THE STANISLAVSKY WORKSHOP AT 
THE NEW AMERICAN THEATRE

FALL 2025 STANISLAVSKY WORKSHOP
When: Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Dates: 10 sessions:

• Saturdays,  10am-2:00pm, SEPTEMBER 6 - NOVEMBER 22, 2025 
  • (NO WORKSHOP ON SEPTEMBER 20 & OCTOBER 25)

Location: The Broadwater on Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood

EMAIL TO AUDITION/FIND OUT MORE: [email protected]

READ ACTOR TESTIMONIALS

Description:
In this professional, advanced workshop, actors will work on monologues and scenes using the teachings of Constantin Stanislavsky.  Under the guidance of  Jack Stehlin (New American Theatre Artistic Director, actor/director), actors can move forward with the confidence they need to work on the largest stages of the world or on any TV, film or new media set.  Our goal is to help actors find the ability to feel free and authentic as they serve the story based on the text. All actors invited into the workshop will have the opportunity to become members of The New American Theatre. 

What to expect:

• Participation in a community of vibrant, working, professional actors in theatre, TV, and film.
• The benefit of a shared dialogue between motivated and experienced actors who strive for fulfilling and long-lasting acting careers.
• An in-depth exploration of Stanislavsky, using monologues and scenes.
• Please note, this class requires significant outside work: students are required to rehearse outside of the workshop. Workshop members can rehearse in-person or on an app such as Facetime, Zoom, etc.  

What to prepare:

• Actors will be assigned a two-person scene prior to the first workshop. For inspiration, you can find great ideas from  this list of Pulitzer Prize winning plays.
• Textbooks for reference:
  • The Stanislavsky System by Sonia Moore (required reading)
  • An Actor's Work by Konstantin Stanislavski (Constantin Stanislavsky) translated by Jean Benedetti (recommended reading). This book is extremely useful for reference

How to Join:

• Participation is by invitation/audition.
• Please email your headshot/resume  to [email protected]
• If asked to audition, you will be asked to submit a short self-taped monologue (under two minutes).
  • Monologue tips: Please don't worry about finding a new monologue that no one has ever seen. Find great writing and cast yourself in it!
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Workshop Fee:
The fee for the 10-week Stanislavsky Studio is $695.
We offer a flexible payment plan: $235 non-refundable deposit at sign-up, then $230 before Week 1, and $230 at Week 4.
We’re committed to keeping it accessible for dedicated, working actors — there are no extra fees or charges beyond the workshop fee.

Required: Strong theatre background and training, determined by headshot and resume.  

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About Jack Stehlin
Jack Stehlin has directed over 80 plays for The New American Theatre. Fresh out of The Juilliard School, he founded the company (as Circus Theatricals) in 1983. Also an actor, his Los Angeles stage roles include New American Theatre productions of Tempest Redux (co-production with Odyssey Theatre), 63 Trillion, More Lies About Jerzy, Julius Caesar, Harm’s Way (LA/Off Broadway), Titus Redux (Not Man Apart co-production at Kirk Douglas Theatre and RadarLA,) and Odyssey/New American Theatre co-productions of Creditors (LA Weekly Award nomination-Best Actor),Taming of the Shrew, The Misanthrope, Macbeth, Richard III, Tartuffe, and True West. On television, he is perhaps best known on television as DEA captain Roy Till on the Showtime series Weeds (SAG award nomination). New York/Regional stage credits include Salome (with Al Pacino), numerous productions at New York’s Public Theatre including Richard II (with Steven Berkoff), Henry V (with Kevin Kline), Casanova (with Ethan Hawke), Henry IV, (with Mandy Patinkin), and Julius Caesar (with Al Pacino and Martin Sheen). His many guest-starring roles on countless TV fan favorites include the recent Assassination of Gianni Versace, NCIS Los Angeles, Without a Trace, Monk, The Practice, Crossing Jordan, ER, NYPD Blue, and Fox’s Hieroglyph. Jack can currently be seen on the big screen in Wilde Salome with Al Pacino.  For more about Jack, ​click here

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STANISLAVSKY WORKSHOP VIDEOS

The elements and tools can be applied in any acting situation — Shakespeare, film, streaming series, stage, musical theatre, improv, auditions, and even self-tapes.

"The Magic If"
The "Magic If" helps actors connect deeply to their characters by imagining themselves in the character's situation. It bridges the gap between reality and fiction, sparking authentic, emotional performances. ​

"The Most Important Tool is You"
The most important tool in the Stanislavsky system
​of acting is YOU.

On Acting and Ego
Stanislavsky's approach focuses on the character’s objectives and actions, and serving the story,  which will connect with the audience.

Action, characters, and Value Systems
Who is your character? What do they value most? You can find the answers in the script!

Acting isn’t real life—it’s art.
And for art to exist in you, move through you, or use you, you have to create belief.You make-believe in the smallest ways. When you enter a scene, ask yourself: Where did I just walk from? Is there a hallway there? When do I actually see the room? These details build belief, creating the energy that drives the work.You have the physical action—and you have the internal action. And of course, it’s all make-believe.

Authenticity
"To bring authenticity to your acting, you must first nurture your love for life itself." - Stanislavsky

Being deeply curious about people, places, emotions, and experiences is the key to unlocking raw, genuine performances. Stanislavsky believed that when you truly engage with life—observe it, feel it, and live it—you create a powerful connection to the emotions needed for authentic performances.

Acting is Life
​Stanislavsky reminds us that acting is life. We're conscious in every interaction because of all our circumstances—every experience, memory, and reference. In the moment, we're seeking what we want or reacting to what's in the way, just like in life. As actors, everything that makes you you—conscious or unconscious—is useful. Build the tools you need, and let the fullness of life flow into the world of make-believe.

actor testimonials