Practical Aesthetics is an acting technique developed by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet (Glengarry Glen Ross, Oleanna) and Academy Award-nominated actor William H. Macy (Fargo, Magnolia). In 1983 they began teaching acting workshops in Practical Aesthetics at New York University.

Practical Aesthetics de-mystifies the process of acting by offering the actor a clear set of analytical and physical tools. Emotions are explored through the use of the actor's imagination and the pursuit of physical actions. The philosophy behind the technique has been influenced by such diverse sources as Aristotle, Stanislavski, Freud and Joseph Campbell. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue the disciplines of vocal and physical training.

The technique of Practical Aesthetics is outlined and explained in A Practical Handbook for the Actor, written by members of the Atlantic Theater Co, Melissa Bruder et al.

In recent years, more and more Australian acting students have been travelling to New York to study Practical Aesthetics at the Atlantic Theater Company Acting School. Their enthusiasm for the work has been so great that a number of Atlantic's master teachers (Scott Zigler, Robert Bella, and Karen Kohlhaas) have already made the trip to Sydney to teach workshops.

Sydney actor, Andrea Moor and Atlantic Theater Company founding member, Melissa Bruder established Practical Aesthetics Australia in January 1998.

The Sydney program is designed for actors who are looking for a foundation in a strong acting technique that is applicable to any text in film, theatre or television. This approach encourages the actor to make clear, economical choices that will bring the best of him or herself to a role. Simplicity, honesty, and the truth of the moment are AS important as remaining true to the intentions of the writer. All of the skills taught in Practical Aesthetics are designed to help the actor do his or her job, which is to tell the story of the play.

The Sydney classes are taught by Melissa Bruder, Atlantic Theater Company founding member and co-author of A Practical Handbook for the Actor.

Classes cover Script Analysis, Scene Study, and Performance Technique. PAA will continue to run occasional special workshops with visiting guest teachers from the Atlantic Theater Company.

Lee Biolos & Roxane Wilson