The Art and the Audition with Karen Kohlhaas
New York, NY
US

CONTACT NAME

Karen Kohlhaas

DESCRIPTION

Hello! Do you want to direct?

Interviews have started for the Full and Audit levels of this class and they are starting to fill.

The class meet online, but directors have the option to cast locally and rehearse in person if desired, and work with their actors online in class—either from your rehearsal location or w. actors on zoom. (We can discuss these options in the interview.)

I've been teaching this directing class since 2006. We worked online in 2021-2022-2023 with amazing results (see quotes below). I'm unable to be in NYC for all of the class time this coming summer, and it has also been amazing to open it up to worldwide actors and directors—we've had directors and actors collaborating on 3-4 continents :)

If you think you'd like to join us as a full director or active auditor, you can apply by replying to this post. All details are below. Please feel free to write with any questions (just reply to this post).

Karen

KAREN KOHLHAAS is an Atlantic Theater Company founding ensemble member, Off-Broadway director, directing and acting teacher, author of 3 books on monologues and auditioning, and Tennessee Williams scholar. FULL BIO AT THE END OF THIS POST

***ACTORS WILL BE NEEDED FOR THIS CLASS. THERE IS NO CHARGE TO PARTICIPATE AS AN ACTOR AND YOU CAN SIT IN ON CLASS AND THE GUEST CLASSES AS OUR THANK YOU. ONLINE AUDITIONS ARE PART OF THE DIRECTORS' TRAINING AND WILL BE IN MID-JUNE. DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY JUNE. TO HEAR ABOUT THE ONLINE AUDITIONS, PLEASE REPLY TO THIS POST.***

"It was the best class of any kind I've done. There is a real sense of community in the spaces you create for these classes, that is unlike anything I've taken part in before. There is a real sense of warmth, joy and determination amongst the auditors and directors."

—Lizzie Huggins, Australian theater and film director, 2022

"I’m heading into my short film now, fully prepared and armed with the things I need to work with my actors. Watching these changes come to life from your instruction was really helpful to me. You made me feel like I can be confident in a room with my talent. Thank you!"

—Katherine Croft, Film Director | Active Auditor 2023

"Taking the class online meant we were able to make great connections with actors and directors all over the world. My favourite thing about taking the class online was seeing how zoom ended up being a real catalyst for creativity in staging. All of the scenes were directed with such inventiveness and specificity, and I was amazed at how effective and immersive these staging choices were. I know that both the staging principles themselves, and that spirit of inquisitiveness and creativity will translate to any work in an in-person space in an exciting way." —Emma Nelles, Toronto director and actor, 2021

SUMMER DIRECTING CLASS Online | June 2—Aug 5, 2023

Taught by Karen Kohlhaas of the Atlantic Theater Company

IN THIS EMAIL


- Class description

- Levels of participation

- What I'm looking for in participants

- Class Schedule

- Tuition and how to apply

- My bio

"One of the most terrific, informative, and satisfying experiences I've had. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I'd be able to gain so much knowledge and experience in two months."

—Nathaniel Aharon, Director

CLASS DESCRIPTION

This is a highly-structured, 50+ hour class in directing designed to be as comprehensive and creatively stimulating as possible. It started in response to the fact that there are very few places to seriously study directing outside of a degree program. The class is for theater and film artists (dancers & choreographers too) who want to learn to direct, or who already direct and want to deepen their foundation and skill sets.

The class includes intensive, hands-on experience with:

• Pre-production and research

• Throughline script analysis and table work

• Developing a specific and inspiring directorial vision

• Auditions and casting

• Staging & blocking: How to use composition, structure, and suspense to create dynamic, alive, cause-and-effect storytelling on stage or film

• Collaborating effectively with actors: a collection of rehearsal techniques to use with actors of any background

• Leadership, time management, and troubleshooting

And, lecture/discussion/guest classes that address: Working with a playwright on a new play; Collaborating with designers; Working effectively with casting directors, artistic directors, producers and stage managers; Directing careers; Goals for and handling of previews/opening/run; Building your vision of the kind of director you want to be and taking steps to realize that vision.

Often, artistic relationships are fostered that continue into the future, and it is wonderful to hear of new collaborations between actors & directors who first met in class.

"I've never taken a better organized or more productive class in any field."

—Elise Marenson, NYC Writer and Director of Film & Theater

"Really insightful techniques. I'm learning more in each class than I have in all my previous classes put together."

—Patty Mulcahy, NYC Screenwriter and Film Director

LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION


There are 3 ways to take this class: FULL DIRECTOR, ACTIVE AUDIT, and GUEST CLASS ONLY

FULL DIRECTOR LEVEL | Full directors will direct scenes from two different plays for the two assignments of the class:

Assignment 1 | The Event The first scene (2 characters, 4-5 minutes), is worked on to learn "The Event," the most powerful directing tool I've ever learned for developing and articulating your vision, collaborating with actors, and then staging that shared vision into the scene. The Event Scene comes into class only once, and is considered an exercise.

