Conservatory Event with Tony Savant

Local SAG-AFTRA members were treated to a Philadelphia Conservatory event on Oct. 28 at Playhouse West featuring Tony Savant, world-renowned acting teacher and founding director of Playhouse West in Philadelphia.

Savant discussed his work with some of the top actors in Hollywood, the craft, the industry and what it takes to succeed in the acting profession. He also discussed Playhouse West’s and Sanford Meisner’s approach to teaching and studying acting, and attendees were invited to volunteer and participate in several hands-on exercises and demonstrations of the work. The evening concluded with a productive and prolonged Q&A session between Savant and the enthusiastic audience.  

Anita DeFrancesco and Brian Anthony Wilson participate in “Day One,” the first step of the repetition exercise designed to teach fundamental technique work. Invented by Sanford Meisner, its purpose is to get actors truly listening, connecting and working off their partner.