Impulse & Instinct with John Orcsik
LEARN TO ACCESS AUTHENTIC EMOTIONS ON CUE!
Over years of working in Film & TV , John found he was required to reach deep emotional places on a busy set, with little time to prepare, and with few takes.
Do you ever find yourself constricted by pre-conditioned expectations of how a scene should run?
Have your confidence sapped by certain techniques that prioritise what someone thinks you should do instead of what you are doing in the moment.
Sketch Comedy with John Orcsik
Timing, actions, reactions and relations - visual and verbal combine with the basic element of surprise to create comic moments and performances (the setup/payoff principle, etc.). Comedy is not just about funny lines and funny characters. It is all that and much more.
For eight weeks, we will examine and perform the humour of Romantic Comedies, Sit-com, farce, sketch comedy and the great TV Comedy series, both Australian, English and American, and the great actors who performed in them.
Truth To The Text for beginners with Jerome Meyer
UTILISE AUTHENTICITY AND PERSONAL TRUTH TO ELEVATE PERFORMANCE
Timothée Chalamet, Margot Robbie, Zendaya — what do these world class performers have in common? A pure and playful dedication to authenticity on screen. Whether they are baring their soul in a gritty drug fuelled rant, putting on high-heels in a plastic dream house, or giving a rousing speech to an army of sand warriors, these actors somehow unapologetically infuse each of their characters with their own personal truth – their 'Authentic Selves'. ‘Truth to Text’ presents a tool based approach that helps actors reliably access this level of authenticity in performance.
The universe cannot resist authenticity – let's learn to bring our truth to text.
EXTENDED Casting Workshop with Stevie Ray (McGregor Casting) - SOLD OUT
We are very excited and honoured to have Stevie Ray, Casting Director at the powerhouse Casting Office McGregor Casting doing a one-day Casting Workshop at TAFTA!
They are responsible for casting films like:
BabyTeeth, Penguin Bloom, Judy & Punch, Top End Wedding, Danger Close, Thor Ragnarok, Mary Magdalene, Berlin Syndrome, Lion and many more!!!
They cast Ongoing TV Series such as:
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Wolf Like Me, Bump and Year Of, Last Days of the Space Age, Fisk, Colin from Accounts and more!
Casting Workshop with Micaeley Gibson (Anousha Zarkesh Casting) - Sold Out
Micaeley Gibson is a Casting Director and Associate at Anousha Zarkesh Casting!
In her session Micaeley will share insights into the casting process, while simulating a mock audition environment. This gives actors the experience of a real audition. Micaeley will provide feedback on your performance, giving you tips and tricks that can help you nail your next audition and answer any burning questions you may have about the industry, casting and performance.
Casting Workshop with Thea McLeod - New session added
Founder of McLeod Casting, Thea McLeod is one of Australia’s most prominent casting directors with a wide breadth of work ranging from international films to television, Thea has a passion for discovering and nurturing the next generation of A-list actors from Australia and beyond. Thea spent eleven years in the UK where she was both an actress and a casting director, gaining much experience on an international level for film, television, and commercials.
Thea will share her knowledge with you, giving you the very best tips to enhance your opportunities as an actor in the entertainment industry.
Learn audition and self tape technique from one of the busiest Casting Directors in Australia.
One Day Advanced Screenwork with Colin Budds
Colin Budds (Home and Away, H2O Just Add Water, The Elephant Princess, The Saddle Club, Lightning Point, Neighbours and Prisoner) is known for drawing out screen presence from actors, helping them strip down their performance to its most truthful bringing out your natural charisma, making the audience want to see you in the next scene
This one day workshop is for committed actors wanting to take their on camera acting to the next level; extend their screen craft and their range as an actor within the frame.
Colin will help you strip down your performance to its most truthful bringing out your natural charisma - what some people call “X Factor” - making the Casting Director want call you back and the audience want to see you in the next scene.
Emotions #2 Intensive with John Orcsik
Emotions #2 consolidates and refreshes your learning in Emotions #1, going over the technique before learning to apply it to scenework. In the fast paced world of Film & TV, this is a reliable, simple and effective tool that you can call upon if sense memory, emotional recall, or other emotionally demanding techniques are not working. This is a technique that can give your next audition the extra edge, quickly adding emotion and stakes to your work, and fulfilling the demands of the script and the story when under a high pressure scenario. AND having the ability to go about your day unscathed afterwards.
