The Conflict Scene

The Conflict Scene

Advanced/Pro - In person in Los Angeles!

The Conflict Scene
  • In person in Los Angeles
  • 8-Week Winter session begins Monday, June 19th, 6:30 pm PST
  • Limit 12 participants
  • $330for the session (or two installments of $165). 10% Early Bird, Multi-class, and Couples Discounts are available.) Early Bird discount for current and former students ends 5/14 at midnight

Conflict is the basis of all drama, and the conflict scene is the core of the script.  Real need and intent, obstacles, stakes, looking and listening, employment of body voice and speech in order to win. It all comes together in the conflict scene.

The important values here are high stakes, looking, listening and impulse (“Dirty Acting”), Emotional Homework and the full embodiment of the phrase you are in. 

High Stakes: Through the specific application of the Emotional Preparation, you need to believe that you have the truth on your side. The “Why” is especially important here, giving your character the motive for confrontation.

Looking, listening and impulse: While always important, looking, listening and especially impulse (what we call Dirty Acting) must be present in a scene of conflict. The character is constantly attentive, waiting for any clue that might help her win the conflict and possibly convert the other character. Sometimes their life depends upon attaining that clue. The impulse response to these clues permeates the conflict scene.

Emotional Homework must be specific and imagination-based. The goal is to allow the richest character experiences to permeate your being – making the fictional world not only real to yourself but compelling and all-encompassing, driving you to come out on top in the conflict.

Finally, the commitment necessary to doggedly pursue your point of view in a scene must be experienced in every phrase.  Love the please that you’re in.  Don’t worry about what comes next, just fulfill each moment when it arrives.  Make your partner and the audience root for your side of the truth.

During the course of The Conflict Scene we will employ all of the above and more

Testimonials

"He taught more than any other teacher I had . . . is responsible for creating the kind of actor I am today. He taught me how to truly take risks in my work, invest authentically in my characters, and expect nothing but professionalism from myself and my colleagues. Peter’s standards were high and exacting, and as a student, I was thrilled to be held to them. It was the first time I had been treated like an actor, not just as a student. The method that Peter taught is still one that I use today – he gave me the tools to access, emotionally and intellectually, very dense material. He allowed me to see that with every character, every piece there is always a way that is deeper and truer than you first imagine.”
Julianne Moore, Actress

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