Actors Bridge Ensemble
Student Handbook
Fall 2023
By registering for classes at Actors Bridge Ensemble (ABE), you agree to the below terms and policies as well as fully release, discharge and indemnify ABE and its employees, agents and representatives from any and all claims which may accrue on account of your participation.
The Meisner Technique gets actors out of their head and into the moment. Our goal is to develop the actor’s ability to create emotionally truthful performances, to be emotionally available and present with a scene partner; to effectively read human behavior and assign meaning to that behavior which is personally significant; to recognize one’s organic impulses to stimuli and to act upon those impulses with immediacy and authenticity.
Admission Requirements
Sanford Meisner described his technique as a series of exercises that teach actors to “follow the truth.” No previous experience is necessary. All students begin at Module 1 because the technique is a consecutive set of exercises that build on one another, laying a strong foundation for being truthful under imaginary circumstances.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory. You will learn as much from observing as from participating in the exercises. Absences hinder your personal growth and the progress of the class in general.
Students who miss more than one class will need to drop the course and reschedule for a time when their calendar allows them to be fully present. In scene study classes, absences also hamper the work of your scene partner. When one actor does not show up for class, the other partner does not get to work or move forward with their craft. It is essential that students respect that time, talent and financial resources that their partner has committed to this process.
Students who consistently miss classes throughout the various levels of their Meisner journey may be asked to discontinue their work with us so that we can better guarantee a positive experience for our committed student body.
In the event you will be absent please notify your instructor with as much notice as possible. If you are in a scene study class, please also notify your scene partner as soon as possible.
Tardiness Policy
If you are running late, please text your instructor so they can make arrangements to keep the class running on schedule. If the door is locked when you arrive, we are in the middle of scene work. Text your instructor that you are outside. We will open the door between scenes for you to enter.
Paying For Your Class
The Meisner Foundation is a 16-week program broken into three modules. The value of this training is $1085, but we have created a payment plan for students who wish to break these payments out. A $185 deposit is required to secure your spot in the program. Then, a payment of $300 for each of the three modules must be made before the module begins. Students who wish to pay for the entire program up front may do so at a $100 discount, for $985. Payment for each module must be paid in full before the first day of class.
Drop Policy
If you need to drop a class prior to the start of the session, you must give the office at least ONE WEEK’S NOTICE prior to the start of your class or workshop.
If you do so: any tuition paid toward the class and the non-refundable $185 deposit will be kept on credit at the studio for up to one year, to be applied to a future class.
If you drop the class ON THE DAY OF THE FIRST CLASS OR AFTER, the full tuition is non-refundable but will be kept on file for up to one year and is also transferable to another student.
If you drop a class midway through the series, you will need to have a conversation with your instructor about when you will be eligible to retake the class. Tuition payment is required again.
Health and Safety
We ask students to use their best judgment when attending events with a high risk of exposure to COVID-19 while enrolled in classes at Actors Bridge.
If you are running a fever or experiencing COVID, flu or any other communicable illness symptoms, please do not come to class.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or its variants, please follow CDC guidelines. As long as you do not have any symptoms, you may continue attending classes.
In terms of mental health and emotional well being, the Meisner Technique may have some emotionally therapeutic benefits, but it is not therapy. Your instructors are not mental health professionals. We have a resource list of licensed therapists if you need a referral.
The Meisner Technique will never ask you to relive your personal emotional past or draw on past traumas to find emotional authenticity. We always work from our imagination, never painful past experiences.
Outside Rehearsal
Students should plan to meet with a scene partner at least one time between each class session. You will achieve the greatest success with the Meisner Technique when you put in as much time outside of class as in class through a combination of self-study, memorization work, and rehearsals.
Rehearsals may take place in a mutually agreed upon location determined by the scene partners. Some students choose to meet in Nashville Public Library meeting rooms that are available free of charge at most branches. Reservations must be made in advance. More information is at https://nashvillepl.libcal.com/reserve/main-study-rooms
Students are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct and Sexual Harassment Policy detailed below. Any student who violates this policy will be dismissed.
Student Code of Conduct and Sexual Harassment Policy
We acknowledge that each student in our acting school has the right to bodily autonomy and that we each have unique physical boundaries that must be respected for creative imaginations to flourish.
Students must ask consent before touching another student in a scene. We will have respectful discussions prior to performing scenes and exercises that have the potential to be triggering. Open discussions about each actor’s comfort level/boundaries, and clear consent that is Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic and Specific, (F.R.I.E.S) are vital for creating a framework in which actors can take creative risks in a safe environment.
All students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times while they are members of the ABE community both at the studio and in outside rehearsals with a scene partner and agree to be bound by this Student Code of Conduct and Sexual Harassment Policy.
