class levels

We believe that your acting craft and experience ‘level’ is, right now, perfect. Perfectly on time and on track.

So, to help you expand your craft further, we ask that you are brutally honest about your ‘level’ as we outline below. Why? Because, your knowledge, craft, and set experience greatly influences your ensemble of classmates.

Our classes are curated for different levels to serve and accelerate your individual goals. We take great care to place you in a class ensemble that will readily uplift your craft, especially in our courses that are ‘by application’.

Thank you for taking the time to self-assess honestly and accurately!

aws caters to actors who already have a basic understanding of either the acting craft and/or exposure to filming on set, therefore our classes begin with level 1+.

LEVEL 1+ These classes are foundational. Student profiles might include artists who:

  • have been in student films & are pursuing professional screen work

  • have been a background artist & are actively taking the leap into speaking roles

  • hold a BA or BFA theatre degree & are adjusting to on-camera work

  • auditioning for co-star/day player roles in film/tv

LEVEL 2. These classes are the most transitional, and are a great match for actors who feel they’ve plateaued with 1-2 page co-star roles. It is common to spend A LOT of time in our level 2 classes. We dive deeply into the work that helps to build confidence and stamina for expanded careers. For actors who have professional co-star credits and want to level-up, this is your magic place. Student profiles might include screen artists who :

  • have at least 3 professional co-star roles

  • have a solid base in understanding Stanislavski methodology

  • know what the following terms mean: given circumstances, objective, playable action

  • have experience using basic set vocabulary & know how to read a call sheet

  • hold a masters degree in acting

LEVEL 3. These classes play with higher concept skills. Once you’ve got a solid set of credits and a nuanced knowledge of set practice and experience, expanding and refining your craft becomes the next order of artistry. A level 3 advanced student is someone who has consistently worked over a number of years not only as a co-star and/or day player on professional sets, but has also had at least one episodic guest star booking or a leading role in a feature film. Level 3 courses are by application only. Student profile includes screen artists who:

  • has been a professional working actor in the industry for over 3 years

  • is able to repeatedly “let go” or “leap” within an on-camera performance

  • feels confident with sustaining sophisticated in-character thinking

  • has a tried-and-true protocol for film/tv preparation & a nuanced application of acting methodology

  • understands what the following terms mean: station 12, drop pickup, the difference between a honeywagon and a triple

LEVEL 4. These classes are for seasoned professional working actors who want to sustain and further refine their craft into consistent series regular and starring role performances. Level 4 courses are by application only. Participants must have the following skills to qualify for Level 4 classes:

  • has a minimum of 5 guest star and/or leading role credits

  • often turn down auditions because of conflicting bookings

  • know how to deliver under pressure when ‘grace’ is called on set

  • has experienced the cutting room floor

  • understands the ins and outs of union professionalism 

  • has all the qualifications of LEVEL 3

ALL LEVELS. Some of our offerings are ‘acting adjacent’ and these classes will benefit all levels of screen artists, including actors, writers, directors, producers, and multi-hyphenates.