking, creativity, and sponta- neity are keys to working within an ensemble and ultimately creating multidimensional characters, with or without dialogue.

academyart.edu STAGE COMBAT Stage combat is a vital tool for dramatic . In this course, students will acquire basic choreography skills, including theatrical violence and the use of edged weapons, covering broad- sword, rapier and dagger and single rapier in the context of historical and contemporary scene work.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS Audition Technique, Voiceover, Acting for Commercials, Script Analysis, Genre and Style Scene Study, Accents and Dialects, Classical Performance, Dance, Acting Voice/ Vocal Techniques, Body/ Movement Techniques, Cold Reading, Commercial Acting, Improvisation Techniques

9 School of Game Development SCHOOL OF ACTING

Faculty

The instructors at the School of Acting don’t just teach you about the entertainment industry, they are part of the entertainment industry. They have a long track record of mentoring students, providing you with the skills required to succeed in this exciting, ever-evolving industry.

Diane Baker Executive Director

Diane Baker’s illustrious film and TV career includes acting with Anthony Hopkins, Jim Carrey, , , Sandra Bullock, Hugh Laurie, and Liam Neeson. Her films include The Diary of Anne Frank, The Joy Luck Club, The Net, and . She has worked with directors like , Hitchcock in Marnie, George Clooney, and Jonathan Demme in Silence of the Lambs.

Ms. Baker has received several Emmy, and 2 Golden Globe, nominations. Her 6-hour production, A Woman of Substance, received Emmy nods for Best Miniseries and Best Actress, Deborah Kerr. Documentaries include HBO’s To Climb A Mountain, Emmy nominated Miracles in the Making, and TV Specials for CBS, ABC and AFI.

In 2004 Ms. Baker was invited to Academy of Art to create an acting program. As head of the School of Acting, she mentors students to follow her lead by playing roles that inspire, educate, and entertain. Damon K. Sperber Associate Director

Damon K. Sperber has worked as an for over twenty years. A graduate of UCLA (BA in World and Cultures-Theater) and the American Conservatory Theater (MFA), Damon has appeared in theater, television, film, commercials, and radio. Damon is also a proud member of the Screen Actor’s Guild, Actor’s Equity Association, and AFTRA.

In addition to acting professionally, Damon’s experience working with casting directors (he’s worked in New York and Los Angeles to develop and cast talent for Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional theater) has informed his techniques for honing the tools required of a working actor.

Karen Hirst Full-time Faculty

Karen Hirst is a comedian, actor, and singer. Karen began her professional career with Second City Improvisational Theater in Chicago as part of their touring company. She appeared on stage with Second City alumni Eugene Levy, George Wendt, , Jim Belushi, Betty Thomas, and many others.

Karen has written and continues to perform her own shows in the Bay Area. Locally, Karen has performed at the Magic Theater, The Phoenix, Spreckles Center for The Performing Arts, and many other venues. Karen teaches Improvisation, Acting for Actors, and Respect for Acting, and is the faculty sponsor for the Club. Karen has been with the Academy since 1996 and is a full-time faculty member.

11 academyart.edu SCHOOL OF ACTING

Degree Options

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (AA) Study the fundamental components of the performing arts in Academy of Art University’s AA acting program, which will prepare you for a seamless transition into our BFA Acting program.

BACHELOR OF FINE ART (BFA) Learn the fundamentals, including acting technique, acting for camera, improvisation, singing, and speech. Courses in audition technique, stage production, musical theatre, and stage combat help prepare you to enter the professional world.

MASTER OF ARTS (MA) In this intensive graduate program, you’ll learn to deliver engaging performances, communicate nuanced meaning, and add believable emotional life to a scene. Gain a solid foundation in working for camera and using your body to build character.

MASTER OF FINE ARTS (MFA) We blend a conservatory approach with a contemporary eye towards the demands of the professional world. Beginning with a rigorous immersion in the , you learn voice, speech, body, script analysis, audition technique, and camera.

< Diane Baker interviewing Academy Award-winner 13 , Rodrigo Prieto. SCHOOL OF ACTING

Our Facilities

The acting facilities at the Academy create the kind of learning environment every actor dreams of. You’ll have access to a fully equipped acting studio, three sound stages, a voiceover studio, and more—all designed to prepare you for a career as a professional actor.

