New Student Class

I opened The Dirt Underneath Actors’ Space in 2014, after teaching for 10 years at The Professional Actors Lab, where I worked with the methods of David Rotenberg.

I’m looking forward to meeting you — and to the work we’ll do together. – JG

John Gordon’s

On-Camera Scene Study [New Student Class]

The New Student Class is designed for a range of actors:

  1. Actors early in their journey—those who’ve started working in film and television and are now seeking a solid foundation.
  2. Actors with theatre or conservatory training who are wondering how well that training translates to on-camera work. (Sometimes it does. Sometimes it doesn’t.)
  3. Actors who are brand new to it all and don’t yet know what they don’t know.

Now, I get it—if you’re in group one or two, you might be wondering if being in a class with complete beginners will slow you down or be a waste of your time.

But here’s what’s true: right now, on sets in Johannesburg, Barcelona, Tokyo, Dublin, Mumbai, New York, London, and Toronto, there are actors with zero experience stepping into roles—because they’re exactly who the director envisioned. And everyone else in the cast has to bring their best and help bring out the best in the newcomer.

Which means that—right now, somewhere in the world—a scene is being shot with three actors: one who’s done a few student films (group 1), one with classical theatre training (group 2), and one total beginner (group 3). That scene might end up in a film that wins awards at festivals, and might become one of your favourite pieces of art of all time.

This class reflects the real world in that way.

Three-Week Syllabus:

Week One
Scene study with assigned scenes, using a two-camera setup. We’ll explore various approaches to script analysis to discover what resonates with you as an individual actor.

Week Two
Audition technique with assigned scenes in a one-camera setup, replicating the feel of a real audition. We’ll talk about preparing for both in-person and self-taped auditions.

Week Three
On-camera improv using different scenarios. For many actors, this work brings a sense of freedom and helps clarify what the actor’s job truly is when the camera is rolling.

Maximum number of students: 8-10

Click here for Class Times (these classes are typically offered on Tuesday afternoons.

Type of Class: APPLICATION

Early-bird fee for a 3-week New Student Class$300 inc. hst
Application Deadline fee for 3-week New Student Class$325 inc. hst
Go behind the scenes to watch Bryce Fletch’s experience in JG’s Scene Study class!
Or click here to JG’s student testimonials.

I worked with John in my class a few years ago and he came at the work with a passion and openness that made working with him an absolute pleasure. Over the years, many of my students have worked with John in his classes and all have had nothing but praise for him as an acting coach. When actors in Toronto and in my class ask me if I have any recommendations for a scene study class, without hesitation I always send them John’s way.

John Riven (Meisner Acting Teacher)