I’ve been teaching Creatives since 2006, in academic & professional spaces, for both on camera & the stage. I believe in holistic training that empowers the individual because…
an empowered actor is a joyful actor
Bringing together my 20+ years of high-level industry experience and trauma-informed educational background, I strive to create brave and inclusive classes that value curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Focus Olympics
A 3 hour introduction to the foundational techniques to spark your flame, get you into your body, and use your neuro-spicy for good! Explore how technique transcends medium, dive into character-building and imagination, and get a taste of effective table work and script analysis.
This class is geared towards performing artists and storytellers of all mediums looking to enrich their work, and is a perfect stepping stone into Lily's Intensive Acting Program.
“Lily, thank you sooooo much. You have no idea what that morning meant to me... the first half of the class gave me something I didn’t know that I needed badly. The second half was filled with tools I am definitely going to try. Your unique perspective was really fun and welcoming as well as illuminating. Thank thank thank you. ”
Next Session:
January 7, 2025 6:30 - 9:30pm
Twin Cities Area
cost: $75
The Program -
Level 1: Intensive
Level 2: Integration
This two-level program is designed for actors seeking to deepen their craft; honoring where they’ve been while opening up horizons to where they’d like to go.
Over the course of 10-weeks, you’ll become the brave, generous, and self-reliant actor who joyfully collaborates without compromising your authenticity.
Level 1: Intensive
In this 6-week intensive you’ll step away from results-oriented performances and immerse yourself in empowering techniques that unlock your freedom as a performing artist through script analysis, improvisation, imagination, embodiment, and focus exercises.
Highlights:
Explore script analysis techniques to deepen your understanding of character and story
Embrace the spontaneity and creativity of improvisation to unlock new levels of performance
Cultivate your imagination and embody characters with authenticity and depth
Develop focus and presence to fully inhabit your roles and connect with your audience
Foster a collaborative and generous spirit while staying true to your artistic vision
Requirements: Open to professional actors with an open mind, a willingness to explore, and a commitment to your artistic growth. It’s not called an “intensive” for nothing. Prerequisite for Integration
Next session for Intensive:
Tuesdays 1/14 - 2/18/25 6:30 - 9:30p, in-person (twin cities,mn) cost: $360
“Taking the 8 week Intensive with Lily Rains was fantastic... Lily always brought a beautiful energy to the classroom and it felt so safe to explore and try new things. ...Learning a new technique of script analysis that then clearly informed how I could play my character to their fullest.... It was especially gratifying to be so immersed a character that came to life in such an authentic way.
Thank you!”
“Lily, I just want to say thank you for the Intensive. It’s been nice to be able to perform and develop my craft... This has been one of the best experiences I’ve had so thank you.”
Level 2: Integration
This 4-week class builds on everything learned during the Intensive, challenging you to speed up your process and further integrate your craft. Together, we’ll expand the material explored through weekly scene work spanning film, theatre, and TV, honing your ability to apply techniques with confidence and agility.
If the Intensive lays down the asphalt and teaches you how to drive, Integration is where you grab your keys, hit the road, and take the wheel for yourself.
Requirements: Completion of the Intensive program is required.
“I took Lily’s acting intensive to explore a spark and came away armed with stronger practices, a greater understanding of process and a deeper appreciation for the art itself. ”
Next session for Integration:
Tuesdays 2/25 - 3/18 6:30 - 9:30p Cost: $240
““Lily Rains is a brilliant Director and an inspired educator. (She
finds) the intersection between authentic experience and storytelling.”
”
““Her coaching has made me a much more rounded actor. And
she knocked a very big chip off my shoulder. You can tell she
pushes from her heart, not her ego.” ”