FULLY EQUIPPED PROP ROOM PERFORMANCE SPACES Our prop room has everything you need to help you bring your character and scene to life. Perform on one of our performance spaces equipped with cameras, monitors, and full lighting boards. Our 200-seat performance venue is in GREEN SCREEN STUDIO the heart of the San Francisco Theater District. One of the largest green screens in Northern accessible to all Acting students. SOUND STAGES & BROADCAST STUDIOS Step into the lights, cameras, and action of our VOICEOVER industry. Experience the excitement of working Develop skills and record voiceovers in front of the camera on our professional quality in our custom-built voiceover room. sound stages, which are fully equipped with industry standard cameras and equipment.

academyart.edu 15 SCHOOL OF ACTING

Student and Alumni Testimonials

Our 50,000-plus Academy alumni are some of the most successful and sought- after professionals in art, entertainment, and design today. But we’re just getting started. Our current pool of creative and innovative students are preparing to redefine the future.

“The opportunities at the Academy are amazing. I’ve worked on so many collaborative projects covering the gamut of the game development pro- duction pipeline. It’s great!” Salvatore Riniolo III 2016 Game Development BFA student

academyart.edu “I’m completely blown away by the level of “Our instructors are critical factors in the talent that teaches at the Academy!” success of our students. They are working professionals and know exactly how to help Samuel Rosario the individual student improve.” 2016 MFA Acting student Tia Silver 2016 BFA Acting student

“I feel like both my years at Academy of Art “Everything about the Academy spoke to me. University have taught me to keep going, to I knew I would get as much out of the get up every day and go audition.” experience as I put into it.”

Kathryn Meehan Amber Patton Actress Actress and filmmaker

< Kathryn Meehan appearing in the student production of Hair 17 SCHOOL OF ACTING

Partnerships

In 2011, Diane Baker, then executive director of both the School of Acting and the School of Motion Pictures & Television, presented prolific , Roger Corman, an honorary doctorate degree from Academy of Art University. Corman— known for mentoring and giving first breaks to actors and directors that include James Cameron, , , , , Francis Ford Coppola, and Martin Scorsese—accepted the honor and soon after contacted Baker about collaborating with Academy students and faculty.

academyart.edu ART SCHOOL OF HORRORS Corman was so impressed with Academy of Art University’s faculty and students, he offered to invest time, money, and a script for the production of a feature film. Recognizing the extraordinary opportunity for Academy students, Baker and Curran G. Engel stepped up as executive producers and ensured a successful partnership with New Horizons Picture Corp—Roger Corman’s .

Baker orchestrated Academy resources and created a cross-departmental, collaborative class that incorporated students, faculty, and school facilities. Ultimately, more than 200 students and faculty from many departments at the Academy participated in the production with the schools of Acting and Motion Pictures & Television taking the lead. Professional actor and cult hero, Jeffrey Combs, was secured to lead alongside Academy students Zack Eulberg and Arielle Mandelberg.

Production started in the summer of 2013 with typical challenges– from technical difficulties, and budget and timeline constraints, to emotional and physical exhaustion. But there was also filmmaking fun. Wardrobe was custom- created by the School of Fashion, actors were trained in stunts and fighting, and hair and makeup was professionally done by Aveda. Editing was The profound commitment from student producer supervised in a class held by award-winning Hannah R. Blackwell and director Thijs Bazelmans— Hollywood film editor, Edgar Burcksen. Students who had since graduated and moved to Los Angeles from the School of Music Production & Sound —ensured that the project made it through post- Design for Visual Media composed the . production. Finally, in the spring of 2015, the Then in the spring of 2014, the School of completed Art School of Horrors was delivered & worked on the film’s massive to New Horizons Picture Corp. amount of animated shots. In the end, everyone involved learned from legendary industry professionals and experienced the magic of real-world filmmaking.

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Career Paths

As one of the top art and design schools in the country, Academy of Art University helps prepare graduates for a range of career opportunities. Our facilities, faculty, and hands-on learning approach are designed to provide you with the tools you need to succeed as a professional actor.

ON-CAMERA ACTOR NARRATOR/HOST As a principal actor for feature films, television, As an on-camera narrator or host, you bring your commercials, and industrials, you bring characters unique presence and ability to deliver impactful to life through technique, emotion, and presence. and engaging messages, giving context and life to commercials and industrials. STAGE ACTOR Become a theatre actor, singer, or dancer, and use technical proficiency, script analysis, and character research to deliver engaging and emotional performances for live audiences.

