WHO IS ACTED FOR?
Why take ActEd Online?
ActEd Online does not profess to be a substitute for ‘in class’ training but rather a supplement to that training to support and promote confidence and independence in self-directed work. Simply put, to better aid the actor in their ability to do for themselves. If you are a working actor, great! Use ActEd to work in tandem with your current process and/or training. If you are a new actor or curious about the craft, ActEd may be used to quick start your career and get discovered.
Can anyone register for ActEd Online?
ANYONE may register, however ActEd Online has been designed for those over the age of 8. ActEd Online is available EVERYWHERE that Internet access permits. Registrants must be able to comprehend and speak the English language, as translations are currently unavailable.
Is there an age requirement to register for ActEd Online?
YES. ActEd Online is intended for mature audiences and is not suitable for registrants under the age of 8. Comprehension consideration and the nature of mature content, defines adult, teen and pre-teen (with parental discretion) consumption.
What is the difference between the TRY IT ($10) and DO IT ($100) program options?
TRY IT ($10) is a sample of the complete ActEd Online program. It unlocks the first 32 modules in the 57 module program to give you a feel for how training online is structured, and what to expect from your training with Dean.
DO IT ($100) is the full ActEd Online program recommended for anyone serious about jump starting their career in film and television, and being discovered. It unlocks all 57 video modules, the full 150 page ACTion workbook, and most importantly the opportunity to submit your showcase to Dean Armstrong for review and a chance to be chosen to train with him in L.A. It also includes a private one on one Skype coaching with one of our resident coaches to review your work on camera and help you develop a plan for the future.
How long does ActEd Online take to complete?
ActEd Online Part One: The On Camera Audition contains 57 Instructional Video Modules totaling approximately 10 hours of video content. The consideration of module repetition and the completion of assignments and exercises contribute to varying completion times. The average completion time for the program is approximately 16 hours, but is ultimately defined by your own speed and pace.
Do I need to have Internet access to use ActEd online?
Yes. ActEd Online is only available ONLINE.
Does my ActEd Online program expire?
Yes the TRY IT ($10) sample of the complete program expires after 3 months, and the full DO IT ($100) program expires after 6 months. We have found that deadlines encourage actors to maintain regularity with their training as they would get in studio and allow them to see faster results.
How long do I have to complete ActEd Online?
Once you unlock the program for 3 months (TRY IT $10) or 6 months (DO IT $100) you can work through the modules at your own pace within that time. We recommend setting aside time at least once or twice a week to work for 1-2 hours. Schedule this in your calendar and arrive on time and prepared to work as you would to an in studio class. Discipline and consistency are two critical ingredients for any aspiring actor to work in film and television.
Is there a deadline for me to complete ActEd Online?
Yes. Although you may complete the ActEd Online program at your own pace, registrants between the ages of 18 and 29 who wish to be considered for the one-week intensive with School Director, Dean Armstrong, (part of the DO IT $100 full program) must submit their Final Showcase Assignment and complete their Skype Session within 6 months after their program expires.
What is the purchase price of ActEd Online?
To do the TRY IT program it costs $10. To do the complete DO IT ActEd Online Program, with showcase opportunity and skype session with an ActEd Online resident coach it costs $100.
FINAL SHOWCASE AUDITION (applies to DO IT $100 program only):
Do I have to send in my Final Showcase Scene?
No. However, all actors registered in the DO IT 100$ full program are encouraged and entitled to send in their completed final showcase audition. Once you have sent it in you will be prompted to schedule a one on one Skype coaching from one of our ActEd resident coaches to talk about your work! However, if you should choose not to complete the final showcase scene, that is entirely up to you.
Who will watch my Final Showcase Audition?
Dean Armstrong will watch your Final Showcase Scene. Your privacy is very important to us and without further consent, your Showcase file will remain in our ActEd Online student database. For more information, please review our privacy policy here.
Will there be scene(s) provided for my ActEd Showcase Audition?
Scenes were written specifically for your showcase. Once you have completed the last module in your program, a collection of scenes will be provided for your consideration. Scenes are divided by age demographic and contain two contrasting genres: one dramatic and one more light-hearted. All characters are gender neutral, so you may prepare any of the roles available in your age demographic. You will choose only ONE scene for your showcase.
How do I film my showcase audition?
Detailed instructions on how to film your self-tape audition are provided in your ActEd Online program. You may record your self-tape audition in either a professional studio or at home. Should you choose to film your audition yourself or at home, we will guide you through the best and easiest at home lighting, framing of your shot, camera(s) to use (including your Smartphone) and finally how to easily upload it and send it to us!
What type of camera do I need to film my Showcase Audition?
The better the camera, the better you and the product will look. If you have a more advanced camera, or know a friend or family member with one – great! If not, a Smartphone camera is TOTALLY fine and will still produce a great quality Showcase Audition.
SKYPE SESSION WITH DEAN:
Do I need to complete the Skype session?
No. However, all actors that submit their final showcase scene are eligible and encouraged to complete the Skype session with Dean. This will be your chance to ask questions about your work, for us to tell you about your strengths and areas to improve on – and for us to get to know you! Once you send your showcase scene you will automatically be prompted to choose a time slot to meet; however, if you should choose to not take advantage of that opportunity, that is entirely up to you.
What will take place during the Skype session?
