AUDITION TO PRODUCTION

For first-time actors, directors, writers, producers and hyphenates, students are immersed in Stonestreet’s Film & TV production & post-production studio, working with the studios state of the art cameras, lenses, lights, sound equipment, staff & crew, post-production and in the real environment that they will continue to work in as their careers evolve specifically focusing on the screen acting if they are actors or directing/producing/writing if they are special students or hyphenates. 

Students work on screen acting from the audition phase through production with professional directors on sets & location, developing a professional skillset, honing and widening their techniques and tools, developing confidence through experience along with widening their hyphenate abilities to be able to produce their own careers while meeting valuable industry representation during our weekly industry nights while at Stonestreet. 

By constantly being on set and shooting projects, exploring different aspects of screen work from film to episodic, different genres and creative utilization and intersection with cinematography and visual storytelling, actors and directors hone their on screen skills, adapting and augmenting previous training. The studio at large helps actors, directors, writers, hyphenates build professionally shot material to begin their reels, while making strong relationships and bridges into the industry via weekly agent and casting director audition before graduating. 

Classes Offered During Stonestreet I which can be taken in the Spring, Summer or Fall semesters:

• Industry Talkbacks & Master Classes

Instructors: Casting Directors, Showrunners, Producers, Agents & Managers, Writers, Directors, Multi-Hyphenates

This course offers students an extraordinary opportunity to engage with a wide variety of industry leaders who are at the top of their fields. Guests include casting directors, showrunners, producers, agents, managers, writers, directors, and multi-hyphenates, all actively working in the entertainment industry. These sessions provide invaluable insights into the craft, business, and evolving landscape of film, television, and theater.

Prior guests have included a diverse range of professionals and artists such as Mike Myers, Edie Falco, Kevin Bacon, Susan Sarandon, John Cariani, Dominique Morisseau, Rachel Sennott, Ayala Cohen, Stacey Silverman, James Earl Jones, Aubrey Plaza, Bryan Cranston, Nik Walker, Harris Yulin, and Miles Teller. Students gain firsthand knowledge about navigating their careers, maintaining a creative life, and collaborating effectively within the industry.

The talkbacks often include candid conversations, practical advice, and inspiring anecdotes, offering students a unique chance to ask questions, network, and gain mentorship from accomplished professionals who have achieved success across various facets of entertainment.

• Screen Acting & Production

Instructor: Cormac Bluestone

Students in the class hone their screen acting, directing and set skills in a process-oriented environment that closely utilizes Stonestreet’s professional independent film studio setting. Students perform multiple film and TV material from un-produced and produced screen and teleplays, and are asked to develop a critical eye by both evaluating and editing footage. Focal points include script analysis, preparation of strong storytelling and character choices, on-camera technique, taking direction, and on-set flexibility and focus leading to fresh and organic performances. The class also prepares actors, directors & hyphenates for the mufti-faceted world of the screen by offering hands-on experience on set; with instructor guidance, students assume the full complement of production roles, including director, cinematographer, AD, editor, producer, and so on. Exposure and practice in these various positions aid students to feel more confident and relaxed with his or her surroundings on set, what their job is or isn’t, how to collaborate and focus, while ensuring a more natural screen presence with a deeper understanding of the full production procedure. Students are empowered to make intelligent, informed decisions both in front of the camera and in their careers.

• Directed Screen Acting & Character

Instructors: Michael Warner, Larry Ballard

This course is designed to give actors and directors, who may be theater trained, a chance to experience working on set with faculty & guest directors, bring verbal and non-verbal material to cinematically come alive via characters, and experience what it is like to reach unique, compelling, professional level screen performance - one of the most important elements of making a great film, pilot or series. 

Students learn the peculiarities and delights of screen acting by working on scripts on set in with a multiplicity of shots, genres and the studio’s equipment - experimenting with what different shots, lenses, lighting and sound can do to performance.  

While inviting any and all previously learned techniques, this class helps students widen their tools and techniques and think creatively outside of the box when it comes to creating strong, believable and moving characters on screen.  

