Workshop Fee Info
Note: Please add 5% GST to all listed fees
3hrs/Evening
1-Evening
2-Evenings
3-Evenings
1st Workshop
$45.00
$88.50
$130.50
2nd Workshop (5% off)
$42.75
$84.00
$124.00
3rd & 4th Workshop (10% off)
$40.50
$79.65
$117.45
5+ Workshops (15% off)
$38.25
$75.25
$110.90

....Fee Special Notes:

  1. All fees listed above are exlusive of GST. Please add 5% to all fee payments.
  2. Payment must be received at least 48hrs before workshop date to reserve space unless special arrangements are made with Act One.
  3. Discounts for multiple workshops apply to the additional workshops not the initial ones. Example: If you register for two 1-Evening workshops, the first would be $45.00 and the second would be $42.75. If you then register for a third and fourth 1-Evening workshop, they would both be $40.50/each. Prices quoted do not include GST.
  4. Refunds will only be issued if the workshop is cancelled directly by Act One. Refunds will not be given for missed workshop classes. In special circumstances, fees paid may be applied as credit towards another scheduled workshop or Act One class.
  5. A $10 charge will be applied to all NSF cheques.
  6. In the event of bad weather or class cancellation, a voice message will be left on the school's answering machine.
Just For Laughs: Acting For Comedy
Workshop Description:

 There is a saying that "the art of comedy is a serious matter". In theatre, there are many forms of comedy and humour. Too often actors misapply their efforts or fail to realize the full comic potential within both themselves and the script. Understanding when to apply each comedic form and what techniques and approaches work best with it will help all actors find the right balance between staying true to the play and delivering maximum entertainment to their audience.

This three-evening workshop will allow participants the opportunity to discover many of the "tricks of the trade" in comedic acting. Students will learn the differences between acting in dramas and comedies, as well as between farce, general comedy and more serious/dramatic comedies. Working under the guideance of the instructor, acting theory is combined with actual scene work by the participants to help them understand what is required to bring the humour of any playwright to life in the most realistic and effective manner possible.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have the knowledge to understand the comedic styles and requirements of most contemporary plays, as well as possess a "toolbox" of techniques they can apply to find the humour in any character and situation.
Workshop Info
Duration: 3 Evenings
Day One:
 TBA
Workshop Time: TBA
Day Two:
 TBA
Instructor: Mike Woodbridge
Day Three:
 TBA
Workshop Fee: $130.50 + 5% GST
Age Range:
 18+
Auditioning For College & University Theatre Schools
Workshop Description:

 The reputatation and popularity of many of Canada's Univeristy and College Theatre and Music Theatre programs is growing. Being accepted for enrollment is becoming increasingly challenging. Sheridan College's Theatre program alone receives over a 1,000 applications a year for less than 100 spots. While academics play a significant role in one's post-secondary career, unique to this chosen path is that most theatre programs require prospective students to audition for acceptance. This audition process factors very heavily in any decision for acceptance and students can significantly increase their odds the more prepared they are.

Presented by instructors intimately familiar and experienced with the entrance audition process, this workshop will provide high school students and mature students alike with clear, advanced understanding of the skills they will need to present themselves in the most effective manner. Attention is also paid to highlightling the common pitfalls and mistakes that auditionees should avoid. The various formats of admissions interviews, audition processes and monologue/performance requirements will be explained.

During the second evening of the workshop, all participants will have the opportunity to experience a recreation of an acceptance audition and receive feedback from the instructor. By the end of the workshop, students should leave with a clear road map on how they can go about acquiring any missing pieces they will need when they do eventually apply for admission.
Workshop Info
Duration: 2 Evenings
Day One:
 TBA
Workshop Time: TBA
Day Two:
 TBA
Instructor: TBA
Day Three:
 NA
Workshop Fee: $88.50 + 5% GST
Age Range:
 16+
From Text To Reality: Scene Study Exploration
Workshop Description:

 Successfully translating ninety or more pages of a playwright's text into a live performance that is both rewarding for the actor and interesting and entertaining for the audience is an actor's single biggest goal. This three-evening workshop will provide both first time and more-experienced performers with a solid framework and fresh perspectives on "tackling the text".

Focus is on explaining and demonstrating character dynamics within a scene, including techniques on how to interpret the script to glean clues and information about a character's personality, relationships, thoughts, desires and motivations, among other things. The process by which these pieces are combined and employed by the actor to present the play and communicate the playwright's intent is also highlighted.

