Upcoming classes & workshops
Ongoing Scene Study Class
Whether you are pursuing stage or on-camera work, if you are interested in a reliable process, one that will help you connect more deeply with your work, I hope you’ll join my upcoming Ongoing Scene Study Class.
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Actors like athletes need to workout to stay in shape. Continuing to challenge yourself with character study, scene work and exercises are powerful ways for actors to continue their growth.
When: 6 Saturdays, November 2, 9, 16, 23, and December 7 and 14, from 1 to 5 pm Where: Grain Belt Bottling House Studios, NE Minneapolis Cost: $250 A thorough description of the class is here. 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. |
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On-Camera Audition Workout
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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:
When: 4 Tuesdays 11/12, 11/19, 12/3 and 12/10, from 6 to 9 pm Where: Grain Belt Bottling House Studios, NE Minneapolis Cost: $200 |
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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.
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.
Seats are limited. If you want to join the class or have any questions, reach out via this form ASAP. I’m happy to talk about my approach, the class, or how it will benefit you at your experience level.
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.
Seats are limited. If you want to join the class or have any questions, reach out via this form ASAP. I’m happy to talk about my approach, the class, or how it will benefit you at your experience level.
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.
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...
“Casey's class was challenging, insightful, fun and engaging. I learned a lot about myself and who I am as an 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. I was challenged to think but still had careful explanation in areas I was new in. I felt safe and free to do my best work!” Paul Ngang, Actor
"Casey really helped push me out of my comfort zone to challenge me in new and different ways - 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
"Casey's exceptional care for his students shines through in his insightful teaching method. His class has empowered me to explore acting in new ways, encouraging deeper character exploration and stronger decision-making that I carry into my acting and day-to-day life." Joy Ford, Actor-Model
“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
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.
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...
“Casey's class was challenging, insightful, fun and engaging. I learned a lot about myself and who I am as an 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. I was challenged to think but still had careful explanation in areas I was new in. I felt safe and free to do my best work!” Paul Ngang, Actor
"Casey really helped push me out of my comfort zone to challenge me in new and different ways - 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
"Casey's exceptional care for his students shines through in his insightful teaching method. His class has empowered me to explore acting in new ways, encouraging deeper character exploration and stronger decision-making that I carry into my acting and day-to-day life." Joy Ford, Actor-Model
“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
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Knowing your playable types and effectively marketing them in your headshots is a common practice in competitive film and episodic markets. With a more competitive Film Production Tax Credit local actors are up against seasoned performers from these competitive markets for jobs in Minnesota. Actors here need to be representing themselves in the same way.
In this professional development workshop we cover the importance of understanding your playable types and how to translate that information into effective headshots. The goal being to increase your chances of being seen for roles you are right for. |
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We spend the majority of our time focusing on each actor individually to help define for them their playable types. That is, how they are perceived by those around them.
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
"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
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
"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:
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 brings a broad and deep skill set to the table as a director, cinematographer, and actor." Jared Martzell, Actor
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 brings a broad and deep skill set to the table as a director, cinematographer, and actor." Jared Martzell, Actor
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.
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
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.
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
