Duration
5 Days
Format
Full-Time
Class Size
10 Max
Next Intake
September 2026
Ownership for Directors: The Grennell Method for guiding performance and mastering the collaborative language of the Actor’s Director.
Many directors are intimidated by the actor’s process. They often rely on “result-oriented” notes that leave the actor stuck in their head.
This course is a rigorous immersion designed to bridge that gap.
We translate the Grennell Method for the person behind the lens, giving you the specific shorthand to lead with clarity, respect the actor’s agency, and unlock performances that feel born rather than manufactured.
Curriculum
01
Working directly with professional actors to practice the "Grennell Shorthand" in real-time, moving from theory to on-set experience
02
Learning to trust that you don't need all the answers to lead. We show you how to use curiosity as a directorial tool to unlock real collaboration, ensuring your directorial voice acts as the curating force rather than a micromanaging one
03
Training your eye to see what is actually happening in the frame, rather than what you hoped would happen—allowing the scene to tell you what it needs
04
How to create a "safe-to-fail" environment where the best ideas can surface, shifting the burden of "getting it right" off your shoulders
05
A transparent open forum with the actor, exploring exactly which notes land, which ones trigger a "shutdown", and how to align your directorial vision with the actor’s process
06
Working on respectfully "stress-testing" a performance in the room to distinguish between a polished, "rote" audition and a collaborator with the agency to pivot. Identify actors who possess the internal depth to sustain a character
Course Information
| Dates | 14-18 September 2026 |
| Schedule | 5 Full Days, 10-5 |
| Location | West Hollywood, CA. All sessions in person. |
| Class Size | Max 10 students per class |
| Tuition | $1000 |
| Application | Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a brief conversation with the admissions team. Accepted students will be asked to pay a deposit to secure their place. The remainder is due 14 days prior to the start date. |
| Note on Student Placement | We curate these sessions to ensure every actor in the room is at the same level of focus and professional readiness. |
| Note on Waitlist | If the current intake is full, wherever possible we will endeavor to add another workshop to meet demand. |
No. All curriculum is overseen by Gerry Grennell, and taught solely by our select group of tutors specifically certified in the Gerry Grennell Method ™
No. We assess applicants based on their level of ability and potential alone and do not require specific credits or qualifications.
No, just bring yourself.
No. To protect the creative process, we maintain a ‘Closed Set’ policy. This ensures our actors feel safe to take risks without the pressure of an outside audience.
Instead try our ‘Intro to Gerry Grennell Method’ workshop.
No. We use the camera for intensive real-time analysis. The footage is often experimental and unpolished. To maintain the integrity of this private “lab”, we do not release class material for external use or reels.
No, all classes are in-person and experiential.
Yes, many actors return as the information is dense and evolves with the actor’s own experience.
Yes. The two actors working are professional and you will work with them every day
This workshop is specifically focused on the director-actor relationship and the performance dimension of filmmaking. It is not a technical workshop on lighting or production design or camera placement.
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