The New American Theatre
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DEEPER TRUTHFUL ACTING
THE STANISLAVSKI WORKSHOP
with Jack Stehlin

Stop pushing for emotion.
Build truthful behavior under imaginary circumstances.


New session begins Feb 28
Limited enrollment.
Final spots available. Auditions reviewed immediately.

Submit Audition Now
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"I've made 95% of my improvement as an actor in the past year."

Don Harvey
(The Deuce . Yellowstone . Better Call Saul.)

Don Harvey

How to join

This workshop is curated to maintain a strong working ensemble.
​
To apply:
Submit a recent self-tape (phone recordings are absolutely fine)
Include headshot and resume
You will receive a response within 24 hours
submit audition now

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Winter 2026 Stanislavski Workshop
​Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
February 28 – May 9, 2026
(No workshop April 4)
The Broadwater Theatre · Hollywood
Description
In this professional, advanced workshop, actors work on monologues and scenes using the teachings of Konstantin Stanislavski.

Under the guidance of Jack Stehlin (New American Theatre Artistic Director, actor, and director), actors develop the confidence and technique required to work on major stages, as well as in television, film, and new media.

The goal is to help actors feel free and authentic as they serve the story based on the text.
​
Actors invited into the workshop 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 Stanislavski, using 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 Stanislavski 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 audition and invitation.
Please email your headshot and resume to:
[email protected]
If invited to audition, you will be asked to submit a short self-taped monologue (under two minutes).
Choose strong writing and cast yourself thoughtfully -  you do not need a new monologue.
Workshop Fee:
$695 for 10 weeks

Flexible payment plan:
• $235 non-refundable deposit at sign-up
• $230 before Week 1
• $230 at Week 4

There are no additional fees beyond the workshop fee.

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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

STANISLAVSKI WORKSHOP VIDEOS

Meditation and being in the moment

The Stanislavski System is designed to bring actors to the moment, merging the elements of the story with those of the actor themselves. We have found the practice of meditation is not only useful in daily life but also contributes to an actor’s effort to recognize and be present in the moment.

Acting and Ego

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

Elements and Tools

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 Stanislavski system
​of acting is YOU.

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." - Stanislavski

Being deeply curious about people, places, emotions, and experiences is the key to unlocking raw, genuine performances. Stanislavski 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

Stanislavski 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

The New American Theatre

The New American Theatre
Mailing Address: 10736 Jefferson Blvd. #172 Culver City, CA 90230
Programming address: The Broadwater: ​6320 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Contact Us

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​The New American Theatre is supported in part by a generous grant from the Los Angeles Arts Commission

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​Copyright, The New American Theatre. All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • ABOUT
    • Our Story and Mission
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Access
    • ON STAGE
    • Past Productions >
      • LEAR REDUX
      • OneActs2022
      • Rodney&John
      • Bohemian Nights with Antonio Jaramillo
      • The Jack Twidwell Story
      • Uncle Vanya
      • Benefit and Holiday Party
      • Fall 2019 Festival of New One Act Plays
    • News >
      • LA Theatre Lives On Stage
      • Black Lives Matter
      • LA Theatre Lives On Stage
    • Awards and Nominatons
    • VIDEO ROOM
    • Contact
  • Actor Training
  • COMPANY
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • Artists & Ensemble
    • Membership
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • One Act Plays Contest
  • SUPPORT US