Feminist Acting Class is a series of experiments to determine if the FORM of an acting class can be made feminist, in addition to the content. Part art project, part intellectual experiment and part dynamic physical practice, Feminist Acting Class wants to expand the roles for women and nonbinary people in theatre and the way that we approach these roles. What happens when we take on male roles? Can we perform sexist material in such a way that it becomes feminist? Can we approach our acting practice in ways that resist sexist expectations of female performers? Participants will develop scenes together and explore ways to read against a text, leaving with tools to create change in the industry and better approach your own self-care in a profession full of rejection.

Gina Young is a queer feminist playwright, director and performer whose work has been seen all over the US and Europe. Her most recent play sSISTERSs was developed through the Studio Series at REDCAT and was a finalist for the Beatrice Terry Residency at the Drama League in NYC. Other plays include Femmes: A Tragedy, recipient of the Jane Chambers Award for Playwriting, and Tales of a Fourth Grade Lesbo. Gina studied Drama at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. She got her start a member of the legendary WOW Cafe Theatre collective.

This workshop is open to all women but is especially intended for working actors and women/nonbinary performers who feel alienated by sexism in Hollywood. The workshop assumes participants have some knowledge of theatre, acting and feminism, and have an acting practice, whether past or present. That said, all are welcome and we will do are best to create a supportive environment regardless of experience or ability.

This workshop is theater-based so our focus is on material intended for the stage. Please come with an adventurous spirit and be open to physical and vocal work, trying new things and participating fully. Please wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Cell phone use will be limited.

If you cannot afford the registration fee, please let us know and we may have a few work/study positions available.

If you have any other questions, please email [email protected]