August Wilson Advanced Scene Study

January 19 – January 30
5 Classes · 2 Weeks · Final Showcase January 30

Why This Class Exists

Last year, a small group of advanced actors came to me with a very specific request:

“Would you teach an intensive scene study focused solely on August Wilson?”

I said yes.

The class that followed was rigorous, generous, and deeply impactful. The work was serious, the room was disciplined, and the commitment from the actors was extraordinary. By the end, it was clear to all of us that this wasn’t a one-time experience—it was a process that needed to continue.

This January, I am offering the class again by request.

This Is an Advanced Room

This August Wilson Scene Study is designed for actors who are ready to work at a professional level.

This is not a casual class.
This is not an introduction to August Wilson.

This is a focused, intentional working room for actors who are willing to commit fully for two weeks, show up prepared, and dive deeply into the work—together.

If you know how to prepare, listen, partner generously, and take emotional risks on stage, you will thrive here.

What I Expect From Actors in This Class

This class is for actors who:

• Can commit to the full two-week process

• Show up on time and prepared

• Know how to be a strong, generous scene partner

• Are willing to read the full play—multiple times

• Take responsibility for getting accurately off book

• Are open to emotional depth, vulnerability, and risk

• Respect the room, the text, and the ensemble

August Wilson’s work requires rigor, humility, courage, and imagination.
This class honors that.

The Work

Our focus will be on:

• Scene study grounded in behavior, action, and listening

• Commanding heightened language without performing “importance”

• Emotional truth rooted in relationship—not display

• Power, legacy, inheritance, humor, and silence

• Precision with text while remaining alive and responsive

• Building scenes that can live truthfully on stage

This is deep work, done carefully and collectively.

Why August Wilson

The plays of August Wilson demand the full presence of the actor—intellectually, emotionally, culturally, and spiritually. The language carries history. The silences carry weight. The relationships are layered with love, rage, humor, and survival.

This class is for actors who want to meet that demand, not avoid it.

About Rosalyn Coleman Williams

I have appeared in five plays by August Wilson, including originating the role of Ruby in Seven Guitars on Broadway.

I knew August Wilson personally and worked closely with Lloyd Richards, beginning during my training at Yale School of Drama and continuing through Broadway productions.

I have also taught this work at NYU Experimental Theatre Wing, and I have been teaching and coaching actors for over 30 years.

Teaching is not separate from my artistry—it is part of my responsibility. It is my duty as an artist to help keep the craft alive, and I bring deep passion, care, and seriousness to the room.

My next role will be in the upcoming Broadway production of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, understudying the lead role of Bertha.

This class is an extension of that lineage, experience, and responsibility.

Class Structure

• 5 classes over 2 weeks

• On-your-feet scene study

• Director-style feedback

• Small group to preserve depth and care

• Final showcase on January 30

Schedule Options

Morning Session

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
January 19, 22, 23, 26, 29

Evening Session

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
January 19, 20, 23, 27, 29

Final Showcase: January 30

Tuition & Enrollment

Tuition: $500
Deposit: $250 to hold your place
(Remaining balance due before the first class)

Space is limited to maintain the integrity of the work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this class really advanced?

Yes. This class is designed for actors with prior training and experience who are ready to work at a professional pace. Preparation, discipline, and emotional availability are essential.

What is the attendance expectation?

Actors are expected to commit to the full two-week process. Students are welcome to attend all classes, but must choose either the morning or evening section as their primary working session.

Can I attend both the morning and evening classes?

Yes, you may attend all classes. However, you must select one session in which you will actively work scenes.

Are there refunds?

There are no refunds once the class has begun. Please register only if you are able to commit fully.

Will everyone perform in the showcase?

Yes. All scenes worked on in class will be presented in the final showcase.

Can I choose my scene and partner?

If you already have a scene and partner you’d like to work with, you’re welcome to bring them.
Otherwise, I will assign scenes and partners based on what best serves the work and the group.

Will more than one actor work on the same role or scene?

Possibly. There may be more than one actor working on the same character or scene. This is intentional and often deepens the learning.

Will this class change how I work as an actor?

This class is not about replacing your acting process—it’s about adding to it. You’ll be invited to expand your tools, deepen your listening, and engage the work with greater specificity and courage.

What level of preparation is expected?

Actors should be prepared to:

• Read the full play multiple times

• Learn lines accurately

• Be fully off book when assigned

• Show up ready to work with focus, generosity, and rigor

Call to Action

If this speaks to where you are right now—and you feel ready for an advanced, intentional working room—I invite you to reach out.

Enrollment begins with a brief email so I can get to know you and ensure the class is the right fit.

I look forward to the work.