Discover Frank Silvera's Acting Techniques at The American Theatre of BEing

Frank Silvera

Are you an aspiring actor looking to refine your craft and learn from the best in the industry? Look no further than The American Theatre of BEing, a prominent performance arts organization located in Montgomery, AL.

At The American Theatre of BEing, they are dedicated to preserving the legacy of the late Frank Silvera, a renowned actor and director, by teaching his unique acting techniques in the Study of BEing. By offering classes taught by experienced professionals in the field, including theater, film, and television actors, directors, and producers, students have the opportunity to learn from the best and enhance their skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.

The organization also provides certificate programs that follow Union and Performance Arts Guild guidelines, ensuring that students receive high-quality training that is recognized in the industry. Whether you are interested in stage, film, or television productions, The American Theatre of BEing offers a wide range of classes and workshops to meet your needs and help you succeed in your acting career.

One of the standout features of The American Theatre of BEing is the rich history and Hollywood connections of Dr. Tonea Stewart, the Executive Program Director. With her expertise and industry connections, the organization serves as a valuable resource for independent and Hollywood producers, directors, studios, and production houses. By offering incentive programs to attract filmmakers to shoot their projects in Alabama, The American Theatre of BEing is playing a crucial role in promoting the state as a hub for the entertainment industry.

As you browse through the website, you will find photos showcasing key figures and activities, including the late Frank Silvera, thespians performing on stage, film crews on a movie and TV set, and actress Tommie Tonea Stewart. These images provide a glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic world of The American Theatre of BEing, where creativity and talent come together to create unforgettable performances and productions.

Whether you are a seasoned actor looking to refine your skills or a newcomer to the industry seeking to learn from the best, The American Theatre of BEing offers a range of opportunities to help you achieve your acting goals. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for storytelling, this organization continues to uphold the legacy of Frank Silvera and inspire the next generation of actors and thespians.

Read more about Frank Silvera’s life, career, and impact:

Frank Silvera: Pioneer of Presence and Power in Performance

Frank Silvera (1914–1970) was a groundbreaking Jamaican-American actor, director, and acting teacher whose influence reshaped the cultural landscape of American theater and film. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Boston, Silvera trained at Boston University and the Actors Studio, establishing himself as a versatile performer across film, television, and the Broadway stage.

With memorable roles in Viva Zapata!, Mutiny on the Bounty, The Greatest Story Ever Told, and the NBC series The High Chaparral, Silvera often portrayed characters of diverse ethnic backgrounds in an era when roles for actors of color were severely limited. Frustrated by Hollywood’s racial constraints, he turned his creative energy toward empowering others.

In 1964, Silvera co-founded the Theater of Being in Los Angeles, one of the first Black-owned theater spaces dedicated to serious dramatic performance and actor training. At the heart of this effort was his unique philosophy and teaching method known as the Study of Being.

The Study of Being

The Study of Being was Silvera’s visionary acting technique—a deeply introspective, psychologically grounded approach rooted in method acting and spiritual exploration. Silvera believed the true power of an actor came not just from mastering external techniques, but from embracing their full inner life—their “being.” This methodology emphasized:

• Emotional honesty and internal truth

• Cultural and spiritual self-awareness

• The actor as an instrument of transformation

• Authentic expression beyond racial or typecast limitations

His approach was especially liberating for Black actors, offering them the tools to reclaim dignity, agency, and full creative expression at a time when mainstream opportunities were scarce.

Legacy and Influence

Frank Silvera’s teachings helped shape a generation of African-American artists, many of whom went on to become influential figures in theater, television, and education. Notable beneficiaries of his Study of Being include:

Tonea Stewart

An accomplished actress and educator, Dr. Tonea Stewart is best known for her roles in In the Heat of the Night, Mississippi Burning, and A Time to Kill. As a former dean and professor of theater at Alabama State University, Stewart has trained thousands of young actors, carrying forward Silvera’s commitment to emotionally truthful and socially impactful performance.

Beah Richards

An Oscar- and Emmy-nominated actress, poet, and playwright, Beah Richards was revered for her riveting performances in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and In the Heat of the Night. A fierce advocate for civil rights and artistic integrity, Richards drew from Silvera’s teachings to embody characters with profound depth, dignity, and political resonance.

Vantile Whitfield

A co-founder of the Theater of Being and a pivotal force in the Black Arts Movement, Vantile Whitfield was a multi-disciplinary artist, director, and cultural administrator. He later served as the first African-American appointed to the National Endowment for the Arts. His work as a mentor and advocate for Black theater artists was shaped by his collaboration with Silvera and the principles of the Study of Being.

Frank Silvera’s life was tragically cut short in 1970, but his legacy lives on through the countless actors, teachers, and visionaries who were shaped by his passion for truth, presence, and cultural uplift. His influence remains a cornerstone of Black theatrical history and a beacon for artists seeking to tell their stories with power, purpose, and authenticity.