Workshops

This course was created, designed and facilitated by Leigh Pickford, the actors response and enjoyment of the five week course is something we’re very proud of.  We are delighted that every participant has felt they’ve learnt from the course and developed their skills sufficiently to be more confident as performers and in the audition room.  Most of the people involved have also auditioned for shows we’re working on and some have become trustworthy readers for the company.  The course is specifically designed to improve actors understanding of the industry and audition process whilst having the opportunity to confront the emotional demands of auditioning by performing a scene and reading against each other once a week over the period of four weeks.  It offers actors a longer format class, with more immediate opportunities to hone their audition technique whilst creating an intimate relationship with the casting directors at Maura Fay.  From weeks two to five all actors will be given the opportunity to perform a scene chosen from a selection of scenes on offer.  At the end of the course each student will be provided with a DVD of their work over the course of the month.

 

MAURA FAY ACTING MASTERCLASS – $650 FOR FIVE WEEKS

WEEK ONE – INTRODUCTION WEEK AND SCRIPT ANALYSIS

In this course we will demystify the screen test process.  An full introduction to the world of professional acting and an in depth appraisal of the role auditioning plays within that.  Auditioning is an integral part of the acting process, one based not only on technique but emotional aptitude.  This week will focus on the theories, processes and working practices that lead to good auditioning.  By analysing specific scenes across all platforms – film, television and commercials – and all genres, actors will be exposed to materials they may not yet have experienced or professionally auditioned for.  With decades of experience in the audition room, actors will benefit from our intricate understanding of materials and processes of auditioning at an advanced level both in Australia and internationally.

WEEK TWO – AUDITIONING FOR DRAMA IN FILM AND TV

Looking at styles of drama and where to pitch performances, discussing different directorial techniques and the emotional levels needed to convince producers and directors that you can sustain a lead role in a major feature film or over the course of a long running television series.  With recent experience across films like Predestination, Patrick, The Killer Elite, The Cup, Singularity and drama series like Packed to the Rafters and Crownies, we pride ourselves on not only understanding drama but eliciting affecting, engaging performances from actors. 

WEEK THREE – AUDITIONING FOR GENRE BASED PROJECTS

More and more projects are genre based today.  Whether it be shows about the police force, paramedics, ghosts and vampires, period dramas we will discuss the different ways to approach these and how to work within boundaries whilst stamping your own authority and integrity on the role.  Our recent credits include Neighbours, Cops LAC, Panic at Rock Island, Conspiracy 365 and City Homicide. 

WEEK FOUR – UNDERSTANDING AND AUDIITONING COMEDY ROLES

Yes you may think you are funny, it does not always translate, we will discuss how to bring out your natural humour or to be comfortable not being funny, someone has to play the straight role.  With comedy, characters have to be created but played with commitment and integrity so that they don’t look untrue.  We will also discuss the different facets of comedy including irony, sarcasm, overt humour, slapstick and mockumentary.  Our recent experience includes The Jesters, Stupid Stupid Man, Boytown and Kath and Kim The Filum.

WEEK FIVE – AMERICAN AUDITIONS, COLD READS AND ACCENT WORK

This is the week we will discuss not only accent but we will work with script in hand and you will learn how to become a competent cold reader, we will also discuss rhythm and personality.  Scenes will only be issued fifteen minutes in advance of the actors audition.  The reality with American projects is less is more so we will concentrate on getting to a point where you can perform to your optimum level given just one take.  Our continued relationship with NBC/Universal during pilot season allows us an intimate understanding of the American casting process.