Acting Classes at JTA Talent in Charlotte taught by Martin Thompson 

Email: martinthompson@mindspring.com Phone:  704.458.1952  For more info about all of Martin Thompson's classes, go to:  www.MartinThompson.net/acting/classes.com


Basic Acting Technique:  Sundays 5:00 - 7:00PM

March 7th - May 9th, 2010  ~ 8 classes (no class on 4/4 or 4/11 Easter break)

Fee: $195

This class provides a very practical and easily accessible method of working for both beginning and experienced actors. Incorporating today's best and most modern principles of acting, this distinctive Layering Technique has been developed by the instructor to provide a practical working foundation for the actor, and to serve as a solid framework on which to build more complex work. Here the actor will identify his unique responsibilities to the creative process, study the essential tools of his craft, and learn to properly apply those tools towards the creation of reality on the stage or in front of a camera.

Intermediate Scene Study:  Sundays 7:00 - 9:00PM

March 7th - May 9th, 2010 ~ 8 classes (no class on 4/4 or 4/11 Easter Break)

Fee: $195 

For the more advanced actor, the emphasis of this class is on the practical and creative application of the actor’s technique through a variety of scene work. In this class we will explore the unique skills required to be a truly creative actor. Students will discover how to make strong and interesting choices, and how to unlock the pathways that propel a character into dynamic action. Other topics will also include: script and character analysis, audition techniques, rehearsal methods, and specific performance skills for both period and modern plays. Students must be prepared to spend time outside of class for rehearsal with their scene partners. Instructor's permission is required for those who have not taken the Basic Technique class.

Advanced On-Camera Scene Study:  Mondays 7:00 - 9:00PM

March 8th - May 10th, 2010 ~ 8 classes (no class on 4/5 or 4/12 Easter Break)

Fee: $225

Designed for the working professional actor, this class will focus on the practical and creative application of the actor’s technique for the camera. This class will explore the unique skills required to be a truly creative actor, even with the limited rehearsal time and hectic pace of Film and TV. Students will discover how to unlock their own pathways to instantly make strong, interesting, and unique choices which will propel their character into dynamic and truthful behavior. The class will also cover audition techniques, rehearsal methods, script and character analysis, plus the specific adjustments required between the stage and the camera. Scenes, monologues, and audition material will be taped at each class, and students can receive an edited copy of their work for use on their reel or website. 

One Day Workshops in March: The Actor’s Point of View!

Seating for both of these workshops is extremely limited, and advanced reservations are required. No walk-ins!

The Actor's Audition:  Give 'em your best shot - every time!

Saturday, March 20th, 2010 10AM - 5PM

Casting directors can tell you what they want to see at an audition. But, in this workshop you’ll discover how to actually get there, from the actor’s perspective! This full-day workshop will lead actors through the process of booking the job, using unique audition strategies that allow the actor to win every time! And, we’ll focus on the mechanics and special techniques required to nail your audition in front of the camera. All participants will be video-taped, using actual scenes from television shows and movies that have been auditioned and filmed in our area.  Age limit: 16 and up.

Topics will include:

• Your Type, and how to maximize your edge
• Ace the Interview
• Taking control in the audition, and making it yours
• The mechanics of on-camera auditioning
• The art and science of auditioning at your best
• The secrets that Casting Directors WON’T tell you!
• The unique requirements of on-camera performance
• Self-taping and submitting your perfect audition
• and MORE.....

The Actor’s Real Job:  Running your Acting Career as a Business

Saturday, March 27th, 2010 10AM - 5PM

It’s not enough just to be good at what you do, it’s also important to make a living doing it! 90% of the actor’s job is looking for work, the other 10% is spent actually working! In this workshop we’ll learn the essential tools of managing your career as a business, and discover how to turn your “hobby” into a lucrative career. We’ll create marketing materials – headshots, resumes, demos, websites – that stand out from the crowd, and sell you at your best! You’ll learn how to most effectively market yourself, how to assemble your team, what pitfalls to look out for, and when to move to the next level in your career.   Age limit 16 and up.

 Topics will include:

• What are you selling? Branding yourself.
• Who is buying, and how do I market to them?
• The tools of the trade, and how to maximize their effectiveness
• Agents: How do I get one, and how do I keep them?
• The Casting Director: What are they looking for?
• Job opportunities in the Southeast. Where is the work?
• Unions: When should I join?
• Record keeping and, ugh... Taxes!
• and MUCH MORE!

About the Instructor:

Martin Thompson (AEA-AFTRA-SAG) is an award winning professional actor with over 25 years of credits in Television, Motion Pictures, Commercials, and Industrials, as well as extensive credits on the New York stage and in Regional Theatres across the country. His daytime television work includes recurring roles on The Guiding Light, The Edge of Night, and All My Children. His motion picture credits include Spies, Mr. Destiny, Billy Bathgate with Dustin Hoffman, and Mandie and the Secret Tunnel with Dean Jones. He recently wrapped filming on Horton Foote’s Main Street with Colin Firth, Ellen Burstyn, and Orlando Bloom, and will soon be seen in the upcoming features Blood Done Sign My Name, and The New Daughter opposite Kevin Costner.

Thompson has developed a unique and passionate style of teaching - from the actor’s point of view - which provides an extremely strong foundation and technique, while inspiring each student to creative, imaginative, and truthful performance on both the stage and screen. He is highly trained in the methods of Stanislavski, Meisner, Adler, Strasberg, and Lewis, as well as the techniques of the legendary Uta Hagen, with whom he studied at HB Studios in New York.

For nearly two decades, Thompson has offered professional acting classes, workshops, seminars, and private coaching to actors in both New York and throughout the Southeast. He has taught Master Classes in Acting at North Carolina State University, Master Classes in Film Acting at Davidson College, served as Artist in Residence at Chowan College, and participated in numerous residencies across the state through the NC Arts Council's Visiting Artists program. Thompson is a proud member of Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and Actors Equity Association.