Working on a variety of material including un-produced and original material, students strengthen their skills for creating characters and performances that can tell a story, illuminate something hidden, and develop material without a previously drawn road map. Additionally, this course pays particular attention to the director-actor relationship and helps to strengthen skills in communicating on set between actors, directors, other creatives and crew, building a rewarding experience and respectful work ethic.  Interesting and varied material shot becomes a great tool and calling card for actors and directors as they develop their emerging reels while working on their craft, developing their sense of screen presence and stretching their range of authentic believable characters.

Reviewing footage and editing work becomes a valuable tool for self-awareness, analysis and growth, that actors and directors gain while learning to create whole performances and the fun of shooting for of the edit.  

• Screen Auditions & Industry Night Prep

Instructor: Cara Ronzetti

This class is a practical class to excel at screen auditioning for everything from pilots to episodic shows, sit-coms and dramatic series as well as all genres of film. Students learn to be self-sufficient auditioners and exactly what is needed to prepare on your own so that every screen audition is compelling, unique, spontaneous and guided with strong characters and interesting choices. Choice of material and prep for Stonestreet’s weekly Screen Industry Nights that begin week 4-5, is focused on so students feel prepared and gain confidence, and have a place to come back to continue honing how these real auditions and opportunities actually go.  

• Create Your Own Material

Instructor: Gabriel Frye-Behar

This class demonstrates how students can use their training as actors to be innovative, original screenwriters as well. The class moves through the different stages of how to develop and craft an idea through a highly collaborative process, teaches techniques that allow the students to push their characters in bold and interesting directions, and illustrates the uniqueness, and exciting possibilities of telling a story cinematically. Ultimately every student stars in a short film that they have developed throughout the semester and directs a longer project that they may continue developing in Stonestreet’s Advanced Second Semester Program.

• Producing Your Career

Instructor: Rebecca Yarsin

This course is designed to give students a complete overview of how the ever changing business functions, to understand how the art and craft of acting compliment the film and television industry. Each week, we discuss facets of the business as they pertain to film, television, commercials, and industrials. Classes include mock auditions in these areas, including interviews, cold readings, and prepared auditions. Topics covered include: the role and function of the casting director, the manager, and the agent; SAG, AFTRA and EQUITY as they pertain to professional work; the climate of the business in its most employable cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta et al); the headshot’s importance; show business periodicals and websites; alternative sources to seek employment, representation, career management and continued education.

Actors will gain a deeper understanding of not only the business of acting, but where they specifically fit into and how they can also help shape the industry. How to create a website, maximize industry connections and plan for post-graduation. Special guests including producers, managers, agents, SAG reps, coaches and more will be brought in to help students apply what they are learning to audition settings, union policies, selecting material for themselves and see how they resonate within the industry.  By the end of the course students will understand best practices for headshots, resumes, self-tapes, know how to take advantage of classes offered in NYC to improve their craft and meet industry professionals, have a fully published actor/artist website, have at least one fully fleshed out on-brand social media platform and have a full roster of industry professionals with whom they are connected.

• Industry Auditions

Instructors: Guest Talent Agents, Casting Directors, Managers

This class begins week 4 through the semester, once students have had a chance to work on audition material in and outside of their other classes and are prepared to do any kind of screen audition with confidence. It is an opportunity to showcase their work and talent to visiting agents, casting directors, and managers in a short group and then one on on setting. Besides practice and making invaluable industry relationships, students get some feedback and direction they might not normally get when doing auditions. This workshop is highly regarded by the industry because of Stonestreet’s Screen Residency in both NY and LA and the impact it has on the students’ work and auditioning skills, life in the profession can be profound.

Stonestreet I is offered in Fall, Spring, Summer I, and Summer II for 8 credit hours

For more info please email ivy@stonestreet.net.

Professional Program Curriculum HERE

ADVANCED COURSEWORK TO SERIES
& FILM PRODUCTION

For actors and hyphenates who have completed Stonestreet I along with directing, writing & producing students who wish to continue their study and application in production immersed, i.e. in ‘residence’ at our fully operating film studio and post production facility. The full course and many of the classes within, challenge all contributors to cinematic storytelling to deepen their understanding and choices whether they are directing & writing for actors, or actors creating characters within those visual stories.

