ABFF Masterclass: Act It Out - Scene Exploration

Aspiring actors will have the opportunity to strengthen their craft through a dynamic, hands-on session at NYFA Miami in South Beach. ABFF Masterclass: Act It Out: Scene Exploration takes place on Thursday, June 12, as part of the American Black Film Festival's educational programming.

Led by actor and educator Patrice DeGraff Arenas, this interactive workshop focuses on scene study, character development and performance technique. Participants will explore how gesture, voice and body language work together to build authentic, engaging performances—skills essential for both auditions and on-camera work. Drawing on methods inspired by Adler, Meisner, Hagen and Chekhov, the class offers practical tools for analyzing scenes and making bold acting choices.

Participants will work with pre-selected television and film scripts, gaining firsthand experience in moment-to-moment listening and the physicality of character. The session is designed for emerging actors interested in deepening their performance skills in a collaborative and supportive setting.