About this class
Center Stage is an introductory acting course held at Open Jar Studios, a working Broadway rehearsal center in Midtown Manhattan, a short walk from The Grove's home location. The course introduces adult learners to the fundamentals of acting practice as taught in conservatory and professional studio settings: scene study, improvisation, character development, stage movement, and vocal production.
Instruction is studio-based and physically active. Each session focuses on a defined element of the craft — improvisation and impulse, text analysis, character work, movement, or voice — and learners practice in real time with the support of working performers as instructors. Field components include attendance at a live theater performance with structured post-show discussion and behind-the-scenes visits to professional rehearsal and performance spaces. Guest performers and directors join the class regularly to discuss craft and answer questions.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Practice improvisation with attention to listening, impulse, and partner-based scene-building
- Read and analyze a short scene, identifying objective, obstacle, and tactic
- Develop and inhabit a character through textual analysis and physical exploration
- Use stage movement and physical presence to communicate intention and emotion
- Apply foundational vocal techniques: projection, articulation, and breath support
- Work productively with a scene partner, listening and responding in real time
- Perform a short piece for the group with developed character work and clear staging
Methodology
The course draws on the conservatory tradition of integrated acting training, with elements adapted from the Stanislavski-based American acting lineage. Practice is the primary mode of instruction: every session involves on-your-feet work with guidance from working performers.
Topics we cover
- Improvisation: listening, impulse, and partner-based work
- Scene study: reading, analyzing, and performing short scenes
- Character development: text-based analysis combined with physical exploration
- Stage movement: the actor's body as expressive instrument
- Voice and projection: being heard and understood on stage
- Scene partner work: listening, reacting, and shared discovery
- Performance and stage presence: building confidence through repeated practice
- The craft of performance: what makes acting work
Who it's for
For adults who want to develop performance skills — improvisation, scene work, character building, stage movement, and voice — and to grow in confidence, communication, and creative expression. Held at Open Jar Studios, a working Broadway rehearsal center. No prior acting experience required.
Who teaches it
Tate McElhaney
Actor and member of Actors' Equity, trained at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music — one of the country's top musical theater conservatories — with professional regional credits at Westport Country Playhouse, Theatre Aspen, Aspen Music Festival, and Cincinnati POPS.
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Pricing
$100 per session · 120 min per class. Register for 8 or more sessions across any combination of classes at The Grove and save 15%.
Registration is handled on our secure registration site.
Classes at The Grove are non-credit, personal-enrichment programs offered by Big Apple Coaching LLC. Participation does not confer academic credit, professional certification, or licensure.