Are you one of the vivid dreamers whose subconscious is working overtime during the pandemic? If so, put those dream figures to good use in your acting.

As actors, we often reach back decades to draw upon psychological forces within us that powerfully align with characters we're developing. And this can be extremely effective. But what about our dreams? Dreams are powerful clues in the mystery of our own psyche. Turns out, dreams also can be integrated into scene work by identifying key images and figures in the dream, then creatively applying them to the circumstances of your character.

In this repeat of our most successful class cycle, you'll receive a monologue that allows for an exploration of your dream world. We'll develop the scene through rehearsals and exercises that not only employ traditional methods like pursuing scene objectives and beat work, but also tap into your dream world and channel that powerful inner-world content into your character.

This Jungian approach encourages actors to engage in a dialogue with their unconscious, to effectively release latent potential in the actor and to inspire dynamic character development choices. Even for actors who don't remember their dreams, the use of "active imagination" in the course is still powerful. Many actors who previously did NOT remember their dreams started remembering dream fragments or more by taking the course. So even if you're the kind of person who normally doesn't remember dreams, don't let that deter you from experiencing this emerging technique.

All actors will work every week. To keep class size to a manageable level on Zoom, there will be two sections of the class - a Tuesday section and a Wednesday section. Actors may audit both days, if they like, but are guaranteed to work once a week on their assigned day. Should a scheduling conflict emerge, actors may arrange for a make-up class in the other section, as long as proper notice is given of the conflict. Upon completion of the cycle, every actor will receive a written evaluation of their work.

The class is taught by Hunter Lee Hughes and will be taught online via Zoom.

Tuesday Section:

Tuesday, January 7, 7 to 10 p.m.

Tuesday, January 14th, 7 to 10 p.m.

Tuesday, January 21st, 7 to 10 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28th, 7 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday Section:

Wednesday, January 8th, 7 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday, January 15th, 7 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday, January 22nd, 7 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday, January 29th, 7 to 10 p.m.

If you have any questions about the class, please reach out to: Hunter@StoryAtlas.com.

Before you shoot, before you pitch, you have to know what's working and not working about your screenplay. Are the characters well-developed? Does it use visualization effectively? Is the dialogue sharp?

It's easy to find another set of eyes for your beloved new screenplay: your girlfriend, your buddy from that acting class, your biggest fan (Mom). With a little luck, they'll be (quasi) willing to take a lot at your screenplay and, hopefully, affirm its merits.

But it's not so easy to find another set of skilled, trustworthy eyes for your screenplay who is willing and qualified to deliver an honest assessment of your story while also striving to understand your priorities and passion for undertaking the creative process. Hunter worked as a story analyst for Paramount Classics/Vantage for eight years and served as the writing assistant to Mardik Martin (co-writer - Raging Bull, Mean Streets) for five years, in addition to his own work as a filmmaker. He draws upon this experience to drill into your screenplay, its strengths, weaknesses, and hidden potential.

This consultation package includes a read fee, a one-hour consultation, two pages of detailed notes, and a chart rating your screenplay on a number of important metrics, like dialogue, character development, and originality.

To read more about Hunter, check out his biography here.

If you'd like to make arrangements to pay by cash or check, please email Hunter@StoryAtlas.com.

Storyboard by Anthony Sturmas

No matter our skill level as actors, we sometimes need input from a sharp observer  to empower us to find new layers of our creative work. New perspectives and techniques can enliven characters beyond the actor's default comfort strike zone. Hunter Lee Hughes crafts an individualized approach to the classic challenges facing the actor. His private, one-hour consultations illuminate how your own reservoir of life experiences, thoughts, emotions, even dreams, and beliefs apply to a scene, while also working to discover the author's intent for the role that guides the actor's choices. Sessions can be arranged for audition prep for a specific role or as a series to work on developing the actor more generally.

All sessions will take place over Zoom or Skype, unless privately arranged.

To learn more about Hunter, read about his background here.

Photo by Jason Fracaro

If you'd like to make arrangements to pay by cash or check, please email Hunter@StoryAtlas.com.