Tag Archives: Northern Manhattan

Intro to Acting: 1-Hour Workshop for Beginners

Overview

Always wanted to act but never started? Learn the basics in 1 hour. No experience needed. Washington Heights, NYC.

EVER WANTED TO ACT BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?

Have you ever said:

– “I’ve always wanted to act, but I’m too shy.”

– “I don’t know where to start.”

– “I’m afraid I’ll look silly.”

– “Acting is for other people, not me.”

If any of these sound familiar, this workshop is for you.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

In just one hour, we’ll cover:

✓ The basics of presence and confidence (no acting degree required)

✓ Simple exercises to unlock your natural expressiveness

✓ How to get out of your head and into the moment

✓ One clear next step to continue building your skills

This isn’t a performance class. It’s not intimidating. It’s designed to help you START—and that’s the hardest part.

WHO THIS IS FOR

This workshop is perfect for:

– Absolute beginners with zero acting experience

– People who’ve always been curious but felt intimidated

– Anyone who wants to build confidence and presence

– Community members interested in theater and storytelling

– Writers who want to understand actors’ perspectives

You don’t need:

– Acting training or theater experience

– To memorize anything in advance

– To perform in front of a large group (we work in a supportive, small setting)

– Anything except yourself and an open mind

WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have:

– A clearer sense of what acting actually involves (it’s simpler than you think)

– Practical exercises you can practice at home

– More confidence in your ability to be present and expressive

– Connection with other beginners on the same journey

– One concrete next step (no pressure to “become an actor”)

WHY THIS WORKSHOP EXISTS

Gross Anatomy Studios’ vision is to help build Uptown Manhattan into a hub for storytelling; film, TV, theater, and digital content.

Acting isn’t just for professionals. It’s a tool for presence, confidence, and storytelling. This workshop is for anyone who’s ever been curious but never took the first step.

Washington Heights has voices that deserve to be heard. Let’s start here.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Adrian Miranda is a theater maker, filmmaker, and founder of Gross Anatomy Studios, Inc. Based in Washington Heights, Adrian has directed and produced theater and film projects throughout New York City, working extensively with actors and performers at all levels.

Adrian’s teaching philosophy is simple: permission over perfection. You don’t need to be “good” to start. You just need to begin.

Instagram: @grossanatomystudios

Website: adrianmiranda.com

RESCHEDULED – Castle Village: Becca Stevens

RESCHEDULED! Castle Village Events is thrilled to welcome you to a very special performance by internationally acclaimed recording artist Becca Stevens in our Community Room on May 17th at 4pm! It’s a great honor to have an artist of the caliber of Becca perform for our community and we hope to see as many of you there as possible.

$20/ticket, please email us at events@castlevillage.nyc
to reserve your seat ASAP. For more bio information about Becca see below; here are some links where you can hear her exquisite musicianship:

Becca with Jacob Collier and Take 6 at Royal Albert Hall
https://youtu.be/EdV50zX7KU8?si=XbItzRsbAK_YZgjy

Becca with Vince Mendoza and the WDR Big Band
https://youtu.be/yRbzENWgx-A?si=mfMTJY_mALmxsGfz

Becca (solo)
https://youtu.be/4uqEfn9z_18?si=DO3TiYb8nRilm86t

Twice GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Becca Stevens has established an outstanding career of blending effortless vocal talent with exquisite compositions that draw inspiration from pop, jazz, indie-rock, and folk music traditions. Her music stretches the boundaries of convention with songs that weave together her classical and Appalachian folk music upbringing with her love of the rich rhythms and harmonies of jazz and world music, further enhanced and accompanied by her skill on multiple string instruments.

Becca has toured internationally as the bandleader of the Becca Stevens Band since its inception in 2006. Along with her solo output, Becca is a highly respected collaborator who has written and toured extensively with the likes of David Crosby as an active member of his Lighthouse Band, Jacob Collier, Michael League of Snarky Puppy and Taylor Eigsti, to name just a few.

Becca has released collaborative records that blend her original music with the world-renowned Secret Trio, as well as with the illustrious Attacca Quartet (with whom she was nominated for a 2023 GRAMMY). Becca has performed and recorded with many of her musical heroes, including Chris Thile, Michael McDonald, Brad Mehldau, Snarky Puppy, Antonio Sánchez, Gretchen Parlato, Louis Cole, Vince Mendoza, Brian Blade, Metropole Orkest, Tim Heidecker and Ambrose Akinmusire, among many others.