RETURN TO FRONT PAGE INFO ON ACTORS RETREAT DIRECTORS RETREAT HESTER'S CASTING CREDITS CONTACT US
RETURN TO FRONT PAGE INFO
ON ACTORS RETREAT DIRECTORS
RETREAT HESTER'S CASTING CREDITS
CONTACT US
FALL 2012 CLASSES & COACHING
Next Sessions at FILM ACTING BAY AREA begin After Labor Day, 2012.
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CLASSES & COACHING ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS FOR ACTORS AND DIRECTORS From Audition preparation to custom marketing plans, to recommendations on headshots and headshot photographers. Stand-up, scene study, monologue prep. By the hour, by appointment only. Call (650) 726-5424 or, email Hester. |
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| Scroll down for course details | Click on CONTACT US, above |
 Hester Schell with Elliot Gould, San Francisco Film Center, at the Presidio. |
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Left and above: Directors' Retreat |
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Hester Schell teaches at Registration information click here:
Film Acting Bay Area. NEW PROGRAM AT FABA: Film Acting II: Intermediate Level Saturday afternoons starting June 12, 8 sessions This on-camera class continues the development of the art and craft of film acting. With more in-depth script analysis and scene work, you'll find the underlying importance, dynamics and arch of each scene and discover a greater depth in each character through action, objectives, and given circumstances. It is a perfect class also for those acting students who already have a training in stage-acting and now would like to make the transition to film acting (without having to go through our "Film Acting I" class). FILM ACTING III- On The Film Set Industry standards, vocabulary, jargon, and actors' preparation and script breakdown for shooting out of sequence. Preparation for the realities of movie making. Class is run like a professional film set, and we will be shooting assorted exercises and scenes. CAREER MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING FOR ACTORS In depth training for the business of acting. The various tools used by actors to find the hidden job markets, how to search for projects, and what kind of marketing materials to acquire in order to compete and succeed as a professional, working actor. Topics that will be covered include audition skills, script readings, monologues, demo-reels, headshots and resume standards, casting range and type, registration with casting offices, marketing strategies and the use of Internet for enhancing your career. |
STAND UP COMEDY Find YOUR Funny Bone! Click this link for photos and press. 6 weeks developing material, working from "personal biography" in a safe, supportive and fun environment. Culminates in a a performance "Hester knows comedy and comedy audiences. I was OTHER COURSES:
TAKE THE QUIZ: Keep scrolling... |
ACTORS' RETREAT DIRECTORS RETREAT
THE DIRECTORS' RETREAT: WORKING WITH ACTORS This is the one. 2 and a half days at a country retreat center, shooting with other directors and having one heck of a great time! Skill building, networking, great food, fabulous instruction. Full participation in various exercises on and off camera. DIRECTORS - Give direction that gets results. Improve communication skills and rehearsal technique by working with experienced actors in a rehearsal model. Block a scene for the camera utilizing the language of actions and objectives. Using improvisation, class exercises, and scenes from plays and films, explore the "given circumstances" of the script and gain a vocabulary for directing which is precise and understandable. ACTORS - Network. Expose your skills to 6 directors. Improve on set communication, and give your on-camera skills a great workout. ACTORS' RETREAT |
START YOUR OWN Organize a small group session on any specific topic for 6 and you participate for FREE. Ask me how.  ABOVE: Film Arts Foundation Seminar: BELOW: Quinn Danz, Candy Campbell
'05 Directors Crash Course.
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RESUME CLINIC & COACHING RATES-- For $20 bucks, and twenty minutes- For an additional $10 and 10 minutes- Additional $30 and 30 minutes- For evaluation of monologue and/or cold reading techique, we get into full coaching sessions. $60/hour. First session is 2 hour minimum. Coaching includes character development, text analysis, voice and movement, blocking,and recommendation of reading material, etc. I also offer small groups of no more than 5. All sessions videotaped.
