06/11/2020
So, I have an idea for re-starting acting classes. I'd like to know what people think.
First of all, let me be clear - health and safety first. I am not interesting in coaching anybody through some deep Method work of what it is to be deadly ill.
None of this happens until we are reasonably sure it's safe to do so. LA County Covid cases are currently (as of June 11) on the rise again. I'm gonna keep a sharp eye on that for the next 2-4 weeks before we open up, and I reserve the right to push back opening indefinitely, or re-closing if necessary.
That out of the way, here's the idea:
1. On-going class is broken down into 4 week (or possibly 1 month) Cycles. I would ask everyone to commit to a month at a time minimum. (If you need to study half time, please consider going with a month on/ month off pattern, or, if there are enough people who want to do half time, we could form an every-other week Pod (see next item) that goes for two months.)
2. Every class is divided into Pods of 4 students each.
Only the 4 students from each pod (and I) are in the room at a time, for (initially) 1.5 hour sessions. We'll work on two scenes during each session, asking the two non-working actors to run cameras while wearing masks.
New Pods are formed every month, and the 4 actors come up with 6 scenes for each possible pairing, so each actor will do 3 scenes over the course of the cycle (each time with a different partner), with the 4th week dedicated to a detailed check in with each actor, goal setting, and cold read/prepared practice. This will also give us the flexibility to handle the inevitable occasional missed class.
3. On a given class night, we might have the first pod at 6, 2nd at 7:45, 3rd at 9:30. It is essential that students show up on time!!
There would be time for students to socialize outdoors before and after their pods while the studio is aired out and sanitized.
4. Make ups would happen in the form of my helping you with a self-tape, either real or practice.
5. Counter virus measures would include:
a) Airing out the room (with a big ass fan or two) in between Pods, if not in between scenes.
b) Sanitizing all surfaces daily, if not in between Pods
c) A strict do-not-come-if-you-are-ill policy
d) Temperature checks upon arrival
e) Frequent hand washing and sanitizing
f) Masks to be worn by the non working students and me
g) adopting any other measures that SAG/AFTRA, LA County etc. recommend.
h) No kissing scenes! (unless you live together anyway)
Thoughts?
