ACADEMY 2025: Scene Study - Exploring Contemporary Heightened Language

Scene Study: Exploring Contemporary Heightened Language

The term "heightened language" is most often associated with Shakespeare, but contemporary playwrights such as Harold Pinter, Sarah Ruhl, Lucas Hnath, David Mamet, Suzan Lori-Parks, and Charles Mee each write in a particular voice and style that is most certainly elevated above the "naturalistic" or conversational. Their work can have a specific rhythm, style, and use of language that performers need to embrace to honor the writers' intent. In this scene study class, you'll explore how to live truthfully in that heightened language and what technical requirements are essential to meeting its demands.  

July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, August 5, August 12

*Please note, students under 18 require permission from the moderator to take this academy class. If you’re in this category, please reach out to us at academy@antaeus.org.

About Adam J. Smith
Adam J. Smith is a multi-award-winning actor, director, teacher, and coach. ANTAEUS credits include Winter’s Tale, Hamlet, Cloud 9, As You Like It, Henry IV Part One, and The Curse of Oedipus. Selected theater work includes Pasadena Playhouse, CTG/Kirk Douglas & Mark Taper Forum, South Coast Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, Disney Concert Hall, Ojai Playwrights Conference, Chautauqua Theater Company (NY), numerous Off- and Off-Off-B’way. On-camera work includes Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon Parts I & II, Taken 3, The Good Doctor, Jane the Virgin, Orville, Scandal, Castle, 90210, Medium, Without a Trace, Numb3rs, among others. He won a 2006 Regional Emmy Award for When Things Get Small. As a teacher, he’s been on the Acting faculty at CalArts School of Theater for 15 years. Elsewhere, he’s taught at South Coast Rep, The Acting Corps, and was honored for teaching undergrads “With Distinction” while earning his MFA in Acting from UCSD/La Jolla Playhouse.