Acting Workshop

20 Part MasterClass Series

2023

Pretoria

Lynnridge Mall, Corner Jacobson Drive and Lynnwood Road, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria 0081, South Africa

JANUARY

Creative Movement

7 January, 9 am – 1 pm

Any actor, regardless of age or level of skill, must be able to move creatively. It is essential for auditions, role preparation, and new ideas on things they can do.

It is crucial for actors to be able to move their bodies to convey their emotions or represent the character they are portraying. Using creative movement will help you get in touch with your physical abilities and express yourself through them.

Creative movement connects you with acting and acting-related skills you already have, and while helping to improve underdeveloped acting abilities you might have, it prompts you to let go of inhibitions.

Actors should be aware of many different types of creative movement exercises. These include improvisation, acting-specific movement techniques, yoga/body awareness exercises, and acting through movement.

Auditioning for Film & Television

14 January, 9 am – 1 pm

Auditioning for Film and Television is a must-do class for actors, presented from the perspective of a Casting Director and offering practical advice on audition technique, scene analysis, and online casting. 

Auditioning for Film and Television teaches actors the craft of film auditioning in front of the camera. Keneilwe shows actors how to apply success strategies and exercises to achieve casting studio results. 

In this MasterClass, Keneilwe will reveal popular secrets on scene analysis, exercises for actors to practise in front of a camera; and advice on career advancement and marketing in the age of social media.

On-Screen Acting 1

21 January, 9 am – 1 pm

Based on Andre’s professional experiences as a screen actor, he exposes the challenges actors face, such as adapting performances to the specific medium; listening while performing; creating unique and sustainable characters; communicating through more than dialogue alone and portraying a character’s sincere and authentic emotions. 

Taking this class will allow aspiring and professional actors to learn about themselves as human beings and as actors, explore their love of acting, and maximize their own performance abilities.

A Compelling Performance

28 January, 9 am – 1 pm

A compelling performance comes from actors who don’t focus on their own behavior. They’re focused on the other characters. 

They desperately want something from the other character, but they are unable to get it. The stakes are high. They have theories about how to get what they want. Gotta get her out of here. If I make her angry, she’ll leave. Is she getting angry? No. Maybe if I hurt her feelings she’ll leave. Is she hurt? Yes, she’s crying, but she’s not leaving. 

In this workshop, we’ll work through the elements that create a full and dynamic performance like making entrances and exits, understanding intention, making transitions, listening and responding and understanding relationships. We will record test scenes and analyse them at the end.

FEBRUARY

Improvisation 1

4 February, 9 am – 1 pm

In addition to being a fundamental part of dramatic acting, improvisation can be regarded as a distinct art form in its own right.

Attending Zak’s improv class and studying improv can help you improve your own improvisation skills and acting technique.

He’ll guide you to Let Go of Your Inhibitions, Value Emotional Integrity Over Audience Response, hone in on the saying “Yes, And…” teach you to understand what it is to Be Specific and to Play from the Top of Your Intelligence.

Monologues

11 February, 9 am – 1 pm

“A monologue should show who you are, not add layers of dialects, character traits, a limp, or something outrageous to impress. If they can’t tell you’re acting, that’s good acting.”
If you’re a young actor looking for your first monologue, stick to characters in your age range.

Ilse will explore delving deep into a character’s interior world, which will help you to hone your craft and demonstrate your acting chops. She’ll teach you how to choose, prepare, and deliver an effective monologue without falling into the minefield riddled with clichés and inauthenticity.

TV Presenting

18 February, 9 am – 1 pm

Discover your confidence & personality in front of the camera with Nadia. 

She’ll show you how to Create a ‘Presenter’ brand that gets you noticed by TV Companies & Producers.

It is no secret to Nadia that one should take full advantage of opportunities to increase one’s audition success rate.

Discover the specific skills that TV Producers are looking for and get seen for the role.

On-Screen Acting 2

25 February, 9 am – 1 pm

Building on our On-Screen Acting 1 with Andre Lots, this class is based on Marlee’s professional experiences as a screen actress, she continues to explore the concept of adapting performances to the specific medium; listening while performing; creating unique and sustainable characters; communicating through more than dialogue alone and portraying a character’s sincere and authentic emotions.

Taking this class will allow aspiring and professional actors to learn about themselves as human beings and as actors, explore their love of acting, and maximize their own performance abilities.

MARCH

Social Media for Actors

4 March, 9 am – 1 pm

Social media can help you achieve your goals, whether you are looking for more roles or want to build a stronger audience.

In addition to connecting with their fanbase and collecting feedback, actors can also use social media as a free and easy marketing tool.

The reach you have as an actor is a valuable tool for promoting your brand, and now your following has a direct bearing on your casting marketability. 

In addition to talent, your brand is defined by your ability to grow an audience. Utilizing social media strategically to support your brand can eventually lead to opportunities to monetize your following.

There are a lot of social media platforms out there, but only a handful make sense for actors who want to grow their fanbase and Prev will show you which ones work best.

Content Creation for Actors

11 March, 9 am – 1 pm

It’s no secret that actors spend an awful lot of time waiting on the email to come through that they have an audition or, better yet, a job. 

It’s high time that actors realize they are, in fact, able to take charge of their overall growth as artists by taking hold of the reins themselves. 

Having just completed a web series, Ayanda can tell you that nothing will challenge you and accelerate your learning more than being a content creator.

