This is an introductory course suitable for those with no prior training or exposure to acting techniques, or for anyone who is interested in exploring acting as a powerful and enjoyable means of self-expression. Acting is the ability to behave believably under imaginary circumstances -- Through a series of structured exercises devised to work with and develop an actor's skills in the areas of imagination, listening, concentration, focus, and response - you will begin to learn this ability. Acting is a craft, and learning the components of an acting technique take time and practice! You are on your feet in every class, participating in each exercise - developing confidence and developing an understanding of the Basics of Acting.

Prerequisite: None.

Course fee:
$299.00 for non-members
$269.00 for StageSource Members and/or Former students of The Studio

Susan Shaw is an independent casting director and consultant for all New York-based NBC prime time pilots. In Los Angeles she was responsible for casting several pilots and series for MTM, including Remington Steele and Annie Maguire; in New York she has been involved in casting numerous feature films and was an off-Broadway casting director at Playwrights Horizons for two seasons.

Here's what some former students had to say about this class:

I want you to know what a wonderful experience our class was for me. If all of life could be as full of good energy, freedom, learning, fun, and reflection as those 2.5 hours a week were, what a great place the world would be. Thank you for sharing your guidance and your wonderful spirit with us!

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I learned so much from you without even knowing it. I really do believe you course saved my life. And that's no exaggeration. See ya' 'round Kid. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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"You are mesmerizing! Your class has helped me more than you will ever know."

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"By far this class has exceeded my expectations! This class has touched my life. Thanks for being such an incredible teacher and giving me something that has brought so much to my life."

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"Your class is such an inspiration. You opened a different world to my imagination. The fears I had before the class are vanished."

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I would just like to say again how much I enjoyed your class. I am typically not comfortable even speaking in front of a group. But you created an atmosphere of openness and trust. Also, everything from the in class drills and assignments to the homework were challenging and effective. The classes flowed nicely and you let us know class was serious business...but we had fun at the same time. I feel that I can apply what I learned in class to my current occupation as a system analyst. The lesson of the effect of body language and posture on communication has been quite valuable. Additionally, I feel I can achieve higher levels of concentration (I might have to keep up with the drills to maintain this) and I do not think I will have as much of an issue speaking to a group in meetings. This is only the first Wednesday since the class ended and I have to admit I miss the preparation and the class and seeing everyone.

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I took Susan Shaw's acting class and loved every minute of it. Not only did I enjoy and learn a lot in her class - my compliments to her as an individual. She is very disarming and very approachable.

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Your class- I really enjoyed it! Of course I was nervous since it was new but your teachings and warm openness made it for an excellent experience. You're a great teacher. Thank you so much!

As a writer, I walked away with a true appreciation for the art of acting, frankly, much more so than I had anticipated. You know how snobbish writers can be! Writers/actors... forever at ends. You've given a dose of what the actor must do with what he's been given as well as tools for character development. Wonderful things that I've never read, heard, or considered in such a tangible way. I know my writing will be better for this. Even more amusing is that I enjoyed it. Who would have guessed. I can be a stick in the mud sometimes but you made it fun and non-threatening. Thanks.

I also must say that I love your definition of acting... Telling the truth with your imagination. That's smashing the nail right on the head. Brilliant. In fact, I think, you've beautifully describe any art or perhaps I should say "true" art. "Telling the truth with your imagination." Wow.

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"I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your acting class. It opened my old tired eyes. And it's been a huge help in my writing and directing - something I wish I'd done a long time ago. But better late than never.

I might sign up again!"

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"I took beginners acting w/Susan Shaw and it changed my whole goal when I graduated college that year. She was even kind enough to write me a recommendation to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Susan's class opened my eyes to a world full of imagination and a true sense of using your "whole being". Since that class I moved immediately to NYC,attended AADA and then went on to Terry Schreiber and many other phenomenal coaches. Filling the next five years in NYC & LA with off-broadway productions, independents,etc.

I have moved back to Boston a few months ago b/c of marriage and husband's job. And my first thought was Susan and CP Casting. You guys seem to be even popular in NYC, where a fellow actress and I chatted on an audition, about her casting in Mystic River as K. Bacon's wife b/c of coming from Boston originally.

...to me, Susan opened
up a whole new world that I embraced!"

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"I took my first ever acting classes at CP Casting with Susan Shaw and Ken Cheeseman. These professionals were great! Their coaching was the best! The classes were relaxed, fun, highly informative and got me started the right way! As a direct result of this CP Casting training I was able to find and then land a part as the lead in an 8 episode TV pilot being aired this January. Try it you'll love it!"

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"It was GREAT!
She woke up the right side of my brain!"

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"I just wanted to say 'Thank You'
for a great course. You and the students made it fun, and entertaining and informative."

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"It's not often than an instructor, especially one with such experience as you have, can relate to beginners in a way that makes them feel so comfortable and confident. I look forward to taking another one of your classes!"

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"Both the teacher and the others in the class were absolutely fantastic. By the end, I felt like I could say anything to anybody! It truly was an enlightening experience from which I gained greater confidence in my work, and perhaps a few friendships."

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"This class greatly exceeded any expectations I had and was a pleasure to take. Your support, encouragement and inspiration give me a flaming desire to pursue a career I've always wanted."

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"I cannot begin to put in words what I learned in your class. I'll probably never be an actress, however since your class I've opened up to myself on a whole new level. Thanks so much!"

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"I have taken a good handful of classes and workshops over the course of five years, and never once has a class invoked me to write a thank you note such as this."

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