Program Description

Train with a working Hollywood actor. 4 Saturdays. Results you can take to your next audition.

Join the 4-Week Acting for Stage, Film & TV workshop at The New York Performing Arts Academy (The NYPAA), led by acclaimed film and television actor Karina Arroyave — known for her roles in Crash, 24, Orange Is the New Black, and The Blacklist. In four focused Saturday sessions, you’ll build real technique, work live scenes, and leave with tools you can use immediately.

“I came in with almost no formal training. Four Saturdays with Karina completely changed how I approach a scene.”

— Marcus T., · Spring 2025

“Karina’s notes on camera acting were worth the price alone. Very professional “

— Priya M., · Fall 2024

“The lessons from Karina were invaluable, and will help me in the rest of my career.”

— Mary C., · Winter 2025

Contents

1 CLASS INFO

Focused Learning with Immediate Impact

These workshops provide concentrated learning experiences focused on specific aspects of acting — immediate tools and techniques to enhance your craft. Under Karina’s expert guidance, you’ll explore:

Versatile Acting Techniques: Learn how to adapt your performance for the stage, camera, and beyond.
Character Development: Create compelling characters with depth, authenticity, and emotional complexity.
Scene Study & Analysis: Work on selected scenes and develop the analytical skills to make bold, informed choices.
Audition Preparation: Get expert guidance on monologue selection, cold reading, and what casting directors are actually looking for.

Who This Workshop Is For

Actors at Any Level: No audition required. Whether you’re a beginner or a working actor refreshing your skills, you’ll be met where you are.
Busy Schedules: Four Saturdays — no weekday commitment. High-quality training that works around your life.
Immediate Application: Leave each session with actionable strategies you can apply to your practice and auditions right away.

Why The NYPAA?

Industry Instructor: Karina is not just a teacher — she’s actively worked in the industry you’re training for.
Small, Focused Classes: Every student gets real attention and real scene time.
Manhattan Location: Held at our studio at 244 W 54th St — steps from the heart of the industry.
Clear Next Steps: Graduates are encouraged to continue with our 8-week or 12-week programs, with alumni pricing available.

Your Scene Is Set. Are You Ready?

Join Karina Arroyave at The NYPAA and take the first step toward the acting career you’ve been building toward. Four Saturdays can change the way you work forever.

INSTRUCTOR

Notable Credits

Crash — Oscar Winner
24
Orange Is the New Black
The Blacklist
Law & Order: SVU
Lean on Me

View full IMDB profile →

Karina Arroyave
Film, TV & Stage Actor · Acting Instructor

Karina Arroyave is a working professional actor whose career spans critically acclaimed films, major television series, and live stage — bringing real industry experience directly into the classroom. Her roles in Crash (Best Picture, Academy Awards), 24, Orange Is the New Black, The Blacklist, and Law & Order: SVU reflect a performer who has mastered the full range of the craft.

What sets Karina apart as a teacher is her teaching philosophy: emotional authenticity over technique-for-technique’s-sake. She trains actors to connect deeply with their characters’ journeys — the work that actually moves audiences and books jobs.

In her classroom, Karina creates an environment of growth and fearless exploration. Students learn not just how to act, but how to think like an actor: breaking down scripts, mastering camera subtlety, commanding a stage, and presenting confidently in auditions.

“Every actor has a unique story to tell. My job is to give you the tools to tell it fully and fearlessly.”
— Karina Arroyave

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Each session is carefully structured to build on the last, giving you a complete arc of growth across the four weeks. Here’s what’s covered:

Acting Fundamentals

Basic Acting Techniques
- Introduction to acting principles: character analysis, motivation, and objective
- Key differences between acting for stage, film, and TV
Character Development
- Techniques for creating believable, three-dimensional characters
- Exploring physicality, voice, and emotional life
Scene Study
- Partner work on scripted scenes
- Objectives, obstacles, and tactics in practice
Text Analysis
- Breaking down a script and understanding character motivations
- Subtext, relationships, and thematic exploration

Medium-Specific Techniques

Stage Acting: Projection, movement, blocking, and live-audience interaction
Film Acting: Camera technique, facial expression, subtlety, and continuity
TV Acting: Pacing, script structure, and character consistency across episodes
Transitioning Between Mediums: Adapting your performance style — and understanding career paths in each

Advanced Techniques & Performance

Audition Techniques: Monologue prep, cold reading, and understanding the casting process
Rehearsal Process: Deepening character work and applying direction
Performance Techniques: Stamina, consistency, and maintaining energy
Final Scenes & Feedback: Perform your final scenes and receive professional critique

Note: The 4-week format provides an intensive, focused introduction. For comprehensive coverage of all techniques, consider our 8-week or 12-week programs. Alumni pricing applies to all returning students.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need acting experience to enroll? +

No audition or prior experience is required. This workshop is designed to meet actors at any level — from complete beginners to working actors looking to sharpen specific skills.

