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 can join OPEN classes [Grant Writing] on a first-come, first-served basis; registration closes when spots are filled.

To join an APPLICATION class [i.e. Scene Study], you must apply and go through a registration process that involves sending a resume and a demo reel/self tapes. Instructors will assign you to a class based on your experience, pairings, and availability. You will be informed of your acceptance into a Scene Study class about 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 suggest John Gordon’s On-Camera Scene Study for active theatre or film/television actors. JG’s Master Class is ideal for those who regularly perform in these fields or have trained with John for at least two terms. There are no prerequisites to join JG’s New Student Class.

Shaun McComb’s On-Camera Scene Study is ideal for new actors or those wanting to rethink their technique with a slower approach than JG’s classes.

If you’re uncertain, it’s a good idea to audit John or Shaun’s class to find the better option.

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

You can email the instructor or fill out 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 change the scene order and inform the other actors. You can leave class early or arrive late after an audition.

The studio does not provide make-up classes for missed sessions, except when a Scene Study class is cancelled due to bad weather or instructor illness. In such cases, the class will be rescheduled in the 7th week, either online via Zoom or in-person at The Dirt.

6. How do I register for class?

1. Visit our Registration page.
2. Complete the Google Registration Form for your chosen Instructor and class.
3. If eligible for Early-Bird pricing, send an e-transfer by the deadline.
4. If you’re applying for a Scene Study class, wait for the acceptance notification and class placement – you’ll usually be notified 3-4 days after the application deadline.

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

We will reach out to you 3-4 days after the application deadline (generally 7-10 days before the first class) to inform you if you got your first or second choice.

If we can’t assign you to a class and you’ve paid the early bird fee, we will refund the full amount through e-transfer.

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

We work hard to accommodate all students who apply to The Dirt, but there are a few reasons you might not be placed in your preferred class:

1. An incomplete application or lack of timely communication with a prospective student may lead to a declined application.
2. Students are assigned to classes based on their experience, availability, and compatibility with other actors. If placement is not possible, we will suggest an alternative class at The Dirt or another studio.

• We do not tolerate harassment or aggressive behavior 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?

The studio usually doesn’t offer pro-rated classes, but an instructor may sometimes accept a pro-rated fee.