Screen Acting

40 Weeks

David Cuthbertson

Founder

Designed by leading acting coach David Cuthbertson, this course has been created from 24 years of teaching, acting, directing and mentoring thousands of actors.

See Bio

Mitch Firth

Acting Coach

Mitch has more than 15 years experience working in television, theatre and lm. After roles in Australian television dramas before joining the main cast of “Home & Away” for three years in the role of Sebastian Miller….

This class has given me the opportunity to explore acting in a safe community of like minded people; somewhere I can feel supported as I try new things in my craft and remain accountable for my habits and personal journey. – Madelyne Leite (17yrs)

The 40 Week Screen Acting Program arms the aspiring young actor with the necessary tools to shape a professional career and walk into the casting room with confidence. Our students travel on a deep journey through mastering their connection to self and the truth of the moment in front of and behind the camera. We are committed to nurturing each student’s identity which promotes a lifetime of success and leadership. Prior to course commencement students will receive a copy of our ‘Unlimited Power Manual 2021’ – an inspiring 50 page goal setting and class companion written to accompany weekly lessons.

“The most comprehensive part time professional young actor training in Australia.”

Prep Week – ‘The Call To Adventure’
7 days prior to course commencement you will receive a link to assemble online where you will be introduced to your core group of actors to prepare you for the journey ahead. This is where you will meet your coaches and learn about the YAA philosophy. This class is where you assemble.

Stage 1 – The Journey Begin your year learning about the structure of storytelling and the origins of the craft through getting up on your feet and practicing. Before working within and learning about the camera frame, you are taught how to use your whole instrument by connecting to your body, voice and impulse to the work. This original method of training is what differentiates us from the many ‘act within the TV frame only’ studios. Learn how to analyse scenes, how to connect to your breath and how to tune into the other actor through performing scenes from famous plays, films and television series. Begin to form positive working habits building you into brave, skillful and intelligent young actors. You are given tasks to challenge your mind and open your heart each week.

Stage 2 – The Craft
You will journey with leading coaches, explore scripts and be empowered to take risks through making the casting process your weekly habit. Each fortnight you will shoot on location throughout some of Sydney’s most iconic locations and upload your scenes to your online profile to showcase your journey to the world. This practical way of working gives each young actor the opportunity to build a disciplined and focused mindset while working under strict time constraints in a fun and inspiring environment. Learn how to connect to the truth and critique your own work and receive invaluable insight to reshape old habits which no longer serve you.

Stage 3 – Build your Showreel
A showreel demonstrates all the tools you have as an actor; your voice quality, your appearance, your expression of emotion and your reactions in the scene. Throughout this term you will plan, write and conceive a pre-production checklist to roll out a successful showreel shoot and learn how to unlock the best performances when shooting out of sequence within a specific time frame. Over 4 weekends you will work with your team to shoot 2 professional showreel scenes and return with footage which will be edited to showcase your brand. At the completion of the 4 term program students will showcase their yearly showreels to industry guests and parents at our Young Actors Awards night.

Stage 4 – The Package
Learning inside a professional casting studio, students will journey with leading coaches, explore scripts and be empowered to take risks through making the casting process their weekly habit. You will meet with industry professionals, gaining vital knowledge for both the Australian and US casting climate. You will learn how to present yourself in a casting, what to say, and how to win over a casting panel- gaining confidence in the audition room. What are you doing to be seen by the industry? Our Young Actors Business Bootcamp will give you the insight necessary to market yourself online in a social media driven world, taking a deep dive into your branding, PR, personal marketing, and talking to the media in preparation for your red carpet debut at the Young Actors Awards.