Casting Workshop with Thea McLeod - New sessions!
Founder of McLeod Casting, Thea McLeod is one of Australia’s most prominent casting directors with a wide breadth of work ranging from international films to television, Thea has a passion for discovering and nurturing the next generation of A-list actors from Australia and beyond. Thea spent eleven years in the UK where she was both an actress and a casting director, gaining much experience on an international level for film, television, and commercials.
Thea will share her knowledge with you, giving you the very best tips to enhance your opportunities as an actor in the entertainment industry.
Learn audition and self tape technique from one of the busiest Casting Directors in Australia.
Casting Workshop with Micaeley Gibson (Anousha Zarkesh Casting) - Sold Out
Micaeley Gibson is a Casting Director and Associate at Anousha Zarkesh Casting!
In her session Micaeley will share insights into the casting process, while simulating a mock audition environment. This gives actors the experience of a real audition. Micaeley will provide feedback on your performance, giving you tips and tricks that can help you nail your next audition and answer any burning questions you may have about the industry, casting and performance.
Truth To The Text for beginners with Jerome Meyer - Expressions of Interest
UTILISE AUTHENTICITY AND PERSONAL TRUTH TO ELEVATE PERFORMANCE
Timothée Chalamet, Margot Robbie, Zendaya — what do these world class performers have in common? A pure and playful dedication to authenticity on screen. Whether they are baring their soul in a gritty drug fuelled rant, putting on high-heels in a plastic dream house, or giving a rousing speech to an army of sand warriors, these actors somehow unapologetically infuse each of their characters with their own personal truth – their 'Authentic Selves'. ‘Truth to Text’ presents a tool based approach that helps actors reliably access this level of authenticity in performance.
The universe cannot resist authenticity – let's learn to bring our truth to text.
EXTENDED Casting Workshop with Stevie Ray (McGregor Casting) - SOLD OUT
We are very excited and honoured to have Stevie Ray, Casting Director at the powerhouse Casting Office McGregor Casting doing a one-day Casting Workshop at TAFTA!
They are responsible for casting films like:
BabyTeeth, Penguin Bloom, Judy & Punch, Top End Wedding, Danger Close, Thor Ragnarok, Mary Magdalene, Berlin Syndrome, Lion and many more!!!
They cast Ongoing TV Series such as:
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Wolf Like Me, Bump and Year Of, Last Days of the Space Age, Fisk, Colin from Accounts and more!
Casting Workshop with UK Casting Director Jade Rambaut (Finnian Tweed Casting)
MORNING & AFTERNOON SESSIONS AVAILABLE
TAFTA is thrilled to welcome UK Casting Director Jade Rambaut to our Australian studios. Jade is part of some of the top Casting Offices in the UK, responsible for casting projects such as: 'The Witcher' and 'Redeeming Love' (DJ Curuso (xXx, I Am Number Four, Eagle Eye). I also worked on 'Sweet Bitter' (Produced by PlanB//Brad Pitt), 'Indian Detective' (Created by Frank Spotnitz), 'Down a Dark Hall' (Starring Uma Therman, AnnaSophia Rob and Directed by Rodrigo Cortés). And I can now say 'Den of Thieves 2: Pantera' (starring Gerard Butler, O'Shea Jackson Jr and directed by Christian Gudegast and produced by eOne).
This casting workshop is a must for any actors interested in the UK industry, who want to work with a high profile Casting Director.
Casting Workshop with Daisy Hicks
Daisy Hicks is an award winning Casting Director whose work spans across film, television, theatre and musical theatre.
Having previously worked at the Sydney-based casting offices McGregor Casting and i4 Casting, Daisy's credits as a Casting Director and Casting Associate include: Tough, It's Fine I'm Fine, & Juliet, Seasons 1-3 of Bump, Joe Vs. Carole, The Dismissal, Frayed Season 2, Way Out Assistance, and many more!
This a rare opportunity to work in the room with a Casting Director who is known for her friendly, positive attitude towards empowering actors to present their best work and her insightful approach to character and script. Learn how to make an impact with your auditions and how to navigate the world of self-tapes vs. in-room auditions.
Casting Workshop with Micaeley Gibson (Anousha Zarkesh Casting) - SOLD OUT
Micaeley Gibson has worked as a Casting Director for over 22 years on some of Australia’s most ground-breaking TV and Film Productions like recent AACTA Winner Mystery Road: Origins, as well as The Stranger (with Joel Egerton), New Boy (With Cate Blanchett), The Australian Office, The upcoming series ‘Class of 07’, new Shane Warne Biopic series ‘Warnie’ and many many more.
