The Emotional Actor: A Weekend Intensive
Sat Aug 8 • Sun Aug 9 • 1pm - 5pm
The Roost, 250 Cumberland Street, Rochester NY
Whether you're looking to sharpen your technique, prepare for auditions, or simply discover a new way of approaching the craft, this weekend will leave you with a deeper understanding of both acting and the human experience. This two-day intensive explores acting through the groundbreaking neuroscience of emotion presented in 'How Emotions Are Made' by Lisa Feldman Barrett. During class you'll investigate a modern understanding of emotion that can unlock greater freedom, authenticity, and consistency in your performances.
Who Should Attend?
This masterclass is open to adult actors of all experience levels. Whether you're curious about acting, returning after time away, or actively performing, you'll find material that meets you where you are.
• Saturday Only Participants - no memorized monologue is required. You still are able to participate fully in Day One activities.
• Participants attending the full weekend should arrive with a memorized monologue between 2 and 6 minutes in length. You may choose your own monologue, or one can be provided by the instructor in advance.
Attendance
This workshop is designed as a two-day intensive, but we understand that schedules and experience levels vary.
• Missing an hour or two on either day can usually be accommodated.
• You may attend Saturday only at a discounted rate. This option does not require a memorized monologue.
• Sunday is not available as a standalone class, as the work builds directly from Saturday's instruction and centers on applying those concepts through monologue coaching.
About the Book
Reading 'How Emotions Are Made' is not required. You are welcome to read it before the workshop, during the weekend, or afterward. The concepts introduced in class will stand on their own while also providing a fresh perspective on Barrett's work.
About the Instructor
Tanner Efinger is the Producing Artistic Director of Breadcrumbs Productions and a professional actor and director working throughout the region. Drawing on years of professional performance experience alongside a deep interest in the emerging neuroscience of emotion, Tanner offers an approach to actor training that bridges contemporary science with practical performance techniques. His workshops emphasize curiosity, collaboration, and creating truthful performances that are emotionally rich and truthful.