FAQ:

BLACK = ABOUT CLASS

ORANGE = ABOUT REGISTRATION

1. What’s the difference between an OPEN and an APPLICATION CLASS?
2. What is Scene Study class like?
3. What Scene Study class am I best suited to?
4. How do I notify my instructor if I have specific access needs?
5. What if I have to miss part of a Scene Study class for an audition or I’m away a whole class? Is there a missed class policy?
6. How do I register for class?
7. How will I be notified if I am accepted into Scene Study class?
8. Why did I not get placed in the Scene Study class I applied to?
9. If I’ve taken class before at The Dirt, do I still have to fill in an online registration form?
10. Do you offer pro-rated fees at The Dirt if I can’t attend every class?

1. What’s the difference between an OPEN and an APPLICATION CLASS?

Students are accepted into OPEN classes [Grant Writing] on a first-come, first-serve basis – once the spots are filled, registration is closed.

To attend an APPLICATION class [Scene Study], you will need to apply and follow a specific registration process, which includes sending a resume and a demo reel/self tapes. The instructors place students into the appropriate level class based on experience level, optimal pairings and availability. You will be notified if you have been accepted into a Scene Study class generally 3-4 days after the Application Deadline.

2. What is Scene Study class like?

3. What Scene Study class am I best suited to?

We recommend John Gordon’s On-Camera Scene Study if you are a working theatre or film/television actor. JG’s Master Class is best suited for actors who are working regularly in film/television and theatre and/or who have studied with John for at least two terms. And there is no prerequisite experience required to apply for JG’s New Student Class.

Shaun McComb’s On-Camera Scene Study is best suited for actors who are new to the craft or are looking to re-examine their technique by working at a slower pace than JG’s classes.

If you’re still unsure, it’s best to audit either John or Shaun’s class to see which would be a better fit.

4. How do I notify my instructor if I have specific access needs?

You are welcome to email the instructor directly or you can fill in our Working Needs/Accommodations Request Form – click here.

5. What if I have to miss part of a Scene Study class for an audition or I’m away a whole class? Is there a missed class policy?

Please let John or Shaun know ahead of time so they can re-arrange the order of the scenes and notify the other actors. You can leave class early or arrive late after an audition.

We don’t offer make-up classes if students miss class. The exception is if a Scene Study class is cancelled due to inclement weather or instructor illness, it is made up in the 7th week either online via Zoom or in-person at The Dirt.

6. How do I register for class?

1. Click here for our Registration page.
2. Fill out the Google Registration Form for the specific Instructor and class you want to take.
3. If you can qualify for Early-Bird pricing, send an e-transfer by the Early-Bird deadline.
4. If you are applying for a Scene Study class, wait for notification of acceptance and class placement – you will notified typically 3-4 days after the Application Deadline.

7. How will I be notified if I am accepted into Scene Study class?

We will contact you no later than 3-4 days after the Application deadline (usually 7-10 days before the start of the first class) to let you know if you’ve been placed in your first or second choice.

If we cannot place you in a class and you have paid the early bird registration fee, the entire fee will be returned to you via e-transfer.

8. Why did I not get placed in the Scene Study class I applied to?

We try very hard to accommodate all the students that apply to The Dirt, however there are a few reasons why you may not get placed in your chosen class:

1. If an application is incomplete or the instructor has difficulty communicating in a timely manner with a prospective student, your application may be declined.
   
2. Students are placed into classes based on experience, availability and optimal pairings with other actors. If we are not able to place you, we will certainly recommend an alternate class at The Dirt or another studio.

• Please note we do not tolerate harassment nor condone aggressive behaviour towards our instructors during the application process.

9. If I’ve taken class before at The Dirt, do I still have to fill in an online registration form?

Yes please! It helps us organize our numbers for the classes.

10. Do you offer pro-rated fees at The Dirt if I can’t attend every class?

Pro-rated classes are up to the discretion of each Dirt instructor. There is no general studio-wide policy on offering pro-rated classes.