In her session Micaeley will share insights into the casting process, while simulating a mock audition environment. This gives actors the experience of a real audition. Micaeley will provide feedback on your performance, giving you tips and tricks that can help you nail your next audition and answer any burning questions you may have about the industry, casting and performance.
Casting Workshop with Amy Mete from Nick Hamon Casting
This session will provide invaluable lessons and insight into the audition process and a chance for valuable feedback! Amy specialises in casting comedy so don’t miss this opportunity to find your true comedic essence and deliver a showstopping audition from Amy Mete in this workshop!
EXTENDED Casting Workshop with Stevie Ray (McGregor Casting)
We are very excited and honoured to have Stevie Ray, Casting Director at the powerhouse Casting Office McGregor Casting doing a one-day Casting Workshop at TAFTA!
They are responsible for casting films like:
BabyTeeth, Penguin Bloom, Judy & Punch, Top End Wedding, Danger Close, Thor Ragnarok, Mary Magdalene, Berlin Syndrome, Lion and many more!!!
They cast Ongoing TV Series such as:
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Wolf Like Me, Bump and Year Of, Last Days of the Space Age, Fisk, Colin from Accounts and more!
Their soon to be released work includes:
Foe with Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal, The Royal Hotel with Julia Garner and Hugo Weaving, Wizards with SNL’S Pete Davidson and The Fall Guy with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.
The TAFTA Studio Membership
Every Wednesday night, TAFTA will host an open studio. Actors will pre-prepare scenes with a scene partner and have the opportunity to come in and workshop that scene with an array of teachers throughout their weeks.
Give yourself permission to play, do you and trust your instincts to feel more honest, real and free.
Audition Impact with Courtney Miller
Preparing a scene for self-taping is an essential skill for every actor. Throughout this course, participants will be guided through the art of scene analysis, uncovering character motivations and emotional arcs to deliver authentic and compelling performances. Additionally, students will receive specialised training in self-taping for both the Australian and US markets, understanding the subtle differences in casting preferences to tailor their self-tapes effectively. With in-class self-tape practice, actors will refine their skills, receiving constructive feedback to build a diverse portfolio of impressive audition-ready recordings. Courtney Miller’s "Audition Process" course is a transformative journey that equips actors with the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams in the competitive world of auditions.
UK INDUSTRY MASTERCLASS & CASTING Workshop with Johnny Ong
DO YOU WANT TO WORK AS AN ACTOR IN THE UK?
Johnny Ong has been working in the UK casting industry for over 7 years, and has been able to work on some of the highest profile projects filming there over that period, including: The Crown, End of the F***ing World, Casino Royale, Outlander, Ascendant and more.
Now Johnny Works as a Freelance Casting Director, frequently collaborating with Faith Martin at Faith Martin Casting! This Masterclass & Casting Workshop will include an in-depth, interactive information session on the UK industry and how to get cast in UK projects, then working on the floor on theatrical scenes that will be allocated by Johnny!
Sian Davies - Advanced Scene Study
This exclusive course, led by renowned director Sian Davies, offers a transformative learning experience for actors seeking to refine their craft and elevate their on-screen performances. Through a combination of practical exercises and expert guidance, students will delve into essential aspects of the acting for screen process. You will explore audition and self-tape techniques, you’ll learn to harness the power of subtlety and authenticity, captivating audiences through nuanced performances that shine on camera.
The course goes beyond technical skills and delves into the heart of acting, emphasising the practice of being in-the-moment. Students will immerse themselves in the present moment, honing their ability to respond truthfully and spontaneously in their performances. Additionally, you will gain insights into on-set techniques and the expectations of a working actor, mastering the art of delivering top-notch performances in fast-paced and demanding set environments. There will be improvisational and repetition exercises, designed to unleash creativity, break free from preconceived notions, and discover the joy of playful exploration.
Self Taping With Rosie Traynor
This four week course is designed to help you create a bulletproof self tape process.
Rosie will guide you through the process of how to create a memorable self tape, with the final product catching the eye of casting directors. With different methods and techniques, you will learn how to feel comfortable and confident filming a self tape, whether that be in a studio or in your living room!
