Taking the Work Apart
Ready to spring forward with a new edition of Schreiber Scribes? If you missed last month’s edition on the power of dream work in acting, click here.
As part of our spring cleaning this year, we are ready to shake off the winter blues by exploring one of the most essential places where any actor can build tools for their toolkit: scene study.
Just as a carpenter designs, carves, hammers, sands, and polishes, so too does an actor build their craft. And just as the carpenter apprentices under an accomplished artist in a workshop, the actor develops new tools through scene study with a master teacher.
We so ardently believe in the power of scene study for actors’ growth that we offer more scene study classes at T. Schreiber Studio than any other training—with five levels, from beginner to advanced, and five different faculty members to study with.
But why is scene study such an imperative component of an actor’s training?
Why Scene Study?
Scene study is essential to the actor’s journey because first, it gives you the chance to take the work apart. To break it down, discover the stakes of the story, to discover its layers and subtexts. In a scene study class, the actor is given a blueprint that helps them analyze the material, form a picture of the character, their goals, and the dynamics within the scene. This process allows actors to move beyond surface-level performance by experimenting with different choices in the process of discovery and reinvention. And second, it creates the ideal environment for the actor to experience more pressure than they receive practicing at home. But not so much pressure that they will feel once hired for a professional gig. As far as pressure goes, it’s a medium place.
Scene study provides actors with the right space to evolve. In scene study, we grow, explore, and refine the tools it takes to breathe life into the stories we tell.
And the magic of scene study reflects the heart of our studio. One of the foundational tenets of T. Schreiber is to give actors the right place—with the right amount of work, support, and pressure—to practice and develop their full potential wherever they are at any given moment. Since its establishment, our founder Terry envisioned the Studio as a place where actors could train in a safe atmosphere. One where they take risks in classes without the pressure that comes with production. As T. Schreiber alum Edward Norton puts it, “Acting has reached a stage where you need a pluralism to it, you need to approach and study it with an open mind, and study it from many different angles and not just one, because you’ll need lots of different tricks.” In this way, a scene study course allows you to further explore and deepen your technique through emotional preparation, character, and partner work. It also keeps you limber between roles!
Here’s our founder Terry talking about how working on process in a supportive class atmosphere helps deepen an actor’s craft:
Scene Study & the Actor’s Journey
One thing we’ve noticed is that new actors often want to go directly from their very first acting class to on-camera study. This impulse makes sense: arguably, film and TV are the most visible aspects of the acting world, so on-camera work can feel like the ultimate goal. And some actors may think that after “getting started,” the next step is camera work. Or, some might believe working on-camera will immediately open up important connections with industry professionals.
But scene study and solid training build strong technique, emotional depth, physical and vocal range, and a deep understanding of character in the moment. All of which make for better actors, whether on stage or screen. So, we always encourage actors to commit to several rounds of scene study. Where you can apply your techniques and experiment with your craft—before moving to on-camera study.
Not Just for Beginners
The importance of scene study—at the right time in an actor’s journey— is true for actors at any level. For veteran actors, and even big-name Hollywood stars, scene study offers a chance to exercise the foundational skills of the craft and stretch your abilities to adapt, react, interpret, and convey genuine, in-the-moment emotions.
In short, these skills are perhaps more important than ever as the industry continues to grow and change. Over the course of their careers, actors can face a wide variety of texts across genres and types, directing styles, and collaborative dynamics. So it’s imperative that all actors, from novice to pro, develop the depth and flexibility necessary to deliver honest performances at any moment.
Beyond the Scene: Building Continual Practice
A scene study class isn’t just about working on a single scene. Over time, actors polish their overall craft, developing a deeper understanding of technique and approach. You learn to sharpen your instincts and become more comfortable with risk-taking in a scene. As you take on various characters, you refine their toolkit. Just as the master craftsman hones their art with every piece they complete.