BADA STUDIO

Moment-to Moment – Impulse to Choice to Voice led by Paul Wagar

Wednesday, November 19, 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Los Angeles – The Broadwater @ 1078 Lillian Way

Class Limit:10 participants, 20 observers
Note: we are also working to arrange for a livestream for observers who cannot attend in person
Fee: $50

BADA Faculty Paul Wagar (MIO) works students through intense moment-to-moment text work, focusing on acting choices and energy. Participants are free to bring in scenes or monologues from either the stage or film/tv. Shakespeare or contemporary. Come prepared to dive deep into the work. If you sign-up with someone you know, you can bring in a scene versus a monologue.

There will also be the option to observe the class without being an active participant. We are also in the process of setting up a live-stream for folks who can’t be there in person. Stay tuned for more details.

Registration opens October 18

Paul Wagar taught at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia for twelve years (head of voice and speech), at the British American Drama Academy summer program in Oxford for 9 years, and through 2024, was an Adjunct Professor in the school of Theater, Film and Television at UCLA. Attended the University of Toronto; trained as an actor in England; and worked with, among others, The Royal Shakespeare Company, The New Shakespeare Company, and the BBC, acting alongside actors such as Judi Dench, Ian Mckellen, Patrick Stewart. Was a member of the acting company during Robin Phillips’ last year as Artistic Director at Stratford, Ontario; acting with Maggie Smith, Brian Bedford, Peter Ustinov. As Artistic Director, headed the Philadelphia Area Repertory Theatre, and Ark Theatre Company in Los Angeles. In addition to directing numerous productions for these two Companies, also directed THE TAMING OF THE SHREW for The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC, CLOUD 9 in New York City, and THE LOVER, in Chicago. Wrote the screenplay, co-produced, and directed, the feature film SHAKESPEARE’S MERCHANT Wrote ACTING WITH TEXT, used as a textbook at UCLA, and other training programs around the country. Coaches for theatre, film, and television: ongoing for the Geffen Theatre in Los Angeles; films include MONEY TALKS, NEXT FRIDAY, Brian Cranston in COLD COME THE NIGHT, and the 2017 film BLADE RUNNER.

From Page to Stage – Monologue Precision to Book the Job led by Sheria Irving (MIO ’11)

Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd (Two 2-hour sessions ), exact times TBC
Los Angeles – The Broadwater @ 1078 Lillian Way

Class Limit: 15 participants
Fee: $50

Session 1 — Harpooning with Specificity: The Fundamental Questions

Explore what makes great acting and debunk common monologue misconceptions.
Break down monologues as conversations, not solo performances.
Learn and apply the 5 Fundamental Questions to uncover objectives, tactics, and stakes.
Monologue refinement using objectives, stakes, and the “moment before.”
Guided improv exercises to connect actors to the text.

Session 2 — The Before and After: Owning the Room

Vocal, physical, and mental warm-ups to prepare for the audition room.
Confidence-building techniques for entering and exiting with presence.
Preparation for mock auditions, with notes and tips to deliver truthfully under pressure.

Registration opens October 18

Sheria Irving (MIO ’11) is an actor, educator, and founder whose work bridges storytelling, performance, and mentorship to inspire growthand transformation. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama and an alum of the British American Drama Academy, her work spans Broadway, regional theater, and television. As a teaching artist, Sheria pioneered the Actor’s Advocate Program at the Classical Theatre of Harlem and is now thrilled to be teaching at the British Academy of the Arts Studio, empowering actorsto approach their craft with both artistic intuition and rigorous, text-driven mastery. Beyond the stage, Sheria is the founder of Shaping Her Earth, a national movement dedicated to empowering young women of color through mentorship, leadership development, and campus initiatives—equipping them to grow boldly, lead courageously, and shape positive change in their communities.

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