Marc Dourso acting coach  founder of Act True based in Miami. I was an art student at the University of Tampa. My sister, a triple threat talent heard about an audition for Burt Reynolds institute of Theatre training. My sister suggested I audition. I worked on a monologue from the play “Lou Garret did not die of Cancer.” I auditioned wearing a hand tied bow tie. On the panel was Charles Nelson Riley. With his pipe, he asked “who taught you to tie that tie? It should look like a flower.”  It was shortly after I was chosen (along with my sister) as apprentices at the Burnt Reynolds Program. Charles was a master teacher for the full year at program.  Charles would have master classes at his house on the beach. Upon occasion his friends would stop by. We would all have dinner, doing mock auditions for Jerry Herman. 

After doing some regional theatre with Moon for the Misbegotten. I landed in Conn. I reached out to Charles, asking should I audition for Ms. Hagen’s class? “Sure. I’ll make a call.” I auditioned doing a scene from Half full of Rain. Not remembering anything from the audition, I got into her class. I was already learning the Hagen technique at the Burnt Reynolds Institute. That’s the way Charles worked, the behavior, the WHY, the action.

I get into her class. Everyone knew the reputation, of Uta Hagen. She was so active, physical, So connected to the students. When she looked at you, you paid attention!

I started studying with Ms. Hagen 1986/7.  Here’s a story of being in Ms. Hagens Class. I was in a scene & Uta came to switch places with my scene partner. I was acting with Uta Hagen! I was shaking, I was working with the master teacher!  All of that was gone because she is so connected. 

I decided I needed to do something in the industry so I wasn’t just starving. I met a stage manager who introduced me to James A Doolittle. He looked at my resume & seeing her name, Uta Hagen. I confirmed that yes I studied with Ms. Hagen. I got to work with Mr. Doolittle for 4-5 years.

While looking at the trades, I saw that Charles Nelson Riley was directing Uta Hagen in an off Broadway play After All written by Vincent Canby. I called Charles. I have to be your assistant director. Charles wanted to know more. 

I got an apt in Hells Kitchen. I would walk to HB studio. Rehearsals started at 10, went til 4 or 5. Ms. Hagen was still still teaching & running the school. She came to rehearsal stone cold solid off book. She knew her lines but carried her script. It was marvelous to watch her work, playing three different types of woman. 

You go from moment to moment. There is no next thing. That is Ms. Hagen’s exercise.

As soon as I get a script, I would clean my apt. Ms. Hagen was phyiscalcizing the lines. 

Ms. Hagen’s technique is the basis of my work. What is your action? Where are you?…  Ms. Hagen used to say, “Give an actor 1 note. One thing to work on.”

“Are you using the technique in the art?

These are his memories.