Neutral Mask I:

Students may discover the ability to witness their unlimited possibilities. With the assistance of a shamanic orchestra of found objects, and Ms. Wyant’s collection of masks, students will discover immediate accesses to the power of the imagination. Students will work in pairs and all members of the class participate in this transformation exercise. The actions of greeting, beckoning, and throwing imaginary objects through space occur in a carefully orchestrated environment designed to touch the mythic imagination of all concerned.

Neutral Mask II:

Building on all of the freedom of physical expression experienced in Neutral Mask one, we move forward into a world of storytelling. Here we choose stories and the beginning, middle and end necessary to tell the story. We look to mythology, fairy tales, the Bible, Shakespeare and any great stories from the world cannon to explore hinge moments. Hinge moments are specific moments of profound change where the world of the character changes dramatically and the body tells the story. We explore characters of size; gods, goddesses, kings and queens of all genders as well as monsters and creatures enabling us to stretch the possibilities of our physical expression. We accomplish this by utilizing the tools of the breath, the specificity of footfall, the use of the knees and the power of focus.

Shelley Wyant has studied with Pierre LeFevre who originally devised the theatrical mask work with Michel St. Dennis and developed it further at Juilliard, in Paris with Jacque Le Coc, and in Bali with Idi Bagus Anom.

In short, we seek students who enrich the diversity of the Studio and who are generous, curious, collaborative, passionate and committed to excellence.

Excellence and quality matter to you.

We hope your North Star is that you aspire to being the very best actor you can be, and you are unapologetically committed to achieving that excellence. You’re all in.

You understand that anything worth doing doesn’t come easy.

This program is not designed to be a quick and dirty get-successful-quick program, but rather a comprehensive journey to mastering a craft. There are no shortcuts. We seek artists who are aspirational high-achievers, who come to their practice with grit, determination, a love of learning, and a hunger for growth, and who are ready to commit to themselves and to their careers.

You are passionate about storytelling.

You share our passionate love for storytelling and art-making, and the belief that art and stories are important.

You’ve developed an interest in the Meisner technique specifically.

This may not mean that you’ve taken a Meisner class, but rather that you’ve done some research and see the value and benefit that training in Meisner can do for your development as an actor of impeccable craft and

You are here to learn, not to get it right. Perfectionism is not going to help you.

You enjoy being a part of a community and are looking to join a brave and diverse group of people.

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.