In 2021, our flagship Teacher Development Program (TDP) returns for its 25th year – online and in-person (we hope!) Join us for an inspiring and revitalizing 12 days devoted to the craft of teaching acting alongside a cadre of exceptional and internationally recognized faculty. Master teaching artists from a variety of methodologies will bring their vast experience into the virtual space; together they’ll expand on what we know to be true and where we still have to go as artists, all while working toward creating the actor of the future – which has never been more timely.
faculty from the 2020 TDP:
Christopher Bayes, Clown
Alexandra Billings, Movement
Slava Dolgachev, Technique/Analysis
Peter Jay Fernandez, Scene Study
Vernice Klier, Acting
Antoinette LaVecchia, Games
Kenneth Noel Mitchell, Pedagogy
Jane Nichols, Clown and Movement
Michele Shay, Acting
Fay Simpson, Lucid Body
Gregory Wallace, Scene Study
Welker White and Damian Young, Screen Acting
Applications opening soon.
Due to the participatory nature of the TDP, spots in both sessions are limited.
Our Teacher Development Program provides a rare opportunity for established acting teachers and professional actors interested in teaching to return to the classroom under the guidance of masters of the field.
In the two-week intensive, participants study as acting students, but with an eye toward the craft of teaching. Through the exploration of multiple methodologies and pedagogical practices, the program provides teaching artists a fertile and rigorous environment to broaden their landscape of technique, develop their diagnostic eye, and hone their ability to teach to the individual, while learning to cultivate an instructional atmosphere tailored to imaginative and creative risk-taking.
Everyone works on their feet, every day. Questions are answered in “the doing.” Issues of teaching practice are examined first through experience, then through discussion. The result is a one-of-a-kind program that nurtures the highest artistic standards and offers participants the opportunity to refine their voice as a teaching artist, elevate their practice, and reconnect with their passion for the craft of acting.
Presented in collaboration with
The 2020 Teacher Development Program was made possible through the generous support of the Lui & Wan Foundation.
Applications are now being accepted and are evaluated on a rolling basis.
Due to the participatory nature of the TDP, spots in both cohorts are limited. Admission is made on a rolling basis to give applicants time to secure funding. Some education institutions have funds available to support faculty in professional development.
Admission is based on your stated personal approach to the actor’s process, your background, and your demonstrated interest in personal and professional development. To apply, please prepare the following items and attach on the application form at the bottom of this page.
Some education institutions and foundations have funds available to support faculty in professional development. We encourage all participants to explore these avenues for financial support. Discounts are also made available to existing members of the National Alliance of Acting Teachers and alumni of the program.
In addition, we offer some partial scholarships for adjunct faculty, instructors, and coaches without access to professional development funding. We also offer need-based and merit-based scholarships to individuals who would otherwise not be able to attend. In order to be eligible for scholarships, individuals should first submit their application to the Teacher Development Program. Subsequently, please write to Managing Director, Jane McPherson at jmcpherson@actingteachers.org to inquire about scholarship availability.
The Teacher Development Program originated at The Actors Center in New York in 1996. In the 24 years since its inception the program has graduated more than 250 alumni, many of whom are now teaching at premier institutions across the country. Founded by J. Michael Miller, the program’s four initial faculty included Earle Gister, Michael Kahn, Lloyd Richards, and Ron Van Lieu. In 2017, the program expanded to the west coast for the first time and now continues on both coasts each summer.
Over the years, TDP faculty and guest speakers have included:
Maria Aitken
Christopher Bayes
Alexandra Billings
Per Brahe
David Bridel
Sharon Marie Carnicke
Robert Cohen
Slava Dolgachev
Olympia Dukakis
William Esper
Peter Jay Fernandez
Catherine Fitzmaurice
Richard Feldman
Earle Gister
Michael Kahn
Antoinette LaVecchia
Joanna Merlin
Kenneth Noel Mitchell
Jane Nichols
Hugh O’Gorman
Lloyd Richards
Fay Simpson
Ron Van Lieu
Gregory Wallace