Learn how to be present, aware, and engaged. Center your instruments, engage with classmates, and apply learned vocabulary in performance to create the illusion of violence and conflict. Class starts with warm-ups to prepare the instrument, followed by movement vocabulary and exercises to develop partnering skills and freedom of expression. Hone observation skills in creating the illusion of violence, culminating in a performance integrating verbal and physical dialogue.
Stage Combat
Join Stage Combat expert J. David Brimmer as he leads the class through a series of warm-ups, exercises, drills, and choreography. You will learn the basics of stage combat, partnering, and the application of these skills in performance.
Course Overview
TRANSFORM
Meet Your Instructor
David Brimmer, Violence Specialist (Fight Master, SAFD) has choreographed, performed, taught, and collaborated in numerous performance venues worldwide. Broadway credits include: Spring Awakening, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Grace, An Enemy of the People, Hands on a Hardbody, The Big Knife, Wit, Born Yesterday, A Life in the Theatre, Speed the Plow, and Come Back, Little Sheba.
Conservatory Program Tracks
At TK Studio, we offer multiple tracks of Conservatory training to customize your journey. You can also add classes a la carte to enhance your experience!
Fundamentals
Conservatory Fundamentals consists of the Meisner curriculum plus Script Analysis, Theatre History, and one Movement and one Voice class (one each year).
The Fundamentals program provides the groundwork of the Meisner Training which is at the heart of TK Studio’s approach to acting training, while also inviting the actor to experience how Theatre History, Script Analysis, and Core Movement and Voice training expand the actor’s toolkit in order to meet the demands of the industry.
Essentials
Conservatory Essentials consists of the Meisner Curriculum, Script Analysis, Theatre History and four Core Movement and four Core Voice classes – one every semester.
Conservatory Essentials offers Core Voice and Movement training that enhances each actor’s talent and expression.The movement, voice, and acting classes work synergistically, allowing you to master your instrument and fully embody imaginary circumstances. The final semester culminates in a Capstone Project, where you develop and share your work with an invited audience.
Complete
Conservatory Complete consists of everything in the Essentials program, plus classes in Clown, Alexander Technique, and additional selections from our array of Special Topic classes.
Conservatory Complete is a full-time program for students committed to holistic training of their instrument, resembling top university conservatories. Clown work fosters creativity and play in a judgment-free space, while the Alexander Technique deepens understanding of the body for creating embodied characters. Together, these classes elevate each actor, equipping them with tools for sustained career success.
Who is this Program for?
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. In short: 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 skill.
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.
Conservatory Essentials Year One
A high-level description of TKS’ short-term offerings, including workshops, intensives and specialty classes.
Community
Join our vibrant acting community and connect at our Industry City campus and social events.
Advanced Options
Access to core classes and workshops throughout the semesterat
Flexible Scheduling
Explore our flexible pricing plans designed to fit your schedule and budget.
Conservatory Essentials Year One
$15,897*
- First Year Acting
- Theatre History (Spring)
- Movement I & II
- Voice I & II
*15,697 + 200 admin fee
Apply Now
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.
FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our Studio.
What is the Meisner Technique?
The Meisner Technique is a highly regarded acting method developed by Sanford Meisner. It focuses on truthful and spontaneous acting, emphasizing the actor’s connection with their scene partner.Y
Do you offer acting classes for beginners?
We do—in fact, most of our classes can be taken without any prior experience. Our Conservatory and Intensive programs each offer foundational training which can be equally suitable for someone just starting out and for the seasoned actor, as can most of our Special Topicsclasses (unless prerequisites are otherwise noted). At our studio, how much or how little experience a student has is much less important than the student’s sincere desire for and commitment to becoming the best actor they can be.o
Do you offer virtual classes?
Most of our offerings are in-person, because we believe that face-to-face instruction allows us to develop a more nuanced understanding of our student’s strengths, current challenges, and progress. It also allows both teacher and student to be fully present, and for students to connect with their peers. That said, we occasionally offer virtual Special Topics classes. Please refer to the Programs and Classes page for more information.u
Do you offer Scene Study classes?
TK Studio offers an Advanced Scene Study class taught by Nathan Flower for students who have already completed foundational training. On occasion, Terry teaches a Scene Study Master Class at the Studio, online, and outside of New York City. He has taught at studios in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Berlin. Please contact Christopher Booth to inquire further.
How do I apply to TK Studio?
To be considered for admission to any courses or workshops at Terry Knickerbocker Studio, you must submit an official application through the website. There is no application fee to apply to TKS, only the following elements:
- Your contact information
- A forward-facing photo (don’t worry if you don’t have a headshot, we’re happy to accept other kinds of photos)
- Your resume
- Your answers to a few questions that tell us who you are (including your relationship to values around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), what you’re looking for, and how you think our classes might help you