Or email my clicking on the email button below. Actors -RESUME CLINIC: Layout, design,content, standard industry practices for resumes. Do's and don'ts. By appointment. Call 650) 726-5424 or email. DEMO. REEL REALITY: Next date: TBA. Actors & Directors *AUDITIONS AND CASTING: CHOICES AND CHALLENGES TBA From casting announcements to call backs. Timeline, Mock Audition. Script reading sessions. Organize and run a professional session, evaluate talent and how to read a resume. Directors, register through FAF. Discount to FAF members. Registration limited to 16 directors, 8 actors. Actors attend second night for mock auditions and skill building through audition activity. We will chose a mix of actors from those interested and available. ANNUAL DIRECTORS RETREAT -Details here: |
OTHER PRIVATE CLASSES - Acting for the Camera This class is a nuts and bolts film acting basic.We work on commercials, scene work, as well as marketing and audition strategies. You will learn frameline, eyeline, making your mark and matching action. You will distinguish direct camera contact from film narrative. You will gain useful knowledge about how to launch your film career from Northern California's wealth of opportunities. Scene Study & Character Development I am currently accepting enrollments for a new group in scene study. Script analysis, character development. Maximum in any group is 5. Form your own group, I'll come to you. Career Promotions & Management/marketing. Strategy, headshots, resumes, wardrobe. Setting goals and planning your success. Private coaching starts at $60 an hour. Two hour minimum your first session. See column to your left for more information. |
So, you really want to be an actor... You've struggled with the decision and you've learned some basics. You've learned that the marketing end of the business is one thing and the craft and technique is another. You need exceptional talent. You need to be an aggressive marketer and self-promoter, aggressive enough to go after what is rightfully yours: a copy of your scene you did for no money, so you can build your experience and your resume and put actual speaking parts on your reel, so you can get into the union and move to a really aggressive market like Los Angeles. Thank God your friends are actors too, and support your decision and most of all, understand that you can't do anything else with your life and be happy. After all, you were born to be an actor. Everyone's been telling you that your whole life. And you're good. No, you're great, and you're going to make it. If you still have doubts, click here and take the quiz. More about Hester Schell: I have a Master of Fine Arts in directing from the University of Utah. I teach at SF School of Digital Filmmaking, and Film Arts Foundation. Before joining the faculty at Notre Dame de Namur University, I ran the theatre department and taught acting, camera acting, Intro. to theatre, actors' ensemble and produced the college productions at De Anza College for 10 years. I also spent a year running the Foothill Conservatory at Foothill College, in the same district. Fall quarter 2000, we went to London, England, with theatre studies abroad courses. Call me to schedule Or email my clicking on the email button below. |
TESTIMONIALS "Hester's faith and respect for students - actors and directors - is inspiring. Her insight during the process was right on!" "Hester's insight into the actor/director relationship is astounding. She really helped me to hone my craft and understand thea greater extent the actor director collaborative relationship." "First and foremost, I would like to thank you for such a fun class. Truthfully, I've received more information about the industry from you (Hester Schell) in the 8 week session than over the last 5 years that I've been acting. I like the fact that you bring great acknowledge to the class and was able to share them with us without additional charges. THAT'S A BIG PLUS! "One weekend working with actors goes a long way in learning the craft of directing - more than what can be deemed form a book." "Wonderful opportunity to work with great talent and budding directors." FILM ARTS FOUNDATION: "Hester's gift for teaching precise methods to inspire & capture great performances is remarkable. Her ability to have fun at the "By far the most useful acting SF SCHOOL OF DIGITAL FILMMAKING ACTORS' RETREAT -
"I've rarely been to a seminar that was as packed with fun and fabulous experience. An incredible bargain. " "Fun, encouraging, uplifting environment to learn and grow." "Hester goes intuitively to the level of the student, Her years of experience show through from the first moment of the seminar. She is welcoming affirming, encouraging, enlightening and she she knows when to kick butt." "Hester's faith and respect for students - actors and directors - is inpriring. Her insight during the process was right on!" "Hester gives her all to keep the Bay area movie industry alive and share her knowledge and contacts with member of the Bay Area Casting News. Join! You won't be sorry." "Hester's insight into the actor/director relationship is astounding. She really helped me to hone my craft and understand the a greater extent the actor director collaborative relationship."
"Hester's guidance and explanations were "By far the most useful acting workshop I've ever attended." Alex Plant, Actor, '06 "This will be one of your best acting experiences." With regards to your teaching style, I think that your approach is different than others in that I leave class feeling secure about my abilities (or deficits) and how to fix them I have confidence that you will tell me straight forward how I am doing in a scene, even if (and especially when) I totally sucked. Not everyone is straight forward in giving actors feedback, and I have confidence that you will push me in the right direction when I need it and also tell me straight up when I need to change. You also have an ability to speak truths about acting and the business that are immediately applicable. The little gems that you give in class have huge payoffs. I'm beginning to be challenged in my class now though, and I am enjoying being stretched (although it makes me so uncomfortable). I am trying on harder roles and digging in different places than I have before. "Hester gives her all to keep the Bay area movie industry alive and share her knowledge and contacts with member of the Bay Area Casting News. Join! You won't be sorry." "Hester's insight into the actor/director relationship is astounding. She really helped me to hone my craft and understand the a greater extent the actor director collaborative relationship." |
Please email me with scheduling options. We will need to call you to schedule.
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INFORMATION ON WEEKEND RETREATS FOR ACTORS AND DIRECTORS CLICK HERE.
