Individual private lessons and small group (ensemble) lessons and classes are available. Both options have advantages and are tailored to the most important needs and interests of each student.
Acting Lessons, Voice-Over Lessons,
& Musical Theater
“I have been impressed with Dennis’ instructional instincts and his ability to make connections with his students. Dennis’ ability to form relationships and rapport with students evident both in his teaching and in student performances. Dennis’ instruction has helped our students grow in their abilities and their confidence to perform on stage.”
— Sarah O.
Acting Lessons, Voice-Over Lessons, & Musical Theater
Acting Lessons
In acting lessons, you can expect to learn a variety of skills and techniques that are fundamental to performing arts. Here are some key areas typically covered:
Fundamentals of Acting: You'll start with the basics, including voice control, body language, and emotional expression. This involves learning how to use your voice effectively, understanding how to convey emotions through physicality, and developing a strong stage presence.
Character Development: Acting lessons will focus on creating and understanding characters. You'll learn techniques for developing a character's backstory, motivations, and relationships. This includes analyzing scripts, exploring different personas, and finding ways to make your character believable and engaging.
Improvisation: Acting lessons incorporate improvisational exercises to enhance spontaneity and creativity. Improvisation helps actors think on their feet, react authentically to unexpected situations, and build strong, responsive acting skills.
Script Analysis: You'll gain skills in breaking down scripts, understanding subtext, and interpreting dialogue. This includes learning how to analyze scenes, grasp character objectives, and explore the deeper meanings within the text.
Stage Movement and Blocking: You'll learn about the physical aspects of performance, including stage movement, blocking (where actors move on stage), and how to use space effectively. This helps in creating dynamic and visually engaging performances.
Emotional Range and Techniques: Acting lessons help you explore and express a wide range of emotions. You'll learn techniques for accessing different emotional states, using personal experiences to inform your performance, and maintaining emotional authenticity.
Performance Practice: Practical experience is crucial. You'll have opportunities to perform scenes, monologues, or even full plays in front of classmates or audiences. This practice helps build confidence and apply what you've learned in a real-world context.
Feedback and Critique: Constructive feedback from instructors and peers is an integral part of acting lessons. You'll learn to give and receive critiques, which helps you refine your skills, identify areas for improvement, and grow as an actor.
Acting lessons will provide a comprehensive approach to developing your craft, enhancing your performance skills, and gaining a deeper understanding of the art of acting.
Voice-Over Lessons
In voice-over lessons, you can expect to gain a range of skills and techniques specifically tailored to the art of providing vocal performances for various media, such as commercials, animations, audiobooks, video games, and more. Here are some key areas typically covered:
Voice Technique and Control: You'll learn how to use your voice effectively, focusing on breath control, pitch, tone, volume, and articulation. This includes exercises to improve vocal clarity, range, and stamina, ensuring that your voice can adapt to different types of scripts and roles.
Script Interpretation and Delivery: Voice-over lessons teach you how to interpret and deliver scripts with the appropriate emotion, emphasis, and pacing. You'll practice understanding the context of the script, making choices about how to convey the message, and delivering lines in a way that resonates with the intended audience.
Character Voices and Styles: You'll explore various character voices and vocal styles, learning how to create distinct and engaging personalities for different roles. This may involve experimenting with accents, vocal quirks, and unique tones to bring characters to life in animations, games, or other media.
Microphone Technique: Proper microphone technique is crucial in voice-over work. You'll learn how to position yourself and the microphone to achieve the best sound quality, manage proximity effects, and avoid common pitfalls like plosives or sibilance. This also includes understanding how to use different types of microphones for various recording situations.
Home Studio Setup: Many voice-over professionals work from home studios, so you'll learn the basics of setting up a home recording space. This includes choosing the right equipment, optimizing acoustics, and using recording software to capture and edit your voice effectively.
Auditioning and Self-Promotion: Voice-over lessons often cover the process of auditioning for roles and self-promotion. You'll learn how to prepare and record audition materials, understand what casting directors look for, and create effective demo reels that showcase your abilities.
Industry Insights and Professionalism: You'll gain an understanding of the voice-over industry, including how to navigate contracts, work with clients, and maintain professionalism. This includes learning about industry standards, networking, and the business aspects of a voice-over career.
Performance Practice and Feedback: Practical experience is key. You'll have opportunities to record and review your performances, receive constructive feedback, and refine your skills. This hands-on practice helps you develop confidence and apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios.
Overall, voice-over lessons provide a comprehensive foundation for developing your vocal skills, understanding the nuances of the industry, and preparing for a successful career in voice-over work.
“Dennis’ musicianship, teaching, and leadership skills have been central to the success of his music and performing arts students. He is popular with students, highly respected, and known to help students achieve their best.”
— Rosemarie S.
Join Us!“We love Mr. Dennis! He is so good at fostering a love for music even though it can be so technical. Our kids have had so many opportunities to play in front of people and in different venues which have helped them to be comfortable performing on demand.”
— Annie M.