With experience as an Actor, Casting Director at Faith Martin Casting and Agent at JM Agency, Rosie Traynor has an expansive and thorough understanding of self tape auditions.
Casting Workshop with Natalie Wall (Barrett Casting)
TAFTA Melbourne is so excited to welcome one of our most highly requested teachers, Natalie Wall, Casting Director at the incredible casting office Barrett Casting, into our Melbourne studio for an Extended Day-Long Casting Workshop.
Barrett Casting have cast huge films such as the Oscar-nominated The Power of the Dog, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Babadook, The Nightingale, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Of an Age, and the recent true crime show Black Snow.
Natalie will be working in depth with a limited number of actors on the casting process, self tape technique, in-room audition technique, and how to make an impact on camera. You will get an extended period of one-on-one time in front of the camera working your scene with Natalie.
You will not only get the opportunity to perform in front of one of Australia’s busiest Casting Directors, you will also get an insight into acting craft, plus the opportunity to begin a professional relationship with Natalie.
Casting Workshop with Cinzia Coassin from Cinzia Coassin Casting (Occupation: Rainfall, Unsound)
Cinzia Coassin started her career as a theatre/film and television actor before moving into behind the scenes roles. Spurred by a desire to challenge herself and develop ideas.
As a Casting Director at CCC, Cinzia works in many other areas of the entertainment industry including development, production and financing.
She brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom covering many aspects of the industry - acting process, casting process, industry knowledge, production knowledge and more.
Recently, Cinzia has cast Occupation: Rainfall, AACTA Nominated Feature Unsound (For which Cinzia was nominated for Best Casting at the CGA Awards - the film which went on to win numerous awards), recent TV series Suka, current feature film Hostage which will shoot later this year in QLD, and is in pre-production for 6 other projects - one of which is the TV Series adaptation of Weapons of Choice by John Birmingham.
Teens Only Casting Workshop with Micaeley Gibson (Anousha Zarkesh Casting)
TEENS ONLY CASTING WORKSHOP
Micaeley Gibson has worked as a Casting Director for over 22 years on some of Australia’s most ground-breaking TV and Film Productions like recent AACTA Winner Mystery Road: Origins, as well as The Stranger (with Joel Egerton), New Boy (With Cate Blanchett), The Australian Office, The upcoming series ‘Class of 07’, new Shane Warne Biopic series ‘Warnie’ and many many more.
In her session Micaeley will share insights into the casting process, while simulating a mock audition environment. This gives actors the experience of a real audition. Micaeley will provide feedback on your performance, giving you tips and tricks that can help you nail your next audition and answer any burning questions you may have about the industry, casting and performance.
Casting Workshop with Dave Newman from McSweeney Newman Casting
TAFTA is excited to host Casting Director Dave Newman from McSweeney Newman Casting in our Melbourne Studio in October.
With a strong desire to unearth fresh Australian talent, Dave Newman is actively involved in not only finding but also nurturing the development of Australian talent. Being involved in: Nautilus (the TV series) which is currently in filming and Hitwoman's Revenge in pre-production; Love and Monsters, Blacklight, Rock Island Mysteries, The End, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, The Family Law, Tidelands, The Bureau of Magical Things, Mako Mermaids, Terra Nova, and many, many more!
Teens Only Casting Workshop with Thea McLeod (Mcleod Casting)
TEENS ONLY!
Work with the Casting Director of Neighbours! With neighbours coming back this year, Thea is excited to see new young actors and trying them in audition technique!
In this teens only Casting Workshop you will train your audition technique, building confidence in front of the camera and practicing your audition process. You will perform a scene for Thea, and work directly with her as she gives you direction and feedback on your scene, before you work through the scene again. Just like in an audition room. The workshop will end with a Q&A where Thea will provide invaluable insight into casting in the T.V. and Film industry. Thea will answer any questions you have about the industry, giving you the very best tips to enhance your opportunities as an actor in the entertainment industry.
Casting Director at McLeod Casting, Thea enjoys her twelfth year as the resident casting director for the iconic Australian TV show “Neighbours” which will sadly rest from June 2022.
Most recently Thea cast “Lie With Me”, “Better Man” for the SBS network, the controversial telemovie “Schapelle” for Channel Nine, and “UnderBelly Files: The Man That Got Away”, “City Homicide”, “What ever happened to that guy” for Foxtel. As well as many successful Australian Feature films including “Pawno”, “Spin Out”, “Emo The Musical”, ‘Summer Coda”, “Blinder”, “What if it Works”, “The Menkoff Method” plus the Netflix Original feature Film “Measure for Measure ” which she also produced.
