About Us

What we do and Why we do it

Acting has drastically evolved from the days of Stanislavsky and the Group Theatre, when techniques were geared for the actor who would rehearse for 5 or 6 months, or more.  Gradually the business began speeding up as TV and film work increased and theatre rehearsals went from 8 weeks to 6 weeks to the current 4 weeks. What didn’t evolve was the way the techniques (the craft) were presented and used by the actor. It wasn’t working for actors the way the masters had intended.  Acting technique needs to be a living breathing process that grows to meet the ever changing demands placed on actors today.  One of the great misconceptions is that the “Craft” is only for theatre, when in fact today, actors go from theatre to film to television, and the craft must  go with them.  Today’s actor is under constant pressure to deliver the goods faster and faster. What should be a collaborative effort can feel like a battle just to survive. How does the actor make himself totally vulnerable to access the deepest emotions while being forced to rush to get the shot before they lose the light?  Penny’s  entire career as an acting coach and teacher has been about developing a practical approach to the craft of acting that is grounded in the teachings of the great masters.  She has been arming her actors with this ever evolving eminently usable approach to the craft for 20 years, preparing them  to succeed in this modern fast paced world of acting.  Her actors are always ready to act. They face the challenge of any acting situation without fear.  In fact, they relish it!

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[PTS1]Since we’re using a military theme here, my students  get “intel”

PENNY TEMPLETON Ms. Templeton ‘s artistry is the culmination of four generations of theatre actresses. Although Penny was warned by her family not to go on the Stage she embraced her legacy and began performing and studying under such masters as Paul Sorvino and Wynn Handman. Highlights of her career include starring in Joyce Carol Oates’ “I Stand Before You Naked” at the American Place Theatre, and as Paul Sorvino’s wife in “All The King’s Men”. Her unique coaching methods and techniques have garnered attention and recognition from industry peers. She has been called upon to offer her expertise for articles in national magazines and is currently writing her book, Acting Under Fire: Creating Acting Lions. Ms. Templeton has been a finalist Judge for the NY Film Festival, Daytime Emmys and Cable Ace Awards. She taught ‘Acting for the Camera’ – to the MFA students at Columbia University . She is featured in Glenn Alterman’s book Promoting Your Acting Career, and Ronald Rand’s Acting Teachers of America. Penny works with actors on Broadway, Off-Broadway, as well as in Regional Theatre. Feature Films, Prime time and Daytime Television.

HANK SCHOB A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Hank immediately began working Off-Broadway in the hit show “Your Own Thing”. His 45 years of theatre experience include Off Broadway. Regional Theatre, and National Tours . He has worked with stars such as Richard Gere in “Awake and Sing”. Jose Ferrer in “Cyrano”, and John Raitt in “Shenandoah”. Mr. Schob has also been featured in the films “Cadillac Man”, ” Heading for Broadway” and “Fame”. His TV credits include roles on “All My Children”. “Search for Tomorrow’” and “Law & Order”.