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Training

Acting classes & professional development workshops

Upcoming classes & workshops

​Self Tape Boot Camp: On-Camera Audition Intensive
Casting Directors in all markets, including this one, have confirmed, “Actors need to know how to self tape.”  This is important for local performers because auditions for projects coming to Minnesota using the film production tax credit are being done via self tape.

The Self Tape Boot Camp: On-Camera Audition Intensive is a hands-on, in-depth experience to help actors become stronger auditioners, whether they are auditioning at home, remotely, or in the casting office.

Experienced and beginning actors: no matter where you are in your auditioning skills, you will level up. Actors already auditioning on camera will grow their existing skills, and self tape set up.  Actors new to self taping and on camera auditioning will begin their foundation for these necessary skills.​
When: Tuesdays 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, and 7/29​, 6-9 pm
Where: Grain Belt Bottling House Studios, NE Minneapolis
Cost: $300

In the intensive we will cover:
  • Self tape best practices
  • On-camera techniques
  • Audition preparation
  • Quick & efficient line memorization
  • Slates
  • Cold readings
  • Editing and uploading
  • Virtual auditions
  • Resolving any tech issues with your gear
  • Assessing your home set-up and recordings

Throughout the course we will continuously work on-camera with feedback. And you will apply these skills in mock-auditions.
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​Please confirm soon as there are limited seats.  If you would like to join the class or have any questions, contact me via this form ASAP.  I’m happy to talk about my approach.

What’s been said…
“I was correcting mistakes I didn't even know I was making and have been able to eliminate the distraction and stress over how the tape looked so I could focus on the audition itself. I couldn't recommend this bootcamp enough!!”  Gabrielle Katterjohn, Actor

“As an actor today, there is a lot of pressure to produce an amazing self tape that will (hopefully) book you the job. I’m so grateful I found Casey Lewis.”  Katey Kraemer, Actor

"He brings a broad and deep skill set to the table as a director, cinematographer, and actor."  Jared Martzell, Actor

Follow the Studio on social media for updates.
If you are interested in our training, help us deliver opportunities that work with your schedule by participating in this survey.

Rotating classes & workshops offered

 
Ongoing Scene Study Class
This class is designed for actors who want to develop their craft, who are interested in challenging themselves by working in a way that is more concentrated and provides a process to connect more deeply to the work.

​​Actors like athletes need to workout to stay in shape. Continuing to challenge yourself with scene study, character development and acting exercises are powerful ways for actors to continue their growth.
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Our focus is on scenes and exercises.

Actors choose their scenes and partners. They are asked to look for two-person scenes, between 3 to 5 minutes in length, preferably from plays, but more importantly with characters that speak to them, that they connect with. Actors will work on their scenes multiple times in class during the six sessions providing them ​the opportunity to apply and refine their skills, and build a character, personalizing the work throughout the process. Actors are expected to rehearse with their scene partners outside of class.

Acting exercises are used to help the actor become more connected and concentrated in their work. Exercises are assigned based on the areas of development where the actor needs focus. Some exercises require preparation outside of class.

Class differs from week to week but with the same loose structure of beginning with exercises then moving on to scene work. Every effort is made for each actor to work at least once each class. Actors should try to not miss class. Each missed class is a missed opportunity to work, and in the case of scene work a missed opportunity for your partner.

Acting is an ongoing, ever-developing process. Traditionally scene study classes are not "one-offs." As this is an Ongoing Scene Study Class actors are encouraged to continue with it, or come back to it over time to continue to develop and challenge themselves.

Whether you are pursuing stage or on-camera work, if you are interested in a reliable technique, one that will help you connect more deeply with your work, I hope you’ll join my Ongoing Scene Study Class.

Class meets for six sessions, over a six week period, and is intended for adult actors. Each session lasts 4 hours.
What's been said...
“After getting by on instincts as well as the tips and tricks picked up along the way, Casey provided an opportunity to learn how to approach any role, any audition and be able to make it believable in a way that resonated with me. I love how the classes are structured as the repetition with watching how he works with other actors is just as beneficial as when he is working with you and your scene partner.” Andy Chambers, Actor

​“The class helped me to connect deeper to my characters, gain more trust in myself, and was a safe space to explore my own vulnerability through exercises as well as the scene work.” Dani Krivinchuk, Actor

​“Whether it was the exercises in the class or the scene work we did, it was thanks to Casey’s patience as a teacher that I was able to grow as an actor. ” Paul Ngang, Actor

"I appreciate how focused he is on drawing out aspects of myself I wasn't fully aware of, or didn't think I was capable of fully expressing initially." Aaron Grono, Actor-Improviser

“I love how this class helps me figure what I actually and literally know about the characters I am studying. I am learning how to nurture pieces of myself that will ultimately help to create more authentic interpretations of the people I play.” Beth Desotelle, Actor

​“Casey Lewis is the most insightful coach I've encountered. ...
“Casey really took my talent to unprecedented levels.” 
Simon Anthony Abou-Fadel, Actor
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“He has the heart of a teacher and the desire to make a difference in the lives of those with whom he is interacting.” Sean Byrd, Instructor, Department of Theatre - Normandale Community College

Advanced Ongoing Scene Study Class
The Advanced class is invitation-only.  Actors participating in the Advanced class have taken the Ongoing Scene Study Class one or more times. 