Information Session
BEFORE YOU SIGN WITH ANY OTHER ACTING SCHOOL
BEFORE YOU DECIDE ON ANY OTHER FULL OR PART TIME ACTING COURSE
Come to our free information session 10am-1pm and hear some of our teachers and distinguished alumni.
Guests include: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Andy McPhee, & Colin Budds.
Casting Workshop with UK Casting Director Jade Rambaut (Finnian Tweed Casting)
MORNING & AFTERNOON SESSIONS AVAILABLE
TAFTA is thrilled to welcome UK Casting Director Jade Rambaut to our Australian studios. Jade is part of some of the top Casting Offices in the UK, responsible for casting projects such as: 'The Witcher' and 'Redeeming Love' (DJ Curuso (xXx, I Am Number Four, Eagle Eye). I also worked on 'Sweet Bitter' (Produced by PlanB//Brad Pitt), 'Indian Detective' (Created by Frank Spotnitz), 'Down a Dark Hall' (Starring Uma Therman, AnnaSophia Rob and Directed by Rodrigo Cortés). And I can now say 'Den of Thieves 2: Pantera' (starring Gerard Butler, O'Shea Jackson Jr and directed by Christian Gudegast and produced by eOne).
This casting workshop is a must for any actors interested in the UK industry, who want to work with a high profile Casting Director.
Emotions with John Orcsik
LEARN TO ACCESS AUTHENTIC EMOTIONS ON CUE!
Over years of working in Film & TV , John found he was required to reach deep emotional places on a busy set, with little time to prepare, and with few takes.
Emotional recall and sense memory became unsustainable and dangerous.
After studying the nature, purpose and qualities of emotions and where they are in the body's natural energy centres, John created a simple physical technique where you can access and express any emotion.
On cue.
At will.
Casting Workshop with Daisy Hicks
Daisy Hicks is an award winning Casting Director whose work spans across film, television, theatre and musical theatre.
Having previously worked at the Sydney-based casting offices McGregor Casting and i4 Casting, Daisy's credits as a Casting Director and Casting Associate include: Tough, It's Fine I'm Fine, & Juliet, Seasons 1-3 of Bump, Joe Vs. Carole, The Dismissal, Frayed Season 2, Way Out Assistance, and many more!
This a rare opportunity to work in the room with a Casting Director who is known for her friendly, positive attitude towards empowering actors to present their best work and her insightful approach to character and script. Learn how to make an impact with your auditions and how to navigate the world of self-tapes vs. in-room auditions.
Casting Workshop with Micaeley Gibson (Anousha Zarkesh Casting) - SOLD OUT
Micaeley Gibson has worked as a Casting Director for over 22 years on some of Australia’s most ground-breaking TV and Film Productions like recent AACTA Winner Mystery Road: Origins, as well as The Stranger (with Joel Egerton), New Boy (With Cate Blanchett), The Australian Office, The upcoming series ‘Class of 07’, new Shane Warne Biopic series ‘Warnie’ and many many more.
In her session Micaeley will share insights into the casting process, while simulating a mock audition environment. This gives actors the experience of a real audition. Micaeley will provide feedback on your performance, giving you tips and tricks that can help you nail your next audition and answer any burning questions you may have about the industry, casting and performance.
One Day Intro to Acting Intensive with Andy McPhee (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Sons of Anarchy, Wolf Creek)
We are so lucky to have Andy McPhee in between his filming commitments to take One Day Intro to Acting Intensive.
Andy is an actor with decades of experience on films like Wolf Creek (2005), Animal Kingdom (2010), Pizza (2005), Wilfred (2010), Dr. Blake Mysteries (2015), and Gallipoli (2015). Andy has also starred internationally in major release features such as Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks (2013), See Saw’s Slow West (2015), FX’s Sons of Anarchy (2010), and Criminal Minds (2011), as well as Netflix Voice dubbing for the lead detective (US accent) in Marry My Dead Body.
Andy is also an Acting Coach, training hundreds of actors the craft and discipline of acting. Andy notably coached his son Kodi Smit-McPhee throughout his career. Kodi has just won a Golden Globe for The Power of the Dog, AND was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Award.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
Discusses the reality of being a working actor in both Australia and LA
Aims to prepare any actor to work on any set, knowing the terminology, the demands of being in-front of the camera
Confidence building on camera
Analysing scripts utilising your own life experience
Producing Your Own Work with Oscar-Shortlisted Producer Lucy Hayes
Producing Your Own Work will take you from concept to execution, teaching you how to produce your own work. Oscar Shortlisted Producer Lucy Hayes will teach you how to think like a producer and give you the skills that are required to successfully produce short and feature length films, and TV series/Web Series.
