10 sessions:
Wednesdays April 15th - June 17th 6:30 - 8:30pm Showcase: Wednesday June 24th 6:30-8:30pm
This class is designed for actors of all skill levels to practice and refine their performance skills through analysis and rehearsal of scenes from plays, focusing on character development, subtext, and emotional nuance. Students will work with scene partners to present their prepared scenes for feedback from the instructor and classmates. Class will act as a “gym” for actors to hone their craft and technique in a collaborative, supportive environment.
In this class, students will learn how to break down a script and identify key elements such as character objective, tactics, and subtext. They will develop techniques for creating a believable character through physical and emotional choices.
Improvisation exercises will enhance spontaneity and connection with a scene partner. Students will also learn how to navigate complex emotional dynamics within a scene, as well as developing strategies for delivering impactful performances with clarity and intention. Finally, as culmination, students will have the opportunity to perform scenes at the Flatbush Community Theater Showcase performance!
Classes and Showcase will be held at the Flatbush YMCA 1401 Flatbush Avenue
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Wed. April 15th
Wed. April 22nd
Wed. April 29th
Wed. May 6th
Wed. May 13th
Wed. May 20th
Wed. May 27
Wed. June 3rd
Wed. June 10th
Wed. June 17th
Showcase: Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 - 6:30-8:30pm
Phil Gagliano, a passionate actor, director, playwright, and educator, brings a dynamic approach to teaching, with a focus on building confidence and technique through scene study and character development. During the past several years, Phil has been performing in theatrical productions in the tri-state area. He also teaches playwright workshops.
His most recent credits include Brighton Beach Memoirs at Brundage Park Playhouse, in Randolph, New Jersey (2026), and the Playground Experiment Monologue Festival at the Marjorie Dean Little Theater in New York City. (2025). He has also appeared in several New York City Short Play Festivals at Chain Theater, Theater for the New City, Episcopalian Actors Guild, and Equity Library. Other productions include Anton Chekhov’s, The Cherry Orchard (Staten Island Shakespeare Company), John Steinbeck’s, The Grapes of Wrath (Ghost light Players), Athur Miller’s, Death of a Salesman (Little Victory Theater), August Strindbergs’s, A Dream Play (Staten Island Shakespeare Company), Charles Busch’s, The Divine Sister, Reginald Rose’s, 12 Angry Men (Seaview Playwright’s Theater), and Joe DiPietro’s, Clever Little Lies (Little Victory Theater).
In addition, Phil has done background work for some streaming network productions. He also had a feature role in the NYU student film, Out, and he is a regular performer on several on-line play reading platforms.
Phil is also a seasoned stage director as he has directed over twenty stage productions at both the local community theater and high school levels. He is also the co-creator of the Living Word Theatre program at the Michael J. Petrides School. This program guides young playwrights through the writing process, culminating in black box performances of their plays.
In terms of teaching style, Phil favors a blend of an improvisational and intuitive style, prioritizing emotional connection and spontaneity and applying it to scene work and character exploration. Through this exciting, creative style, he will apply the principles of Stanislavsky, Meisner, and others, thus offering the necessary structure students will need to thrive. His class atmosphere will always be supportive and collaborative.