Are you a teenager?
Are you interested in acting?
Tokyo Acting Class
invites you
to join
THE IMAGINATION LAB
Acting & Life Skills for Teens
This is not just an acting class. It is a "Life Rehearsal."
Whether you want to be a professional actor or just want to have fun,
this workshop provides a safe playground to explore your creativity, focusing on imagination and physical movement.
We believe that the key skills learned in acting,
empathy,
listening,
and presence,
are the ultimate life skills for navigating the world with confidence.
Concept
Safety First (Emotional and Physical Safety)
A "Third Place" outside of home and school where it is okay to fail and make mistakes. No bullies in the room! We believe that true potential only blooms in a judgment-free environment where you are fully accepted.
Imagination & Expressivity
Using various acting techniques, we work on the connection between imagination and expression, to develop skills that are necessary for acting and just as useful in daily life. We help students explore, express, and channel emotions, ground themselves physically and emotionally in our digital-heavy world.
Beyond Language
Although the sessions are in English, we consider non-verbal communication to be just as important. Japanese assistance is provided if needed. Language is a tool, not an ultimate goal. Less stress, more confidence. We prioritize the "will to connect” and "openness to express and listen" over grammatical perfection. It is not about speaking correctly; it is about communicating honestly.
Program Outline
The course consists of 8 sessions, 90 minutes each.
Session #1: Kick-off Session - Connection, Trust & Empathy
- fun interactive games to get started;
- learning to celebrate "mistakes" as the core of creative process;
- working on non-verbal communication and moving without tension.
Sessions #2 ~ #7: Core Sessions - Creation, Teamwork, Presence
- collaboration work: how to create together with your team members?
- exercises for imagination and emotional expression, the basics of acting;
- scene study, using short plays or original scripts. How to create and hold a character? How to interact with the other characters?
- learning to project presence on stage and "listen" with the whole body.
Session #8: Open session - Join the fun!
- sharing the process with family and friends, so that they can see what we have been up to on Sundays. They can even participate in the games if they want!
- final discussion.
Who is this for?
Teens (between 12 and 18 years old), who:
- are interested in acting, storytelling, theater, or movies
- want to improve their confidence and communication skills
- want to make new friends in a diverse, creative environment.
No prior acting experience is necessary. The willingness to try is enough!
Classes are conducted in English, so speaking English is preferred, but Japanese interpretation support is also available.
Who will be teaching?
Workshop Leader: Manabu Ueyama
Actor, acting coach, and facilitator.
He began his theatrical career studying and performing in Los Angeles and New York.
With a diverse background in stage and screen acting, and scriptwriting, he brings a practical and creative approach to his teaching. Beyond his own work, he has extensive experience coaching actors on film sets and facilitating multicultural performance camps for teens. Drawing from his own experience navigating language and cultural barriers, his mission at The Imagination Lab is to provide a safe playground where teens can step out of their comfort zones and grow through creative expression.
Program Director: Tina Rosner Ph.D.
Founder of Tokyo Acting Class.
With over twenty years of experience teaching acting, she has trained in diverse methods, including Chekhov, Lecoq, Meisner, Suzuki/Viewpoints, Stanislavski, and Grotowski. She has collaborated with renowned artists, participated in the Lincoln Center Directors Lab, and worked extensively in Japan across theatre, television, and commercials. She teaches at Meiji University. Alongside teaching, she works as an actor, director, and researcher, completing a PhD on presence and silence in acting. She emphasizes mastering fundamental skills such as standing, sitting, and stage presence. A member of AACE International, she is committed to maintaining safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments.
Details
Schedule:
Every Sunday from 1PM to 2:30PM. First session: May 24th. Last session: July 12th (altogether 8 weeks)
Studio Location: Inner Tokyo (Shibuya area)
Participation fee: 40,000 JPY per participant
(including class and studio fee, participant insurance, tax)
While we are unable to offer “Best Friends Forever” Discounts (sorry!), Siblings Discounts might be considered.
In some cases, we accept inquiries for partial discounts (please contact us in advance). Motivation comes first!
Payment method: domestic bank transfer.
Full payment must be completed before the start of the first class to secure a spot.
No refunds after starting. Thank you for your kind understanding.
How to apply:
Please fill out the Google Form:
https://forms.gle/CzX4DAeWdPxcJNLbA
Application deadline 2026 April 20th Monday 5PM Japan Standard Time
Notification of result: 2026 April 26th Sunday
Inquiries: [email protected]
Good to Know (FAQ)
Q: My child is shy or doesn't speak English well. Is that okay?
A: Absolutely. We don't teach grammar; we use language as a tool to break the ice. Shy students are never forced to perform until they are ready.
Q: What if I miss a class due to school exams or club activities?
A: School comes first! We understand how busy teens are. Please just let us know in advance.
Q: My child wants to be a professional actor. Is this suitable?
A: Yes. While our focus is on "Life Skills," the techniques we teach build a solid, professional foundation for any future career in the arts.
Q: Can parents observe the classes?
A: To ensure the students feel safe and free to express themselves without pressure, regular classes are closed to observers. However, we prioritize open communication with parents. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to talk to us before or after class, or schedule a separate consultation at any time. We are partners in supporting your child's growth.
Q: Can I join in the middle of the term?
A: Because our curriculum builds trust and teamwork over time, we highly recommend starting from the beginning. However, depending on the class capacity and the timing, we may be able to accept mid-term students. Please contact us to discuss the possibilities!
With any inquiries, concerns, please feel free to reach out!
We look forward to working with you.
Tokyo Acting Class