Mornellian Classes

Our goal is to get actors out of class and onto set

Be a part of the Mornell Method movement and train for 2-4  years, NOT decades. We have a unique community where artists are seen and empowered. Our updated approach is new and updated for today’s working actors who want to work in front of the camera.
If you have not yet become a Mornellian, you can learn more about Weekend Intensives here.

Next Semester

October-December

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“Sara  helped me bring more of who I am, which only I can do and gave me a voice I didn’t realize I had.”

– LaMonica Garrett 1883, The Last Ship

Fall Registration Now Open

No Intensive Needed

For our Fall 2023 cycle we are opening registration to all interested actors, the Weekend Intensive is not required as a prerequisite. 

View Classes

Below are classes offered during our typical cycle. For updated offerings for Fall 2023, we invite you to Visit our Fall Cycle Registration page here. Please contact us if you have any questions (mornellstudios@gmail.com)

Unlearn

TAUGHT BY: Anna Borchert & Nicole Johnson

The foundation of the Mornell Method. The goal is to “Unlearn” theater techniques and antiquated methods that are confusing actors when it comes to the art form of auditioning. Unlearn is about letting go of technique, and learning how to stop acting by finding how to access authentic versions of who the actor already is. This three months course is designed to introduce actors to the parts of themselves that they would rather not know and teach them how to integrate that into the whole of the performance. This work was developed after working with a pro-athlete on his baseball game, becoming an integral part of the athletic mentality that Mornell Studios encourages in their actors. This is a course for actors to become fearless in who they are versus learning how to act like someone else.

On Cam 1

TAUGHT BY: Anna Borchert & Nicole Johnson

This class will focus on implementing and expanding on the work students have completed at Mornell Studios and applying it immediately to the real world of self-tape and Zoom auditions. A primary focus will be on the actor bringing themselves to their audition while serving the project. Students will self-tape prior to each class, receive notes, and re-work their materials during class sessions while also focusing on preparing for Zoom auditions and callbacks. In addition, students will be taught the technical aspects of taping, everything from dealing with action in the script to knowing the tone of the show. The goal of this class is to hone students’ work in front of the camera and deepen the work they’ve already been doing with the Mornell Method.

Practice 1

TAUGHT BY: Sara Mornell

A challenging, but extraordinarily fun and innovative three-month course that teaches actors how to understand and dominate the technical aspects of auditioning and on-camera technique. Class content varies but can include intimacy, horror, comedy, and taking direction with a focus on costars and recurring co-stars. Practice instills confidence in the technical nature of auditioning that so many actors miss in their training. Practice starts by teaching actors, the importance of not getting psyched out by the material and instead of learning how to truly bring themselves to the work. How to stop getting trapped by the breakdown or the need to get it “right”.

Advanced On Camera

TAUGHT BY: Anna Borchert & Nicole Johnson

Geared towards a more intimate weekly workout where actors will work on challenging and lengthy material applying their technical on-camera knowledge learned in previous classes while still focusing on bringing themselves to the material. This class is limited in size. A priority will also be placed on actors trusting their choices and being ready to work in a more collaborative manner while receiving notes in a callback or onset. Students will self-tape at least one audition prior to each class, receive notes, and re-work their materials during class sessions while also focusing on preparing for Zoom auditions and callbacks. The goal of this class is to keep students fresh, prepared, and challenged for self-tape auditions with new and more in-depth material.

Practice On-going

TAUGHT BY: Sara Mornell

For actors who have been at the Studio for several semesters and are looking to continue training and deepening their application of the Mornell Method. This more relaxed course includes role prep, comedy, series regulars, script analysis, scene work, role development, and new classes that Sara has created specifically for that group.

On Cam 2

TAUGHT BY: Anna Borchert & Nicole Johnson

This class will focus on implementing and expanding on the work students have completed at Mornell Studios and applying it immediately to the real world of self-tape and Zoom auditions. A primary focus will be on the actor bringing themselves to their audition while serving the project. Students will self-tape prior to each class, receive notes, and re-work their materials during class sessions while also focusing on preparing for Zoom auditions and callbacks. In addition, students will be taught the technical aspects of taping, everything from dealing with action in the script to knowing the tone of the show. The goal of this class is to hone students’ work in front of the camera and deepen the work they’ve already been doing with the Mornell Method.

Break Through

TAUGHT BY: Sara Mornell

Break Through with Sara Mornell is a three-month, life-changing course for working actors that was designed for artists who want to achieve honesty and authenticity in their work, diving deeply into what they specifically can bring to the role. Learning to lean into stillness and trust the voice they uniquely bring to the camera This course was built around Sara’s life work created for athletes, entertainment, industry professionals, musicians, and more; Sara designed this class to challenge actors while supporting personal breakthroughs. Created around the needs of existing students, Break Through is truly for the artist who is looking to strengthen, deepen, and take their work as well as lives to the next level in a safe and supportive environment. This class is by invitation only.

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