Classes at The O.A. Training Studio | Our Training Philosophy
We're a purely online acting studio focusing primarily on Film & TV acting technique, coaching actors in the U.S. & Canada, the UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia & New Zealand.
Our online screen acting classes are designated into 5 programs:
Intro to Acting On-Camera (single level, 5 classes)
Essentials of Acting On-Camera | Levels 1-4
Intermediate Acting On-Camera | Levels 1-4
Advanced Acting On-Camera | Levels 1-4
Essentials of Acting On-Camera | Levels 1-4
Intermediate Acting On-Camera | Levels 1-4
Advanced Acting On-Camera | Levels 1-4
In-Depth Scene Study | Levels 1-8
Each level is 5 weeks in duration. i.e. Acting On-Camera Essentials 1 is five weeks/sessions. To accelerate their training, actors can choose between once a week or twice* a week training (*space permitting).
Actors without any prior experience or training should start in Intro to Acting On-Camera. Those with some training should start in Essentials. Those with lots of training/experience may start in Intermediate.
THE CLASSES & LEVELS
Our Intro to Acting On-Camera class starts with the foundations of acting and gets you reading scripts, memorizing them quickly using our unique exercises, and working scenes with other actors very quickly in a fun environment!
Our Intro to Acting On-Camera class starts with the foundations of acting and gets you reading scripts, memorizing them quickly using our unique exercises, and working scenes with other actors very quickly in a fun environment!
Essentials of Acting On-Camera introduces our organic approach and practical technique for Film & TV acting. Actors work on current and relevant material in both a scene study & audition format while receiving live coaching.
Intermediate Acting On-Camera brings in longer and more complex scene work across all genres. Our B.E.S.T. C.R.A.F.T. approach to interpreting scenes is implemented in-depth. Actors have the opportunity to bring their actual auditions to class to train them using our technique.
Advanced Acting On-Camera targets scripts for guest starring, supporting, and leading roles in television and film. Actors also get the opportunity to create footage for their reel, and blocking for the camera is studied. An on-going web series project is introduced to a select group of actors and improvised scenes are created.
Master Acting On-Camera focuses primarily on strengthening actor weaknesses. Going to those difficult places and staying there. Mining the most from your unique personality and experience to create the most truthful acting on screen. Actors are paired together and work much more directly with partners at this level.
THE STYLE
Actors are not huddled in front of their computers, they are up on their feet using their home as the film set. Scenes are blocked, shot, and framed cinematically. Actors are empowered to create their own work after developing a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process. Tripod and cell phone mount (to elevate Zoom camera and frame the shot cinematically) are encouraged but not required until the Intermediate level.
The style of classes and coaching have been adapted to online learning, and you'll learn foundational acting, audition/self-taping technique, scene study, and on-set style blocking. You are not just sitting in front of your laptop at your desk reading scenes off the screen like many classes that have temporarily adapted to the Zoom format. Actors in our sessions use a full camera/tripod/lighting setup when they put up scenes. They're coached on movement in the frame, using props, hitting marks, shot and frame sizes, adjusting for lighting and camera movement, slating, wardrobe choices, size of performance, stillness, memorization, scene comprehension, and a host of other things that are extremely relevant for screen acting.
THE PROGRESSION
Once you progress to the intermediate levels, you'll also do self-tape assignments outside of training sessions (as part of each 5-week class) where you get additional feedback and do retakes (self-taping again), adding up to lots of on-camera time. You'll do 4 different scenes across 5 weeks (2 in classes and 2 as self-tapes outside of class), revisiting them in callback and screen/chemistry tests scenarios depending on the level you're at. There are also sessions that mimic live zoom auditions where you get direction from a panel mimicking what you would experience when you read live on zoom for director/producer/casting.
There's a clear progression through multiple stages and levels (not just one ongoing "scene study" class or one "audition" class) where you take on more complex material across numerous genres. You work on relevant film/tv material that is current and realistic for your casting, as well as material that pushes the boundaries of your type and age range. The differences in genre and sub-genres are explored, as well as performance, writing, directing, and aesthetic differences between projects on different platforms (network vs cable, studio film vs independent, etc) with a focus on finding what is uniquely "you" as the actor - the things that are memorable and compelling on screen that you can bring forward with your acting to help casting learn who you are, and solidify your talent as someone to watch.
THE DIFFERENCE
Classes are taught by working actors. A very practical approach is taken, based on what's gotten our coaches work as actors. It's affordable, especially during the pandemic. Tons of career coaching and industry advice is provided. You can audit for free, you can even do a trial class for free. And there are free bi-weekly industry workshops.
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All levels build on the complexity of the following concepts:
- acting fundamentals & basics, including historical techniques
- organic and practical on-camera film/tv acting technique
- audition technique (self taping, zoom reads, in-person auditioning)
- acting with a scene partner & self-taping with a reader
- interpreting sides and scripts for current productions
- camera and spatial awareness
- framing and composition in screen acting
- blocking and movement in the frame
- being “you” vs “playing a character”
- size of performance, movement and stillness
- acting for different genres (comedy, drama, horror..) and sub-genres (1hr drama, half hour comedy, etc)
- improvisation in performance and in the audition (when and how)
- the casting process
- standing out from the crowd
- shooting your own material for your demo reel
- setting up a home studio
- getting an agent
- moving up in the industry / building a career
- working on a film set
As you progress through the levels you'll be working on more complex scenes and refining the skills you've built in earlier sessions.