VOICEOVER ARTIST As a voiceover artist, you apply your acting skills to animation, video games, commercials, , radio, TV, and character work. WHO IS CASTING OUR ALUMNI International Talent Casting INTERACTIVE Nina Henninger Casting MEDIA PERFORMER HBO As a performer for interactive media, you use Storyworks physicality and performance techniques to engage San Francisco Playhouse a digital audience across the globe. The Lorraine Hansberry Theater The African-American Shakespeare Company

academyart.edu 21 ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

Additional Learning Experiences

Academy of Art University has a hands-on program for every interest at every level. If you are looking to upgrade your career, explore something you have never tried before, or hone existing skills, we have a program for you.

academyart.edu PRE-COLLEGE ART EXPERIENCE (PCAE) This dual-scholarship program allows current high school students to take art and design courses at no tuition charge. In addition, they earn scholarship dollars towards future undergraduate studies at Academy of Art University. Visit https://www.dev.academyart.edu/academics/ pre-college-art-experience-program or call 415.274.2200 for more information.

CONTINUING EDUCATION Time for a career upgrade? Want to follow your passion? Learn, be inspired, and expand your creative potential by taking hands-on courses from industry- experienced faculty. Flexible art and design courses are available online and in San Francisco. Visit https://www.academyart.edu/academics/ continuing-education or call 415.274.2200 for more information.

STUDY ABROAD One of the best ways to learn about the world is to see the world. Take advantage of one or all of these exciting Study Abroad opportunities.

The Liberal Arts Seminar in Europe is a three- week intensive traveling course visiting some of Europe’s greatest cities and collections.

The Fine Art Intensive in Italy takes you to Florence, Italy, for seven and a half weeks during Summer semester.

The School of Fashion at awards scholarships to study in Paris with Studio Berçot and L’École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.

The Illustration Department also has a summer semester in Florence emphasizing cultural awareness in painting and drawing.

For more information about these Study Abroad opportunities, including cost and visa matters, visit www.academyart.edu/academics/study-abroad

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Awards and Accolades

Academy of Art University is committed to the highest standards of achievement in art and design. Here’s a small sampling highlighting some recent accomplishments of our outstanding students, faculty, and alumni.

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Online Education

Take any online course at the Academy, and experience the visual, interactive, and dynamic courses we’re known for. You will have the same quality instructors, the same hands-on learning opportunities, and the same attentive support as our onsite students. The difference? The flexibility to earn your art and design degree on your terms.

ONLINE BENEFITS • A support staff of over 100 Academy of Art employees offers 900+ online courses and 1,500 Taking classes online instructional videos per semester, spanning 35 really benefited online majors, and teaching students from 50+ “ countries me as a student in • Course content is proprietary, created in-house by industry experts, and exclusive to the Academy allowing me to hone • The classes are a mix of lecture content, video, in on each of my skills written content, recorded audio, interactive slide- shows, and hands-on work and develop them • The innovative curriculum is created by instructional designers and industry professionals before I got a job in • A student-run Facebook group, AAUHOO, has more than 4,000 members and invites you to join this the industry. thriving online community • We’re constantly building new courses, reworking — Mark Cofer old ones and adding features to our LMS based on ” Graduate School of Music Production & student feedback for Visual Media Alumn 2014 Hollywood Film Composer and Academy of Visit academyart.edu or call 415.274.2200 for Art University Instructor more information.

academyart.edu 27 ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

Academy Life

A substantial part of an artist’s growth and inspiration occurs outside the classroom or studio. At Academy of Art University, we understand this. Here are some resources and opportunities that are available to all students.

academyart.edu ACADEMIC CLUBS Join students with similar interests to discuss ideas, promote your work, form collaborations, and share information.

FITNESS & RECREATION Campus Recreation classes and workshops—and access to our free gym, pool, basketball courts, and skateboard ramp—will help you stay active healthy.

VIRTUAL BOOKSTORE All required textbooks are available at our virtual bookstore. “What I like best about the School of is that the CULTURAL CLUBS instructors don’t just teach—they constantly Everyone needs a break from the studio. With provide resources and opportunities for active dozens of clubs and organizations, find a new learning.” creative outlet and build lifelong relationships. Fei F. Ou 2015 Game Development BFA student ESPORTS Our active gaming community hosts and attends regular gaming events for both casual or competitive players.

EVENTS Campus Life is designed to inspire, educate, and promote fun. Our events are created in coordination with student-run groups and organizations. Make the most of your university experience: grow, learn, laugh, and run with us.

Visit https://www.academyart.edu/students/ clubs-organizations/events for more info.

URBAN KNIGHTS RADIO Listen live online to our athletics teams, hear unique talk shows, and dance to your favorite tunes on UrbanKnightsRadio.com, an iHeartRadio partner.

HOUSING Housing is guaranteed for all new, full-time onsite students. We have 17 different housing options to choose from located in the heart of San Francisco.

DINING Stay healthy with delicious and filling meals in one of our dining halls with flexible meal plans and Knight Kash. Use the Knight Kash on your student ID for dining on campus and at select off-campus vendors.

