Press Room

Ryan Murphy and the cast incorporated “Inside the Actors Studio,” Bravo and, most important, our school, into a development toward which “Glee” has been building since its first day. At the climax of an episode in which the show’s principals, facing graduation, shared their post-graduate dreams, the final holdout was Finn, who was wrestling with uncertainty about following Rachel to New York. After fifty minutes of music and drama, a scene occurred in which “Glee” reached a significant milestone in Finn’s and Rachel’s – and the series’ – history. As millions of young people in the “Glee” audience watched, “Inside the Actors Studio” and The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University became an organic part of the “Glee” story!

“(Writing plays) really just utilizes my strengths. I had a good ear for dialogue, and for me, it’s just a matter of being able to tell a story through characterizations. Even though I can do short stories or novels, I seem to be more at home when the characters are more engaged in the situation,” Sean Welch explains. “For me, it’s pretty exciting to see a couple of actors go up there and say the words I’ve written, in the moment. I don’t think there’s anything really like that.”

WEEK THREE (April 11 – 14) from The Actors Studio Drama School’s 2012 MFA Repertory Season brings tales of two brothers who hustle cards and take money from fools (“Topdog/Underdog”); a runaway bride and a recluse who forge a bond during an Alaskan blizzard (“Brilliant Traces”), and two estranged siblings who reunite at their mother’s funeral (“Raised in Captivity”). Free admission. RSVP: 212-501-2099; ASDSRep@pace.edu

One of the interesting things about the repertory season is the opportunity to watch the actors and directors work on several plays and scenes. Week Three (April 11 – 14) brings scenes from “Topdog/Underdog” by Suzan-Lori Parks, “Brilliant Traces” by Cindy Lou Johnson and “Raised in Captivity” by Nicky Silver. The 24-hour reservation line is: (212) 501-2099 and email is ASDSRep@pace.edu

From College Gymnast to Off-Broadway Actress. Kara Marie Rosella discusses her incredible three-year journey at The Actors Studio Drama School, James Lipton and how what she’s learned as an athlete transfers over to being an actress.

James Lipton is more than than just a TV personality. The actor, director, producer, choreographer, playwright and founder of the Actors Studio Drama School is also the author of the novel “Mirrors” (which he adapted for TV) and the nonfiction book “An Exaltation of Larks.”

Check out the production photos from The Bear, Amicable Parting, Snowangel, and The Woolgatherer – Week Two of the Actors Studio Drama School’s MFA Repertory Season – which runs from April 4 – 7. For reservations please call (212) 501-2099 or e-mail: ASDSRep@pace.edu

Photos from Week One of The Actors Studio Drama School’s 2012 MFA Repertory Season.

This year’s 36 Actors Studio Drama School MFA candidates will take the stage at The Theater at Dance New Amsterdam, 53 Chambers St., just north of City Hall, Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m. from March 28 through April 28. The full schedule and information about plays, actors, directors and playwrights can be found online at www.Pace.edu/ASDSRep. Admission is free, but reservations must be made in advance by phone or e-mail as seating is limited. The 24-hour reservation line is: (212) 501-2099 and email is ASDSRep@pace.edu

Inspired by recent insight from Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Aniston, James Franco, the casts of “Glee” and “Modern Family,” as well as other distinguished celebrity guests of their craft class – Dean Emeritus James Lipton’s “Inside the Actors Studio” – a new generation of performers and creators prepare for their five-week Repertory Season beginning March 28.