ROLLING AUDITIONS: 2023 Full Time Program JULY Intake
Dreaming of working as a professional actor in the Film & Television industry? The TAFTA Full Time Program is auditioning now!
At TAFTA, we train our actors to Industry Standard, preparing you thoroughly for the demands and expectations of the film industry.
We are offering rolling auditions every Wednesday - click here to learn more about the full time program and book an audition at a date of your choosing.
Screen Acting for Beginners with Mick Preston
Do you want to be an actor but you don't know where to begin?
This is the course for you.
In Beginners #1 you will learn the key foundational elements of acting. Unlike other schools, our beginners course focusses on working in front of the camera, building confidence, skill and artistry on the road the screen mastery.
Perfect for complete beginners, actors who have been out of the game and want a refresher, or theatre trained actors looking to transition to screen.
Confidence & Career Planning Workshop with Will Centurion
Confidence and Career planning workshop is the first in our series of workshops aimed to empower actors with tools and strategies to navigate the ups and downs of an acting career.
Will Centurion is a mental health and mindset coach who targets the needs of creative youth and Australian performing artists. He empowers creative minds to integrate mental health strategies that support their psychological and emotional wellbeing both on and off the stage.
These sessions will manage issues such as performance anxiety and nerves, self-confidence issues, negative self talk, strategies for self care, goal setting and career planning.
Casting Workshop with Thea McLeod (Mcleod Casting) - Evening Session
Known Australia-wide for casting the hit soap opera Neighbours, this workshop will provide invaluable insight into casting in the T.V. and Film industry. Thea will share her knowledge with you, giving you the very best tips to enhance your opportunities as an actor in the entertainment industry. She will also be able to answer your questions on the future of casting - will in-room auditions ever come back?
One Day Scene Study with Director Sian Davies
Guided by one of the most experienced Film & TV Directors in Australia, this One Day Scene Study Masterclass is focused on refining your process, and exploring new on-set techniques to elevate your work on the screen. You will workshop scenes and develop a collaborative relationship with acclaimed director Sian Davies - Known for directing ‘Nowhere Boys’, ‘The Gloaming’, ‘Bloom’ and more recently ‘Surviving Summer’!
Sian has just returned from Queensland after shooting the recently released series “The Twelve” with Sam Neil and the soon to be released “Black Snow” with Vikings Star Travis Fimmel!
Available to actors of all levels; Sian will introduce you to a variety of exercises and you will walk away from this Masterclass with a new set of tools for your acting toolbelt that are practical and can be used on-set! Plus, you will get an understanding of Sian’s directing process, what he looks for when he casts actors, and a high definition copy of your scene, directed by Sian, for your casting profiles.
Casting Workshop with Dave Newman from McSweeney Newman Casting - Evening Session
TAFTA is excited to host Casting Director Dave Newman from McSweeney Newman Casting in our Melbourne Studio in October.
With a strong desire to unearth fresh Australian talent, Dave Newman is actively involved in not only finding but also nurturing the development of Australian talent. Being involved in: Nautilus (the TV series) which is currently in filming and Hitwoman's Revenge in pre-production; Love and Monsters, Blacklight, Rock Island Mysteries, The End, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, The Family Law, Tidelands, The Bureau of Magical Things, Mako Mermaids, Terra Nova, and many, many more!
National Actors Intensive 2022
Meet twelve of Australia's most Influential Casting Directors and Directors all in one week!
As well as putting your auditioning skills to the test, learning audition technique, on set acting techniques, script analysis, self tape processes and industry knowledge from the masters, actors have the opportunity to network and connect with Australia’s top Industry Professionals.
Our current Melbourne October 2022 Guests are:
Sian Davies (Director; Black Snow, The Gloaming, Bloom, Wentworth)
Scott Major (Director; Neighbours, Playing for Keeps, Riptide)
Dave Newman (Casting Director at McSweeney-Newman Casting; Tidelands, Blacklight, Love & Monsters, The Bureau of Magical Things)
Micaeley Gibson (Casting Director, Anousha Zarkesh Casting; High Ground, Firebite, Preppers, Operation Buffalo)
Grant Brown (Director; Rush, Stingers, Blue Heelers, Harrow, Love Child, House Husbands)
Amy Mete (Casting Director, Nick Hamon Casting: Why Are You Like This?)
