Benny Rendell is a teaching artist with The Firebird’ Project, NYC. He has taught a number of acting classes in their summer conservatory and is currently running a "Shakespeare for Stage and Life" class for teens in NYC. In 2024, Benny directed an all-teen summer stage production of Romeo and Juliet with New Genesis Productions Youth Theater and assistant-directed their teen production of Merchant of Venice (2023)
SHAKESPEARE FOR STAGE AND LIFE (FALL '25)
Ages 12+ Tues 2.30-4.30 | NYC | w. Benny Rendell
This class welcomes students of all experience levels for a hands-on journey into understanding and performing Shakespeare’s work. The class focuses on breaking down Shakespeare’s text for both emotional and literal meaning, while also finding personal connections to his characters and stories. Through group activities, exercises, text work, and performance, students will bring Shakespeare’s words to life in dynamic ways. Participants will work on monologues, scenes, and a final group presentation. Students will develop skills that extend beyond the stage—such as confidence, communication, critical thinking, and close reading. They will also gain a rich introduction to Shakespeare’s language, characters, and timeless insights into the human condition.
Location: Cre8ive Studios, 134 West 29th St, 2nd Floor
Schedule: Tuesdays 2:30-4:30pm
Dates: Sep 23, 30 / Oct 7, 14, 21, 28 / Nov 4, 18, 25 / Dec 2, 9. Showcase: Friday, Dec 12
Cost: $550 for 12 2hr sessions
Sign up here.
FIREBIRD MOVIEMASTER FILM LAB (FALL '23)
FIREBIRD MOVIEMASTER INCUBATOR (SPRING '23)
FIREBIRD MOVIEMASTER INCUBATOR (SPRING '23)
Ages 13-18 | Wed 3:30-5:30 | Chelsea, NYC | w. Benny Rendell
MovieMaster Film Lab is a hands-on workshop where teen filmmakers develop practical skills in screenwriting, cinematography, directing, and production design. Students watch and analyze some of the great films of the last 100 years, and complete creative practical assignments to hone their craft. MovieMaster teens have gone on to enroll in NYU Tisch and Pratt Institute, and one of our student films received an award at the RolikiFest international children’s film festival in Moscow. This semester will culminate with a screening of an original short film self-produced by the workshop participants.
FIREBIRD MOVIEMASTER INCUBATOR (SPRING '23)
FIREBIRD MOVIEMASTER INCUBATOR (SPRING '23)
FIREBIRD MOVIEMASTER INCUBATOR (SPRING '23)
Ages 13-18 | Tues 1-3pm | UWS, NYC | w. Benny Rendell & Leo Lion
Take your filmmaking journey to the next level with MovieMaster Incubator, the advanced sequel to our popular MovieMaster Film Lab. Incubator students workshop their original projects, receiving and providing constructive feedback in a supportive community of budding filmmakers. The Incubator seeks to build students’ personal filmmaking practice, involving pre-production planning, script refinement, running a set, and editing. Sessions will also involve discussions on portfolio building and applying to festivals. Teen filmmakers, get ready for your close-up!