What is the alumni discount and how does it work? +

Returning NYPAA students save $22.50 on this workshop (from $225 to $202.50). Simply select “The NYPAA Alum” in the Registration dropdown when booking. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, contact us.

Can I switch to a different start date after enrolling? +

Date changes may be accommodated depending on availability. Please contact us as early as possible at service@thenypaa.org or call 212-457-4060 and we’ll do our best to assist.

What happens after I register? +

You’ll receive a confirmation email with everything you need — class location details, what to bring, and how to access the ASPIRE student portal. If you don’t see it within a few minutes, check your spam folder or reach out to us.

What is your refund or cancellation policy? +

All enrollments are non-refundable. However, if your plans change, your tuition converts to a full program credit with no expiration — apply it toward any future NYPAA class, workshop, or program. We’re committed to making sure your investment in your training continues to work for you.

Where is the class held? +

Classes are held at The NYPAA, 244 West 54th Street, 11th Floor, Room 1102, New York, NY 10019. The studio is easily accessible from Penn Station, Grand Central, Times Square, Port Authority, and Columbus Circle. Get directions on Google Maps →

CLASS INFO

⏰ Next session starts Saturday — spots are limited. Register now to secure your place.

✓ AUDITION NOT REQUIRED

✓ AGES 17+

✓ 4 SATURDAYS ONLY

✓ ANY EXPERIENCE LEVEL

🎓 Returning NYPAA student?
Select “The NYPAA Alum” at checkout to save $22.50 automatically.

Enrollment & Credit Policy

We want your investment in your training to keep working for you. While all enrollments are non-refundable, if your plans change we’ll convert your tuition to a full program credit — good toward any NYPAA class or workshop, with no expiration. Your commitment to your craft is never lost.

Additional Costs

Program fees cover instruction only. Travel, transportation, and any visa-related costs are the student’s responsibility.

About Short-Term Workshops

4-week workshops offer an intensive introduction to the discipline. For deeper training, consider our 8-week or 12-week formats — alumni pricing applies to all returning students.

Questions before you register?
📞 212-457-4060
✉️ service@thenypaa.org
Or request information online →

Event Details

Class Details:

Start time: 04:00 p.m. EDT

End time: 05:30 p.m. EDT

Venue: The NYPAA @ 244 W54th., 11th Fl., Room 1102

Coordinates: 40.7642738,-73.9832921

Directions: From Penn Station Walking (approx. 15 minutes): Exit Penn Station onto 8th Avenue. Walk north on 8th Avenue for about 10 blocks. Turn right onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. From Penn Station Subway (approx. 8 minutes): Take the C or E train from 34th Street-Penn Station (Downtown & Brooklyn). Get off at 50th Street Station. Walk north on 8th Avenue for 4 blocks to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right. From Grand Central Terminal Subway (approx. 10 minutes): Take the S Shuttle or 7 train from Grand Central to Times Square-42nd Street. Transfer to the C or E train (Uptown & Queens) at Times Square-42nd Street. Get off at 50th Street Station. Walk north on 8th Avenue for 4 blocks to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right. From Grand Central Terminal Walking (approx. 20 minutes): Exit Grand Central onto 42nd Street. Walk west on 42nd Street to 8th Avenue. Walk north on 8th Avenue to West 54th Street. Turn right onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right. From Port Authority Bus Terminal Walking (approx. 12 minutes): Exit Port Authority onto 8th Avenue. Walk north on 8th Avenue for about 8 blocks. Turn right onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. From Port Authority Bus Terminal Subway (approx. 5 minutes): Take the C or E train from 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal (Uptown & Queens). Get off at 50th Street Station. Walk north on 8th Avenue for 4 blocks to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right. From Times Square Walking (approx. 10 minutes): Exit Times Square onto 7th Avenue. Walk north on 7th Avenue to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your left, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. From Times Square Subway (approx. 5 minutes): Take the C or E train from Times Square-42nd Street Station (Uptown & Queens). Get off at 50th Street Station. Walk north on 8th Avenue for 4 blocks to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your right. From Columbus Circle Walking (approx. 5 minutes): Exit Columbus Circle onto Broadway. Walk south on Broadway for 5 blocks to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your left, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. From Columbus Circle Subway (approx. 3 minutes): Take the 1 train from 59th Street-Columbus Circle Station (Downtown & Brooklyn). Get off at 50th Street Station. Walk north on Broadway for 4 blocks to West 54th Street. Turn left onto West 54th Street. The building will be on your left.

Phone: 212-457-4060

Email: service@thenypaa.org