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San Francisco

One of the world’s great creative capitals, San Francisco has been our home since 1929. Our neighbors include giants in everything from advertising, animation, and architecture to communications, game development, and web design.

Simply put, Academy of Art University is an absolutely amazing place to be a college student.

academyart.edu MUSEUMS Academy of Art University Auto Museum Asian Art Museum San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) California Academy of Sciences Yerba Buena Center for Cable Car Museum Theatre Walt Disney Family Museum Museum of Performance & Design Museum of Craft & Design Museo Italo Americano Museum of the African Diaspora Museo de la Raza TRANSPORTATION MUNI AC Transit BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) Cal Train Golden Gate Transit

THEATRES & VENUES Bill Graham Civic Auditorium The Warfield Bottom of the Hill Rickshaw Stop Alamo Drafthouse Great American Music Hall The Independent The Fox Theatre SHN Orpheum Theater The American Conservatory Theater The Castro Theatre SFJAZZ San Francisco Conservatory of Music San Francisco San Francisco Symphony San Francisco Ballet AT&T Park

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Athletics

We are the Urban Knights—the only higher arts education institution in the U.S. to have an NCAA athletics program. Urban Knight Nation is proud to support our fierce student-athletes as they fight on to victory. Go Urban Knights!

We are the Urban Knights—14 varsity athletic teams that represent Academy of Art University in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports. We are dedicated to distinction, sportsmanship, pride, teamwork, credibility, and creativity.

As an artist-athlete in the Academy of Art University Intercollegiate Athletic program, you are empowered to realize your full potential academically, personally, and professionally while on the path to collegiate success. The Academy’s Urban Knights compete as members of the Pacific West Conference.

WOMEN’S MEN’S NCAA PROGRAM Basketball Baseball Join one of our teams or come out and support Cross Country Basketball your fellow artist-athlete. We play in great venues Golf Cross Country throughout San Francisco, including Kezar Pavilion, Soccer Golf Paul Goode Field, SF Bay Tennis Club, and Presidio Golf Course, among others. Let the Fan Bus take Softball Soccer you to the games. Tennis Track & Field Track & Field Volleyball

The NCAA is a trademark owned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. academyart.edu ARTIST ATHLETES The Urban Knights have quickly made a name for themselves with numerous conference and national accomplishments including 10+ NCAA champion- ships. We are the first athletic program to win two NCAA National Championships (indoor and outdoor women’s track & field) in our first year of postseason eligibility. We have made over 40 postseason appear- ances in men’s and women’s cross country, women’s basketball, men’s indoor and outdoor track and field, men’s and women’s golf, and women’s tennis. Go Urban Knights!

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Apply Today at academyart.edu

Apply year-round, and begin taking classes in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Our Admissions Representatives will help you every step of the way. They want to help you succeed, and are trained to make sure your application best reflects your abilities. Apply today!

HOW TO APPLY Apply online at academyart.edu Or call 1.800.544.2787 Or apply in person in San Francisco (Monday-Saturday) 79 New Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94105

YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE: • $50* application fee ($150 international) • $95* enrollment fee • International applicants require a $300* international student service fee TRANSFER STUDENTS • Fees can be paid by MasterCard, Visa, Discover. 1. Complete the application By mail: check or money order 2. Submit electronic transcripts to: *all fees are non-refundable, non-transferable [email protected] Or mail transcripts in a sealed envelope to: Academy of Art University Attn: Undergraduate Admissions Office 79 New Montgomery St. San Francisco, California 94105

academyart.edu 35 FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1929

The Academy of Art University is located in downtown San Francisco and provides Academy of Art University instruction around the world through its online campus. We offer training in many 79 New Montgomery Street specialized creative disciplines: San Francisco, California 94105

[email protected] Acting Motion Picture & Television 1.800.544.2787 Advertising Multimedia Communications www.academyart.edu Animation & Visual Effects Music Production & Sound Design Architecture for Visual Media Accredited Member WSCUC, NASAD, CIDA Art Education Photography (BFA-IAD, MFA-IAD), NAAB (B.ARCH, M.ARCH), Art History Visual Development CTC (California Teacher Credential). Fashion Web Design & New Media Fine Art Writing for Film, Television & Digital Media *The following degree programs are currently Game Development not offering online courses: Acting, Auto Graphic Design Restoration, Knitwear Design, and Footwear Illustration & Accessory Design. Industrial Design Interior Architecture & Design Visit www.academyart.edu to learn more about Jewelry & Metal Arts total costs, median student loan debt, potential Landscape Architecture occupations, and other information.