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Other Services2019-02-10T17:01:46-06:00

Why Train With Us?

Let’s face it: as actors, we control very little in the casting process. We can’t dictate what anyone else does in the audition room, whether the producers already have a certain ‘type’ in mind, or whether we look too similar to (or different from) the ensemble cast a director is putting together.

Which is why when actors ask what they can do to put themselves in a position to get seen more, to get hired more often, or to book bigger roles, our answer is always the same: train. Because the one thing – and often the only thing – a working actor has complete control over is how prepared they are.

We never know when our audition will hit all the rights notes that producers are looking for, or when our choices will give a distinctly different take that gets a director excited about taking a character in a different direction, or when our look will perfectly complement and round out a cast. We don’t know when the stars will align. But on the day they do, we can be ready to seize the moment.

That’s what our courses at The Abby are focused on: helping working actors be prepared. Whether you’re preparing to get into the audition room for the first time, more often, or for more prominent parts, our coaches and classes have been designed to build your confidence, help you make decisive character choices, and own the room.

acting

Choices on trial

An audition crash course

Wish you could get the pre-audition jitters out of the way? How many times have you nailed your 2nd or 3rd take, and wish it could’ve been your 1st?

Find out more

Audition Reps

Strengthen all the skills you need to make a strong impression in the room.

On a tight schedule? Get a regular audition workout without taking up a ton of your time. Each week, you’ll get a short 1-2 page scene sent 3 days in advance.

Find out more

Lightweight Audition Reps

(for ages 11-17) Designed for advanced youth looking to take their work to the next level.

Following the same structure as our adult Audition Reps workout, young performers train together under the direction of seasoned, professional adult actors.

Find out more

Weekly Affirmations

Change your attitude about auditioning.

Actors can be hard on themselves – and that negativity can lead to disastrous results in the audition room. This session is designed to shift your focus…

Find out more

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Self-Tapes

Get them done quick, clean and professionally.

With access to our professional setting, 4K camera, direct upload to Casting Workbook, and professional readers, we will help you get your self tapes…

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General American and the Actor's Voice (All ages)

Master an authentic GA dialect

A must-attend for beginners and seasoned professionals, learn to make the best use of your voice while honing your mastery of the most used accent in film.

Find out more

Public Speaking: Keep the Audience Engaged

A Practice-and-Performance Based Model

Improve your understanding and practice of public speaking through a combination of practice and performance. Learn to keep your audience engaged…

Find out more

Featured Workshop

A must-attend for beginners and seasoned professionals, learn to make the best use of your voice while honing your mastery of the most used accent in film.

Find out more

CLASS TYPES

SELF-TAPES

Get them done quick, clean and professionally.

With access to our professional setting, 4K camera, direct upload to Casting Workbook, and professional readers, we will help you get your self tapes done around your busy schedule, without a compromise in quality.

Send us your sides in advance so we can also prepare them, and our readers will arrive prepared to bring the best out of your scene. And you own the room – so within your appointment time, we can repeat until you’re satisfied with your take, or offer coaching tips if desired. Our team will e-slate, edit, render, and upload/email your final audition.

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FEATURE WORKSHOP

COMING SOON

AUDITION REPS (ADULTS)

Strengthen all the skills you need to make a strong impression in the room.

Get a regular audition workout without taking up a ton of your time. Each week, you’ll get a short 1-2 page scene sent 3 days in advance. By focusing on a few pages with a short lead time to prep, you’ll improve your ability to memorize, and learn to make strong choices quickly.

Have a 2 page audition coming up? You can also use class time to work it, get feedback and some practice. Every class, you’ll do a combination of auditioning on camera, practicing cold reads, getting feedback and redirections, auditioning again, and comparing your on-camera takes.

BOOK NOW

LIGHTWEIGHT AUDITION REPS (AGES 11-17)

Designed for advanced youth looking to take their work to the next level.

Following the same structure as our adult Audition Reps workout, young performers will train together under the direction of seasoned, professional adult actors.

Each week, they’ll prepare in advance a short 1-2 page scene, arriving in class to show their natural instincts and choices. And, if they have a 2 page audition coming up, they can also use their time in class to prepare it for the day. Each class involves a combination of auditioning on camera, practicing cold reads, getting feedback and redirections, auditioning again, and and comparing their on-camera takes.

BOOK NOW

PUBLIC SPEAKING: KEEP THE AUDIENCE ENGAGED

A Practice-and-Performance Based Model

Improve your understanding and practice of public speaking through a combination of practice and performance. Learn to keep your audience engaged and gain skill and confidence as a speaker.

Over six classes, you’ll work on both pre-written material and creating your own speech. You’ll practice key skills in delivery, and receive professional feedback. You’ll learn coping strategies for anxiety or nerves, how to prepare, how to use the space, how to establish a connection with the audience, how to use your voice and body to keep your audience engaged, and how to arrange your material for greatest impact.

BOOK NOW

GENERAL AMERICAN AND THE ACTING VOICE (ALL AGES)

Master an authentic GA dialect

A must-attend for beginners and seasoned professionals, learn to make the best use of your voice while honing your mastery of the most used accent in film. You’ll get expert instruction and feedback on your General American dialect while connecting to the text to make clear and vocally dynamic choices.

Over two weekends, you’ll study the two things every Canadian actor needs to focus on to have an authentic General American dialect in auditions and on set: basic vocal technique to stay healthy and present, and voice and text work to move the story forward while adding depth, clarity and specificity.

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CHOICES ON TRIAL

How often do you wish you could get the pre-audition jitters out of the way? How many times have you nailed your second or third take, and wish it could’ve been your first? Wouldn’t it be nice to prep your audition in a real-life setting, get feedback, take a taping home, watch it, and go in ready for the real deal?

Now you can! One day before your audition, our camera, reader and coach are yours for the evening. This session will be held as an Audition Reps class where you will have a chance to work your next day audition. Ask questions, get feedback, run your scene, or just to get more comfortable in the space, you will go into your audition feeling great about the strong choices you make! (By advance appointment only, space is limited).

BOOK NOW

WEEKLY AFFIRMATIONS (Adults)

Change your attitude about auditioning.

Actors can be hard on themselves – and that negativity can lead to disastrous results in the audition room. This session is designed to shift your focus to what’s strongest in your work, in a supportive, encouraging environment.

Each session you’ll tape a short audition scene that you select and prepare in advance. You’ll watch your tape – and note three things you like about your audition, and one thing you’d work on for next time. Then, you can invite feedback from the group, or just ease back and support your fellow actors. (Drop-in format, sign up by mailing list – first-come, first-serve basis).

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