Thursday, December 30, 2010

Being On Camera (6 Wednesdays starting January 19th)



This class takes an original low-key approach to becoming comfortable in front of the camera. By keeping things simple and taking away the pressure to perform, students will look at what it is like to just breath and be and experience while the camera is rolling. The class will eventually work their way to simple scripted dialogue, on camera techniques, auditioning, and finally on to scene work. This is a good class for seasoned theatre actors who are challenged with the transition to film. It is also appropriate for on camera actors who have never felt comfortable with their work. Theory and technique will be discussed, but as much class time as possible will be spent working/playing in front of the camera. There is nothing like experience. Students are expected to have at least basic acting training. If you are not sure if this class is for you, drop me a note.


Let's start with yourself...and stick with that :-)



This class was highly popular this last fall, and I will gladly put prospective students in touch with one of those actors, if you would like to get their story on it. We certainly had fun together.


Being On Camera
8 students maximum
6 Wednesday 6:30pm - 9:30 pm
January 19 - February 23
Vanport Square--North Building
5257 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.
(On block south of Killingsworth) 97211 (3rd Floor)
Cost: $160
Contact: Ted Rooney:
acted@att.net
323-819-9622

Introduction to On Camera (5 Sundays starting January 23rd)


Bring a friend and get 30 dollars off :-)


This is a no nonsense introduction to acting on camera utilizing from improv to script analysis to enable actors to "be themselves in the givens." Learning to listen and trust impulses are key. All work is filmed, so students can see for themselves the results of working this way. This class explains in simple terms the dos and never ever dos of film and TV acting. We will spend time discussing acting approaches, but much of the work will be focused on the plain and simple techniques of successful on camera work. And as much time as possible will be spent in front of the camera---giving students the much needed experience in building the confidence to move further on in the craft.

Intro On Camera
8 students maximum
5 Sundays  3pm-6pm
January 23 - February 20
Vanport Square--North Building
5257 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.
(On block south of Killingsworth) 97211 (3rd Floor)
Cost: $130
Contact: Ted Rooney via e-mail:
acted@att.net
323-819-9622

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Auditoning and Career Building (5 Mondays starting Jan. 17)

This class is for actors serious about moving their career forward. It is perfect for those who have an eye on a larger market, but also well suited to those simply wanting to be doing their best locally.


Auditioning consistently well is the key to becoming a working actor. Since there is nothing like practice---aside from learning the techniques that will enable them to be consistent---students will be practicing auditioning and interviewing in each class. However, getting work as an actor involves more than just auditioning, so students will also be learning and practicing the tools needed to get them those auditions. We will be looking at: career objectives and strategy, knowing who you are and what your selling points are, pictures and resumes and reels, networking, keeping up with contacts, getting an agent, appearance, etc. 

This class was very successful this last fall. If you would like to hear what students experienced, I could steer you toward one of them.

A note: All classes will take a close look at “under five” auditions--due to the current need in Portland for actors capable of “nailing” the smaller roles in TV and film.


Auditioning and Career Building
8 students maximum

5 Mondays 6:45pm - 9:15Pm
January 17 - February 14
Vanport Square--North Building
5257 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.
(N. of Alberta) 97211 (3rd Floor)
Cost: $130
Contact: Ted Rooney via e-mail:
acted@att.net
323-819-9622

Young Adult On Camera Workshop

Open to high school age through 20. This is an introductory class geared towards students with either some acting experience or at least serious interest in acting for the camera. Perfect for students with stage experience wanting to make the transition to film work.

Through exercises and conversation and scene work, students will get acquainted with that space in front of the camera and some of the techniques involved. It is a chance to see how interested you are, discover where you are at and also to see what it is like to work with me.

I will be starting up a regular class in the ensuing weeks for those who wish to carry on.

Young Adult On Camera with Ted
Saturday January 8th from 1:30pm-5:30pm
Vanport Square
5257 NE MLK Blvd. Portland, OR 97211
3rd floor - enter from the back
Class limit: 10
Price: $25
AcTed@att.net

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Actorcise Thursday January 6th 7pm-9pm Vanport Square

Vanport Square 5257 NE MLK Blvd. Portland, OR 97211
Please email confirmations and cancel before 24 hours. Please :-)

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Actorcise Monday the 20th @ 7pm

Actorcise class this Monday night the 20th @ 7pm-9pm at the space in Vanport Square. Bring your Christmas cheer and cookies and your favorite 2-3 page scene from a holiday movie or TV show (Animated? Why not?). As always--two copies.


We will be doing briefly rehearsed readings, ice cold readings and some improvised scene work. However, I am also very open to what the group or individuals would like to work on. If you have stuff you would like to try, bring it on. This is your time to "work out."



For 8 or more people, it is still a 10 buck drop by fee. But for 7 or less, I need to make it 15 dollars. There's incentive for ya--to invite your friends. Look for this to be on Google Calendar, soon. We will also have to figure out prepayment in the future due to the risk on my end of cancelations.


Also, after Christmas, I am still looking at adding an weekday actorcise class, so if you have a preference, please let me know.


ACTORCISE Monday December 20th at 7pm-9pm

Vanport Square (Parking in the back)
5257 NE MLK Blvd. (3rd Floor)
Portland, OR   97211
(One block south of Killingsworth)

PARK IN THE REAR AND ENTER THERE (It is the northern most building of the square) and take the elevator or stairs to the third floor.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Actor's Gym - $10 drop by

This next Monday December 6th at 7pm, we will be meeting at the space below to work on cold reading and auditioning skills. The idea is having a low cost night set aside for "working out"--as actors. The focus will be on cold reading. There's nothing like practice! We can also work on other things, depending on what the group wants and brings in. 


Class will only happen if a minimum of six let me know they are coming. And I need to hear at least 24 hours before class. If you are going to cancel, please respect a 24 hour notice deadline, as well. You can still drop in, if you have not signed up before the 24 hour deadline--as long as we are meeting :-) This deadline is for me to decide whether or not we are to meet.


I will have lots of sides to go through, but I would love it if folks brought their own to share with the group--especially commercial copy, as I am short on those. I have a few ideas on different exercises, but this will ultimately be up to the group--what serves us best.


Stay tuned for future meetings.

Let me know if you are coming by email: AcTed@att.net  Try to get cancelations to me 24 hours in advance. Last minute ads are cool...as long as we have gotten enough for that particular week to justify a meeting.

Monday Night Cold Reads
Open Ended, Starting November 29th
Vanport Square (Parking in the back)
5257 NE MLK Blvd. (3rd Floor)
(One block south of Killingsworth)
Portland, OR   97211