
The Actor's Instrument:
Fundamentals of Acting
Professional Training for Actors
This class is designed for actors who already have foundational training and performance experience and are ready to deepen, challenge, and expand their craft. Through rigorous exercises, text and character analysis, improvisation, and scene and monologue work, actors will strengthen their connection to their physical, vocal, and emotional instruments while developing greater specificity, responsiveness, and freedom in performance. The class emphasizes truthful behavior, active listening, bold and playable choices, and the ability to remain grounded and fully present in the work.
OUR INSTRUCTORS

Jasmine Rush
Jasmine M. Rush is an award-winning Black actress, producer, and creative artist whose work spans classical theatre, contemporary drama, film, and television. A member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association, she has performed on New York stages including Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and Theatre Row, as well as at leading regional institutions across the country.
Her selected theatre credits include productions with Asolo Repertory Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Hangar Theatre, Central Square Theater, TheatreSquared, New Repertory Theatre, Sierra Repertory Theatre, and Lyric Stage Company of Boston. Her work also includes leading the solo plays Queens Girl in the World and Keyp-ing, along with roles ranging from Esther in Intimate Apparel and Beverly in Chicken and Biscuits to Brutus in Julius Caesar.
Her television credits include New Amsterdam, Harlem, Bull, Blue Bloods, The Sinner, and Difficult People.
Beyond her work as a performer, Jasmine is committed to building opportunities and sustainable support for Black artists and institutions. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Black Arts Run It, an emerging national arts initiative dedicated to raising funds and resources for small Black theatres in New York City and across the country. She is also the founder of Sweet Milk Productions and a core company member of Quick Silver Theater Company and The Grove Theatre NYC.
Jasmine earned her MFA in Classical Acting from the Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy at George Washington University and holds a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. She also completed the professional acting program at Circle in the Square Theatre School.
Visit jasminemrush.com to learn more.
SCHEDULE
First Semester
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OCTOBER 19TH, 2025 - DECEMBER 14TH, 2026
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MONDAYS 6 PM - 9 PM
Second Semester
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FEBRUARY 16TH, 2026 - May 3RD, 2027
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MONDAYS, 6 PM – 9 PM
PAYMENT & REGISTRATION
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Classes will be held at 154 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
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The yearly tuition fee for two semesters is $525
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If paid in installments, semesters are $300 each
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Email workshops@newfederaltheatre.com for inquiries
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HEADSHOT, ACTING RESUME, & SELF-TAPE REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION