For the beginning class, I work on all the basics of acting. These are: cold readings, scene study, improv, and monologues.   

Scene study is the basis of actor training. We use scripts from films which I supply as well as those brought in by students. Actors are expected to work with a scene partner outside of class during the week and to bring the scene back to class for performance. We may video tape the scene if it is ready.  The actor learns a lot by seeing themselves played back. 

Cold readings are an important part of auditions. The actor should learn to make choices about the character immediately and to look at the other person and form a relationship without letting the script get in the way.

Improv is important because it enhances the actors imagination and the ability to think on your feet. In this class the main improv skill I want actors to learn is “yes and” meaning the ability to create together with the other actor in the scene without denying what the other actor is creating  and then adding to each other’s ideas.

Monologues are frequently used in the auditioning process. They are either dramatic or comedic. Every actor should have a least one of each. A monologue allows auditioners to see what the actor can do with something that is already memorized.

Peter Valentino BIO

Peter Valentino is the instructor of this scene study class. Peter was part of an improv group in New York City called the “Flying Monkeys”, which performed at the famous ‘Don’t Tell Mama’s” in Manhattan. They were an outgrowth of the Chicago City Limits Improv Group, itself founded by members of Second City Improv. Peter also trained in Hollywood with Donald Petrie (Director of Miss Congeniality, Grumpy Old Men, and many others), and with Barry Pearl (from the movie Grease).  Peter was a voice trainer in NYC for over 15 years, and he applies his knowledge of voice to acting.  From 2003 till 2007, Peter’s band, Neon Venus, was featured in 4 music videos (along with a short and promos) that aired on MTV Espanol, MTV Puerto Rico and VHUno.   He also co-produced/shot/ and edited a rockumentary for the band of their European tour (Turkey, Sinai, Egypt, Spain and Italy) for the Armed Forces that was featured on MTV Espanol.  In 2008, Peter became co-owner of the Neon Venus Art Theatre in Las Vegas.  In 2009 he opened a second location on Melrose Ave., in Hollywood.   In Las Vegas, he has directed plays for kids and adults, and has provided technical and production support for other plays, improv shows, band performances, community events, etc.