Lucy J. Hayes is an award winning producer of films, television and commercials. Her films have played at festivals across the globe including the Berlinale, Sydney Film Festival, TriBeca and Austin Film Festival. Lucy is the co-founder of Wabi Sabi Studios (LOST & FOUND) with Bradley Slabe & Andrew Goldsmith and Stanley & Morph with John Tummino.
Comedy Capers with John Orcsik
Timing, actions, reactions and relations - visual and verbal combine with the basic element of surprise to create comic moments and performances (the setup/payoff principle etc.). Comedy is not just about funny lines and funny characters. It is all that and much more.
For three weeks, we will examine and perform the humour of Romantic Comedies, Sit-com, farce, sketch comedy and the great TV Comedy series both Australian, English and American and the great actors who performed in them.
This course will demystify Comedy and introduce participants to the principles and requirements of comedy work.
Mastering the US Accent with Matt Furlani
The General American accent is no longer a luxury, but now a real necessity for the Australian actor. Don't want until you receive your self tape request to learn and practice your accent. By combining scene work with accent training, actors can develop a comprehensive skill set that enables them to fully embody characters and immerse themselves in diverse roles. The practical and hands-on nature of the course ensures that actors walk away with a heightened level of confidence and expertise in delivering authentic performances.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Practical exercises to build confidence in accent execution.
Engaging participants in real-life acting scenarios to practise and perfect their accents.
Integrating accent skills seamlessly within diverse scenes.
Gaining valuable experience in applying accents to different character portrayals.
Moving beyond isolated accent exercises to develop adaptable and natural accent skills.
Emphasising the seamless blending of accent skills into various scenes.
Achieving greater authenticity and believability in character portrayals.
Techniques to organically incorporate the US accent within character performances.
Enhancing actors' ability to immerse themselves in diverse roles convincingly.
Fostering a deeper connection between actors and their characters.
Casting Workshop with Amy Mete from Nick Hamon Casting
This session will provide invaluable lessons and insight into the audition process and a chance for valuable feedback! Amy specialises in casting comedy so don’t miss this opportunity to find your true comedic essence and deliver a showstopping audition from Amy Mete in this workshop!
The TAFTA Studio Membership
Every Wednesday night, TAFTA will host an open studio. Actors will pre-prepare scenes with a scene partner and have the opportunity to come in and workshop that scene with an array of teachers throughout their weeks.
Give yourself permission to play, do you and trust your instincts to feel more honest, real and free.
Audition Impact with Courtney Miller
Preparing a scene for self-taping is an essential skill for every actor. Throughout this course, participants will be guided through the art of scene analysis, uncovering character motivations and emotional arcs to deliver authentic and compelling performances. Additionally, students will receive specialised training in self-taping for both the Australian and US markets, understanding the subtle differences in casting preferences to tailor their self-tapes effectively. With in-class self-tape practice, actors will refine their skills, receiving constructive feedback to build a diverse portfolio of impressive audition-ready recordings. Courtney Miller’s "Audition Process" course is a transformative journey that equips actors with the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams in the competitive world of auditions.
2-Day Advanced Screenwork Intensive with Colin Budds
Colin Budds (Home and Away, H2O Just Add Water, The Elephant Princess, The Saddle Club, Lightning Point, Neighbours and Prisoner) is known for drawing out screen presence from actors, helping them strip down their performance to its most truthful bringing out your natural charisma, making the audience want to see you in the next scene
This two day workshop is for committed actors wanting to take their on camera acting to the next level; extend their screen craft and their range as an actor within the frame.
Colin will help you strip down your performance to its most truthful bringing out your natural charisma - what some people call “X Factor” - making the Casting Director want call you back and the audience want to see you in the next scene.
UK INDUSTRY MASTERCLASS & CASTING Workshop with Johnny Ong
DO YOU WANT TO WORK AS AN ACTOR IN THE UK?
Johnny Ong has been working in the UK casting industry for over 7 years, and has been able to work on some of the highest profile projects filming there over that period, including: The Crown, End of the F***ing World, Casino Royale, Outlander, Ascendant and more.
