CLASSES THAT BUILD CAREERS!
ensemble offers serious actor training rooted in craft, truth, and fearless practice. From four core class levels to on-camera training, weekend workshops, and masterclasses with industry professionals, every class is designed to build skill, confidence, and real-world readiness.
It’s a studio that feels like home, with the rigor of a conservatory — a place where actors grow, take risks, and prepare to bring truthful, grounded performances to stage and screen.
REGISTER NOW!
FALL CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 21st
Instructor: Jaime Slavinsky
ACTING 101: FOR STAGE & SCREEN
The class everyone's been talking about!
In this LEVEL 1 class, students dive into the core skills every actor needs: discovering where real emotions come from and using actions and tactics to create dynamic work. Meisner’s Repetition exercise builds truthful spontaneity, Stanislavsky’s Active Analysis unlocks subtext, and Practical Aesthetics Script Analysis offers a clear method for breaking down any scene. Actors put their craft into action working on short scenes from THEATER, FILM, and TELEVISION.
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
Sundays 2:30 - 4:30 p.m
SEPT 27 - NOV 15
NEW WEEKEND SESSION ADDED!
$325
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Instructor: Jaime Slavinsky
201: THE ACTOR'S TECHNIQUE
A strong acting technique sets you free!
In this LEVEL 2 class, actors build a strong foundation in technique through Meisner’s Independent Activity and Repetition, alongside Stanislavsky’s Active Analysis. These tools help actors develop the freedom to work from their impulses, making bold, truthful choices moment-to-moment. Through intensive scene work, the class emphasizes script analysis, character development, improvisation, and honing instinctive responses, all of which empower actors to act with clarity and authenticity.
PREREQUISITE: Acting 101 or Audition
Tuesdays 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
SEPT 22 - NOV 17
*SHOWCASE on SATURDAY, NOV 21
$350
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Instructor: Justin Zeno
301: CONTEMPORARY SCENE STUDY
This intermediate level class is for experienced actors with a strong foundation in technique!
In this LEVEL 3 class, actors hone their techniques of script analysis and moment-to-moment work to develop a robust rehearsal process. Emphasis is placed on embracing spontaneity, truthfulness, nuance, and specificity in actions and tactics through an in-depth exploration of contemporary scenes from theater, film, and television.
PREREQUISITE: Acting 201 or Audition
Tuesdays 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
SEPT 22 - NOV 17
*SHOWCASE on SATURDAY, NOV 21
$375
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Instructor: Justin Zeno
401: ADVANCED ACTING SHOWCASE
For advanced actors and working professionals ready to showcase their work!
This LEVEL 4 class is an intensive for serious actors ready to master their craft. Actors tackle challenging scenes and monologues, sharpening their technique through rigorous work in and out of class. Designed as advanced training, the course can be repeated to deepen skills and includes a showcase for invited guests. Students fully commit to their artistry, making the class a true home base while preparing to step confidently toward professional opportunities. #workingactor
PREREQUISITE: Acting 301 or Audition
Wednesdays 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
SEPT 23 - NOV 18
*SHOWCASE on SATURDAY, NOV 21
$425
on-camera classes.
Instructor: Jaime Slavinsky
ACTING for FILM + TV
Learn on-camera acting techniques to work confidently in FILM & TELEVISION!
In this LEVEL 2 class, actors learn the technical demands of working on-camera through exercises and short scenes from the real-life films, television shows, and commercials filming right here in Pittsburgh. Actors will master working within the frame, eyelines, blocking, preserving continuity, along with on-set terminology and best practices for working on a professional FILM/TV set.
PREREQUISITE: Acting 101 or Equivalent
Sundays 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
SEPT 27 - NOV 15
$325
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Instructor: PJ Gaynard
ON-CAMERA SCENE STUDY
This intermediate/advanced level class prepares you to work confidently on set!
This LEVEL 3 class is for actors ready to deepen their work through focused scene study from film and television. Working in a range of frame sizes—from intimate close-ups to wider shots—actors learn how to find freedom within the frame. With an emphasis on truthful, grounded acting, and supported by clear directing feedback, students develop performances that feel honest, alive, and ready for the demands of professional film and television work.
PREREQ: Acting for FILM + TV/Equivalent
Thursdays 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
SEPT 24 - NOV 12
$375
Instructor: Jaime Slavinsky
ACTING IN COMMERCIALS
Learn the unique skills it takes to book your next big commercial job!
The majority of on-camera work in Pittsburgh is commercial work—making this dynamic 2-DAY WORKSHOP essential for actors who are repped or seeking representation. Actors will learn the insider skills on how to analyze copy, engage authentically with the consumer, feature the product naturally, and handle improvised auditions with confidence. Build the skills you need to work confidently and professionally on commercial sets—and book the job!
