Adult actors train together in a supportive conservatory-style acting program in Brooklyn

Actors Creating Work Workshop

This collaborative acting workshop in Brooklyn, NYC, offers actors an opportunity to explore wearing many hats: that of writer/deviser, director, producer, and creator of original work. Participants form an ensemble, building trust so they feel comfortable taking creative risks while developing new performance material together.
Through collaboration, improvisation, and guided creative exercises, the program culminates in a performance event and celebration for the ensemble and guests.

Book a Conversation Apply Now

Collaborative Acting Workshop in Brooklyn, NYC

Whether you’re an actor looking to develop your own material, a performer interested in devised theatre, or a multi-hyphenate artist ready to create original work, Actors Creating Work offers a unique opportunity to expand your creative practice beyond traditional acting classes.

Unlike a scene study or technique class, this acting workshop in NYC is centered on collaboration, ensemble building, and the creation of original performance. Students work together to generate material that reflects their individual voices while contributing to the collective creative process.

Workshop at a Glance

Program	Actors Creating Work Workshop
Format	In-person acting workshop
Location	Terry Knickerbocker Studio, Brooklyn, NYC
Focus	Ensemble creation, collaboration, original material, performance
Instructor	David Deblinger
Best For	Actors, actor-writers, performers, devisers, and artists creating original work
Outcome	Develop and perform original ensemble-based material

Apply Now Book a Conversation

Course Overview

Participants form an ensemble, building trust so they feel comfortable taking risks, mirroring the work developed during the early days of LAByrinth Theater Company, of which instructor David Deblinger is a founding member.

This workshop is built around three guiding principles:

Ensemble
Multi-disciplinary collaboration
Self-generating work

Music, movement, and comedy are woven into the creative process in ways that reflect the interests, talents, and instincts of the artists in the room.

Throughout the workshop, participants collaborate to generate original material, support one another’s creative exploration, and develop work that culminates in a final performance event and celebration for the ensemble and invited guests.

Class Schedule Apply Now

In a vibrant community dance class set in a studio with wooden floors, participants are barefoot, each striking a dynamic pose. The walls showcase various small artworks and photographs, creating an inspiring atmosphere akin to actor training sessions.

A woman in a black shirt stands on stage as a speaker, with another seated behind her. Both are in front of a white wall with a white chair nearby. The silhouettes of audience members, eager to learn about voice classes, are visible in the foreground.

A group of sixteen people, wearing casual black attire, are gathered indoors on a wooden floor. They are smiling and posing together for a group photo. Some are standing while others kneel in front, embodying the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of their creative process at work.

Who Is This Acting Workshop For?

This workshop is designed for artists who want to move beyond interpreting existing material and begin creating work of their own.

It is especially valuable for:

Actors who want to create original work
Performers interested in writing, devising, or ensemble creation
Actor-writers and multi-hyphenate artists
Artists looking for a collaborative alternative to traditional scene study
Performers interested in devised theatre and ensemble-based performance
Actors who want to strengthen their creative voice alongside fellow artists
Adults seeking an acting workshop in NYC that emphasizes collaboration and artistic exploration

Whether you’re an experienced performer or expanding into creating your own material for the first time, the workshop provides a supportive environment built on curiosity, generosity, and artistic risk-taking.

What You’ll Create in the Workshop

Throughout the workshop, participants collaboratively generate original performance material rather than working exclusively from pre-existing scripts.

Depending on the interests of the ensemble, students may create:

Original scenes
Ensemble-based performance pieces
Material developed through improvisation
Storytelling inspired by personal experiences
Movement- and music-based performance
Collaborative theatrical work shaped by the group

The workshop concludes with a performance event where participants share the work they’ve created throughout the process with invited guests, celebrating both the artistic journey and the ensemble they’ve built together.

David Deblinger, instructor for Actors Creating Work at TKS

TRANSFORM

Meet Your Instructor

David Deblinger is an award-winning actor, writer, director, acting teacher, and co-founder of LAByrinth Theater Company.

His career as both a professional artist and educator makes him uniquely qualified to guide actors through the process of generating original work. Drawing on decades of experience creating ensemble-based theatre, David helps participants discover authentic stories, deepen collaboration, and develop creative confidence.

Learn More Apply Now

What You’ll Learn

Central to this workshop are three guiding tenets: ensemble, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and self-generating work.

Participants engage in a rich exploration of multiple art forms, incorporating elements of music, movement, and comedy in ways that resonate with their individual talents while strengthening the creative ensemble.

Throughout the workshop, students will:

Build trust within an artistic ensemble
Learn collaborative creative processes
Develop original performance material
Explore storytelling through movement, music, and comedy
Receive feedback throughout the creative process
Strengthen your artistic voice while supporting the work of fellow collaborators

As the program progresses, the ensemble collaboratively develops original work that culminates in a final performance event showcasing their artistic journey.

This celebration not only highlights each participant’s achievements but also invites friends, family, and guests to experience the transformative power of collaborative creation.

Through this immersive experience, participants deepen their craft while forging lasting artistic relationships.

TKS Alumnus

Actors Creating Work student

“It’s so clear that David is a master at what he does. How he tells the story of mundane things that happen to him in his life. I love the feedback he gives and you see the results of his feedback immediately, the story suddenly becomes that much more meaningful and potent because of his suggestions and I really loved working with him.”

FAQ

What is the Actors Creating Work workshop?

Actors Creating Work is a collaborative acting workshop in Brooklyn, NYC, where participants develop original performance material through ensemble building, improvisation, writing, and guided creative exercises. The workshop culminates in a final performance for invited guests.

Who is this acting workshop for?

The workshop is designed for actors, actor-writers, devisers, and other performing artists who want to create original work while collaborating with an ensemble. It is ideal for artists seeking a creative process beyond traditional acting classes.

Do I need writing or performing experience to join?

No. While experience can be helpful, the workshop is designed to support artists from a variety of backgrounds. Curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to take creative risks are more important than previous writing experience.

What will I create during the workshop?

Participants create original scenes, ensemble-based performance pieces, and collaborative theatrical work shaped through improvisation, discussion, and shared artistic exploration.

Is there a final performance or sharing?

Yes. The workshop concludes with a performance event and celebration where participants share the work they have developed throughout the program with invited guests.

How is this different from a regular acting class?

Unlike traditional acting classes, which often focus on interpreting existing scripts or technique, this workshop emphasizes creating original material through ensemble collaboration, devising, storytelling, and performance.

Where is the workshop held?

Actors Creating Work is held in person at Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn, NYC.

How do I apply for Actors Creating Work at TKS?

You can apply online or book a conversation with Admissions to discuss whether the workshop is the right fit for your creative goals.

A gray-haired man in a white shirt sits on a table, gesturing animatedly like William Esper, as he talks to an engaged group of people around him. The group, consisting of both men and women, takes notes in the brightly lit room.

Schedule a Discovery Call

Have questions? Book a one-on-one chat with our Director of Admissions and Enrollment. We’re here to help you determine if Terry Knickerbocker Studio is the right fit for you.

Book a Conversation