Assignment 2 | Throughline Project The second, “Throughline” project (3-4 main characters) is the major project of the Full level and lasts until the end of the class. Directors choose a full length play that they are passionate about (with input from me!) and work on scenes of increasing length (5, 10, then 15-20 minutes) that come into class in 5 rounds (see schedule below). Actors are cast through auditions held by the directors as part of the coursework. Directors learn to analyze the entire play and to clearly and passionately articulate their vision to their collaborators. The Throughline scenework further develops the director's ability to use the Event, and also addresses more complex blocking and storytelling issues, composition, and design. While also using their intuition and experimenting, directors employ the techniques of the class to guarantee that the audience always sees what is engaging, moving, fascinating or humorous about the scene. The throughline scene comes into class a total of 5 times, building toward performance level: all scenes perform for an invited audience at the end of the class session.

Throughout the class we emphasize and practice excellent showmanship and theater etiquette. Because of the amount of class time devoted to each director, full level enrollment is limited to a maximum of 8 directors.

ACTIVE AUDITOR LEVEL
 | Auditors are a valuable and vocal part of the directing class; their position as auditors allows them to respond to the work from an audience's perspective, and spark deeper discussion of the directors' work. Active Auditors observe all classes and guest classes, participate in discussions, and, using tools of the class, complete an on-paper Throughline analysis of a play they choose that can be turned in any time for feedback. Why Audit? Auditing the class is ideal for those who want to learn and explore directing techniques, including throughline script analysis, story structure, and working with actors, but who do not have the time to do the Full level of participation. Who takes the audit level? We have had filmmakers, actors, playwrights, documentarians, designers, and others audit the class. Many have gone on to do the Full level the following year.

"I feel like I stumbled upon a pot of gold with your class. I had been really searching for a class or workshop that would help me focus on more technique and really give me some tools to keep fine-tuning my skills. I honestly feel like my head was cracked open and my brain has just grown and grown. I learned so much and am so grateful."

—Steve Hitchcock, Jr., Theater Director | Active Auditor 2023

GUEST CLASS ONLY LEVEL | The class features four 60-minute guest speakers. Guests have included prominent playwrights, directors, actors, producers and designers, as well as alumni of this class and of Atlantic Acting School who are creating their own work. Guests will be announced on this list and you can register to attend one or more of the sessions. Guest classes are included in the Full and Auditor levels.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR IN CLASS PARTICIPANTS

I'm looking for artists with previous theater or film experience who want to work with commitment and passion at learning and/or deepening the craft of directing. I teach a specific way of approaching a script, and we go step by step through that approach in the class.

What I teach is not a style, but a collection of techniques to realize any style of production. I want those who take the class to be open to taking feedback, respectful and supportive of others' work; highly professional in all interactions with actors; organized, and able to rehearse their scenes and enjoy the challenges of the process. The director holds the center of a production! Therefore, it's also very important to be willing to observe class guidelines, be prepared and on time to class and rehearsals, and meet class deadlines. If these are things you are willing to be and do, you are welcome to apply for the class.''

"I took this intense Directing Class in the summer. Man, it changed my life! Karen's the real deal. Her methodology has helped me a lot working with actors. If you're serious about your craft consider her master class!"

—Rolando Sanchez, NYC film, theater, and music video director


2025 SCHEDULE

Classes are some Mondays and Tuesdays between June 2 and August 5, plus directors hold auditions June 12-13-14. Class skips some weeks during the course to allow for more rehearsal time.

***All Class Times are Eastern Time***

INTRODUCTION, LECTURES, HOW TO AUDITION ACTORS

Monday, June 2 | 6-10pm: Lecture & demo: The Director' Event

Tuesday, June 3 | 6-10pm: Throughline Analysis, Audition Techniques


EVENT SCENES

Monday, June 9 | 6 –10:15pm Event Scenes

Tuesday, June 10 | 6 –10:15pm Event Scenes


ACTOR AUDITIONS | Full Directors only | these dates and times may be modified depending on whether each director works online or in person.

Thursday, June 12 | 6-10pm

Friday, June 13 | 6-10pm

Saturday, June 14 | 2-6pm or as needed


**no class June 16, 17**


THROUGHLINE SCENES | Round 1

Monday, June 23 | 6-10:15pm Throughline Scenes

Tuesday, June 24 | 6-10:15pm Throughline Scenes

**no class June 30, July 1**

THROUGHLINE SCENES | Round 2

Monday, July 7 | 6-10:15pm Guest class #1, Throughline scenes

Tuesday, July 8 | 6-10:15pm Guest class #2, Throughline scenes #

Monday, July 14| 6-10pm Guest class #3,

Tuesday, July 15 | 6-10pm, Guest class #4,

**no class July 21, 22**

THROUGHLINE SCENES | Round 3

Monday, July 28 | 6–10:30pm Throughline scenes

Tuesday, July 29 | 6–10:30pm Throughline scenes


THROUGHLINE SCENES | Round 4

Monday, August 4 | 6 –10:? pm Rehearsal and runthrough of all scenes


THROUGHLINE SCENES | Round 5

Tuesday, August 5 | INVITED PRESENTATIONS performed online and class wrap-up


***All Class Times are Eastern Time***

"This class created much of my professional life. I doubt I'd be as happy or as successful if I hadn't taken it when I did. Highest recommendation for directors at all levels."