Stonestreet II provides opportunities to shoot professionally lit, directed, and edited original short works, from pre-production to post-production starting at the top of the semester. Actors and directors collaborate to build, develop, edit, and showcase their reels and portfolios with a range of characters and productions.

• Industry Talkbacks & Master Classes

Instructors: Casting Directors, Showrunners, Producers, Agents & Managers, Writers, Directors, Multi-Hyphenates

This course offers students an extraordinary opportunity to engage with a wide variety of industry leaders who are at the top of their fields. Guests include casting directors, showrunners, producers, agents, managers, writers, directors, and multi-hyphenates, all actively working in the entertainment industry. These sessions provide invaluable insights into the craft, business, and evolving landscape of film, television, and theater.

Prior guests have included a diverse range of professionals and artists such as Mike Myers, Edie Falco, Kevin Bacon, Susan Sarandon, John Cariani, Dominique Morisseau, Rachel Sennott, Ayala Cohen, Stacey Silverman, James Earl Jones, Aubrey Plaza, Bryan Cranston, Nik Walker, Harris Yulin, and Miles Teller. Students gain firsthand knowledge about navigating their careers, maintaining a creative life, and collaborating effectively within the industry.

The talkbacks often include candid conversations, practical advice, and inspiring anecdotes, offering students a unique chance to ask questions, network, and gain mentorship from accomplished professionals who have achieved success across various facets of entertainment.

• MicroMovies, Films, Pilots, and Series 

with Guest Directors, Cinematographer, Sound Recordist, Production Manager, AD

This is a continuation of work accomplished in the previous semester, concentrating on character work on screen. By working on set repeatedly at Stonestreet, the pressures of production can be surmounted creatively, confidently, with guidance and in a healthy way. Actors become viscerally aware of the level of their own performances in order to take control of their creative space and deliver their best, most interesting work. Film projects are directed, lit and edited with the object of being part of both a meaningful film, experiencing acting within a variety of genres, learning from reviewing dailies, rough cuts and final films and showcasing each actor’s work for festivals, and having a calling card to share with industry professionals as well as utilizing for their reels. 

Directors, writers, producers, can take a specialized track to put their prior training to practical use while working with actors who are trained and acclimated to working on screen. Directors, writers and producers who want to learn more via mentored practice and production about working with a wide variety of actors who come from very different training backgrounds are the best candidates for this ‘class’. Outcomes are polished material for professional reels or portfolios with fantastic performances. Projects are showcased in domestic and international film festivals and various streaming platforms.  

• Script to Screen - S2S

Instructors: Gabe Frye-Behar, Cormac Bluestone

A creative lab for actors, directors, writers and producers to develop and produce original material with faculty and studio support, collaborate and actualize their goals for screen. Faculty ‘facilitate’ within the context of the semester, with Stonestreet’s equipment [Arri, Sony 9, Canon cameras, Leica and Canon anamorphic lenses, a wide variety of lights & professional level sound recording & mixing decks]. Individuals in each class and/or groups within class decide with faculty how to collaborate or silo projects focusing on the strengths, passions and area of interest within each group. Each group or section may be markedly different as to where they may want to focus on script development, adaption ideas, improvs, monologues, short pieces, music videos, PSAs or whatever creative storytelling they may want to put their focus and energies on as a group and/or as individuals. This is a playground and place with support and assistance to develop and/or make one’s own work and exercise both screen acting skills, directing, writing, producing and production skills. Projects that are finished during and beyond the semester, also often go to festivals and platforms that then feature all those who collaborated. Subsequent seasons or episodes often carry actors and creatives involved beyond the semester into the profession.

Filmmakers can focus on directing, script development, or collaborative storytelling, while actors hone their screen performance skills. Groups work on a variety of projects, including short films, pilots, music videos, PSAs, and more. In essence, the course emphasizes teamwork and practical application, staff and faculty mentorship along with opportunities for finished projects to be submitted to festivals or developed further beyond the semester.

