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ONLINE $95: A simple session for actors to work a scene and get coached on it.
Between takes you will receive process-oriented adjustments so that you can develop your swiftness for taking redirection. Be challenged to deepen and build upon your initial analysis of the scene. You’ll also explore expansive questions about your work as an artist. (Formerly known as Alumni Gym, now open to all.)
Moving fast on sets is essential. Actors know that auditions can come at you out of nowhere, and bookings can happen in a New York minute. Artists must do everything they can to keep the artistic muscles stretching and growing. Never stop asking questions about your characters, trying new approaches to acting, or working with new collaborators and teachers. The more you build your skills, stretch your talent, and stay in process…the more you will discover that your artistry expands! This coaching pop-up is for both alumni and actors who are new to the studio.
Where your focus goes, energy flows. The more you tackle acting and auditioning, the more you naturally become the confident actor that everyone wants to work with. The more you stretch your range as an actor, the more flexible and expansive you become. The more you work, the more you work!
Actors will receive video files of their takes from class for personal study and sharing on websites, actor profiles, self-tape channels, etc. if they choose!
Q: How do I find a scene to do in this class?
A: Here’s one resource: The Script Lab » Screenplays (Note: It’s free to create an account and get access to the scripts.) We’ll also give you more script resources once you’re registered for the class.
Sometimes you just need a burst of inspiration as a working actor! Come and work on your auditions or demo scenes with me or my trusted tag-time coach, Athena Colón. (The teacher is noted for each scheduling option.)
As countless acting coaching alumni can attest to, I’ll adjust and uplevel your work quickly. My audition coaching skills are wide-ranging and fast because I coach actors EVERY SINGLE DAY for auditions, callbacks, screentests, chemistry reads, and more. Use this chance to be in “the room” with me and to build your skills and confidence in on-camera acting and auditioning.
And as for the electric Athena Colón—she is an experienced teaching artist and working actor. Athena truly has a magic touch for energizing and emboldening actors! Athena has been my trusted tag-team coach for major studio callbacks and screentests.
In this workshop, each actor will be given a chance to do their scene on camera a few times. Reader will be provided. Between takes you will receive adjustments and explore expansive questions about your work as an artist, and specifically, on the scene. You’ll also get the invaluable experience of watching others work. Come prepared and be ready to make big leaps quickly!
This pop-up session is good for actors who want to:
I used to run an Alumni Gym that was simply an opportunity for actors to stay in the work.
Just like a musician runs their scales or an athlete runs their drills, I know that actors also appreciate the opportunity to do the work alongside other committed actors.
This pop-up can also be an opportunity to experiment, especially for my longtime alumni:
ACTING COACH: Heidi’s career has spanned over 25 years and includes time as the lead Casting Director at Telsey+CO for the Broadway musical RENT, as well as for 70+ projects in theater, film, television, commercial, and voiceover. She’s coached countless actors into roles for Film, TV, and Theater. Most recently, she coached and prepped Halle Bailey for her audition and screen test for Disney’s upcoming The Little Mermaid. Heidi’s active filmmaker career informs her director’s eye and influences her aesthetic for working with actors.
For full acting coach bio, click here. For filmmaker portfolio, click here.
Athena Colón is a bilingual, native New York actress, teaching artist, and acting coach.
Athena Colón is a bilingual, native New York actress, teaching artist and acting Coach. Athena has worked as an independent teacher and coach in New York City for 10+ years. She has trained with former Telsey + Company casting director Heidi Marshall as a coach and joyfully prepares actors for screen tests and auditions. She is the recipient of the BRIO Grant from the Bronx Council of the Arts. While earning her BFA in Theatre from Long Island University–C.W. Post, she co-created a Suzuki-based performance, Third Child, which toured Italy, the Czech Republic, and New York City. Her recent TV credits include: THE GIRL ON THE BUS, NEW AMSTERDAM, BULL, Martin Scorsese’s VINYL, JESSICA JONES, and LAW & ORDER: SVU. When she’s not acting on stage or film, Athena facilitates acting classes and conducts theatre workshops in NYC. She proudly collaborates with Heidi Marshall Studio and DreamYard.
HEIDI’S ENDORSEMENT
Athena is a tremendous coach who will draw out your confidence and (re)energize your work. She has a loving, magic touch with actors. I often partner with Athena in the prep process for actors in screen tests and role prep (e.g., Hallie Bailey is starring as Disney’s live-action Little Mermaid after we walked her through all her intense screen tests!) Actors just adore Athena’s laser-focused, energetic coaching! Her classes are totally invigorating. They’re also super fun and incredibly informative—she brings ALL the insider, behind-the-scenes knowledge from actor to actor…things you’ll really want to know when you head to set! Athena has been around the block on so many TV sets. I really, really love for working artists to teach each other.
It was terrific. I also liked how the observers had a chance to participate – not only in the discussions but as readers. I would definitely come as an observer. The class might have been a little longer – for a little bit more time for each actor to work.
This class definitely came at the right time as I navigate my way back into the industry. I appreciated that I wasn’t the only person on this journey and listening to everyone allowed me to feel part of the community and connected. And as always, Heidi’s insights regarding each actor’s work were teachable moments I could learn from.
You’re a fabulous teacher Heidi – always bringing new things – I experience it as if you have an essentially endless supply of new ideas, perspectives, ways to get at the work. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I really appreciate the deeply kind, supportive, nurturing environment and tone Heidi you set for the class. I love that you start off with saying you don’t need anyone to prove they can act. When everything can feel shaky and like a million things at once and like you’re sort of on your own, or you’re not where you want to be when you want to be there, you just provided this element of warmth, trust and safety that really warmed and comforted me, and I’m sure others. Just thank you. I can’t wait to learn more from you <3
Full disclosure — please note that we do not guarantee that actors in our online or in-person acting classes will be hired for any project that we might direct, produce, or cast. We teach and coach because we enjoy supporting and nurturing actors as you develop your personal process for auditioning, working and creating your own work.