In Tennessee, the law states that sexual harassment occurs when a person makes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal, written, electronic, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Students who engage in this or any of the following conduct are subject to disciplinary proceedings, suspension, expulsion, referral for criminal prosecution and/or suit for civil damages:
(This is not an exhaustive list of prohibited conduct, but merely guidelines as to the type and nature of conduct that is prohibited. Any conduct that the Producing Artistic Director, Class Instructors, or Staff determines could endanger the safety or security of members of the Actors Bridge Ensemble community, or is harmful to the Actors Bridge Ensemble environment, is also prohibited.)
All students agree to abide by this policy and to refrain from any such conduct. Students also agree to cooperate in any investigation by Actors Bridge Ensemble of any such alleged conduct, or any unprofessional conduct of any kind, including submitting any requested written or oral statements and participating in any meetings or hearings regarding disciplinary actions contemplated under this Student Code. All students agree to be bound by the final determination of any disciplinary proceedings so conducted and the decision of the ABE Producing Artistic Director shall be deemed final, and not subject to appeal, including any decision made by the Producing Artistic Director regarding sanctions such as suspension or expulsion from all aspects of the program (classes, auditions, rehearsals, performances).
A Word About Dating
For contracted theater artists, ABE maintains a no dating policy. It is a violation of this policy for instructors to date students. While we do not require the same policy among students, it is our experience that when students become romantically involved, the quality of their attention to their craft and classwork can be negatively impacted.
For those students who do choose to date, we ask that you remember ours is a professional environment. Please do not involve classmates or your instructors in the details (positive or negative) of your relationship. We have found that when relationships between students do not work out, it can impact their interest in continuing their study and affect the friendships they have forged in their cohort.
Inclusivity Statement
As theater artists whose work relies on empathy, we aspire to create a community built on respect, belonging, collaboration, and imagination. We are invested in exploring multiple human perspectives and fostering social justice. We embrace the value of all people. Therefore, we reject any form of bigotry, discrimination, or hatred, and we seek to cultivate an environment in which our differences are explored with generosity and openness.
ABE will not tolerate any form of harassment in the workplace or classroom. Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination and/or dismissal.
Drugs/Alcohol Policy
The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students is prohibited during classes. Please do not come to class under the influence of illicit drugs and/or alcohol.
When required in scene work, non-alcoholic consumables are the responsibility of the student. Tea is a good substitute for brown liquor. Water for vodka. Cranberry juice for red wine, etc. If you need a recommendation, consult your instructor.
There is no smoking in the Darkhorse Theater or ABE Studio. Prop cigarettes and/or prop cannabis for use in scene work are the responsibility of the student. Prop cigarettes are available on Amazon. Dried oregano for marijuana, etc.
Privacy Policy
In order to be free to take risks and make bold choices, we maintain a privacy policy. By participating in our classes, we ask that you keep your classmates names, personal stories and details of their class work confidential.
In online classes, taking screenshots or recording of any kind is strictly prohibited. Exceptions to this policy are afforded at the sole discretion of your instructor on a case-by-case basis and with the consent of all students.
If and when you are sent filmed portions of your class for educational purposes, all clips are to be kept private and confidential. They are not to be shared with anyone nor posted publicly (social media, etc.). They are not to be used to promote yourself or to be used for your reel. This is copyright infringement and can result in a heavy fine to the student and to Actors Bridge Ensemble.
Education Only
The work done at Actors Bridge Ensemble is for educational purposes only. No audition or job is implied in any way in connection with any work done in classes or workshops conducted online or in-studio at ABE.
Image Release Consent
We love sharing photos of the exciting work our students are doing at our studio. By agreeing to this policy, you also agree to our image release consent agreement. This agreement states that ABE has your permission to use your photograph or likeness publicly to promote our classes and programs. You understand that the images may be used in print publications, online publications, email promotions, social media posts, and on our website. You understand that no royalty, fee, or other compensation shall become payable to you by reason of such use.
Student Review and Evaluation
At the 10 week mark, ABE faculty will meet individually with students (in person or by Zoom) to discuss their progress with the Meisner Technique and collaborate to determine the best track for their work beyond Emotional Preparation (Improvisation Track or Scene Study Track).
Students will receive written notes on their progress at the end of Week 16 (after Emotional Preparation).
At a Glance: Principles of Conduct in the Classroom and in Rehearsal
The standards governing rehearsal in the professional theater respect the individuality of the artist in the workplace, yet allow for collaboration with and respect for fellow artists. These standards are also the basis for conduct in classes and rehearsals at Actors Bridge Ensemble.
