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Film Acting with Robert E.

Washington, District of Columbia

4.8
(12)
Background check
Teaches online
Teaches all skill levels
Age: 8+
Speaks Un petit peu Français.
Teaching since 1982
BA in Philosophy
  • Student Favorite

Learn all aspects of acting technique from expert teacher with 30+ years of experience

I give acting lessons and coaching in all aspects of acting, based in the celebrated Meisner Technique, which I've taught for over 30 years. I teach a full technique program for those who want to study the whole system which includes, improvisation, scene work and character work, cold readings, monologue development and much much more. For those who already have experience or are professional actors I offer high-level coaching, taking your auditions to the next level, and working with you on your current scripts and projects to magnify your focus, intentions and behaviors so that you can sharpen your performances to the highest degree. I am experienced in theater, film, tv and commercial work, and have tailored techniques for all of these areas. I've refined cold reading technique so that you can quickly break down a script into essentials and win roles, or even go in completely cold and work super-effectively directly off the script. Super-sharp script breakdowns for film roles, cold readings, monologue performance, and detailed character creation are all specialities of mine that I've worked on with actors for many years. And if you do engage with the full technique program, you will get a clear and effective way of working with every phase of the actor's performance. I am fully available online, and for those who want to work in person locally, I will be reopening my real-world studio in the near future. Film acting sessions include script breakdowns, timeline construction and application, acting for specific shots (two-shot, closeup, etc.), rehearsing shots on set, preparation for shots and scenes, preparing for multiple takes, varied takes, taking direction from a film director, improvisation for film roles, specific focus points on-camera, how to change up on takes to adapt to the director, micro-behavior to give a more detailed film performance, creating a role for film, creating a specific character for film.

Instructor details

Location:
Teaches Online
Teaches Online

Teaching Hours

Monday
9 AM-5:30 PM
Tuesday
9 AM-4 PM
Wednesday
9 AM-2 PM
4 PM-5:30 PM
9 PM-10 PM
Thursday
9 AM-4:30 PM
9 PM-10 PM
Friday
9 AM-5:30 PM
Saturday
11 AM-3 PM
Sunday
11 AM-4:30 PM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$40
45 minutes
$60
60 minutes
$80
90 minutes
$120
120 minutes
$150

About Robert E.

4.8
(12)
I have taught acting for over 30 years based in the Meisner Technique, and I write and direct my own plays and films. I have years of experience as an actor, jazz saxophone player, singer and poet, as well as a philosophy degree, which I bring to my understanding of acting. I use this rich background to focus on the creativity, intelligence and improvisational abilities of each student in their acting process. I know what it takes to walk into any acting situation ready to play the role. My goal is to create actors who enjoy their work and can act skillfully in film, theater, tv and auditions. I emphasize character work in the program, an important and often neglected part of the acting process. I have cast my advanced students in my original projects in the DC area, and most recently directed my original play, "The Big A: Scenes from a Vanishing Landscape" for the 2014 DC Fringe Festival. I have directed two films: "Adams Morgan: The Movie," which premiered at the Avalon Theater in 2010 and was selected and shown as part of the East of the River Festival in DC; and a short film from my original screenplay titled "Crazy" which is currently in the editing phase. My student Mack Leamon is currently appearing in the Arena Stage production of "Raisin in the Sun" and I am very proud of his accomplishment!
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5
83%
4
17%
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4.8
12 Reviews
Tiffany Harris
Teacher's studio
Mr. Epstein is extremely kind and patient instructor! Our classes are always a lot of fun. I look forward to them each week. He is extremely knowledgeable of the Meisner technique and acting in general. Great teacher! Would highly recommend!
Posted Sep 26, 2022
Isabella
Online
Very knowledgeable & kind. Set good groundwork for my daughter. She really enjoyed it and talked about it all through dinner.
Posted May 7, 2019
KiKi
Online
Helpful right out of the gate! What a fabulous experience! A true pro and I’m already looking forward to our next session. Excellent!!!
Posted Apr 5, 2019

Experience

Acting Instructor and Stage and Film Director

Jun, 1982 - Present

Robert E. Acting Studio

As a Meisner Technique expert I have taught my comprehensive acting program, "The Complete Actor's Training" for over thirty years. In addition to teaching students from beginner level to advanced professionals, I greatly enjoy directing film and theater projects, directing my students, and using these vehicles to continue their training. My students and graduates are currently appearing in national commercials, professional theater and film and tv projects in the DC area and beyond.

Education

BA in Philosophy

Sep, 1973 - May, 1976

Hampshire College

Certifications

Registered Minister

Jun, 1992

The New Seminary

I graduated and was ordained as an Interfaith Minister from the New Seminary in New York City with a special interest in spiritual counseling. This was my way of gaining experience and certification in a counseling method that could be helpful to people of all backgrounds. I worked with clients on their individual problems for a period of time, but in my current phase of work as an acting teacher I have integrated this background into my understanding of the talents and obstacles my acting students engage with, in reaching fulfillment of their creative goals.

Languages

Un petit peu Français.

Limited Proficiency

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