Course Description: Ever watch a movie or tv show and get left with a sense of awe on how these people make such a captivating performance? If you’ve clicked this link, you probably already know it’s way more than just memorizing and speaking your lines. And it’s way more than showing your emotions
This course is designed to give tools and context for how you approach a scene from the very first look to making it come alive take after take.
We will be looking at:
- How memory works, and how to use your brain’s natural power of association to make learning scenes lines easier
- How to use different tools to create dynamic scenes with ease
- How to use your environment and actions to bring a scene to life
- How Film Acting is the same as Theater Acting
- Yes. You read that right.
The format will have a somewhat rigid structure, but there will be plenty of room for Q&A. While most of this will be a lecture-style format, there will be plenty of interaction as well as performance assignments between each class. Open to beginners looking to try out acting, as well as seasoned professionals looking to do a deeper dive on skills in a manner you may not have tried.
About the Instructor: Alex is a dedicated acting professional who has been immersed in theater and film since 2015. Originally from Virginia, he studied mechanical engineering and psychology at McGill in Montreal, where he discovered a deep love for storytelling and film production.
Beyond acting, he has honed skills in editing, directing, cinematography and photography, VFX, sound, and lighting, all while serving as a committed volunteer within ACTRA, supporting fellow actors and promoting industry standards.
Over the years, Alex has worked with prominent casting offices like Kenyon-Wells and Elite Casting, learning to understand the audition process from the inside out while working on large US productions. Having witnessed thousands of auditions, this insight led him to develop workshops helping actors break free from constraints and find renewed joy in their performances.
His credits include roles in Moonfall, House of Ashes, Mrs. America, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, and more. Today, Alex merges professional experience, teaching philosophy, and outside-of-the-box thinking to challenge and inspire actors at every stage, guiding them toward authentic storytelling and encouraging their natural passion and creativity. At the time of writing this he has helped run over 400 online workshops and in 2024 has had over 250 sessions with private clients.
Location: SSMU University Centre Ballroom
Required Materials: A notebook and your favourite writing instrument!
Required Knowledge: None!