Introducing Act and Sip
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to stand on a stage and give a live acting performance? What if that stage was in the heart of the Broadway theater district? Wonder no more – Act and Sip is for you. You can be “the star in your story.”
Act and Sip provides classes that give everyone an opportunity to be on an actual stage in a famous Off-Broadway venue right in the heart of New York’s Theater District. With the fine coaching and relaxed atmosphere provided, you may find yourself wanting more.
Act and Sip is run by the Russell Acting Studio. It was developed after Catherine Russell sensed a new trend after she attended Paint & Sip classes. Ms. Russell’s Acting Studio already gives more conventional six week acting classes. However, this class is designed for people to come in for 90 minutes, see some of the basics of acting, and have some fun. You can also have a drink or not have one. You might also be able to sample some outstanding locally baked cookies.
How It Works
Act and Sip is held at the Theater Center on W. 50th Street. Be sure to stop for a moment to enjoy the fact that you are in a venue with has a long history of hosting very successful Off-Broadway shows. The gallery of photos on the walls on the 4th floor is worth taking the time to see. The longest running play in New York City, The Perfect Crime, performs here. The Fantasticks graced the stage for a number of years here as well.
You are ushered into the Jerry Orbach Theatre where you meet your instructors who instantly make you feel welcome. The team of Catherine Russell, owner of Russell Acting Studio, and Bradley Bemboom help to get you situated. Their enthusiasm for what they do is evident. Concerns about standing up in front of people to act out a scene will diminish after you meet them.
Over on the side of the stage a small bar is set up. Beer, some flavored shots, and water were available the day I visited. So there’s the sip part if you desire. But for someone like myself who loves sweets, the Pina Colada cookies were what I wanted. They are delicious and baked by Bradley who not only is an actor and coach, but also runs a small local baked goods operation.
After everyone is seated, a few introductions are made. Then the acting coaches pair the participants into groups of two. Each group receives a script from a known movie or television show. I was paired with a gentleman I did not know and we were given a scene from the movie Body Heat. Although we had never met before, we had no trouble getting into our scene as we did a first read. From there, we made decisions about how to stage the scene. And we were off to practice.
Mini Performances
The real meat of the activity arrives as each group takes their turn on stage to present their scenes. The acting coaches give feedback and suggestions for improvements. Then a second run through of the scene takes place. In some cases, a little more tweaking was suggested with another brief run through. The group was pleased with the results. I didn’t see Tony Awards being handed out but one never knows what the future holds! Yes, there were some very fine performances.
My companion that day has attended acting classes and also has done acting on some theater stages. She had positive remarks about the experience saying that the level of professional style coaching was impressive.
My own impression was to give high marks to Cathy and Bradley for the way they graciously critiqued each group. Their suggestions fit well with each person’s delivery style. Improvement noted! Improvement made and so quickly!
Why Go to Act and Sip
Act and Sip is billed as “a crash course in acting” and in a sense it is. However, it is a lot of fun especially for groups of people who attend together. The drinks and snacks are a nice touch, you feel like you are at a party. But you also get a chance to try out a new skill and develop some appreciation for what goes into acting.
The classes are designed for total beginners. It is a lot of fun for friends, family, coworkers or couples looking for a unique date night. Work groups can use it as a team building activity. It can also be done solo with the chance to meet some creative people.
For more information, visit the Russell Acting Studios website at https://russellactingstudio.com/byob.