 
Actor Typing Workshop
This workshop is only offered one or two times a year.
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In this workshop we cover the importance of 
understanding your playable types, and how to translate that into effective headshots to increase your chances of being seen for roles you’re right for!

The biggest benefit of the workshop, and what we’ll spend the majority of our time on, is focusing on each actor individually to help define for them their playable types. That is, how they are perceived by those around them.

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​Actors walk away with actionable, valuable, individualized information they can use to take their acting pursuits to the next level.
​This workshop is intended for adult actors, though teen actors are welcome. Actors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent.

This is a one-time workshop lasting approximately 3 hours.

What's been said...

“Casey brings decades of experience and real-world practicality to the services he provides. ...
Casey is a true professional and I look forward to working with him again."
  Steve Mallers, Actor

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"​Working with Casey in the Actor Typing Workshop was not only encouraging personally, but empowering to know that this type of education is advancing the Minneapolis market with competitive and necessary knowledge."  Chelsie Grant, Actor

"The combination of his expertise in the business and his good humor and encouragement make for an open, warm learning environment." Teresa Bisson, Actor

​Self Tape Boot Camp: On-Camera Audition Intensive
Casting Directors in all markets, including this one, have confirmed, “Actors need to know how to self tape.”  This is important for local performers because auditions for projects coming to Minnesota using the film production tax credit are being done via self tape.

I purposefully call this a Self Tape Boot Camp rather than a class because I want actors to have the expectation they will be drilling the on-camera audition process – actively working to get better at it – no matter where they are starting from.

In the Boot Camp we will:

  • Cover best practices
  • Work in front of the camera with professional sides, and review the work
  • Focus on audition prep, interpreting sides, and making engaging choices
  • Focus on each actor’s individual needs
  • Drill cold readings

​Experienced or beginning actors – no matter where you are in your auditioning skills, you will level up.

Actors with home set-ups will have the opportunity to receive feedback on their set-ups and pre-recorded videos they share in class – to improve on the product they are producing.

What's been said...
“I was correcting mistakes I didn't even know I was making and have been able to eliminate the distraction and stress over how the tape looked so I could focus on the audition itself. I couldn't recommend this bootcamp enough!!”
  Gabrielle Katterjohn, Actor

“As an actor today, there is a lot of pressure to produce an amazing self tape that will (hopefully) book you the job. I’m so grateful I found Casey Lewis.”  Katey Kraemer, Actor

"He offers practical, actionable advice and coaching that has increased my confidence in my self-tape auditions."  Rich Remedios, Actor

​On-Camera Audition Workout
This 4-week series of workouts is designed for experienced actors interested in improving their on-camera audition skills.  Actors in this class will be drilling the on-camera audition process – actively working to get better at it.

In the workouts we will:
  • Work on camera with film and episodic sides, and review the work
  • Build on your on-camera audition technique
  • Refine your audition prep process for interpreting sides, and making engaging choices
  • Drill cold readings
  • Focus on each actor’s individual needs

​In each session we will work on-camera with feedback. And you will apply these skills in mock-auditions.  No matter where you are in your auditioning skills, you will level up.  This class can be repeated for continued confidence and skill development.
Actors who have taken my Ongoing Scene Study Class or Self Tape Boot Camp are invited to join.  Actors who have not are welcome to submit their demo or self tape samples to be considered.

The Actor as a Business – Understanding the Business Side of Acting to Enhance Your Artistic Pursuits

Pursuing a career as an actor is filled with many challenges.  Following your passion with an understanding that as an actor you are both artist and business owner will better prepare you for the experiences you are likely to encounter in a highly competitive industry.  Participants in this workshop will gain an understanding of the importance of “types”; how to create an effective headshot (what to strive for and what to avoid); the various types of auditions and possible pitfalls; the principles of self-taping; proven strategies for self-marketing; and many other crucial career management topics.  Whether an actor is working in a small or medium sized market, or preparing to relocate to a larger, more competitive market, the content and discussions shared will be eye-opening and empowering.
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​This professional development workshop is intended for adult actors, though teen actors are welcome.  Actors under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent.

This is a one-time workshop lasting approximately 3 hours.

What's been said...

"I no longer see myself as just an actor or an artist, but as a brand and a business. And you were able to fill in area's of my unique blueprint that I was unaware even existed. And from that, I've been able to restructure my goals and look forward to taking things to the next level."  Shawn Dunbar, Actor

​“… a skilled professional who can impart to others important lessons about the business and craft of acting.”  Zachary Bortot, Assistant Professor of Theatre - Biola University
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CEL Studio, LLC helps actors achieve their career goals with impactful training, type specific headshots, professional self taping, and coaching and consulting. 
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