Rees On-Camera
"Create a world within the frame."
My teaching philosophy is twofold:
First: Your life is inspiring. All of you. If you’re reading this right now, then you need to know that your life is inspiring. Your experience is unique. And your perspective is unlike anyone else on this planet. As actors, we tend to get audition material and generalize it immediately and create an idea of what our character should be: “This is clearly the villain, the best friend, the romantic lead…” And then once we categorize the role we’ve received, we put forth a general idea of that prototype. The reality is, your life has given you experiences and emotions that are real that you can draw from to justify and anchor any choice at all. You may not believe it, but its true. My first job as a teacher is to validate you as a human. Second: Your emotions must be real, but you’re not allowed to show them to me 97% of the time. The mistake most actors make when they get a scene is simple. They get too excited. “This scene is great! So much good emotion! It’s been so long since I’ve really sunk my teeth into good material. I can’t wait to kill it!” And believe me, I get it. As an actor, sometimes the bait is too appealing not to take. BUT! If you show me all your cards the whole time, I (as an audience member) know exactly where you’re going. And if I know where you’re going, I don’t remain interested for very long, do I? The other reality is that in real life, which we are always trying to emulate, if you are around someone that pulls a lot of emotion or feelings out of you, you don’t show them that. You cover it up and play it cool. So, the CRAFT of the scene is in what you cover up and what you decide to let show. I teach it as a two-part process. In the first part, you over act. You blow it out. You yell, you cry, you laugh, you improvise, you go nuts and do all the things you know you can’t do in front of a casting director. This is to get a feel for what you wish you could do. In the second part, you cover it up. Don’t show me anything. And see what needs come out. Something always does. Testimonials Current Offerings: INTRO TO AUDITIONING FOR CAMERA This class is both for actors who are new to auditioning for on-camera projects and also those looking to fill in gaps in their on camera skillset. The sides we work on will be short (less than one page) and the class will provide you with a solid set of guidelines that you can refer to when you get any on camera audition. Dates - June 6, 13, 20, 27 (Thursdays) Time - 2:30pm - 5:30pm Cost - $275 Location - Shetler Studios, 244 W. 54th St, 12th Floor ADVANCED ON-CAMERA AUDITIONS This is a 6 week class is for those of you who have taken the intro level class and want to dive in deeper. We’ll work on 2 page sides, genre, and multiple scenes for one audition. The goal of class is to help you relate to your material and build restraint regarding what you show. Dates - May 25, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (Saturdays) Time - 12:00pm - 3:00pm Cost - $375 Location - Shetler Studios, 244 W. 54th St., 12th Floor WEEKLY SELF-TAPE WORKOUT This is a monthly practice class for those who have completed the first two classes, (actors who have completed POD 2 at Audition Arts are also eligible for entrance into this class). Class will begin on June 6th and run consistently though the summer in 4-week segments. **Working actors with significant on camera experience may audition or interview to join this class, as an alternative to completing the pre-req classes. Dates - Thursdays, starting June 6. Time - 7:00pm - 10:00pm Cost - $75 per class or $250 for the entire month. Location - Shetler Studios, 244 W. 54th St., 12th Floor Click here to reach out and find out more or sign up! I also coach auditions. Click here to find out more. |