What do Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Jamie Foxx and Dustin Hoffman have in common? They all use acting tools from the category of "Externals" to create unique and specific characterizations. Great actors must have this tool well-developed to do the kind of work the most respected performers do. Take this workshop.

"Externals" includes any acting tool that begins with an outside adjustment: physically, vocally, costumes and/or make-up. Examples of "Externals" tools include basing characterizations on combinations of animals, people, images, objects, insects, and much more.

"Externals" is also called "Outside-In Approach" by many acting theorists and teachers. "Externals" is one of the most powerful tools great actors use. "Externals" is the primary (and sometimes only) tool many actors use to create specific and original characterizations that are far different from their habitual persona. "Externals" is often the only way an actor can achieve many kinds of characterizations. "Externals" can begin with the very specific observation and study of the characteristics of an object: a person, animal, or thing. Or it can begin with making any kind of external adjustment: costume, make-up, physicalization, voice, etc.

Great actors must learn specific ways of using these "Externals" tools in order for them to have much meaning. You were probably not born being able to do it.

The Jason Bennett Actor's Workshop presents a unique "Externals Workshop." In this workshop, you will explore all kinds of "Externals" approaches as you experiment with and develop your own acting process.

Zoo Day: You will go to the zoo and learn the in-depth process of observing the many aspects of an animal as an approach to developing a characterization. The Externals approach of using animals as the basis of characterizations can yield unbelievably mind-altering results with dramatic physicalizations and vocalizations. Many respected performers use this tool as a fundamental part of their work. It takes a half-day. Time: You learn what to do from reading, and go on your own time. Cost: Free

Externals I with Jason Bennett:You will do intense sound and movement exercises with music; work with two animals from our trip to the zoo; and bring in two characters you have created with costumes, hair, and make-up. You will learn the "Externals/Outside-In" approach to creating characterizations in rehearsal and performance. On day two, you will perform two "Farmer's Market" exercises. 2 days. Time: March 26th-27th, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Cost: $195, or $225 for non-students.

Externals II with Jason Bennett: In this performance oriented workshop, you will apply your basic knowledge of Externals techniques to in-depth explorations of scenes and monologues you have been assigned. You will use all kinds of differents Externals techniques as you deepen the process of working "outside-in" on your scenes and monologues. To attend this workshop, you must have attended Externals I. 2 days. Time: TBA. Cost: TBA.

Externals Rehearsal and Performance with Jason Bennett: During the second month of the Externals Theme, you will continue working on your scenes and monologues using various Externals approaches, as you move toward a more complete performance of your material. You will get many hours of rehearsal time with Jason Bennett during this Rehearsal and Performance time. 3 days spread out. Time: TBA. Cost: TBA.

As with all workshops at our school, due to planning, we are unable to offer refunds for workshops once they are paid for and commited to.