VIP On-Camera Acting Workshop
For Teens 13-18. All levels.
In-person. Limited spots
Four weekends
Aug 21,22
Aug28,29
Sept 4,5
Sept 11,12
Saturday
Sunday
1 pm-4 pm
Total of 24 hours of Creative learning
Exposure to film and TV industry
For $1500
First 10 register for only
$1200
Throughout the workshop, you will work with Director Tony and acting teacher Danielle on producing a film about you. At the end of the workshop. You will star in your own portfolio showcase reel that presents a uniquely you. It will be a great learning experience and a great portfolio showreel. The showreel will screen to a group of industry professionals, agents, managers, and producers for up-and-coming film and TV projects.
Students are immersed in an intensive, professional educational experience, combining fun, experiential, interactive classes with direct, hands-on acting in front of the camera. Depending on your particular goals and experience, we will cater to your level.
We believe in building a strong foundation in the craft of acting. Students get the opportunity to perform what they learn on camera.
We will provide a safe, focused environment where students are alternately encouraged to come up with their ways to act out a scene.
Class Curriculum
SCENE STUDY
Working on scenes from published plays and screenplays allows actors to learn all of the basic concepts of approaching a scene: defining objectives, breaking the scene down into beats, understanding the arc, pursuing an objective, playing actions, and working to overcome obstacles.
ACTING FOR FILM
Students learn the basics of film acting and are assigned scenes, which are then worked on in front of
the camera. Students will receive an edited version of their scene at the end of the program.
IMPROVISATION
Through games and exercises, students learn how to let their imaginations run free, how to play well with others, and how to live “in the moment”—free from anticipating or planning what to do next.
VOICE & MOVEMENT
Students gain insight into the power of their voices and learn how to nurture and control their voices by exercising various resonators and muscles, which enables them to release
emotional impulses. Students will focus on breaking down inhibitions, building ensemble spirit, and providing the necessary tools to bring physical dimension to all of their roles.
MONOLOGUES
Screenplays oftentimes incorporate monologues into their dramatic structures, but more importantly, actors must learn the self-discipline to work individually, without relying on a scene partner for inspiration.
AUDITION TECHNIQUE
This class focuses on making strong acting choices with little or no preparation as well as bringing your “best self” to the audition room.
FILM CRAFT We provide all of our acting students with unique experiences of working with the director
and understand what does a director do behind the scene. Taught by the director Tony Shyu who gives a broad outline of the mechanics, language, and production. The acting students gain knowledge about behind-the-camera experience, therefore learn how to work with the director and producer.
Whether you see yourself pursuing a career in acting or want to learn these practical and applicable skills for your own personal growth, confidence and communication skills.
At the end of the class, the students’ work is celebrated in a screening open to family and friends. VIP will also invite a group of industry professionals, agents, managers, and producers seeking talent for up-and-coming film and TV projects to attend the screening.
Our VIP Team
TONY SHYU is a noted American director and award-winning screenwriter. The PSA he directed for API Vote starring George Takei, John Cho, and Constance Wu won the 2016 Videographer award. Tony has directed over 50 TV commercials in U.S. and Asia. for brands like MTV, Avon, and Visa card.
He is currently in production on a feature film Macau Omen (2020), which has won numerous awards including Best Screenplay at the 2012 Gotham film awards.
His short film, Macau Twilight (2008), was an official selection at the BFI London Film Festival. Tony also wrote, directed, and produced a feature film, Tequila Body Shots (1999), distributed by Lionsgate.
He is the producer and director of a new documentary film called The Race Epidemic. He also serves as the producer of a new American Reality TV show.
Tony enjoys working with actors and has taught Acting in Film at Hong Kong International Film Academy.
Tony received his M.F.A. in film from the renowned Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, known for creating visual storytellers.
DANIELLE HEATON graduated with a B.F.A in Musical Theatre from Emerson College in Boston MA. She acted in the film “The Box” with Cameron Diaz. Danielle has been teaching Acting for over 15 years. She works with classes of up to 15 children ages 5-19 on honing their craft, auditioning for the camera, character development, improvisation, and building confidence. She helps them prepare for upcoming auditions using various methods and also coaching for audition prep as well as improvisation and in-depth character analysis. Danielle worked for the Norwegian Cruise Lines as Voice and Acting Coach- “I have performed for Norwegian Cruise Lines on several of their shows, however, I have enjoyed my role coaching and working one on one with casts helping them integrate the material they have learned in rehearsal to the Main Stage on board. "Upon graduation, Danielle moved to NYC to play in the musical theatre.
She started working on her original screenplay as well as sketch writing. She even started puppeteering and became the voice and character behind a jovial, British eggplant named Erica with the group “Super Sprowtz”. She is currently a professional actress in Los Angeles and is starring in a variety of international commercials and indie films.