Francesca Ferrera Student, Actor, Co Director at HB Studio

We couldn’t be happier to share this episode with Francesca. Francesca’s journey started with HB when she was 12 years old. Her father Richard Ferrera was the resident architect, taking over for George Calvary, a friend of Herberts. Richard designed the speech room. A spacious room behind the office that looks over the garden. Richard being in contact with Herbert’s assistant & acting teacher to young children. Marlene suggested Francesca come & watch her class. Francesca came, was called out to get on stage in class. She was hooked. Performing in the Second Sheppards play a yearly Christmas event at the theatre. 

After being in Marlene’s class, she was ready to graduate into Trudy Steibl’s class (both still teach at HB). Marlene had change of plans. Herbert needed a key student & Francesca was going to be it. 

I was in a class with adult professional actors who were there in-between broadway shows. I knew how fortunate I was. Francesca took his Friday classes for the next few years. When it as time for her to go to college, Herbert was not happy with her decision, feeling that college’s took financial advantage of families. Classes at the studio during this time, were $5 a class. It wasn’t until Herbert passed, that the cost of a class increased to $7. 

Francesca’s friend was going for her MFA at the actors studio at the New School. The audition was a great experience. The cost was approximately $20K. I thought I’m studying with Uta for $7 a class! I was enjoying being at my artistic home. Francesca became what Herbert called a Hagenite. She & other students would bring food for the Hagen Wagon. 

Both Herbert & Uta’s classes would run 3-4 hrs. Francesca shares a time when teacher Edward Morehouse needed to get into the class studio to teach but Herbert was still teaching. 

I remember the giants of theatre who were there. 

Francesca dives in how she became  & what it’s like being the co executive director of HB Studio. 

Uta will make you a great technician Herbert will make you a great artist. Uta was matter of fact. Everything Uta was giving you would get you to those magical moments where you were flying. Herbert was about telling stories in metaphors & you got it. 

To be a good acting teacher, you have to be a good actor. Herbert wanted a melting pot of a safe artistic home. Herbert Berghof

These are her words.

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To know more about Uta & Herbert, go to UtaHagen.com