Casting Workshop with Thea McLeod - SOLD OUT
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Mastering Your Process with Jason Christou
Looking to take your screen acting to the next level? Unlock your own process and harness the tools for creating and inhabiting screen characters and collaborating with any director?
Jason brings energy, intelligence and a collaborative spirit into the studio. His directing and screenwriting experience combine to help students find their own unique process to approach the work. Through continual experimental play on challenging scenes, guided by Jason, this is your opportunity to stretch your capacity as an actor.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
Define your own unique process for on-camera acting, and continually practice and refine that process with scene work.
Understand the writer’s intention with script analysis techniques from an award winning writer/director.
Harness your imagination to create complex screen characters
Push your boundaries with challenging scene work
Teens Only Casting Workshop with Thea McLeod (Mcleod Casting)
TEENS ONLY!
Work with the Casting Director of Neighbours! With neighbours coming back this year, Thea is excited to see new young actors and trying them in audition technique!
In this teens only Casting Workshop you will train your audition technique, building confidence in front of the camera and practicing your audition process. You will perform a scene for Thea, and work directly with her as she gives you direction and feedback on your scene, before you work through the scene again. Just like in an audition room. The workshop will end with a Q&A where Thea will provide invaluable insight into casting in the T.V. and Film industry. Thea will answer any questions you have about the industry, giving you the very best tips to enhance your opportunities as an actor in the entertainment industry.
Casting Director at McLeod Casting, Thea enjoys her twelfth year as the resident casting director for the iconic Australian TV show “Neighbours” which will sadly rest from June 2022.
Most recently Thea cast “Lie With Me”, “Better Man” for the SBS network, the controversial telemovie “Schapelle” for Channel Nine, and “UnderBelly Files: The Man That Got Away”, “City Homicide”, “What ever happened to that guy” for Foxtel. As well as many successful Australian Feature films including “Pawno”, “Spin Out”, “Emo The Musical”, ‘Summer Coda”, “Blinder”, “What if it Works”, “The Menkoff Method” plus the Netflix Original feature Film “Measure for Measure ” which she also produced.
Screen Acting for Beginners with Mick Preston
Do you want to be an actor but you don't know where to begin?
This is the course for you.
In Beginners #1 you will learn the key foundational elements of acting. Unlike other schools, our beginners course focusses on working in front of the camera, building confidence, skill and artistry on the road the screen mastery.
Perfect for complete beginners, actors who have been out of the game and want a refresher, or theatre trained actors looking to transition to screen.
Branding and Industry Intensive with Andy Rappos - Talent Agent at Ian White Management
Desperate to know where you fit in your industry? Want real, practical feedback on your show reel and CV from an industry professional?
In this fast-paced and info-packed workshop, Andy will help actors find their own unique brand; their authentic essence they bring to every role they play.
Andy will take you individually through his process to find your brand and find how you can fit the industry around your brand. He will also provide personalised feedback for participants on their professional material (Headshots, Showreel and Resume), giving actors an insight into the state of the industry and their unique place in the market.
With Andy’s experience in the LA industry, as well as his current role as Film & TV Agent at Ian White Management, this workshop is vital for any actors who want to brand themselves for the highly competitive American market.
Confidence & Career Planning Workshop with Will Centurion
Confidence and Career planning workshop is the first in our series of workshops aimed to empower actors with tools and strategies to navigate the ups and downs of an acting career.
Will Centurion is a mental health and mindset coach who targets the needs of creative youth and Australian performing artists. He empowers creative minds to integrate mental health strategies that support their psychological and emotional wellbeing both on and off the stage.
These sessions will manage issues such as performance anxiety and nerves, self-confidence issues, negative self talk, strategies for self care, goal setting and career planning.
Casting Workshop with Thea McLeod (Mcleod Casting) - Evening Session
Known Australia-wide for casting the hit soap opera Neighbours, this workshop will provide invaluable insight into casting in the T.V. and Film industry. Thea will share her knowledge with you, giving you the very best tips to enhance your opportunities as an actor in the entertainment industry. She will also be able to answer your questions on the future of casting - will in-room auditions ever come back?
One Day Scene Study with Director Sian Davies
Guided by one of the most experienced Film & TV Directors in Australia, this One Day Scene Study 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 Sian Davies - Known for directing ‘Nowhere Boys’, ‘The Gloaming’, ‘Bloom’ and more recently ‘Surviving Summer’!
Sian has just returned from Queensland after shooting the recently released series “The Twelve” with Sam Neil and the soon to be released “Black Snow” with Vikings Star Travis Fimmel!
Available to actors of all levels; Sian will introduce you to a variety of exercises and you will 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 Sian’s directing process, what he looks for when he casts actors, and a high definition copy of your scene, directed by Sian, for your casting profiles.
Casting Workshop with Dave Newman from McSweeney Newman Casting - Evening Session
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!
Finding Your Truth with Andy McPhee (Sons of Anarchy, Wolf Creek)
We are so lucky to have Andy McPhee in between his filming commitments to take Finding Your Truth a three day scenework 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) 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.
Self Tape & Casting Masterclass with US Casting Director Donna Morong (Morong Casting)
Donna Morong is a respected Casting Director with over 25 years in the business. She spent 15 years at The Walt Disney Company ultimately becoming Senior Vice President of Motion Picture Casting in the feature film division, where she cast films such as “PRINCESS DIARIES”, “SHANGHAI KNIGHTS”, “10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU”, “DEUCE BIGOLO”, “ANNAPOLIS”, “CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE DRAMA QUEEN”. In 2008, she won an Artios Award for casting Ben Affleck’s “GONE BABY GONE” for Miramax which garnered an Academy Award Nomination for Amy Ryan.
This extended Casting Masterclass includes a submitted self tape prior to the session, feedback on your self tape, re-shooting the tape with direction, and a final call back session. Bring your A game!
The Agent’s Perspective with Jayc Laurence Sheahan
Have you ever wanted to know what an agent is looking for and how you can get noticed from the thousands of other submissions for representation?
Have you ever wondered how to put together your “Actors Package” which includes your headshot, showreel and CV?
The first part of our “Agent’s Perspective Series” features Agent Jayc Laurence Sheahan, talking you through the AGENT/ ACTOR relationship and help you understand the process form an Agents Perspective.
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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