Southwest Scene Works FAQs
Q. What is your technique?
A. I teach the Chubbuck Technique, which builds on teaching traditions that stretch back to Stanislavski and infuses them with current advances in behavioral science and psychology. The 12 tools that you will use in the Chubbuck Acting Technique are powerful, effective, and accessible. They simply work.
Q. Who assigns the scenes?
A. In my class, I assign the scenes and your scene partners. For the intensive, you will have your assignments one week prior to your first day. I have a game plan for each of my students. I analyze and take into account your strengths and weaknesses, and assign material that will best facilitate your growth and advancement as an individual. My personal goal as a teacher is to help you to expand your abilities in your craft, enhancing your capacity to get the job. My students are always working.
Q. What material do you use for scenes?
A. The scenes are selected from movies, television, and theater.
Q. What are the typical Intensive sizes?
A. Classes sizes are kept small to ensure an intimate and focused environment. You will work every class. Specific caps can be found on that class’s/intensive’s landing page.
Q. How many times do you put up a scene?
A. For weekend intensives, you will put up a scene twice. You rehearse the material I assign you with your scene partner. Most scene partners rehearse 3 to 4 times one week prior to our first class. On our first day of the Chubbuck Intensive you will put the first work of your scene up in class. I will give you notes. Afterwards you'll rehearse together addressing my notes. On the 2nd day of our Chubbuck Intensive you will put up the second and final work of your scene.
For online classes, you will be working a new scene/submitting a self-tape weekly.
Q. What happens if I have a flaky scene partner?
A. You can fire your scene partner if you have a problem with them. It is your time and money that is wasted by someone who does not take the craft seriously. Within 24 hours of firing a scene partner, you will get a new scene/scene partner to work with. At Southwest Scene Works we want students who have dedicate themselves passionately to their art.
Q. Are you able to audit all the other classes once you join?
A. As a general rule of thumb, Southwest Scene Works does not offer auditing. However, in lieu of auditing, we offer FREE 15 minute consultations with Rebekah Wiggins to help find a perfect class fit for you. Please request a consultation through this link.
The only exception to Southwest Scene Work’s audit rule is during weekend intensives. After a taking a weekend intensive, Southwest Scene Works students may audit the Sunday Chubbuck Master Class (Sundays 12-3pm) at no additional cost. Come as often as you want, you do not have to call to make an appointment. It is very helpful to see critiques of other scenes from other classes. Inundate yourself with the information. It will help you grow exponentially faster, leading to better skills and better work opportunities.
Q. Who makes up the student body?
A. Directors, writers/producers, and of course, actors.
Q. What do you think the formula is for success in this business?
A. In the words of Ivana Chubbuck... "Hard work and taking risks. Seems simple enough, but you would be surprised how many actors are lazy and fall back on safe choices – afraid to offend or not please the casting director/writer/producer/director. Never let fear drive your life. Making bold choices and being courageous are powerful tools for success in any business."
Q. What is expected of me before I attend my first class?
A. Read, “The Power of the Actor”, focusing on the first 12 chapters. It is a comprehensive map on how to break down a script. This will allow you to make faster progress upon entering the class because you will have a more thorough understanding of how to apply the Chubbuck Acting Technique.
Q. What is your cancellation Policy?
A. All classes and intensives are non-refundable. The only exception is if an actor books acting work that conflicts with their scheduled class/intensive. At that point, they are excused from class and can transfer their tuition to the following month. In order to do this, they must give one week’s notice, as well as show a call sheet with dates/call times to their instructor at Southwest Scene Works. Tuition is only valid one month after it has been transferred unless prior arrangements have been made between you and your instructor.
Q. What platform are online classes held on?
A. Southwest Scene Works primarily uses Zoom for all online classes. Zoom links are sent out the day of the first class, and remain the same for the duration of the class. They will be posted in a shared document that all students have access to.