BUILDING CHARACTER
Serious Acting Training in a Supportive Ensemble Environment
High School & College/Post-High School Cohorts
What Is Building Character?
BUILDING CHARACTER is an acting studio for students who want serious artistic training in a supportive ensemble environment.
Through scene work, monologues, rehearsal, discussion, and ensemble exercises, students develop both their craft and their confidence.
Whether pursuing professional goals or simply seeking artistic growth, students are challenged to take risks, collaborate with others, and continue growing as performers.
The Ensemble
Students in BUILDING CHARACTER come from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels.
Some students may already have experience through school productions, community theatre, acting classes, auditions, or professional work. Others may be earlier in their journey. While experience is welcome, curiosity, commitment, openness, and a genuine desire to learn are equally important.
Students who thrive in BUILDING CHARACTER are often those who:
enjoy creative challenges
are willing to take risks and try new things
support the success of others
value collaboration as much as individual achievement
are curious about people and human behavior
are interested in continued growth as artists
Meet Your Teacher
Kevin Blake is a professional actor, writer, director, and educator whose career spans stage, film, television, and arts education.
For more than two decades, Kevin has worked with students and performers of varying ages and experience levels, helping them develop confidence, creativity, collaboration, and the practical skills of performance.
His approach combines serious artistic training with a commitment to creating environments where students feel challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Philosophy & Goals
Process Over Product
The goal of acting training is not to prove what you can already do. It is to explore, take risks, make discoveries, and continue growing as an artist.
Challenge & Support
Students grow most when they feel both challenged and supported. We encourage students to take risks, ask questions, and learn from mistakes.
Ensemble & Collaboration
Acting is a collaborative art form. Students learn to listen, respond, and contribute to the success of the ensemble.
Craft & Humanity
Acting is ultimately the study of people. Through character work and collaboration, students develop observation, empathy, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of human behavior.
What People Are Saying
"I cannot think of a better person to be teaching acting right now."
"He can both 'do' and 'teach,' giving students the rare experience of learning from an industry professional."
Kathleen Marshall
President, Garry Marshall Theatre
Barri Lynn Hollander
Parent of Former Student
"I could fail because he could make that a learning experience instead of a scary one."
""He makes developing your craft feel freeing rather than intimidating."
Jack Samson
Actor, Musician & Filmmaker
Julia Hollander
Actor, Writer & Musician
Program Details
• High School Cohort
• College & Post-High School Cohort
Duration: 6 Weeks
Location: Clifton Park, NY
Schedule: One evening per week for six weeks (2 hours per session)
Dates: Summer 2026 cohorts will run between mid-July and late August.
Final meeting days and times will be determined prior to enrollment and shared with accepted students before any enrollment decision is made.
Tuition: $400
As BUILDING CHARACTER launches its inaugural cohort, accepted students will receive a $100 tuition discount, bringing tuition to $300.
Cohorts are intentionally kept small to support meaningful ensemble work, individualized attention, and a strong sense of community.
Enrollment is limited and begins with the application process described below.
Enrollment Process
BUILDING CHARACTER uses a thoughtful enrollment process designed to help ensure a positive experience for both students and the ensemble as a whole.
Enrollment is based not only on experience, but also on a student's goals, commitment, and potential fit within the collaborative environment we are building.
Step 1: Questionnaire
Students begin by completing a brief questionnaire designed to help Kevin learn more about their interests, experience, goals, and what they hope to gain from the program.
The questionnaire also provides an opportunity for students and families to ask questions and share anything they would like Kevin to know.
Step 2: Conversation
After reviewing the questionnaire, Kevin will schedule a brief introductory Zoom conversation with each prospective student.
The conversation is an opportunity to get to know one another, discuss goals and interests, and explore whether BUILDING CHARACTER feels like a strong fit for everyone involved.
Parents and guardians are welcome to participate in the conversation as well.
Step 3: Enrollment Invitation
After the questionnaire and introductory conversation, students who are invited to join the cohort will receive an invitation to enroll.
Because cohort sizes are intentionally limited, some qualified applicants may be placed on a waiting list or considered for future cohorts if space is unavailable.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The application questionnaire is the first step in getting to know one another. It's an opportunity for students and families to learn more about the program, ask questions, and explore whether BUILDING CHARACTER feels like the right fit.
Having trouble accessing the questionnaire or have questions about the program? Feel free to contact Kevin directly at kblake@encompass.llc.
BUILDING CHARACTER is offered by encompass, llc, a learning and development company that uses the arts, storytelling, and experiential learning to strengthen communication, leadership, collaboration, and personal growth.