MasterClass Dustin Hoffman Teaches Acting

Two time Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman is now teaching an online course. Alongside other figures like tennis star Serena Williams and author James Patterson, Hoffman will teach aspiring actors through MasterClass, a San Francisco-based start up, for $90 a pop.

That means anyone can find out what it takes to play characters like Stanley Motss in "Wag the Dog" or Raymond Babbitt in "Rain Main."

Now 77-years-old, Hoffman spoke to The Takeaway about how he prepares for his acting roles, and what he's learned from decades in the business.

LESSON PLAN

01

Dustin's Method

Dustin's approach to acting is unique. In this lesson, he reveals the principles of his method and how to start implementing it.

02

Working with a Co-Star - Jerry Maguire Scene Work Part 1

Dustin has had famous on-screen chemistry with the likes of Robert Redford, Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep. Watch as he teaches two strangers to build an instant bond on set, and then makes you try the same Jerry Maguire scene with a fellow student.

03

Relating to Your Character - Jerry Maguire Scene Work Part 2

Relating to your character is crucial to a great performance. Dustin teaches you how to read through the lines to add emotion and depth to your role.

SHOW ALL 24 LESSONS

04

Managing Your Nerves - Jerry Maguire Scene Work Part 3

Every good actor gets nervous, even Dustin. Vulnerability is key to bringing depth to a performance. Here's how to use your fears to get deeper into character.

05

Performing Honestly - Jerry Maguire Scene Work Part 4

Uncover and access the deepest layers of your personality so you can stop pretending and start being your character.

06

Critiquing Yourself - Jerry Maguire Scene Work Part 5

Dustin is his own harshest critic, even when the director is happy and the audience loves him. Learn how he finds ways to question, critique and improve his perfomance.

07

What I Learned in Acting Class

Dustin learned from the most prominent acting teachers of his day, including Lee Strasberg - hear the tips and stories that stuck with him.

08

Researching Your Character

Whether he's studying women's vocal patterns or sneaking into San Quentin prison-Dustin conducts detailed research to create memorable and believable characters.

09

Creating Your Character

The essence of Raymond Babbit came from an accidental vocal tick; Benjamin Braddock grew from Dustin's childhood memories. There's no one way to bring a new character to life, but these are some of the ways that have worked for Dustin.

10

Saying Your Lines

Memorizing your lines is just the first step. Here's how Dustin approaches a new script to bring life to words on a page.

11

Funny Business

You can't always plan for the laugh. Dustin explains how to develop your comic instincts and use everyday life as your comedic inspiration.

12

Staying In The Moment

When you leave the script behind and make things up as you go, the results can can be inspiring, fun, or sometimes flat-out embarrassing. You have to be willing to fail to triumph as an actor.

13

Stage and Screen

For a play, you rehearse for weeks. On a film set, you might get ten minutes. As an actor who trained for the stage, Dustin shares how he changed his approach to the craft for the camera.

14

Dustin's Story

From college dropout to Oscar-winning actor, learn a little bit more about your teacher.

15

Being Present - Good Will Hunting Scene Work Part 1

Learning to look beyond the script to what's not being said, and using that powerful subtext to reveal parts of yourself is the essence of Dustin's approach to acting. Dustin applies this lesson to a scene from Good Will Hunting.

16

Be Yourself to Be the Character - Good Will Hunting Scene Work Part 2

If the audience isn't seeing your secrets, you're doing it wrong. Pushing yourself to admit and accept your most painful and uncomfortable truths will help bring depth and honesty to the characters you play. See how brave you can learn to be.

17

Embracing Your Vulnerability - Good Will Hunting Scene Work Part 3

Nobody's perfect - and audiences will love you for it. Watch a scene from Good Will Hunting come to life when Dustin directs two actors to draw upon their own insecurities.

18

Creating a Relatable Character - Good Will Hunting Scene Work Part 4

Learn how to craft a timeless, relatable character that audiences will fall in love with.

19

Staying True to Yourself - Good Will Hunting Scene Work Part 5

Dustin never lets a script hold him back from giving what he believes is the right performance. Here's how to stay true to yourself without getting fired.

20

Working Together

Get Dustin's insider tips on how to keep an open, creative environment on set, respect your fellow actors, and most importantly-relax.

21

Auditions

Dustin has spent his career defying "leading man" stereotypes. Here's how to take the right risks to set yourself apart from the crowd and handle the rejection all actors face.

22

Making Acting Your Living

After painful rejections, how do you stop the candle inside you from burning out? Dustin sheds light on the difficult decisions involved in making acting your living.

23

Great Mistakes

It can be harder than you think to tell the difference between an accident and a stroke of genius. The most iconic scene in Midnight Cowboy was an on-set accident. Make every mistake an opportunity.

24

Always Be Working

Dustin closes his MasterClass with one lesson he wants every actor to remember.

Instant Download Only

Format file 24x MP4 480p

duration 4 hours 45 minutes

Release Feb 2020