Acting for the Camera Workshops taught by Master Teacher Gary Chason

Gary Chason is returning to Shreveport to conduct a series of acting workshops at the Actor’s Café (formerly Bear’s) on Fairfield Ave.  Designed for Beginners and Intermediates, the workshops will provide hands-on instruction - and practice! - in the unique craft of screen acting.  Chason says that neophytes, despite having no training or experience, invariably think they can perform in movies because “they act in their everyday life.”  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Acting is a difficult craft, comparable to being a concert pianist or ballet dancer.  Master your craft!

SCHEDULE:
Weds. Dec. 5, 6 – 9 PM          LINE READING                                           Cost:  $30
One line of dialog can be read many different ways.  Learn:  how to make interesting choices; the significance of emotional subtext; the impact of context and attitude.

Thurs. Dec. 6, 6 – 9 PM           CAMERA TECHNIQUE                              Cost:  $30
The mechanics of screen acting are illustrated via two maddeningly difficult games:  “Hit Your Mark” and “Walk the Track.”  You will be graded!  Can you make an “A”?

Friday, Dec. 7, 6 – 8 PM         LECTURE-DEMONSTRATION                Cost:  $10
Gary explains how everything works, from story development and screenplay construction to distribution, with special emphasis on production.  Learn:  the function of every department; job descriptions of every crew member; set protocols: the lingo of the set; and much more!  Bring a pen and pad because you’ll want to take notes.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 1 – 6 PM      SCENE STUDY                                             Cost:  $50
Put your skills to the test with a duet scene.  Short, stand-alone scenes will be blocked, rehearsed, and shot in the film style.  Learn:  playing off the other actor; character interpretation; scene analysis; being “in the moment”; and much more.  This class replicates the circumstances you will face on the set of a real movie.  Understanding the process will make you far more comfortable in that situation.

Enrollment is strictly limited to 10 students, except for the Lecture, which will allow 20.
Cost for all 4 Classes:  $100 in advance (you save $20)

You will receive a (mini) DVD of your On-Camera work.  Study your performance in the privacy of your home.  You will also receive informative hand-outs.

TO ENROLL:  contact Erin Howell at  erinehowell@yahoo.com or 214/437-1649