• Screen Improv & Comedy Salon

Instructor: Patrick Keene

A practical class for actors, directors and writers to explore improvisation specifically developed from UCB principles for film and television. This class often catapults participants to feel comfortable improvising for screen in a wide variety of outlets from sketch comedy to drama, film and commercials. Actors focus on skills that translate for screen in a grounded way while still utilizing the imaginative, playful, fresh and unpredictability of improv. This is a practical class that will help actors think on their feet, create and utilize defined characters, and approach working with and without text on screen acting in new and confident ways. As the semester evolves there will be development towards a comedy salon presentation which can be live and/or recorded and become material for participants reel.

Besides participating, directors can observe and practice how to guide actors in creating authentic and grounded performances, while actors refine their ability to improvise with directors for screen. The semester culminates in a comedy and improv salon presentation, which can be live or recorded, with material available for reels or portfolios.

• Voice-Overs, Animation, Books on Tape

Instructor: Elizabeth Bunnell, Kristin Kelly, Johnna Gottlieb

An in-depth exploration of voice work for actors and filmmakers interested in working in our sound and VO studio on VO, animation, ADR, Books on Tape or audio production. This class prepares actors and directors to both audition for work in the voice-over, animation and the audio book field. 

The reality is that every actor & director will find themselves in a voiceover booth or post sound room at some point for animation, commercials, film, television, audio book or even stage. Applying technique and finding your vocal range and how to get great work from actors, in post production or the audio world is a wonderful skill to explore. All students are focused on doing practical work in both areas during the semester. Audition situations are set up where students have to truly apply what they’re learning while still garnering the coaching, feedback and direction from Stonestreet faculty.

Directors can gain insights into working with voice actors and creating compelling audio narratives. Actors focus on vocal range and practical audition techniques, while filmmakers develop an understanding of directing performances in a voice-over booth.

• Career Management; Portfolios, Screen Auditions, Self-tapes & Pitch Decks

Instructor: Liz Ortiz

An advanced course for actors and filmmakers, focusing on auditions and self-tapes. This class is an advanced screen study class where pushing an actor’s boundaries and range on screen is one of the two goals. In contrast it is also designed to help actors prepare for and further their ability to do screen auditions from cold to self-tapes. The semester offers specific forays into the various aspects of what makes a solid audition that best represents you, your skills as an actor, and your skills as an interpreter of text. Each week, students are asked to either bring in screen study work or prepare sides chosen specifically for them from network series, pilot scripts, indie films, feature films, and commercials. Students work on all types of roles, including featured principals, guest stars, and under-fives. This course gives actors a better understanding of what to expect from casting directors, directors, producers, and writers, as well as how to build a solid foundation on which to prepare and execute a confident and memorable audition. Students can culminate their screen study work done in this class into a directed production experience that can become part of the reel.

Directors gain exposure to audition processes and how to assess actors' performances, while actors learn how to interpret text and prepare for a variety of screen roles. The course culminates in a directed production experience, offering both actors and directors material for their respective reels or portfolios.

• Advanced Directing the Actor

Instructors: Malcolm Mills, Larry Ballard, Rosalyn Coleman Williams

This advanced class that takes off from Directing the Actor I. It has an emphasis on Screen Acting and performance, working on continued challenging and varied material from both a genre and character perspective. Different directing and shooting styles are embraced and while bringing work to performance level, a deeper understanding on new tools, growth and technique will be addressed while pre-production is happening for the next piece. Production value is high without slowing down to the full pace of MicroMovies. Approximately 3-4 scenes are shot per class. Actors are encouraged to work with different partners each time they work.

Directors develop their ability to work with and write for actors with rich and challenging material across genres, while actors continue honing their craft. Collaboration is key, with directors working closely with actors to bring work to a professional level.

• Advanced Audition Industry Evening Interviews & Auditions

Instructors: Guest Talent Agents, Casting Directors, Managers

Students continue to perfect their business and audition skills with the guidance and coaching of faculty, as they continue to meet additional new agents and, now, casting directors, in a more intimate one-on-one basis. This class is monitored by Stonestreet faculty, connecting what is learned in their respective classes to the real environment of an audition. Students always meet new and different guest agents and casting directors from semester to semester.

