Classes

Scene Study I / Script Analysis: An introduction to working on scenes. In this class we will break down not only the scene, but the script as a whole. What questions does one ask when reading a play? How do you discover and develop a character? What are the objectives? What are the relationships? The goal is to have the actor asking as many questions as possible so that they can experience the scene fully.

Scene Study II: Students have the choice of bringing in scenes that they would like to work on or having scenes assigned. Each week students will perform and discuss their work. Students will look further into how to prepare and develop characters. What are one's actions and objectives?

Monologues: This class concentrates on how to choose the right monologue for you as an individual. Students will find monologues that show off their traits as an actor. Once monologues are chosen they will begin to develop them into creative and strong audition pieces.

Auditioning: This class focuses on preparing for various types of auditions. Monologue vs. a cold reading. What is a cold reading and how does one approach it? How can one prepare for an audition? What does one do while waiting to be seen at the audition? Each week students will practice auditioning. The goal is to be comfortable, not intimidated by the audition process, and to acquire the tools necessary to get the part.

Private Coaching

I coach individuals who are preparing to audition not only for productions, but also for performing arts institutions and colleges. Coaching is not limited to monologues, but can also include scene work with partners. Tell me your goals and we will make them happen.

Former students have performed on stage and film worldwide. Recent TV bookings included New Amsterdam, FBI, and Succession.

High school students have gone on attend Juilliard, NYU, UCLA, Emerson and more...

Adrian Wattenmaker

Adrian began his career as an educator with the New York Film Academy, where in addition to teaching acting and filmmaking, he developed the acting program that was launched as the Academy's acting school in 2003. In 2009, Adrian moved to the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SOCAPA), where he was head of the acting program, and eventually, director of the L.A. campus. Since then he has developed and taught courses at Brooklyn College, University of Nevada - Reno, New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, Kean University, and Lafayette College. As a guest artist, Adrian has led workshops at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) and Sierra Nevada College.

Adrian was Associate Director of the 2022 - 2023 TONY nominated Broadway production of Stephen Adly Guirgis' Pulitzer Prize winning play Between Riverside and Crazy. Recently, he directed Margaret Ladd and Lyle Kessler in Lyle's play Obituary as part of LAByrinth's 30th Anniversary Series. As Associate Artistic Director of Hudson Theatre Works (Weekhawken, NJ), credits include Eugene O'Neill's Hughie (actor), the world premiere of Neil LaBute’s A Good Thing (director), and the world premiere of John Patrick Shanley’s A Wake (producer).

Among his many theatre and film credits, Adrian has worked in association with Studio USA/Universal, NBC (Law & Order and SNL), Greg Stump Productions / Delamo Films, Setton Sun Productions, Four Act Films, Atlantic Theater Company, Second Stage Theater, LAByrinth Theater Company, The Amoralists Theatre Company, HB Playwrights Foundation, Theatre Row, and 59E59 Theaters.

Adrian is a member of The Actors Studio Playwrights / Directors Unit, Actors' Equity Association (AEA), and Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG - AFTRA), and an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC). He served on the Drama Desk Awards Nominating Committee and is a recipient of the Joel Zwick Scholarship in Directing, Friars Foundation Scholarship in Performing Arts, and Steve Yeager Theatre Fund Scholarship in Acting. Adrian earned his BA in Theatre Arts from Towson University and his MFA in Directing from Brooklyn College.

For more information about Adrian please visit the About page.

For a free consultation and more details about the programs offered please send a message.

Adrian's biggest strength is his humanity. He understands people; what makes them tick, their insecurities, and he knows how to instill confidence in every person he directs.

- Ian Belknap

Artistic Director, The Acting Company

Adrian's acting class was where it all began for me. I remember a sense of non-judgement and invitation to reach places I didn't know I could. I felt he understood where his students were and gave us just enough to push us a bit further. I always appreciated his comforting energy and I couldn't ask for a better teacher to kickstart my acting career.

- Tina WongLu,

New Amsterdam, FBI, Living With Strangers

Adrian's class helped me find the joy and detail as an actor when performing. His support and coaching was a great contribution to the foundation of my acting technique.

- Yuliya Donovan, Brooklyn College

adrian wattenmaker

adrian wattenmaker

Living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.

ACTING CLASSES

Classes

Private Coaching

Student Reels

Scene from This Is Our Youth

SOCAPA Reels

Adrian Wattenmaker

COURSE CATALOGUES & Study Guides

Contact

For more information drop me a line!

Looking forward to connecting with you!