Course Descriptions

““I have known Rita Litton for many years. She is a pioneer in the area of helping young people get the best kind of acting training to prepare them for a career in film, TV and theatre. I have featured Rita in a chapter in the book I co-authored “How to Be a Working Actor.” If anyone knows how to give young people an overview of what it takes to audition and be prepared for the world of show business, Rita does. Her alums are featured in series, films, and of course on stage.”

This is a film acting course for students who wish to be stretched and challenged via audition and scene work. In this film acting class emphasis is placed on creating characters common or unique to television and film. Students are encouraged to go beyond their immediate experiences to find the character conceived by the writer. Students are directed to take risks and make unique or difficult choices. Through various exercises, research, observations and rehearsals, students differentiate aspects of character, status, appearance, background, speech, life experiences, and more. Students portray several contrasting roles from our extensive film/TV library.  Class discussion defines particular themes and audition problems inherent in a variety of on-camera material — feature films, indie films, episodic Television series, situation comedy, TV pilots, etc.

*** This course is offered frequently and may be continued as a work out ‘actor’s gym’ for maximum growth.

An acting course designed to provide students with the building blocks, or “foundation” necessary for truthful, creative, and spontaneous, ‘moment to moment’ acting. Designed for the beginning or intermediate level actor looking to improve skills and find an organic way to work. Through a series of exercises deeply rooted in the teachings of Sanford Meisner, cold readings, and scene work, the instructor will teach actors how to “live truthfully under imaginary circumstances.”

If you need a monologue for an industry audition, or for entrance to various performing arts conservatories and universities, this course is for you! From selection of appropriate material to fleshing out the roles, finding their contrasting dynamics and making them uniquely yours, the instructor uses her vast library and extensive experience to guide you to success.
(Private monologue coaching also available)

Commercial bookings give you tremendous exposure, income and valuable experience. Yet many actors underestimate the commercial audition, failing to rise to the challenge of coming up with vital, original and personality-enhanced choices for a 30-second scenario. Rita Litton is an industry pioneer in smart, effective commercial training and a Backstage Reader’s Choice Award Winner: “Best Commercial Class.”  If you have started to audition this is where your skills are first tested– on the spot in an agent or manager’s office. How you deliver a short commercial script often determines whether you are going to be sent out on auditions, and perhaps also given an introduction to their theatrical or film and television division! Learn the skills to relax, improvise, take direction, focus quickly and bring your best self to the audition! (Private commercial coaching is also available.)

Actors at every level benefit from exercises tailored to their specific needs and goals. More…

Learn the exciting and lucrative art of voice overs–acting with your voice. Agents and casting directors are always looking for artists young or old, who can read well and deliver professional voice over work. In this course you’ll learn how to break down, understand and master radio and television commercial copy, as well as animation scripts. In addition, you’ll learn proper audition etiquette and how to record from the comfort and safety of your own home. Yes! Voice overs are one of the few actor income sources surviving our new ‘stay safe’ environment.  Rita Litton and her staff have launched the careers of hundreds of talented and highly successful voice over artists! Taught by a top New York voice over actor, over Zoom. An industry voice over guest (agent or casting directors scouting for talent) will visit the last class.