An email reminder will be sent to you to confirm the designated time for your Final Showcase Audition Skype follow-up with Dean. During your ½ hour session, the Coach will provide an analysis and critique of your showcase scene; assessing both the accolades and deficiencies about your performance. This is your opportunity to ask questions about your work and subsequent evaluation and our opportunity to meet you! For eligible actors, Showcase and Skype sessions will be used to determine candidacy for the one-week intensive.
What if I don’t have Skype?
Skype is free to use, and easy to download on any PC or Mac computer. Skype will guide you through how to create a free account, add new contacts and begin a video call.
ACTION WORKBOOK:
What is my ACTion Workbook?
Your ACTion Workbook is your ActEd ‘textbook’. It will guide you through assignments with extra reading, and exercises for modules that require it. Your ACTion Workbook contains worksheets, guides and assignment tools to help you get the most out of your ActEd program. Your ACTion Workbook is easily accessible throughout the program beside each module. You will also have access to an interactive ‘notebook’ that will allow you to take notes digitally as you go through the ActEd program!
Is my ACTion Workbook Online or can I print it?
Your ACTion Workbook is online and accessible on the website at ANY point during the program. However, you are welcome to print off your ACTion Workbook if that is helpful for your ActEd experience. We encourage all actors to print off hard copies of the assigned scenes that are available in the ACTion Workbook to make specific notes directly on the page.
ONE-WEEK INTENSIVE with DEAN ARMSTRONG:
Only those registrants between the ages of 18-29 and living in North America will be considered as candidates for the one-week intensive with Dean Armstrong, in Toronto. *See complete eligibility details here.
Who is eligible for the workshop with Dean?
To be considered for this exciting BONUS workshop, your Final Showcase Audition must be received by the annual, end of year, cut off date – December 31st. You must also complete your Skype Session with Dean.
What if I’m NOT eligible for the one-week intensive with Dean?
The benefits of your ActEd online program are endless. We encourage everyone to complete ActEd Online regardless of age or geography. ActEd has been designed to provide both aspiring and developed actors with a reference point and guide to successful on-camera auditioning for today, tomorrow and the rest of their careers. The program is rich with insight, tools and exercises that, if applied successfully, are guaranteed to garner new results. Your Skype session is about relationship building. We want to get to know you and your work. Direction for future steps will be given REGARDLESS of your candidacy for the Intensive in Los Angeles. Dean will be keeping an eye out for ALL those with exceptional talent and ability.
How many people are selected for the one-week intensive with Dean Armstrong?
Each calendar year, a total of 10 students will be selected to be apart of the one-week, all expenses paid, Intensive with Dean Armstrong, in Toronto. These top 10 actors are distilled from the 100 actors isolated over the given year and presented to Dean for his review and consideration.
What are the criteria used to determine potential candidacy for the one-week intensive with Dean Armstrong?
Candidates must:
- a) Be between the ages of 18 – 29 (at the time of the offered one-week intensive). Registrants under the age of 18 or of the age of 29 while taking ActEd Online, and who are 18 or 30 the following calendar year, will be eligible for consideration)
- b) Live in North America
- c) Complete and submit their Final Showcase Audition
- d) Complete their Skype session with an ActEd Resident Coach
Further selection will be made based on Dean’s 5 necessary ingredients to book work and sustain oneself as a working actor in the film + television industry. If you excel and are strong in each of these categories then you may be considered:
1) A look – one that is unique/ marketable – how do you fit and define a certain criteria for different characters.
2) Personality – are you likeable, do you posses’ qualities that we as an audience want to watch – and would people want to work with you.
3) Intelligence – not education but rather whether an actor is smart in how they go about their work and how they navigate their career.
4) Natural and Intuitive ability – the actors instinctive or gut response to material and character/ their emotional availability/ and the ability to bring all of this to their work without thought.
5) Learned Skill – understood and applied tools and methodology – for a result that works
How will I know if I am selected?
Actors distilled to the top 10 selects will be notified by email and phone, no later than 3 months of the close of the previous calendar year.
How often is the one-week intensive offered?
The one-week intensive with Dean Armstrong takes place once a year during the month of July.
When will the next one-week intensive with Dean Armstrong take place?
The one-week intensive with Dean Armstrong is scheduled for July 9-13, 2018, in Los Angeles. Selected candidates will be notified well in advance of the workshop. Selected candidates have the option to decline their placement, if the dates of the workshop conflict or they no longer wish to participate. Declining participation will forfeit all future entitlement to this opportunity, allowing ‘runner-up’ candidates consideration.
If I am selected for the one-week intensive with Dean, do I have to attend?
IF YOU ARE ONE OF DEAN’S TOP 10 SELECTS, participation in the one-week intensive in Toronto is NOT mandatory. Selected actors may decline participation upon notification.
What will be included in the one-week intensive with Dean Armstrong?
Included for Selected Top 10 Actors:
- Flight to and from Toronto (must be a North American Resident)
- Hotel accommodation and meals for the week duration
- Incidental per diem for each day in Toronto ($50.00 per day)
- One-week intensive with Dean Armstrong including:
- 5 days. 8 hours per day (including lunch)
- On-camera audition technique and scene study
- Guest directors/casting directors/ star actors
- Guest industry professionals
How many times can I submit my showcase scene?
There is ONE showcase allowed per DO IT program, but you may take the program as many times as you like! Should actors wish to have another showcase opportunity they just simply re-purchase the DO IT program.