Studying at The Studio Seattle
The study of the art and craft of acting can be intimidating, mysterious and confusing.
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At The Studio Seattle, we pride ourselves on teaching a clear, accessible system of acting that is acknowledged worldwide as the foundation of all modern acting theory and practice.
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We have the experience, professional and university level teaching background in drama to make sure your acting journey is fulfilling.
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Below are some frequently asked questions about studying at The Studio Seattle.
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What do you expect from beginners and new students?
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We ask you to be open, courageous, willing and dedicated. Studying acting requires a certain discipline, so we ask our students to be prepared, on time, willing to share with fellow students and to treat classes and our spaces with respect. The most important aspect we require is commitment.
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What can I do to prepare for classes?
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We recommend reading both Konstantin Stanislavski's AN ACTOR'S WORK translated by Jean Benedetti and Uta Hagen's two books RESPECT FOR ACTING and A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR. Our work at the studio is based on these systems and familiarizing your self with them will definitely enrich your class experience.​
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What are your absence and tardy policies?
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Acting classes are an ensemble experience. We understand life sometimes intrudes on our plans, but if you think you might be repeatedly tardy or miss classes, please let the instructor know. In most cases we will encourage you to take a class at another time when you can better predict your schedule.
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Why are withdrawals or drops only for hardship cases?
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Putting together a class is like building an ensemble. Often we have students on waiting lists who need time to jump in if a space becomes available. Sudden drops or withdrawals can effect the entire class structure. Commitment is key in building a culture of trust in our community.
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Can you tell me more about the class progressions?
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Acting 1, 2 and 3 are carefully designed to build an acting process you can own and evolve over a lifetime. We want to be sure that your foundational training is solid, craft based, understandable and something you can make your own. Upper level classes deal with more complex acting work like style, genre, film and television and creating original and/or solo work.
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What kind of feedback can I expect during my training?
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We believe that constructive feedback is essential for growth. After you share some of your work, we check in by asking, "What worked? What didn’t? What question are you living in?" This process encourages you to reflect and give yourself feedback first before receiving personalized insights from your instructors. Working as an actor requires the ability to assess your own performance critically, and engaging in this reflection in the room with your peers and instructor allows them to fine-tune your ability to evaluate your work. This practice not only enhances your self-assessment skills but also significantly increases your capacity to grow as an artist both in and outside the classroom.
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If I go through the beginning class progression, why do I still have to audition for master classes, and what if I am not selected?
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Completing the class progression at The Studio Seattle provides essential skills and a solid foundation in acting. However, just as in the professional world, training and talent alone do not guarantee selection for roles. The master classes, taught by Andrew Tsao, are designed for more experienced actors to train in a high temperature environment, reflecting the competitive nature of the industry.
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It’s important to note that not all auditioning students may be selected, as the master classes aim to create a balanced dynamic among participating artists. However, attending these sessions as an observer is still immensely valuable. Watching professional actors work at a high intensity deepens your understanding of the creative process—insights missed in the final products we see watching a play or watching Netflix.
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I'm an Equity Actor in Seattle looking for a high-intensity training environment to deepen my craft. How can I get involved at The Studio Seattle?
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At The Studio Seattle, we believe that just as professional athletes train regularly to stay in peak condition, professional actors must also "work out” to keep improving. We invite you to reach out and audition for a slot in our master classes, where you’ll engage in rigorous training alongside fellow artists. If you're ready to elevate your artistry, we look forward to hearing from you!
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More questions? Send us an email or call, we are happy to talk about you and The Studio Seattle.
Hailey@thestudioseattle.com or 206-717-3115.
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