Classes

Every student works one (or more) times every class.

We have a 18-20 person limit to each class size.

Every scene is recorded on the student's personal USB drive, so they can take it home and study it before working on the scene in class again next week. The video from the class is instantly converted to an .mp4 file.

We work in ECU so Clay can get to the root of each performance and gives you real preparation for performing on the big screen.

Students are given different class assignments at the beginning of every class. Many are geared towards stretching other aspects of your creativity. Students have come in to present projects anywhere from painting, screenwriting, sketch comedy. Anythign that takes you outside the box.

Coach Banks begins every class with a short coaching that covers a specific topic for that week/month. These coachings come from a director/producer's perspective and throughout the year cover all aspects of the student's wellbeing and growth as a person- not just focising on scene study as an actor.

[Taught by Coach Banks]
The first part of class begins with a lesson that gets the actors mind into the creative zone. These lessons may be part of a series for the duration of the month - or they can be changes up after a few weeks...topic indicative.

Here are just a few lesson topics that are covered at an 'intensive' level throughout different times of the year:

• Script Analysis and White Lines
• Memorization Technique - Learned Levels
• In Depth Character Development
• The Business of the Business
• Mindset - How It Makes All The Difference
• 'The Zone' - This has to be experienced

Wednesdays 6:45p (Studio 2, Moorpark Studio), Fridays 12:45p (Studio 1, Venutra Studio)

[Taught by Coach Banks]
This is where the actor begins to develop an understanding of THE PROCESS taught exclusively at CBSI. Each class is custom tailored to teach actors of all types, ranges and levels. Here, each actor will develop their work in a tight ECU (Extreme Close-Up) frame, while learning the key ingredients to analyzing script, executing white lines, character development, and most importantly…relating professionally to their fellow actors.

Along with LINE LIFTING AND SCRIPT ANALYSIS, students will hone in on CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Here students are encouraged to explore new characters and work on scenes issued in the studio as well as their own selections. The objective is to explore and discover the complexities and inner dimensions of their own staple character.
Thursday 12:45p (Studio 1, Venutra Studio)

[Taught By Coach Banks]
As the actor advances, emphasis is placed on any weak areas the student may have. This is done through a series of challenging exercises and repetition work (similar to the Meisner Technique). At this level, the work is taken to whole new levels (both internally and externally). It’s really something that has to be experienced... not read about.
Fridays 6:45p *BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Classes at CBSI are not your typical classes at an acting studio and the first day of class may come as a surprise to many students who have trained at our facilities. The first part of every class begins with a lesson that gets the actors mind into the creative zone. These lessons may be a part of a series for the month or just a few weeks. Some sample lessson topics have included, in depth character development, the business of acting, and script analysis. Each lesson is concluded with a homework assignment for the week. During the lessons it is not unusual for students to perform their homework assignment or talk about their assignment from the previous week.

After the lessons concluded this is where the fun really begins. Each student will have an opportunity to work the each class period by either:

• Receiving a new scene and performing a cold read with a scene partner
• Putting up a scene from the previous week in either a memorized, prepared, or ready to shoot format
• Performing and working on a monologue
• Auditioning in a mock audition process