Now Johnny Works as a Freelance Casting Director, frequently collaborating with Faith Martin at Faith Martin Casting! This Masterclass & Casting Workshop will include an in-depth, interactive information session on the UK industry and how to get cast in UK projects, then working on the floor on theatrical scenes that will be allocated by Johnny!
Get Set with Kym Valentine
PREPARE YOURSELF FOR HIGH TURN-OVER AUSTRALIAN TELEVISION!
Get Set is your crash course for fast turnaround TV acting - shows like Neighbours, Home & Away and more! It will teach you the craft of acting, while preparing you for the reality of being on-set (and with a few tips and shortcuts from Kym’s decades of acting experience). You will leave with the confidence to nail that audition, and to walk onto set with confidence. This is the course for you if you want to book work and feel empowered.
Performance Intensive with Andy McPhee (Sons of Anarchy, Wolf Creek)
Welcome to the three-day performance intensive with Andy McPhee, where you will immerse yourself in the art of acting and develop your performance skills under the guidance of an experienced actor and coach.
Andy is an actor with decades of experience on films like Wolf Creek (2005), Animal Kingdom (2010), Pizza (2005), Wilfred (2010), Dr Blake Mysteries (2015), and Gallipoli (2015). Andy has also starred internationally in major release features such as Disney’s – Saving Mr Banks (2013), See Saw’s Slow West (2015) and Criminal Minds (2011).
Andy is also an Acting Coach, training hundreds of actors the craft and discipline of acting. Andy notably coached his son Kodi Smit-McPhee throughout his career. Kodi has just won a Golden Globe for The Power of the Dog, AND was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Award.
Free Acting Workshop for low vision and/or hard of hearing actors with Andy McPhee (Sons of Anarchy, Wolf Creek)
International Actor and Acting Coach Andy McPhee will be holding a free one-day workshop for low vision and/or hard of hearing actors.
If you would like to enrol or learn more, please email andyactingcoaching@gmail.com.
Andy is an actor with decades of experience on films like Wolf Creek (2005), Animal Kingdom (2010), Pizza (2005), Wilfred (2010), Dr Blake Mysteries (2015), and Gallipoli (2015). Andy has also starred internationally in major release features such as Disney’s – Saving Mr Banks (2013), See Saw’s Slow West (2015) and Criminal Minds (2011).
Andy is also an Acting Coach, training hundreds of actors the craft and discipline of acting. Andy notably coached his son Kodi Smit-McPhee throughout his career. Kodi has just won a Golden Globe for The Power of the Dog, AND was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Award.
Scene Study with Director Peter Andrikidis (Bali 2002, Eden 2023)
Guided by one of the most experienced Film & TV Directors in Australia, this One Day Acting Masterclass is focused on refining your process, and exploring new on-set techniques to elevate your work on the screen. You will workshop scenes and develop a collaborative relationship with acclaimed director Peter Andrikidis - Director of the recently released Stan Original 'Bali 2002', as well as 'Eden', 'The Reckoning', 'East West 101' and many, many more.
Peter has just returned from Western Australia after a 3 month shoot on an undisclosed project, so we’re very excited to have hm in our Melbourne Studio!
Available to actors of all levels; Peter will introduce you to a variety of exercises that Peter uses on-set while directing Films & TV Shows like Janet King, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, and Underbelly to uncover a whole new level of performance.
Walk away from this Masterclass with a new set of tools for your acting toolbelt that are practical and can be used on-set! Plus, you will get an understanding of Peter’s directing process, what he looks for when he casts actors, and a high definition copy of your scene, directed by Peter, for your casting profiles.
Sian Davies - Advanced Scene Study
This exclusive course, led by renowned director Sian Davies, offers a transformative learning experience for actors seeking to refine their craft and elevate their on-screen performances. Through a combination of practical exercises and expert guidance, students will delve into essential aspects of the acting for screen process. You will explore audition and self-tape techniques, you’ll learn to harness the power of subtlety and authenticity, captivating audiences through nuanced performances that shine on camera.
The course goes beyond technical skills and delves into the heart of acting, emphasising the practice of being in-the-moment. Students will immerse themselves in the present moment, honing their ability to respond truthfully and spontaneously in their performances. Additionally, you will gain insights into on-set techniques and the expectations of a working actor, mastering the art of delivering top-notch performances in fast-paced and demanding set environments. There will be improvisational and repetition exercises, designed to unleash creativity, break free from preconceived notions, and discover the joy of playful exploration.
