Building Craft
One Spoke at a Time
Ongoing Acting classes.
occasional Writing Workshops.
Taught by Chris Conner and Erin Way.
Located in Portland, Oregon.
Hello…
We passionately believe in the power art has on culture, and how the study of it can create more open, feeling, empathetic human beings.
This is what interests us. A successful career, being “good on camera,” only comes when one focuses on craft.
Rigorous play. Deep, rich study. Diving into writing that tries to hold space for the vastness of the human experience.
Craft is yours. It is built and then it belongs to you. Let’s build it together.
-Chris and Erin
Classes…
Our classes meet weekly on a schedule that is three months on, with a break of one month in between. This three month commitment enables us to guide our students into a deeper exploration of written material.
Current Classes:
Time to reserve your Spot for Winter Session! Please email via the form below to be put on a list and we will be in touch soon!
Monday: 630-10pm - SPOTS OPEN!
Taught by Chris Conner
Next three month session: Jan 6th - March 24th
$585 ($195/month - can be paid monthly, or upfront)
Tuesday: 630-10pm - Spots are Limited - Please email to inquire!
Taught by Erin Way
Next three month session: Jan 7th - March 25th
$585 ($195/month - can be paid monthly, or upfront)
Wednesday: 630-10pm - Spots are Limited - Please email to inquire!
Taught by Chris Conner
Next three month session: Jan 8th - March 26th
$585 ($195/month - can be paid monthly, or upfront)
*Please note that there is a required audition for all new students. Fill out the form at the bottom of the page, and we will be in touch to schedule. Please refer to the FAQ section below for more info.
Coaching:
Upon request, private coaching services can be scheduled. Please contact us via the form below for more information.
Upcoming Events…
ONGOING:
Show Up Club! Twice a month, students gather at the space to create original material. Actors, Writers, Directors - all are welcome and needed! Email for more info!
COMING SOON!!!
Writing Workshop Round 2! Due to popular demand, we are adding another workshop - coming in 2025!
Who We Are
Erin Way
Erin Way is an artist and storyteller appearing in countless television and film roles, in shows such as Grays Anatomy, The Mentalist, Castle, Private Practice, Colony, Hawaii Five-0, Detroit 1-8-7, Alphas, NCIS-LA, Grimm, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, and The Handmaids Tale. She has worked with fellow artists such as Mark Ruffalo, Miranda July, Marianna Palka, Bryce Dallas Howard, Joe Dante, Ron Howard, Tony Hale and Ben Kingsley. She worked closely with teacher Joan Scheckel during the creation of The Technique™ and is now the sole trainee of this method. She recently developed a long form television show loosely based on her own life. She can be sen in the upcoming Amazon show Criminal. She lives in Portland with her husband Chris, son Finnegan and their dog Maude.
Chris Conner
Chris Conner was born and raised in the tiny Western town of Silver City, New Mexico. He moved to Houston, Texas at 16 and attended The Kinkaid School. He has been seen on Stage, TV and Film ever since graduating with a degree in Acting from Carnegie-Mellon University. Working opposite of multiple Oscar winners, he's been described as an "old-school character actor" and is often unrecognizable on screen. His work has varied from Netflix's Emmy nominated Sci-fi series Altered Carbon' where he played the fan and critic's favorite Poe to the upcoming Western saga Horizon directed by and starring Kevin Costner. He also produces and stars in the award-winning serial podcast, Agent Stoker where he plays the title character. Chris splits his time between Los Angeles and Portland with his wife actress Erin Way, their son, and their incredible dog, Maude.
FAQs…
Great question! We truly believe that to really dive deep into material and character building, you need more than a couple weeks of rehearsal. People are busy, they miss classes, and often at the end of a month, you are left feeling like you want more. This commitment ensures that everyone in class is committed to deep explorative work.
Why the Three Month commitment?
Will wheelhouse Students get audition opportunities?
Access to local audition opportunities is invaluable to students. We get that. Please know we are working on getting local casting directors aware of Wheelhouse and the quality of its students. We will get you plugged into audition notices as soon as we are able.
What happens if I have to miss a class?
If you have to miss a class because of illness or booking work (wahoo!!), we will work with you to rehearse with your scene partners(s) outside of class time.
I’m new! What is required for the audition process?
Hello! Don’t stress. All we are looking for is a short monologue: 1-2 minutes max. We just want to get a feel for who you are and if the class will be a good fit.
Oops! The start date for the session has passed - what do I do?
Send us an email. Let’s see what we can do.
What am I supposed to do with a month off?
We like to take a month off between “sessions” so that we, as coaches, can properly prepare material for the next round. Plus, sometimes you need a breather. But there are so many local studios that teach month to month - use your month off to explore! Studio NW and Ted Rooney are some favorites :)
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"I have had the distinct pleasure of working and collaborating closely with Erin for many years. I can think of no one more committed to the work. Erin has a deeply wholistic understanding of the craft of acting and movement and she is fearless in her pursuit of truth and authenticity in every moment. She approaches the work with astonishing emotional intelligence, openness and compassion. Her gifts as an actor and performer are transcendent. It's Erin's ability to convey her love and understanding of the work which makes her such an impactful and inspiring teacher. "
Kai Lennox, Actor, Hulu’s The Girl from Plainville, HBO’s Perry Mason, Beginners.
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“I've represented Chris Conner for over 25 years. He approaches each role by paying attention to the finest details and instilling his own passion to make every character a unique living being. It is only by having this fervor for the craft that someone can successfully pass on the skill to others. Chris is the consummate actor.” -Gregg Klein
Gregg Klein, Head of Talent/Agent, AKA
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"Watch one of Erin Way's brilliant performances and I dare you to catch her acting. She is so natural, infusing her work with a deep and impeccable understanding of her character, all while making it look effortless. She's always compelling because she knows how to capture the truth."
Eric Tuchman, Writer-Producer, Hulu’s The Handmaids Tale.
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"I've had the privilege of collaborating with Chris and Erin on multiple occasions throughout my career. Each time we work together, I'm reminded of the importance of making bold character choices and advocating for one's beliefs as an actor. Their genuine passion for the craft has not only enhanced my acting, but has also added a vitality to all of my creative endeavors."
Michael Grant Terry, Actor/Producer, Bones, Grimm, SmartLess Podcast
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"If you are looking for authenticity, integrity and vigor in your training as an actor, you want to study with Chris and Erin. Between them they possess a staggering amount of professional experience, top notch training and the ability to pass that craft along to actors. Training with Chris and Erin will not only advance your process as an actor, but will deepen your connection to the artform itself."
Emily Nelson, Actor, True Detective, Code Black, Shameless, Made of Honor.
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"Working with Erin and Chris is much more than just scenes, and notes, and character work -- it's a feast. They bring so much to the table. They both have the incredible gift of cultivating your best work, all the while building your confidence as an actor. They are wonderful coaches. I always leave class with not only sharpened tools for acting, but with the knowledge that folks like Chris and Erin believe in what I can do with those tools."
Brooke Hogan, Student
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"Chris's attention to detail and compassionate commitment to the actors he coaches have been a great gift as I hone my craft. The depth of experience he brings to his work has helped me build a deeper understanding of who I truly am, both as an actor and as a person."
Sara Tetreault, Student
Contact
Inquire about classes
Schedule an audition
Say hello!
@wheelhousecraft
