By JackieBelle
“Art is longer than life…” ~ Lee Strasberg
What do Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, Al Pacino, Nicole Kidman, Alec Baldwin, Ellen Burstyn, Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton, and James Dean all have in common? They are all Method Actors. What they make look like natural talent is actually really hard work and a true dedication to their craft. Method Acting, which is the oldest acting technique in the world, was developed by Constantine Stanislavski and promoted by Lee Strasberg, and it’s turned out some of the best actors the world has seen. Gary Swanson was a student for over ten years, and he and a selected few others are still teaching Lee Strasberg’s Method to this day. In fact, they are the only ones who have a direct connection to the master himself. After 30 years of teaching Gary has come across one student he feels is ready to pass the torch. Yes, one student in 30 years! Alexandra Vino is that student and she is now teaching classes in Manhattan.
Alexandra is teaching Gary’s new students to prepare them for his Advanced Class. Working together weekly they teach you how to create freedom of your body and soul and how to open up your “true self.” These classes not just for actors- they’re also highly recommended for anyone who wants to better themselves. Everyone who has put the Method to work for them has said that it affects them in such a positive way that they can actually use it in their daily lives, not just for acting. It can help you in your career and in your personal life, or it can be something you do just for yourself.
Here’s how the classes work: The first one is free so you can see if it is something that might interest you. After you fall in love with it, which you will, you will be encouraged to become fully committed and join the weekly class. After each month of classes there will be a private session scheduled with Gary to assess what you have learned. He will later invite you to join the Advanced Group once you have gained the knowledge you need to join. It’s up to you to do the work at home, and the more you do the faster you will progress!
Classes are held every Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 in a theater space on 54th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. To apply, email directly by clicking HERE.
As James Dean once said, “The gratification comes in the doing, not in the results.” So give it a try!
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