Awakening the Authentic Self: A 7-Day Acting Intensive with Howard Fine
Awakening the Authentic Self: A 7-Day Acting Intensive with Howard Fine
Villa Vittoria, Stilo — Ionian Coast, Calabria, Italy
Up to 20 in group
Jun 21 - 28, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- 7-day immersive acting intensive with world-renowned coach Howard Fine
- Scene study, emotional work, and script analysis based on Howard’s award-winning approach
- Daily partner work, guided exercises, and personalized feedback
- Mindfulness, embodiment, and somatic practices to deepen emotional authenticity
- Nightly discussions, Q&As, and reflective sessions with Howard
- Hosted on the serene Ionian Coast near historic Stilo, Calabria
- Nature walks, journaling by the sea, and reflective local activities
- Farm-to-table meals and accommodations in a peaceful Calabrian farmhouse setting
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Howard Fine is one of the most respected and influential acting coaches in the world, known for his award-winning approach that blends emotional truth, technical precision, and deep humanity. For over 30 years, Howard has trained Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe winners, guiding actors toward authentic, spontaneous, and fully embodied performance.
Named “Best Acting Teacher in Los Angeles” by Backstage, Howard’s methodology builds an actor’s emotional availability, craft, and work ethic. His philosophy—rooted in the teachings of Uta Hagen—focuses on truthful behavior, moment-to-moment connection, and the development of a self-sufficient artist.
Throughout his career, Howard has coached artists such as Jennifer Connelly, Jared Leto, Austin Butler, Michelle Williams, Salma Hayek, Bradley Cooper, Will Smith, Brooke Shields, and Kim Delaney. His students consistently credit him for breakthroughs in confidence, emotional depth, and professional success.
Howard teaches internationally, serves as founder of the Howard Fine Acting Studio in Los Angeles, and is renowned for his generous, insightful, and transformative approach to the craft. His work empowers actors to awaken their most authentic selves—on stage, on camera, and in life.
Details of this retreat
Awakening the Authentic Self is a rare, 7-day immersive acting intensive led by world-renowned acting coach Howard Fine, whose award-winning methodology has shaped the careers of Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe winners. Designed for actors seeking deep personal and artistic transformation, this retreat blends master-level scene study, emotional work, and script analysis with somatic, mindful, and reflective practices.
Set on the serene Ionian coast of Calabria, participants will engage in a highly curated program that develops emotional truth, presence, and self-awareness. Through guided exercises, personalized feedback, partner work, and nightly discussions with Howard, actors learn to access authenticity, dissolve self-consciousness, and bring spontaneous, lived-in performance to their craft.
The retreat environment supports both artistic exploration and personal renewal. Surrounded by nature, peaceful farmland, and the rich history of Stilo, participants reconnect with themselves through journaling, movement, nature walks, and community time. Every element — from the setting to the curriculum — is designed to help actors unlock their deepest creative potential.
This is Howard Fine’s first intensive program in Italy and an extraordinary opportunity to train directly with one of the most influential acting teachers of our time.
Set on the serene Ionian coast of Calabria, participants will engage in a highly curated program that develops emotional truth, presence, and self-awareness. Through guided exercises, personalized feedback, partner work, and nightly discussions with Howard, actors learn to access authenticity, dissolve self-consciousness, and bring spontaneous, lived-in performance to their craft.
The retreat environment supports both artistic exploration and personal renewal. Surrounded by nature, peaceful farmland, and the rich history of Stilo, participants reconnect with themselves through journaling, movement, nature walks, and community time. Every element — from the setting to the curriculum — is designed to help actors unlock their deepest creative potential.
This is Howard Fine’s first intensive program in Italy and an extraordinary opportunity to train directly with one of the most influential acting teachers of our time.
Schedule
8:00 AM – Breakfast with the group
9:00 AM – Morning embodiment, mindfulness, and warm-up work
10:00 AM – Acting class with Howard Fine: exercises, scene work, and coaching
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Partner work, script analysis, journaling, or guided reflection
4:00 PM – Afternoon session with Howard: technique development and emotional exploration
6:00 PM – Free time or nature walk
7:30 PM – Farm-to-table dinner
8:30 PM – Evening Q&A, discussion circle, or reflection session with Howard
9:00 AM – Morning embodiment, mindfulness, and warm-up work
10:00 AM – Acting class with Howard Fine: exercises, scene work, and coaching
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Partner work, script analysis, journaling, or guided reflection
4:00 PM – Afternoon session with Howard: technique development and emotional exploration
6:00 PM – Free time or nature walk
7:30 PM – Farm-to-table dinner
8:30 PM – Evening Q&A, discussion circle, or reflection session with Howard
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Embodying The Character in Theatre and Film, Villa Vittoria, Stilo — Ionian Coast, Calabria, Italy
Directions
The nearest airport is Lamezia Terme (SUF), about 1 hour away. We recommend flying into Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP) and connecting to Lamezia Terme. Airport pickup and drop-off is provided by The Quiet Collective.
Accommodation
Guests stay in contemporary rooms with private terraces overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Each space features eco-friendly design, organic materials, and natural light—perfect for rest, reflection, and creative inspiration. Private and shared rooms available.
Program Price
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Set on Calabria’s serene Ionian Coast near the historic town of Stilo, Villa Vittoria is a restored farmhouse surrounded by citrus groves, olive trees, orchards, and lush gardens. The property offers peaceful outdoor and indoor spaces ideal for acting work, reflection, and embodied practice. With a pool, shaded terraces, scenic rehearsal areas, and the warmth of traditional Calabrian hospitality, it provides an intimate and grounding environment for creative exploration.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Farm-to-table Mediterranean cuisine featuring fresh seafood, local produce, and “km 0” ingredients. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.
What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation at Villa Vittoria on the Ionian Coast
- All daily acting classes led by Howard Fine
- Scene study, emotional work, and script analysis sessions
- Personalized coaching and feedback from Howard
- Evening discussions, reflections, and Q&A circles
- Mindfulness, somatic, and embodiment practices
- Nature walks, journaling sessions, and local reflective activities
- Three farm-to-table meals per day
- Access to farmhouse gardens, orchards, and pool
- Use of rehearsal spaces and outdoor practice areas
- Support from The Quiet Collective team throughout the retreat
What's Not Included
- • International airfare to Italy
- • Personal travel insurance
- • Optional excursions or tours outside the program
- • Spa treatments or massages
- • Alcoholic beverages
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