We are excited to announce our Session 5 curriculum!

JG will begin teaching Online Scene Study on Mondays as well as The Dirt’s first ever Shooting On Location Scene Study class. Actors will be able to shoot outdoors on Tuesday and then 2 days later receive feedback in a virtual talk-back class on Thursday. And SM will continue his successful weekly Self-Tape series of classes  via Zoom through September + October. Please go to Classes + Coaching for more details!

Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

We hope everyone stays safe – John, Shaun, Cynthia + Britt

 

I’ve studied with John at the Dirt on and off for a few years now. When this course went on offer, I felt he was a perfect fit for the playwright because John is interested in process over product. His techniques for actors are very practical, and yet he gives an abundance of space for artists to experiment. You get the sense you are working with a fine collaborator who is as invested in your work as you are. He is inquisitive and empathetic, demanding but not pretentious. He seems to enjoy the bad work as much as the good work, perhaps recognizing the bad work for what it is—a starting place, a rich creative territory to mine.

We pick our own texts. There aren’t many of us, so we work a lot. It’s a relaxed and refreshing professional environment. In short, I feel I have the ability here to stretch myself in ways I don’t think another class or teacher would offer.”

Brendan Hobin (Dim the Fluorescents)

Being in a class, on a screen, may be the last place we need to be right now.  The Dirt always aspires to be a space where people can have fun training, not just grind away, worrying if our peers are gaining ground or leaving us in the dust, whatever that means.

Most importantly, if being in a class right now doesn’t feel right, trust that voice! The Dirt is not going anywhere and there are many different ways for us to grow, or simply get through these days so we can come out the other side.  

Please let us know by Wednesday April 22 which option you prefer. If we haven’t heard back, we will assume that you are choosing Option 2.

Thank you for patience and your support for The Dirt – we greatly appreciate it.

Please stay safe,
John, Shaun, Britt + Cynthia

In the work with John, he might ask: “Best case scenario?” or “Worst Case Scenario?” before you begin a take.

After recently completing his 6-week Masterclass, here’s my takeaway, from worst to best:

Worst Case Scenario?

I will forget the basics.
I will revert to old tricks and habits.
I will hold onto my “mistakes.”
I will forget to take care of my partner(s).

Best Case Scenario?

I will dare to soar and to fail within the safety net of my courageous peers and a coach/director who has been there.
I will focus on the undeniably connected moments with my scene partner(s.)
I will be gentle on myself as I navigate new skills and play character types I have never been considered for.
I will embrace and celebrate my vulnerability and my willingness to keep growing, over 30 years into my career.

Tracey Hoyt  (Guidance, Len and Company, Decoys)

Do you overcommit and then get overwhelmed with your schedule?

Or do you have trouble figuring out the best time to start new projects?

This 2.5 hour Coaching + Mindfulness workshop will give you specific tools to plan your schedule to avoid energy depletion and to work more efficiently. Learning how to work with a visual Energy Map will help you navigate unexpected life stressors as well as help with decision making.

Cost:
Early-bird Registration (Monday Feb. 24): $80
Regular Rate: $100

Details:
Monday March 2 from 6:30-9:00pm at The Dirt

How to register:
(1) Fill in online google form here
(2) Send in registration fee by e-transfer to cynchanchiro@gmail.com

Tonight we wrap up 2019 and it has been a fantastic year of growth for The Dirt. Thank you to all of the new actors who came out to explore something unknown, whether that was the studio or our new coach, Shaun James McComb. And thank you to the actors who keep coming back, digging deeper and finding more play with each session. The Dirt isn’t The Dirt without actors who are willing play in it.

🧡 With gratitude,
John, Shaun, Cynthia and Britt

Please note there will be new fees beginning Session 1 of 2020. JG’s regular class fee will be $475 (early bird $425).  SJM’s regular class fee will be $400 (early bird $350).

Also John Gordon’s Advanced On-Camera Scene Study will be changing to a Master Class On-Camera Scene Study beginning Session 1 (Jan/Feb 2020).

“I was referred to John’s advanced on-camera class from actors I respect and admire in the industry. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Dirt Underneath Actor’s Space over the course of the 3 sessions I’ve taken. John brings a huge amount of experience and passion to the work. He has a great eye, and his direction always sheds new light on the scene. His approach to the work is simple yet sophisticated, and always filled with humour. Dirt Underneath is a safe space to put your heart on the line, take risks, and work on your craft.  I encourage everyone to take a class at Dirt Underneath Studios.  You won’t regret it!”

Patrick Kwok-Choon (Star Trek: Discovery)