Now Open for Registration! One-Day Intensive Class!
Re : Actor Series ”THE WHY”(A One Day intensive class in English) #4
A Short, Focused Journey to the Heart of Acting
This dynamic one-day workshop offers a hands-on introduction to realistic acting and the creative tools useful for acting in international film and television.
Recommended For
- Actors who are english speakers and want to work in english
- feel a disconnect between mind and body in their acting
- Those who are experienced but want to revisit the basics
- Those who want freedom and joy in their acting
- Those who are interested in working in film and television internationally
Class Contents
“THE WHY” Class
~ Realism Acting: Discovering the WHY ~
For actors with prior experience, or those who have completed the Intro to Acting class.
For an actor, the most essential question is “Why?”
● Why does the character behave in this way?
● Why do they choose these words?
● Why do they take that action in that moment?
Uncovering the “Why” behind every scene and every character is at the core of truthful acting.
In this class, we will work to imagine, discover, and inhabit the character’s “Why.”
Rather than approaching acting only through analysis, we will explore through imagination, and embodied physical experience — creating space for you to truly live the role from within.
What This Class Focuses On
Embodying the Character’s Objective through Realism
Do you ever find yourself:
• saying the lines instead of speaking as the character
• performing what you think the scene “should” look like
• trying to act “natural” and getting stuck
• feeling trapped in your head rather than connected in your body
If so — this class is designed for you.
Here, you will gain tools and insight to move beyond these patterns.
Through guided exploration, you will experience how a clear and authentic “Why” can transform your acting into something alive, grounded, and deeply real.
Instructor
Lyena Yonekura
Acting instructor at UPS Academy.
Lyena Yonekura is an acting coach with over 25 years of experience, working with a broad spectrum of talent—from internationally acclaimed artists like MIYAVI, Rinko Kikuchi, Kiki Sukezanne, Masahiro Sunada, and emerging actors at the start of their careers.
She currently teaches at UPS and has taught at institutions such as the Tokyo Film Center School of Arts (for over 12 years), J Voice Talent Professional School, and Human Academy. She has also led workshops at talent agencies in Tokyo and Osaka.
A graduate of New York University’s Department of Drama, Lyena made her acting debut in the musical Annie and has since appeared in numerous stage productions including Of Mice and Men and The Tempest, as well as the Hollywood film A Beautiful Mind. In 2001, she became the first Japanese woman accepted as a member of the prestigious Actors Studio.
As a director, her credits include Alchemist, Golden Tickets, MOMO, Once On This Island, Scavengers (UPS Theater Vol.1), My Dearest Lilac (Vol.2), and STOP KISS (BNAW) among others.
She also appeared as a guest judge on the TV Tokyo audition program Dreamer Z.
Date & Time
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Morning: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Lunch Break: 1 hour
Afternoon: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Capacity
16 participants (selection applied if oversubscribed)
Minimum class size: 10 people (may cancel if not reached)
Age
16 and over, no upper age limit for those in good health!
FEE
FEE: ¥15,000→Special Offer
Participation Fee: ¥11,000
when you enter the coupon code:202508ER
Payment via bank transfer upon acceptance
Application Deadline
Monday, December 8th, 2025
Script will be sent after application; selection decided then. Accepted participants receive email notification and then pay the fee by the specified date.
Venue & Access
UPS Kagurazaka Studio
Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line “Edogawabashi” Station: 5-minute walk
Tokyo Metro Tozai Line “Kagurazaka” Station: 3-minute walk
Workshop Rules
- Fees are non-refundable except if the workshop is canceled by the organizer
- Workshops may be canceled if minimum enrollment isn’t met
- UPS may refuse participation if a student disrupts the instructor or others
- Recording, filming, or photography during lessons is prohibited
- Sharing session content on social media or using materials beyond personal study is strictly forbidden
Apply
Please complete the form provided on the webpage and submit with required information.