Self Taping With Rosie Traynor
This four week course is designed to help you create a bulletproof self tape process.
Rosie will guide you through the process of how to create a memorable self tape, with the final product catching the eye of casting directors. With different methods and techniques, you will learn how to feel comfortable and confident filming a self tape, whether that be in a studio or in your living room!
With experience as an Actor, Casting Director at Faith Martin Casting and Agent at JM Agency, Rosie Traynor has an expansive and thorough understanding of self tape auditions.
Casting Workshop with Natalie Wall (Barrett Casting)
TAFTA Melbourne is so excited to welcome one of our most highly requested teachers, Natalie Wall, Casting Director at the incredible casting office Barrett Casting, into our Melbourne studio for an Extended Day-Long Casting Workshop.
Barrett Casting have cast huge films such as the Oscar-nominated The Power of the Dog, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Babadook, The Nightingale, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Of an Age, and the recent true crime show Black Snow.
Natalie will be working in depth with a limited number of actors on the casting process, self tape technique, in-room audition technique, and how to make an impact on camera. You will get an extended period of one-on-one time in front of the camera working your scene with Natalie.
You will not only get the opportunity to perform in front of one of Australia’s busiest Casting Directors, you will also get an insight into acting craft, plus the opportunity to begin a professional relationship with Natalie.
Casting Workshop with Cinzia Coassin from Cinzia Coassin Casting (Occupation: Rainfall, Unsound)
Cinzia Coassin started her career as a theatre/film and television actor before moving into behind the scenes roles. Spurred by a desire to challenge herself and develop ideas.
As a Casting Director at CCC, Cinzia works in many other areas of the entertainment industry including development, production and financing.
She brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom covering many aspects of the industry - acting process, casting process, industry knowledge, production knowledge and more.
Recently, Cinzia has cast Occupation: Rainfall, AACTA Nominated Feature Unsound (For which Cinzia was nominated for Best Casting at the CGA Awards - the film which went on to win numerous awards), recent TV series Suka, current feature film Hostage which will shoot later this year in QLD, and is in pre-production for 6 other projects - one of which is the TV Series adaptation of Weapons of Choice by John Birmingham.
Impulse & Emotions with John Orcsik
This course is about getting out of your head.
The two factors are indistinct yet relative. How does your impulse in a single moment or multiple impulses in an entire scene impact on your emotions and how does an imposed or real emotion impact on your impulses.
In this advanced scene-work course you will be guided by John to give yourself permission to surrender to the moment and trust your instincts and impulses, and let them carry you to your truth in the scene.
No acting allowed.
Teens Only Casting Workshop with Micaeley Gibson (Anousha Zarkesh Casting)
TEENS ONLY CASTING WORKSHOP
Micaeley Gibson has worked as a Casting Director for over 22 years on some of Australia’s most ground-breaking TV and Film Productions like recent AACTA Winner Mystery Road: Origins, as well as The Stranger (with Joel Egerton), New Boy (With Cate Blanchett), The Australian Office, The upcoming series ‘Class of 07’, new Shane Warne Biopic series ‘Warnie’ and many many more.
In her session Micaeley will share insights into the casting process, while simulating a mock audition environment. This gives actors the experience of a real audition. Micaeley will provide feedback on your performance, giving you tips and tricks that can help you nail your next audition and answer any burning questions you may have about the industry, casting and performance.
Casting Workshop with Dave Newman from McSweeney Newman Casting
TAFTA is excited to host Casting Director Dave Newman from McSweeney Newman Casting in our Melbourne Studio in October.
With a strong desire to unearth fresh Australian talent, Dave Newman is actively involved in not only finding but also nurturing the development of Australian talent. Being involved in: Nautilus (the TV series) which is currently in filming and Hitwoman's Revenge in pre-production; Love and Monsters, Blacklight, Rock Island Mysteries, The End, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, The Family Law, Tidelands, The Bureau of Magical Things, Mako Mermaids, Terra Nova, and many, many more!
MELBOURNE
“I’m very grateful for the opportunities TAFTA has opened up for me. I would recommend it to anyone needing a launching pad for their acting career. I received invaluable mentoring, coaching and support that’s lead to an incredible agent, opportunities to audition worldwide and gained lead roles in film and TV.”
- Saskia Hampele (The Heights, Twenty Something and Neighbours.)
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