How big are the classes? Classes are limited to 12 students. A small class size ensures that every student works at every class and gets individual attention.
Why are there two levels combined in one class? Because the classes are small, (and because Amanda is a spreadsheet nerd!), Amanda knows what each student has worked on at Verve. She keeps track of the commercials, voice overs, monologues and scenes that each student has worked on. Because of this, she is able to customize the experience for each student.
What if I just want to try acting? This sounds too intense for me. Even though it is a class, we still have FUN! Students get out of it what they put into it, so if you want to come and explore, it’s still a great class for you. If you just like acting and want to continue to act as a hobby, that is fantastic and you are welcome! Acting skills are life skills, so even if you don’t think (or don’t know yet) if you want to work professionally, you’ll still learn skills that will help you in life. In addition, expressing yourself artistically is essential to your long term well-being, and Verve’s youth programs are a safe place to explore and express your inner artist. However, we also offer Saturday workouts and summer camps that have a shorter time commitment. The Saturday workouts are a la carte and you can attend them as your schedule permits. The weekday training program is designed to build on skills as the year and levels advance.
Who should take the class? If you want to audition for theatre – a play or musical – where there are cuts, this class will help you get and maintain a competitive edge. If you want to get an agent here in Phoenix, this class is essential. Phoenix agents represent you “across the board,” which means in commercials, voice over, film, TV, hosting and print. You must have training, and skills, in all of these areas. If you want to get an agent in LA (First talk to your parents! That is a huge commitment!), the skills you learn in the class are applicable to huge markets. (Phoenix is the 6th market Amanda and lived and worked in, so the curriculum reflects that experience.) If you already have an agent, you know that ongoing training is essential to being competitive. Most agents actually require you to train regularly.
Who teaches the classes? Amanda Melby designed all of the curriculum and materials. She has been a working actor for 30+ years, a member of SAG-AFTRA for 25 years and a member of AEA for 20 years. She has a B.A. in Theatre and English from Concordia College in MN, has studied in Howard Fine’s and Gunnar Rohrbacher's Master classes in LA and has training from all of the markets she’s lived and worked in. Ashley Faulkner graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Theatre and Film Studies. Read their BIOS here.
What if I get cast in a show? Or have an audition/booking out of town? Awesome! When you audition for the play, put your class as a conflict. Often they can work around it. (Or you can leave early from class to get to rehearsal on time.) If they aren’t able to work around it, temporarily drop the class (by the 20th of the month) during the tech/run and re-enroll after the show opens. If you are travelling frequently to LA for last minute auditions, contact Amanda to work something out.
What are the payment options? Tuition is based on the full amount of classes for the school year. You can opt for One payment (5% discount; no refunds), Trimester payments (Sept, Nov and February payments) or Monthly payments.
For monthly or trimester payments, we require a credit card to auto-bill on the set dates. If you are joining or re-joining mid-month, individual classes are $50/each.
We don’t offer drop-ins, this option is only for those enrolling or re-enrolling after dropping if mid-month due to a play or life event.