—Mark Armstrong, Executive Director, the 24 Hour Plays; director of Eric Bogosian's DRINKING IN AMERICA starring Andre Royo (The Wire)

TUITION AND HOW TO APPLY

Tuition Full Directors | $725 A deposit of $225 holds your place, and the balance ($500) is due by the first class (or payment plan terms as agreed upon if needed) This tuition includes the guest class series. If directors choose to cast locally and work in person, you are responsible for your own rehearsal space.

Tuition Active Auditors | $375 A deposit of $100 holds your place, and the balance ($275) is due by the first class (or payment plan terms). This tuition includes the guest class series.

Tuition Guest Class Only | $15 per class or $50 for all 4.

How to Apply for Full and Audit levels | Send an email with a statement about what you would like to get out of the class, and attach a bio or resume of your theater or film work, or description of your past experience. Full director interviews are on Zoom; Auditors interview by phone (list some good times to reach you and include your number).

How to Apply for Guest Class only levels | Guest Speakers will be announced in early June. To apply, reply to this post if you would like to be on the Guest Class Only list.

Please also feel free to write with questions.

"The insights we learned were practical as well as exalted; the proof came in watching the work grow stronger with each installment. I enjoyed the professional attitude and mutual respect you engendered in the class among classmates. And lastly and especially, I thank you for guiding me through the crises of my first job as director on the New York stage. Your class made that a much richer experience!"


—Sarah Tuft, Writer, Director and Editor of Theater and Film

KAREN KOHLHAAS is a stage director, filmmaker, teacher, author, and Tennessee Williams scholar.

DIRECTOR | Karen is a founding ensemble member of the Atlantic Theater Company. For Atlantic she directed the Lucille Lortel Award and Drama Desk Award nominated The Collection and A Kind of Alaska by Harold Pinter, which was named as a top-10 theater production by the New York Times, New York Magazine, and the New York Daily News. She revived her production of Pinter’s A Kind of Alaska for New York Live Arts for Live Ideas in honor of Dr. Oliver Sacks. Other productions include the world premiere of Annie Baker's Body Awareness at Atlantic Stage 2; and the Drama Desk Award nominated 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother by Kate Moira Ryan with Judy Gold at the Montreal Comedy Festival, Ars Nova, St. Luke's Theatre and National Tour, recently revived by Primary Stages. Other Off-Broadway and regional includes Harold Pinter's The Hothouse (Atlantic), Keith Reddin’s Synergy (Alley Theatre, world premiere) and Frame 312 (Atlantic, NY premiere); David Mamet's Boston Marriage (Public Theater, NY premiere) and The Water Engine (Atlantic); three productions of An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein in New York and Sydney, Kate Moira Ryan's OTMA (U.S. premiere, Atlantic) and At Sea by Clare Bayley (Menagerie Theatre, U.K.). She has also directed at Naked Angels, New Dramatists, Ensemble Studio Theatre, the Culture Project and other New York theaters.

FILMMAKER | Karen's short films, including two with acclaimed performer/playwright Taylor Mac, and short documentaries, have played at festivals in the US and internationally.

TEACHER | Karen is a senior teacher at the Atlantic Acting School's conservatory acting programs, and teaches her own classes in directing, advanced acting, monologues, and cold reading. She has been a visiting master teacher and lecturer around the US and internationally including Seattle University, Florida International University, Baldwin Wallace University, the University of Southern California, the University of the South at Sewanee, the Texas State University, Theater Educators of Texas Association, Practical Aesthetics Australia, Menagerie Theatre, UK, Ah Um Theater, Vancouver, Austin Shakespeare, Drama Inc. in Atlanta, and the Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival.

AUTHOR | Karen is the author of How to Choose a Monologue for Any Audition, The Monologue Audition Teacher's Manual, The Monologue Audition: A Practical Guide for Actors, and is the director, writer and producer of The Monologue Audition Video (DVD).

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS | Karen is editing a feature length documentary film Tennessee Williams in the Mississippi Delta: The Love of Things Irreconcilable, and writing a companion book focusing on Williams' seminal childhood in that region. She has been a panelist for the New Orleans and Misssissippi Delta Tennessee Williams festivals; she is the co-creator and curator of the Tennesseee Williams Rectory Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi; and in January 2020 presented a residential actor and playwright training in Clarksdale, with playwright Craig Lucas.

"Thank you so much for offering this amazing Directing Workshop. You merge the practical with the creative, making for an insightful, unique and highly effective approach to the craft of directing. The scene work was invaluable. The tools you have given me will serve me far into the future."

—John Summerford, Actor and Director

DURATION

Jun 2, 2025 - Aug 5, 2025

SALARY

$0.00 – $0.00 per hour

APPLY BY EMAIL

3187fe50-b6d1-46cb-bd6a-fbb09adc0e12…
^*NOTE: Do not copy/paste the above email address as it is encoded with SPAM protection. Just click it to initiate an email from your preferred email client.