Scene study from TV series, films and plays — the practical application of the Chubbuck Technique, with Elsena Shehaj, Certified Chubbuck Coach. In person in Barcelona or live online, in a small, focused group.
I work the same way Ivana Chubbuck works in her studio in Los Angeles — the process I trained in, directly with her. Three stages.
A complete breakdown of the script: the character's overarching need in the whole film or series, the obstacles in the way, the objective of every scene — down to a line-by-line analysis.
Through the emotional diary you discover from whom in your own life you have a similar need as the character. From this choice, every other choice follows.
You use your pain as fuel to fight for your character's objective and win — through the acting. The work makes you a stronger actor, with more powerful, dimensional performances.
In my classes, I assign the scenes and your scene partners. I have a game plan for each of my actors. I take into account your strengths and weaknesses, your problem areas and your history, and I choose the material that will best support your growth as an actor.
Week one. Each scene gets an hour in class — half an hour with each actor. You play the scene first. Then I analyse your character with you: the overall objective, the scene objective, the obstacles. Through the emotional diary you find your substitution, and you play the scene again with the choices you've made.
Week two. You come back with the work you've continued on your own. First I see what works and what doesn't. Then I take you deeper. I work with you on the most important words of the scene: first what they mean to the character emotionally, then your personal connection to them, so the words become yours. Then the obstacle before each line, the beats, and the intention behind each one. Finally the moment before — with a chemistry exercise, and an exercise to feel the character's need to win as your own, so you start the scene from where the character is, not from zero.
I don't just give notes. I guide you step by step: how to make choices, how to understand the dynamics of the scene, how to connect to your character.
Rehearsing with your scene partner between classes is part of the work. It's where you try your choices before you bring them into the room.
You can bring a monologue instead, so you still get to work.
If you'd like to see a class before you join, you can audit one as a listener, free of charge. Registration is required, and it depends on available space.
A professional, supportive room. Actors help each other — no competition, just the work.
All group classes — in person and online — are taught in English, on Barcelona time. For private and audition coaching I also work in Spanish, Italian and Albanian. Sessions are scheduled around availability.
One-on-one sessions tailored entirely to you — audition coaching, preparation for a film or TV role you've booked, or intensive work to deepen your process through the Chubbuck Technique. We work on your material. Sessions are scheduled around availability.
See Private & Audition Coaching"Working together out of three auditions, we booked 2. She helped me open new points of view — ones you would never think of."
"She is so attentive to your individual needs as an actor and knows exactly how to pull out your best performance."
"Scenes I thought would be impossible for me to master have become accessible through her dedication and hard work."
"After 10 years in the profession I was getting bored. With Elsy I want to keep growing, learning and exploring."
Send me your details, your training so far and a link to your work. Spots are limited in both groups.
"I started online 4 weeks ago and it has really made a huge change in my acting. Elsy's classes are always well structured and she knows how to choose scenes for her students."
Heli Pärna · Actress
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