Houde School of Acting · Taught by Jessica Houde-Morris

This year-long immersive training guides actors through the complete craft of breaking down a script and building a fully lived-in character, using the play Lou Gehrig did not die of cancer as our anchor text. The first half of the year is devoted to deep script analysis; the second half moves into gradual, layered character creation through improvisation and scene work.

Phase 1 : Script Analysis Mastery
Actors learn to break down a script from the inside out using the professional framework found in our Script Analysis Map (will be provided).

We explore:

• Theme & message of the story

• Character spines, super-objectives, and internal drives

• Scene objectives, strong opposing forces, and moment-to-moment behavior

• Physical doings, environment, relationships, and “as ifs”

• Emotional reasoning behind each choice

• Subtext and the meaning of the moment

• How to rehearse properly using personalization and emotional preparation

By the end of Phase 1, actors have a complete breakdown of the play Lou Gehrig did not die of cancer, understanding not just what happens, but why it happens and how behavior reveals character.

Phase 2 : Character Work Through Improvisation & Scene Study
Once the analytical foundation is solid, we begin the practical, imaginative work of becoming the character.

Actors will:

• Build characterizations through structured improvisation

• Explore voice, physicality, emotional life, point of view, and personal history

• Create human behavior rooted in the character’s spine and script analysis

• Use improvised moments to discover how the character behaves under pressure, desire, conflict, and connection

• Bring those same developed characters into scripted scenes from the play

• Integrate analysis + behavior into a truthful, cohesive performance

• Complete the year with fully realized scenes that reflect deep internal and external work

By year’s end, students will not only have mastered script analysis — they will know how to turn analysis into living, breathing performance.

When:
Online: Mondays 11am-1pm ET or Tuesdays 7-9pm ET
In Person: Wednesdays 8-9:30pm ET
Cost: $140.00

Please note this class is invite only.

Houde School of Acting does not offer refunds if you drop/cancel a class or workshop. If you drop a class, no later than a full week before the first day of class we will offer full credit for the following month of class.

Due to the format of the classes, there are no make-up classes.
Please visit our FAQ page to learn more about our make up class and refund policy.