About the Class

Acting I: Foundation is designed to help you build a strong foundation of basic acting techniques while exploring the fascinating mystery of acting itself. Through practical exercises, you will develop physical and vocal awareness, learning to utilize your full instrument, and cultivate attention—a crucial skill for stage presence and truthful performance. Finally, you’ll discover self-care as an actor, understanding how to maintain your well-being in a demanding artistic profession.

Tuition

$300

Duration

2 hours, 6 classes or 3 hours, 4 classes

Capacity

Maximum of 12 students

Find Your Session

4 sessions available

11/06-12/11

Thursday

(6:30PM - 9:30PM)

Taught by Bernard Gilbert

11/07-12/05

Friday

(11:00AM - 2:00PM)

Taught by Stephen Ruffin

11/16-12/14

Sunday

(2:00PM - 5:00PM)

Taught by Xavier Mikal

12/01-12/17

Mon&Wed

(11:00AM - 1:00PM)

Taught by Allison Gardner

Meet the Teachers

Bernard Gilbert (he/his) Bernard is an Atlanta-raised actor celebrated for his compelling performances on stage and screen. A proud Morehouse College graduate with a Business degree, he also holds an MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. His television credits include recurring roles on “The Chi” (SHOWTIME), “Empire” (FOX), and “Utopia” (Amazon), alongside guest appearances on “Law & Order” (NBC), “Chicago P.D.” (NBC), and “The Big Leap” (FOX). On stage, Bernard has performed with renowned theaters such as The Goodman Theatre, A Red Orchid Theatre, and Northlight Theatre. His standout roles include Hero in Father Comes Home from the Wars, Dez in Skeleton Crew, Fish in The Royale, and Herald Loomis in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. A recipient of the Princess Grace Award for Acting and the Ossie Davis Jr. Award for Best Featured Actor, Bernard feels deeply blessed to share this journey with his loving wife, Alicia, and grateful for the unwavering support of his amazing friends and family.

Stephen Ruffin is a classically trained Black stage & film actor. Some Atlanta stage credits include Romeo and Lysander at Atlanta Shakes, “Omari” in “Pipeline” at Horizon and originating the role of Bowzie Brandon in “Too Heavy For Your Pocket” at Alliance. Recent TV/film credits include recurring roles on "Snowfall", "Terror Lake Drive", and “Love Is”, as well as supporting roles in SXSW 2018 premiere “Summer 03”, Sundance 2020 premiere “Beast Beast”, and Disney's “Safety”.

Xavier Mikal is an Equity actor, director and teaching artist from Baltimore, Maryland. He has his Master of Fine Arts Degree and African American theatre certification from University of Louisville. He also has his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from North Carolina A&T State University. He has taught theatre from the University to Kindergarten levels. nnHe has also coached Film/TV acting at AGI Entertainment. He has many theatre credits including King Hedley II and Martin Luther King Jr in The Mountaintop. As far as TV/film, Xavier was a lead in a limited series, THE PACT as Micah (Telly Award Recipient) and an independent film, ERACEING as Edwin which was shown in The Louisville International Film Fest, Toronto Black Film Fest and San Diego Black Film Fest. He also featured in the film SHIRLEY starring Regina King on Netflix. He is so excited to be leading acting classes with Alliance Theatre!