PREREQUISITE: None
THIS CLASS WILL BE OFFERED
IN SPRING OF 2027!
$150
Instructor: Cindy Jackson
SELF-TAPE WORKSHOP
Your BEST TAKE starts here: SELF-TAPE with ease and AUDITION with confidence!
This 2-DAY WORKSHOP walks you through a self-tape set up from script to submission. You’ll learn how to create a clean, professional setup at home and deliver confident, grounded performances that connect on camera. From slating to sending, we’ll cover every step of the process—so you can stop stressing about the tech and start focusing on the acting. Ideal for actors who want to feel prepared, polished, and ready to book.
PREREQUISITE: None
WORKSHOP DATE
COMING SOON!
$150
workshops & masterclasses.
Instructor: Brandi Welle
VOICE & SPEECH WITH DIALECTS
A strong, resonant, and flexible voice is essential for every actor!
A dynamic 8-WEEK MASTERCLASS to unlock the full potential of your vocal instrument. Through targeted articulation work, breath control, and character-driven vocal exercises, actors will build clarity, range, and versatility in their speech. This session also includes practical dialect training, with a focus on Standard British (RP) and Southern dialects—giving you the tools to approach character work with precision and authenticity.
PREREQUISITE: None
Thursdays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
SEPT 24 - NOV 12
$275
Instructor: José Pérez IV
STAGE COMBAT WORKSHOP
Make your fight scenes believable, grounded, and ready for the stage or screen!
This 1-DAY INTENSIVE introduces actors to the fundamentals of unarmed stage combat for stage and screen. With a strong emphasis on safety, trust, and technique, participants will learn how to perform believable, dynamic physical storytelling while minimizing risk. An essential tool for any actor working in theatre, film, or television.
PREREQUISITE: None
WORKSHOP DATE
COMING SOON!
$75
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Instructor: Justin Zeno
DIRECTING MASTERCLASS
Learn the fundamentals of directing for stage & screen!
A 6-WEEK INTENSIVE MASTERCLASS in directing for stage & screen. This course is designed for emerging and working directors ready to deepen their craft through rigorous, hands-on scene work. Students will explore text analysis, actor communication, staging, and visual storytelling while building a clear and confident directorial voice. The class functions as a practical directing lab—focused on process, precision, and real-time creative decision-making.
PREREQUISITE: Acting 101 or Equivalent
THIS CLASS WILL BE OFFERED
IN SPRING OF 2027!
$295
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Instructor: Chris Clavelli
SCRIPT ANALYSIS MASTERCLASS
Dive deep into script analysis and master every scene!
This 6-WEEK MASTERCLASS focuses on how to read and interpret scripts to uncover story, action, and structure with clarity and precision. Grounded in a Practical Aesthetics–inspired approach, students learn a clear, repeatable process for breaking down text and making strong, informed creative choices. Great for actors, directors, designers, and dramaturgs!
PREREQUISITE: Acting 101 or Equivalent
Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
OCT 5 - NOV 9
$250
new class for teens!
Instructors:
Sarah JK Shoemaker
& Catherine Baird
ACTING 101: TEEN EDITION
Professional actor training for stage & screen! Ages 13–17.
This 8-WEEK CLASS introduces teens to the core principles of acting for theater, film, and television, with a mix of scene work, improvisation, and on-camera technique in a supportive, ensemble-based environment. Students will work on creating character, truthful behavior, and emotional connection while learning how technique translates across stage and screen. This class offers teens a strong artistic foundation while encouraging bold choices, collaboration, and fearless work.
Sundays 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
SEPT 27 - NOV 15
$325
student shout-outs!
john sasson
I can’t say enough good things about Ensemble Actors Studio! Ensemble is a safe space that welcomes all. Jaime is a passionate and dedicated artistic director that goes above and beyond for everyone involved in the studio. I look forward to taking more classes and would highly recommend to anyone interested in acting!
lanah velazquez
Ensemble has given me a really firm understanding of acting technique. Learning how to work with actions & tactics keeps me grounded in the scene. Being able to take direction and incorporate that immediately is so valuable when you're on set! I'm really glad I took this class!
lyv mamaril
Best acting teacher in the Pittsburgh area. You will learn from the best. I’ve applied every lesson and technique on set and have seen so many improvements in my acting!
rebecca hurlbert
Ensemble gave me the confidence to pursue acting again. The environment is comfortable and full of friendship and laughter. Learning how to analyze a script, trust my instincts, and listen & react to my scene partner have vastly improved my acting technique!
kevin robinson
I had been looking for somewhere to go here in the 'Burgh to determine whether or not I could 'up my game' in the profession and do something in addition to commercials. I wasn't so sure that I could really "act." After being in class at ensemble with actors at the peak of their craft... I BELIEVE I CAN!
studio highlights.
