Throughout the year Rogues West provides actors a myriad of film classes: From Audition Techniques to Character Arc and Story Structure to incorporating the Meisner Technique to the film medium, our instruction is second to none in preparing actors to meet the professional demands of the film industry.
Watch some of the powerful work being done in our Core Film & Advanced Film Class to see for yourself!
Below are our film classes. Check our class schedule to see sessional calendar offerings.
ADVANCED FILM
HERO’S JOURNEY
Films are shot out of sequence, yet it’s the actors’ job to create a consistent emotional trajectory for their character. Working from complete screenplays, actors navigate story structure, character arc and archetype through applying Joseph Campbell’s seminal work, The Hero’s Journey. Actors will present their scenes on camera each week.
PILOT PREP
Pilot Prep offers actors the rare opportunity to audition for original roles. Whether it’s a Lead, Series Regular or Recurring role, Pilot Season often demands that the actor prepare 2 or more scenes per role. This six – week course challenges actors to create compelling characters and execute their auditions within the demands of the professional industry standard.
COLD READ TO CHARACTER
This advanced class focuses on two components: Weeks 1-3 actors work on Cold-Read scenes, trusting their hit of the scene, working instinctively and moment to unanticipated moment. Weeks 4-6 actors will evolve their scenes through fleshing out character, conflict, relationship and environment – audition style. Scene playback and review in weeks 4-6.
REVOLUTION OF CHARACTER
The character of Walter White in the series Breaking Bad was described as “Mr. Chips becomes Scarface.” This six-week course challenges actors to create compelling characters from Who they are being to Who they are becoming. Be it a series, feature film or mini-series, auditioning for these roles demands that actors create authentic characters and bring them into the audition room. Material is chosen specific to each actor.
SUBTEXT: POTENT PERFORMANCE
Filmic performance is not about being “smaller” – it’s about being more potent! Get the leading edge both in the audition room and on-set through understanding and applying the power of subtext to the material. Actors receive new scenes each week that focus specifically on what lives underneath the text. Work is recorded for playback and review. Class is limited to 12.
GAME CHANGER: AUDITION TECHNIQUE
Actors bring in previously auditioned material. Christiane will work with each actor in adjusting scene breakdown, physical, emotional texture and tone – choices that could have changed the game. This class includes playback and review. Actors must email audition sides in advance of the class to rogueswest@gmail.com. A Rogues West READER is provided.
ESSENTIAL FILM
AUDITION PREP, EXECUTION & CONSISTENCY
This six-week class runs the gamut of what auditions can throw at actors. Working from a range of material, this class empowers the actor in bringing their personal signature to the work: Actors are challenged to create performances that are honest, authentic and fearless. All work is recorded and scenes are played back for review.
DEMO TAPE – THE ACTOR’S TOOLKIT
“Agents and Casting Directors need to see actors work, and personal demo-tapes is the best way to do that.”-Lyla Rock, Agent. Reinforce your tool kit by working on material specifically selected to amplify your unique marketability. Your demo-tape is comprised of your two strongest, contrasting scenes from the 6 scenes that are personally chosen for you, and will be edited into a professional format for an agent’s consideration.
AUDITION TECHNIQUE & REVIEW
Hone your audition chops through specific film and television techniques that consistently create strong performances where they count the most – the Casting Room. Each week actors will work on challenging new material, Audition-style, followed by scene playback and review.
ESSENTIAL FILM continued:
TAKING DIRECTION
Taking direction on demand is crucial to an actor’s success both in the casting room and on-set. This class challenges actors to bring their best work forward while being flexible enough to pivot, veer and change course instantly. Actors work from new scenes every week.
HERO’S JOURNEY
Films are shot out of sequence, yet it’s the actors’ job to create a consistent emotional trajectory for their character. Working from complete screenplays, actors navigate story structure, character arc and archetype through applying Joseph Campbell’s seminal work, The Hero’s Journey. Actors will present their scenes on camera each week.
AUDITIONING YOUR PERSONAL BEST
This six-week class runs the gamut of what auditions can throw at actors. Working from a range of material, this class empowers the actor in bringing their personal signature to the work: Actors are challenged to create performances that are honest, authentic and fearless. Work is recorded for playback and review. Class is limited to 12.
FILM
IN THE CASTING ROOM NEW CLASS
Breaking into the film industry is 100% dependent on the actors ability in the casting room. Be the actor who is prepared to audition. Master the smaller roles and build confidence when reading for Guest Star or Series Regular. This class is about developing your technique and discovering your approach to audition. Recognize your competitive edge while working on material relevant to your demographic in Vancouver’s market.
SCENE STUDY ON FILM
Understand the dynamics of on set performance. Veteran actor Glynis Davies will guide you through the intricacies of working with the camera. Know the difference between acting in a wide shot vs. a close-up, break a scene down in terms of camera set-ups and continuity, keep your performance fresh from take-to-take, work with direction and apply adjustments to your performance for the purposes of editing.
MONOLOGUES ON FILM – AUTHENTIC CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Plumb the depths of what creates a compelling character on film. Working from monologues, actors mine the inner, outer and often secret life of character to gain a deeper understanding of the skills and techniques that create authentically human characters.