If you feel it’s time to step into more responsibility and really push yourself, Ayanda will share with you the mindsets that will push you toward a truly empowering experience.

Longevity: Navigating Life and the Industry

18 March, 9 am – 1 pm

Talented actors drop like flies and miss out on work for a number of reasons. For many, there are the usual suspects – financial pressures, rejection, lack of opportunities – but for others, it’s completely of their own doing. 

That’s why Stevel wants to discuss some of the good habits that will lead to a lasting career and healthy life.

He has had the awesome privilege to share the screen with some leading actors in our industry, from Brendan Fraser to Jodie Foster. And, funnily enough, you do start to see some patterns forming. 

While there is, of course, a huge amount of luck in this game, Stevel really digs into the top habits every actor should develop to keep getting employed.

Improvisation 2

25 March, 9 am – 1 pm

Attend Pierre’s improvisation workshop to build on improv 1 and take your imagination as an actor to the next level. 

Raising the stakes, he’ll guide you to Let Go of Your Inhibitions, Value Emotional Integrity Over Audience Response, hone in on the saying “Yes, And…” teach you to understand what it is to Be Specific and to Play from the Top of Your Intelligence.

MAY

Drag

6 May, 9 am – 1 pm

How would you like to have a powerful, confident inner drag queen that you can call upon whenever you feel insecure? Imagine how powerful you can be when you have a fierce alter ego inside of you. Is it time for you to empower yourself by creating your own drag persona? 

Channel your inner drag-queen.

Lyz Dexia will teach you how to find (or rediscover!) that inner fearless diva that lies dormant inside and bring her to life!

This workshop will teach you how drag queens build their drag alter egos. Through creative role-play, you will develop and build out your own fabulous drag character. 

Bring your sense of fun and adventure! 

Stage & Screen: Fooling Around, But Seriously

13 May, 9 am – 1 pm

The rehearsal room is our place to prepare for our upcoming performance. And what a crazy time it can be.

There is something wonderful, terrifying, challenging, highly emotional, unbelievably funny, and extremely challenging about rehearsing, especially in theatre.

Our characters become more detailed and effective by playing, experimenting and working together as actors.

In the workshop, Craig will dive into all things rehearsal and what it has in store for you as an actor, and how you can make the best use of that time. 

This workshop contains some brain pickings you may find useful whether you’re a regular rehearsal participant or a novice.

Scene Work 1

20 May, 9 am – 1 pm

Work on a specific scene from a movie, television or play in front of an acting instructor and a group of peers.

Cindy will give constructive feedback that will help you as an actor improve your craft and your abilities in specific roles. 

Scene Work is a way for actors to continually work on their craft and discover their strengths and weaknesses. It’s a great way to put all the exercises and techniques they’ve learned to create characters, connect to the emotions of the role, and fight for what they want into action. 

Cindy will help you to harness your acting skillset to create a solid and believable performance. 

Analysing the Script

27 May, 9 am – 1 pm

Think before you act, so that you can act before you think.

Script analysis is a close examination of the text and will help you develop your character’s motivations and backstory, whether you’re preparing for an audition or you’ve already landed the part. 

But analyzing a script can be an intimidating process— so we asked our acting coach for their top tips on how to approach script analysis as an actor.

We want you to have freedom on stage and on camera, we want you to concern yourself only with acting the truth of the moment, and we’d prefer it to be fun!

JUNE

Scene Work 2

3 June, 9 am – 1 pm

Building on Scene Work 1 – Work on a specific scene from a movie, television or play in front of an acting instructor and a group of peers.

Cindy will give constructive feedback that will help you as an actor improve your craft and your abilities in specific roles.

Scene Work is a way for actors to continually work on their craft and discover their strengths and weaknesses. It’s a great way to put all the exercises and techniques they’ve learned to create characters, connect to the emotions of the role, and fight for what they want into action.

Cindy will help you to harness your acting skillset to create a solid and believable performance.

Taking the Stage

10 June, 9 am – 1 pm

What makes a great stage actor?

In this workshop, Nicholas will share his tips and wisdoms from his experience locally and internationally.

The purpose of stage acting is to tell a story with a group of people to (hopefully) an even bigger audience. It is not a solo pursuit. Acting on stage means knowing the story really well. And by that we mean the story your director is telling, not your interpretation of the script.

Theatre is visceral and alive: ethereal and thrilling.

Nicholas has put together this stunning class to cover everything you’ll need to know about treading the boards.

Acting On Screen

17 June, 9 am – 1 pm

Suitable for those completely new to and experienced in film and TV acting.

Mandi is a professional actress and teaches a variety of techniques, not adhering to just one school of thought, which enables a full and rounded approach, allowing actors to establish effective techniques that work for them as individuals. 

You will gain an insight into the technical requirements of working in front of a camera along with varied elements of established techniques.

This is a 100% practical course and you will take away your filmed monologue and duologue to reflect on your progress and prepare you for the next step in your acting career.

Creative Acting

24 June, 9 am – 1 pm

As actors, creativity is bringing words to life with your body and voice by letting your heart, mind, and intuition guide you. Getting to know storytelling better will make you a more creative (and effective) storyteller.

So as an actor you need to be ready to do your best work whenever the opportunity knocks. Keeping your creative juices flowing keeps you sharp and will help you reach your career goals faster. 

Neels will guide you through the steps of creative storytelling so you can stay in tip-top creative shape.