Directors learn what casting professionals look for in auditions and how to collaborate effectively with actors during the casting process. Actors refine their audition techniques with guidance from faculty and industry guests, gaining confidence for professional opportunities.

Stonestreet II is offered in Fall, Spring, Summer I, and Summer II for 8 credit hours

For more info please email ivy@stonestreet.net.

Stonestreet Independent is offered in Fall, Spring and Summer II for 4-8 credit hours. Available during Summer I with special permission.

ADVANCED PRODUCTION & INDUSTRY INTEGRATION

This curriculum uses the tools generated in Stonestreet I and sharpened in Stonestreet II to hone students' knowledge by focusing in on their interests in projects, development, advanced coursework including developing and making a VO or animation reel which includes Stonestreet’s sound room and post-production work on it.

Stonestreet Independent is offered in Fall, Spring and generally in Summer Session 2, 4-8 Credit Hours. Available during Summer I with special permission.

Stonestreet Independent also offers specialized programs for directors, producers, writers, and designers - and acting students who wish to broaden their experience and job potential behind the scenes and in front of the camera with courses and production experience in addition to or instead of an acting focus. This curriculum is set up on an individual basis and requires an interview with the Studio Director and/or Managing Director.

Classes Offered:

• Original Project Development & Production 

Guest Directors, Cinematographer, Sound Recordist, Production Manager, AD

Students spearhead a larger project in concert with the studio and faculty that they are featured in and work on as a team under a professional director, who will often act as head writer, write or adapt agreed upon material and characters for the group. The projects shoot either in NY or LA (for the LA program). Meetings or communications before the semester guide and shape the types of projects, roles, and what directors are selected which can be pilots, series, shorts or features.  

• Script 3 Screen

Instructors: Stonestreet Instructors & Staff

Students develop and work on their own original pilots, series, and films that they are featured in, develop, write, produce and direct, as a carry-over from their CYOM and S2S. Original projects can be subsequently submitted to the festival circuit, used in actor reels, and showcased on Stonestreet’s platforms and partner platforms.

• Advanced Voice Acting / Demo Creation

Instructors: Elizabeth Bunnell, Stonestreet Staff

Students will gain a deeper understanding of auditioning for VO in commercials and animation as they hone their self recording techniques and create Voice Over Reels that reflect their unique Voice. Students will leave this class armed with the tools and knowledge to market themselves as voice actors. 

Actors take the skills from VO, Animation, Audio Books from Stonestreet II and develop material, rehearse and produce with the studio a professional voiceover reel, animation reel or promo reel both experiencing the process of working on multiple types of material and voices, working in the VO booth and putting all their creating and producing skills to work. Reels are shared by the studio with Stonestreet’s network of producers and directors that work in the field and actors can share their work on all the casting platforms they’re represented on as well.

• Comedy Incubator & Improv On Screen

Instructor: Patrick Keene

By working on combining USB improv skills for screen, development of imaginative ideas & stories to establish individual comedic characters and points of view, this class will facilitate creating comedic material. The goal of class is to generate characters for screen, stand-up, self-made content, and potentially setting the groundwork for a pilot and/or sizzle reel. Part 2 includes production or performance opportunities from shooting sizzle reels showcasing characters and scripts ideas and live performances.

• Advanced Audition To Production Salon

Instructors: Guest Professionals, Stonestreet Staff 

Instructors work with actors, directors and writers individually, to identify and work towards each student's specific and personal career goals. Having a place to work on and coach for auditions to going deeply into material that is both a challenge and meaningful with the option to adapt for the screen makes the class a very personal salon for each member.

• Advanced Audition Industry Workshop 

Instructors: Guest Talent Agents, Casting Directors, Managers

This class allows the actor to continue to build upon the audition technique foundations laid in Stonestreet I and II, so they can effectively move into preparing and delivering auditions independently of the classroom setting. In addition to meeting new agents and casting directors, students have the opportunity to audition for managers, producers, and directors, honing their business and self-marketing skills. Students meet new and different guest agents and casting directors from semester to semester.

For more info please email ivy@stonestreet.net.

Click HERE for a detailed description of Stonestreet III – Independent Studio