The workshop is structured to allow participants ample "hand-on" practise and experience with the concepts presented in an interactive, supportive group environment. It culminates on the third class with all attendees having the opportunity to fully present a scene they have been working on.
Workshop Info
Duration: 3 Evenings
Day One:
 TBA
Workshop Time: TBA
Day Two:
 TBA
Instructor: Andy Pandoff
Day Three:
 TBA
Workshop Fee: $130.50 + 5% GST
Age Range:
 18+
Lights, Camera, Action: Introduction to Acting on Camera
Workshop Description:

 Film and Television have become an important communication and entertainment component of modern society. With it's evolution has also come some very different and unique requirements for actors as opposed to performing "live" on stage. This three-evening workshop will provide actors, both new and with limited on camera experience with an effective foundation to allow them to confidently take the next steps in fim and television acting.

Students will learn exercises and techniques for understanding how acting skills translate into the film medium. They will explore the differences between "on Stage" and "On Camera" and well as learn the basic differences between acting for film, television and commercials. The audition process for film and commercial work and what this means to the participants will also be reviewed.

Hands-on opportunities with scenes and text work will allow the students to experience and review their actual performance on camera with input and feedback from the instructor.

Please note there may be a small materials fee (ie. $5-10) for this workshop for items the participants may take away with them at the conclusion.
Workshop Info
Duration: 3 Evenings
Day One:
 TBA
Workshop Time: TBA
Day Two:
 TBA
Instructor: Andy Pandoff
Day Three:
 TBA
Workshop Fee: $130.50 + 5% GST
Age Range:
 18+


Workshop Descriptions and Details

Audition Technique & Monologue Development
Workshop Description:

 Auditioning for a role in front of a director or a panel can appear intimidating and the task of properly selecting and memorizing a monologue daunting.

This three-evening workshop focuses on helping attendees understand the audition process, develop and enhance the skills, techniques and materials they will need to approach an audition both effectively and with confidence. This workshop is designed to offer novice and experienced actors alike, valuable tips, techniques and information that can be used repeatedly to help ensure any actor will present themselves in the best possible way and highlight their capabilities during the actual audition.

Attendees will be assisted with selecting appropriate monologues if they do not already have preferred pieces. They will learn the differences between comedic and dramatic monologues and audition requirements. Techniques for understanding monologue text, character development and formal presentation will be demonstrated. Attendees will also receive advice on how to approach cold reading from audition scripts.

Attendees will be given hands-on opportunities during the first two evenings, with the opportunity during the third evening to present, practise and receive feedback on their new abilities in mock audition scenarios in a fun, supportive and interactive environment.
Workshop Info
Duration: 3 Evenings
Day One:
 TBA
Workshop Time: TBA
Day Two:
 TBA
Instructor: Andy Pandoff
Day Three:
 TBA
Workshop Fee: $130.50 + 5% GST
Age Range:
 18+
Finding An Agent (For Adults and Children)


Workshop Description:

 Whether one is looking to pursue a serious acting career or just looking for a way to obtain the occaisional commercial, if the actor is an adult or a child, it can seem a confusing and imposing task to find the proper and effective representation that is the first step to opening the doors to film (and some stage) work.

This one evening workshop focuses on helping the prospective actor and/or the parents of child actors understand the proper relationship between the agent and the actor/client. Attendees will learn what they have the right to and should expect from an agent and equally important, what an agent will expect and require from them. Participants will br provided with detailed reference information and materials, as well as obtaining a "checklist" of questions and pointers to ensure they understand the industry realities and are positioned to seek the right agent for their needs. Ample time will be provided for detailed Q & A to ensure individual participant questions are answered.
Workshop Info
Duration: 1 Evening
Day One:
 May 25, 2008
Workshop Time: 7:00-10:00pm
Day Two:
 N/A
Instructor: Andy Pandoff
Day Three:
 N/A
Workshop Fee: $45 + 5% GST
Age Range:
 NA
About our Workshops
In addition to our full year and term course programs, Act One offers a Workshop Series for those interested in theatre but who can not commit to a long-term class schedule or who have interest is specialized theatrical topics. This program features workshops in a wide range of subjects from acting and film to finding an agent and to helping one prepare for that next audition or entry to university or college theatre programs. These workshops are all 3-hours in length and range from one to three classes duration, depending on the subject. Many are repeated at least once over the course of a year, so if the first schedule slot doesn't work, hopefully another will be more convenient.
Whether you are a novice thespian interested in learning what theatre is all about or a more seasoned actor looking for additional tips and techniques to further your craft, Act One will likely have something for you. Our instructors bring with them, years of experience in theatre, film and teaching. They are intrested not only in sharing this knowledge with you but also ensuring that you understand the techniques and means to employ it effectively - all in a fun, supportive and challenging learning atmosphere.
Workshops can be taken individually, or you can pick and choose those that appeal to you. You can take them all in one term or spread them over the full year. The Workshop Series has been designed to make it as convenient as possible for attendees to find a combination that fits their schedule, rather than have to fit their plans to the course schedule.These workshops also change year to year and new ones can be added mid-year, so please check back to this site or contact the school for more up-to-date information.