Preparing a young artist to take on deep and serious roles is essential for young actors, particularly as they approach their early teens.  At that age, they may be increasingly called upon to portray characters whose depth demands far more than “cute” and “precocious”.  This course was created for young artist and their families who seek to prepare for and thus broaden the scope and challenge of complex roles and opportunities in film and television.

BEYOND NICK & DISNEY is curated and coached by Emmy Award Winner Gregory Alan Williams—currently a series regular performer on the HBO/MAX series The Righteous Gemstones and nine season recurring guest star on NBC’s Chicago Med.  As Producer/Director  Mr. Williams has helmed six feature films– several of them featuring extraordinary young actors in both leading and strong supporting roles.

8 Young Artists- 10-16 years

2.5 hours

6 weeks

$750.00

What You and Your Young Artist Gain:

• Clarity about the artist’s unique on-screen presence

• Opportunity to honestly evaluate the actor’s work, on-camera, every class

• Artistic Mentorship from a Director’s perspective

• Ability to maximize the artist’s on-camera performances (portrayals) and auditions

• Instructor/Parent conversations that will help you help your young actor conquer bigger and better roles.

HOW IT WORKS

Prior to the start of your sessions, your family will have a one-on-one meeting with Mr. Williams to discuss professional concerns and goals.

Scene work is assigned one week prior to the start of The Class. You’ll have plenty of time to assess material and develop the character.

Weeks 1-2

As The Class begins, Mr. Williams will answer questions about assigned characters, block the scene, rehearse, and give notes.

Next, scene-work will be videotaped film style— including closeups and director notes.

Together, you, the artist and Mr. Williams will review scene work, then critique and discuss performance.

Week 3

The Actor, the Camera, and the Audition

Maximizing the “advantages” of Self Tape

Week 4

On Camera Improvisation

Building confidence in the young actor’s unique on-camera presence

Week 5

More Scripted Scene Work

STOP ACTING!! Think it, feel it, the camera sees it!

Week 6

The Proof in the Picture (Performance Review)

A “mutual” assessment of your young artists on-camera work and artistic growth

As the artist works on-camera each session, you will see, learn, and explore….

• The differences between performance and portrayal

• How pre-planning an on-camera performance is “absolutely” the wrong approach

• How to let “the camera” work for both characters and career

• The essential artistic value of honesty

• Why less is (almost) always “more”

• Why “Not Acting” can be the perfect on camera technique