Instant Characterization! 3 week clinic

A focused 3-week clinic for performers who want to make stronger, more immediate character choices.

Led by seasoned performer Michael “Dola” Amendola, this class explores how physicality, voice, and emotional point of view can help you create characters that feel specific, distinct, and fun to play. Students will practice building characters quickly from simple choices, using established information to deepen characterization, and creating contrast that supports stronger scenes, relationships, and world-building.

Expect lots of reps, clear coaching, and a supportive room to experiment, commit, and expand your range.

Open to students of all experience levels, from beginner through advanced. This clinic meets once a week for three weeks. No showcase performance with this class.

Prerequisite: NONE

Adults 18+

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Class size: Limited to 10 participants to support coaching, reps, and individual attention.

Day: WEDNESDAY

Dates: May 13, 20, 27

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Make-Up Date (only if needed): N/A

ShowCase: No showcase offered with this course

Room: TBD

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Michael “Dola” Amendola (he/they) is a Philadelphia & NYC-based performer-creator, and educator with a strong interest in the personal, creative and social impact of “play.” He has performed in over 60 productions across the US including 600 shows with the Off-Broadway comedy hit, Drunk Shakespeare, and 100+ performances as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the ASC. He earned his BFA in Acting from Texas State University and is pursuing an MFA in Devised Performance at the Pig Iron School. He has also studied clown extensively with many world-renowned teachers. In addition to teaching at PHIT, Dola has led workshops in devising, clown, improv and character creation for Circadium School for Contemporary Circus, Austin Shakespeare, Cannonball Festival, and the American Shakespeare Center.

What others Say:

"Dola is the best!"

“Dola was incredibly engaged and helped us see how improv skills apply both on stage and in everyday life.”

"This was the most beneficial workshop I've been to in years. I was able to reconnect my mind and body to acting. I have immediate lessons to bring back to my students."

"Oh god. Dola is a brilliant firecracker's worth of expression and depth. His style of teaching gives me courage and curiosity and freedom to explore and learn. I loved this class!!!"

"Dola really invited the students to be their best selves, creating an environment of play and discovery. He had excellent notes for the performers, truly insightful. It is evident that his eye is really tuned in to what is being created and is present to what is actually going on."

“Dola is an excellent teacher - the way he commands the room, and how excited he is by it. It’s great to see someone who is so passionate about something and then so good at it!”