DAVID BEATTY
ACTOR'S PROCESS STUDIO THEATER
Great work is the outcome of a healthy process.
Welcome to the Actor's Process Studio Theater. This class is for students interested in the study, development and cultivation of the art and craft of acting and performance.
The mission of the studio is to offer practical training to help actors build a strong foundation, reinforce existing training, and develop a personal creative process.
In an effort to create work which is truthful and compelling, we foster a safe environment with a supportive community.
Most importantly, class is about having fun, being creative and giving yourself permission to play.
Teaching Approach: Art, Craft, and Process
With over 30 years of experience across theater, film, television, and new media, David's approach is built on a simple truth: acting is both an inspired art form and a dedicated craft. While the creative spark of acting can sometimes feel elusive, bringing it to life requires reliable tools, clear techniques, and a supportive structure.
1. Fostering the Art & Craft
We provide a curated collection of favorite techniques, tips, and exercises designed to spark your imagination, foster spontaneity, and bring freedom to your work. We focus on the elements entirely within your control—your voice, body, mind, scene analysis, and concentration—turning inspiration into repeatable, powerful performances.
2. The Creative Process: "We create the process, and the process creates the work"
Your creative process is everything surrounding your art: your daily practices, classes, health, research, and how you manage the day-to-day realities of life. Being a self-actualized artist means learning how to nurture your creative goals while maintaining a balanced, healthy life.
3. Cultivating Sustainable Growth
Great work doesn't happen by accident; it is the outcome of a healthy, intentional process. There are no shortcuts, but with dedication and a well-rounded approach, you can bridge the gap between your wildest creative dreams and concrete, doable actions.
Our goal is to pass on decades of shared wisdom to help you build upon whatever works best for you, empowering you to find your unique voice and tell your stories.
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A truly talented actor is someone who spends a long period of dedicated time learning and developing their craft. Every great actor knows, regardless of natural talent, you still must do the work to understand the tools needed to create characters.
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Acting is both an inspired art form and a grounded craft. With 30 years of industry experience, our teaching approach combines practical tools with a sustainable creative lifestyle. We help you align your daily habits, technical skills, and creative goals so you can turn your artistic vision into reality.
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Great acting lives at the intersection of inspiration and craft. By mastering your tools and cultivating a healthy, sustainable creative process, you turn your creative ideas and dreams into reality. Great work is the outcome of a healthy process.
What We Focus On:
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Practical Tools & Techniques: A curated collection of exercises designed to foster spontaneity, spark your imagination, and bring absolute freedom to your rehearsal and performance process.
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From Imagination to Action: We teach you how to take the imaginary world of your dreams and turn it into concrete, actionable steps—bridging the gap between creative vision and reality.
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The Essentials: Sharpening the core fundamentals you can actually control—your voice, body, mind, scene analysis, concentration, and common sense.
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Self-Actualization: Looking beyond standard acting to discover your unique voice, empowering you to create original work and become a fully realized creative artist.
There is no single "right" way to act. Our goal is to pass on decades of shared wisdom to help you build upon whatever works best for you, turning your dedication into a lifelong, evolving craft.
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THE SEVEN TOOLS OF AN ACTOR
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1. A strong voice and good clear speech.
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2. Healthy mind and body.
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3. Ability to analyze a script correctly.
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4. Competence to memorize lines verbatim.
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5. Skill to work off other actors.
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6. Confidence to act on your impulses.
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7. Ability to use common sense.
Acting Instructor: David Beatty
For more than 30 years, veteran actor, director, and educator David Beatty has worked extensively in theater, film, and television, performing with national repertory companies, independent venues, and major networks. Drawing on this deep professional background—alongside his training at the Beverly Hills Playhouse and collaborations with visionary directors and practitioners—David’s teaching centers on a core belief: Your creative process is everything.
As an educator who has taught at UC Davis and with Los Angeles artists through We Make Movies, David helps students develop a personal creative methodology. By focusing on voice, body, mind, scene analysis, and concentration, his classes provide actors with the practical tools needed to spark spontaneity, bring absolute freedom to their work, and build a sustainable, self-actualized artistic life. He is the author of the practical guide An Actor’s Process.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you use a specific text or book?
We use An Actor’s Process by David Beatty as our primary text, but our reading recommendations are varied and wide. Examples of acting books we like are often discussed in class.
How often do you work in class?
Actors work every class session.
What is the class size?
Class size is limited. We expect every actor to work each class session. To keep this consistent the enrollment for class must be kept low.
How is the class scheduled?
This class is considered ongoing. We believe that an actor’s training never ends. Acting is a continuous study.
What kind of work do we do in class?
The primary focus of class is on scene work. Two (or more) actors pair up and choose a 5-10 minute scene to present to the class. We also include improvisation, acting exercises, writing original work, and accountability for your own, personal creative goals.
What material do you use and who chooses the scenes?
Material comes from theatrical plays, films and TV shows. In addition, original work is highly encouraged. Students have the option to choose their own material, however, often we collaborate to assign material to help discover new characters and new strengths.
What are expectations for rehearsal?
Rehearsals outside of class play an important part of creating scene work. We expect you to meet with your scene partner on a regular basis and rehearse. This means putting the scene on its feet and really working it. It is not acceptable to simply sit down and read over your lines. We want you to bring to class work that has been thoroughly researched, explored and ready to be seen. Come to class with wardrobe, props and strong choices for your character.
Do you teach improvisation?
We use improv as a creative tool to help actors loosen up and use their imagination. In addition, improv can be used to make dialogue sound spontaneous or help a scene feel more real, as if done for the first time. Improv can help actors break free from the habit of listening for their cue and really pay attention to their scene partner. Improvisation helps build confidence and gives actors license to be full of creative exploration.
What is the duration of Class?
Classes last 4 hours and students are expected to be on time for the beginning of class and stay until the end.
What level experience do students have in this class?
We have students in class with a wide range of experience. Some are continuously working professionally, while others are early in their career. Regardless of your previous training, all actors in this class are treated as professionals and are expected to treat the class and the work we do with respect. It is our belief that all levels can learn from each other. As true in professional work, actors will always face the challenge of working with people who have more or less experience than themselves. It’s not always about experience or training, but rather dedication, enthusiasm and your attitude toward creating compelling work.
Do I need professional experience or an acting background to start?
Not at all. Whether you are stepping onto a stage for the very first time or looking to shake off old habits with a fresh perspective, our approach focuses on building a sustainable craft from the ground up. You bring your curiosity and willingness to work; we provide the tools.
Is this class focused more on theater, film, or television?
Because our approach centers on universal storytelling and practical tools, the techniques you learn apply seamlessly across theater, film, television, and new media. We help you translate your creative vision into concrete, actionable choices no matter where you are performing.
What should I expect in a typical class or session?
Expect a collaborative, supportive environment where we treat acting as a discipline rather than a mystery. You will work with practical exercises designed to spark your imagination, free up your instrument (mind, voice, and body), and tackle scene work while learning how to manage your overall creative process.
How do I sign up?
Please email for availability.