16-Week Online Course | Sundays, 7:00 PM - 9 PM ET | September 7 – December 21st, 2025
Prerequisite: Completion of Foundation 1.0 or prior-experience approval by the instructor
Course Overview:
Building on the core principles introduced in Foundation 1.0, Foundations of Method Acting is a deep-dive exploration into the legendary techniques that have shaped the craft of acting for generations. Guided by veteran actor David Wenzel, this 16-week immersive course will refine your skills through focused study, rigorous exercises, and scene work rooted in the teachings of iconic acting pioneers.
From the emotional truth-seeking of Stanislavski, to the personal connection and substitution techniques of Uta Hagen, to the spontaneous, moment-to-moment responsiveness championed by Sanford Meisner, students will explore the full spectrum of Method-based training. Each week will be structured to build practical tools, encourage self-exploration, and challenge actors to bring honest, compelling performances to life.
Class Details:
Start Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
End Date: Sunday, December 21st, 2025
Time: Sundays, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Eastern (Live via Zoom)
Format: Online, Interactive Group Sessions + Assigned Partner Work
Level: Intermediate (Completion of Foundation 1.0 required or prior training approval)
What You'll Learn:
Advanced exercises in emotional recall, sense memory, and personalization
Techniques for breaking down scenes using given circumstances and objective/obstacle work
Integration of Hagen’s substitution and transference methods to create truthful performances
Application of Meisner’s repetition and improvisational techniques to develop spontaneity
Deepening presence, listening, and authentic reaction in partner work
Constructive feedback and coaching from David Wenzel to refine performance choices
How to apply Method techniques to contemporary and classical texts
About the Instructor:
David Wenzel is a veteran actor with over three decades of experience in film, television, and theater. Trained in classical and Method techniques, David has worked alongside some of the industry’s most respected artists and is passionate about nurturing the next generation of truthful performers. His teaching style is both rigorous and compassionate, helping actors to unlock their authentic selves and trust their instincts.
Week 1 (Sept 7): Reintroduction & The Method Toolbox
Course overview, expectations, and revisiting Foundation 1.0 principles
Relaxation, concentration, and the actor’s instrument
Intro to Stanislavski, Hagen, and Meisner—how their work interrelates
Week 2 (Sept 14): Sense Memory & Emotional Recall
Sensory exercises to activate memory and create emotional truth
Personal object work and solo exploration
Week 3 (Sept 21): The Magic If & Given Circumstances
Applying Stanislavski’s imaginative tools to develop inner life
Text-based exploration of character environment and stakes
Week 4 (Sept 28): Uta Hagen’s Object Exercises – Substitution & Transference
Personalizing the imaginary world through substitution
Monologue exercise using transference
Week 5 (Oct 5): The Reality of Doing – Meisner’s Repetition Technique
Introduction to repetition, instinctive reaction, and emotional honesty
Partner work begins
Week 6 (Oct 12): Improvisation & Impulse
Expanding spontaneous reactions in structured improvisation
Building connection and freedom in performance
Week 7 (Oct 19): Private Moment & Inner Objects
Developing layered interior life in character
Exploring privacy on stage
Week 8 (Oct 26): Emotional Preparation & First Reads
Preparing emotionally before entering a scene
Cold readings with guided feedback
Week 9 (Nov 2): Scene Study I – Objectives, Obstacles & Tactics
Partner scenes assigned
Table work with intention and stakes
Week 10 (Nov 9): Scene Study II – Rehearsal & Adjustment
Rehearsal check-ins
Coaching on personalization, beats, and actions
Week 11 (Nov 16): Scene Study III – Presence & Connection
Deepening listening and staying present under pressure
Meisner tools for in-the-moment reaction
Week 12 (Nov 23): Scene Study IV – Performance Workshop
Work scenes with instructor feedback
Begin preparing final performances
Week 13 (Dec 1): Monologue Work – Personalization & Text Breakdown
Choose or bring monologue for Method-based exploration
Focus on subtext and inner monologue
Week 14 (Dec 8): Monologue Coaching – Truth in Performance
One-on-one coaching
Applying Method tools to short solo work
Week 15 (Dec 15): Final Scene Rehearsals & Polishing
Final scene and monologue run-throughs
Peer feedback and final adjustments
Week 16 (Dec 21): Final Performances & Individual Evaluations
Live showcase of scenes and/or monologues
Instructor feedback, reflection, and next steps