Lou Mitchell (Casting Director, Maura Fay Casting: Doctor Blake Mysteries, City Homicide, Hotel Mumbai, Predestination)
Cinzia Coassin (Casting Director: Unsound, The Shannara Chronicles, Occupation: Rainfall)
Andy Rappos (Talent Agent: Ian White Management)
Thea McLeod (Casting Director, McLeod Casting: Riptide, Neighbours, Measure 4 Measure, Lie with Me)
AND TWO MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Self Tape & Casting Masterclass with US Casting Director Donna Morong (Morong Casting)
Donna Morong is a respected Casting Director with over 25 years in the business. She spent 15 years at The Walt Disney Company ultimately becoming Senior Vice President of Motion Picture Casting in the feature film division, where she cast films such as “PRINCESS DIARIES”, “SHANGHAI KNIGHTS”, “10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU”, “DEUCE BIGOLO”, “ANNAPOLIS”, “CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE DRAMA QUEEN”. In 2008, she won an Artios Award for casting Ben Affleck’s “GONE BABY GONE” for Miramax which garnered an Academy Award Nomination for Amy Ryan.
This extended Casting Masterclass includes a submitted self tape prior to the session, feedback on your self tape, re-shooting the tape with direction, and a final call back session. Bring your A game!
Claim The Space with Faith Martin from Faith Martin Casting
Faith Martin is a Casting Director at Faith Martin Casting, known for casting Australian films such as; Strictly Ballroom, The Sum of Us, The Crossing, Gabriel, Healing. Australian TV series such as; Blue Heelers, Water Rats, First season of Sea Patrol, A Dangerous Life for HBO and International credits including; Spartacus, Ash vs Evil Dead, Legend of the Seeker, Rectify, Black Sails.
In this extended weekend workshop you will perform a scene for Faith, getting feedback and direction from one of Australia’s longest running Casting Directors. Faith will also work with you directly on how to own your space as a performer and a human being, and how it can be applied to creating a character.
Casting Director Workshop with Amy Mete (Nick Hamon Casting)
Fresh off casting the wildly raunchy (and successful!) new comedy series ‘Why Are You Like This?’, Amy Mete is a Casting Director at Nick Hamon Casting, one of Melbourne’s top boutique casting offices!
Casting Masterclass with Ally Reynolds (Northside Casting)
Ally Reynolds is a Casting Director at Melbourne Based Casting Office - Northside Casting!
Northside Casting take a contemporary approach to casting and love to work with likeminded creatives on all projects big and small. They strive to create a warm environment that is inclusive and diverse. Their passion is to discover and nurture emerging talent and endeavour to find the best cast for the job!
This Casting Masterclass will be focussed on helping you find your relaxation and focus in the room, so you can present and expressive in the audition. Ally will then be working on Commercial/TVC auditions with you; including how to approach a casting brief, the key things that all casting directors, directors and clients look for in a TVC audition, and how to bring realistic energy and enthusiasm into your scene.
PAKENHAM: Teens Only Casting Workshop with Thea McLeod (Mcleod Casting)
TEENS ONLY!
In this teens only Casting Workshop you will train your audition technique, building confidence in front of the camera and practicing your audition process. You will perform a scene for Thea, and work directly with her as she gives you direction and feedback on your scene, before you work through the scene again. Just like in an audition room. The workshop will end with a Q&A where Thea will provide invaluable insight into casting in the T.V. and Film industry. Thea will answer any questions you have about the industry, giving you the very best tips to enhance your opportunities as an actor in the entertainment industry.
Casting Director at McLeod Casting, Thea enjoys her twelfth year as the resident casting director for the iconic Australian TV show “Neighbours” which will sadly rest from June 2022.
Most recently Thea cast “Lie With Me”, “Better Man” for the SBS network, the controversial telemovie “Schapelle” for Channel Nine, and “UnderBelly Files: The Man That Got Away”, “City Homicide”, “What ever happened to that guy” for Foxtel. As well as many successful Australian Feature films including “Pawno”, “Spin Out”, “Emo The Musical”, ‘Summer Coda”, “Blinder”, “What if it Works”, “The Menkoff Method” plus the Netflix Original feature Film “Measure for Measure ” which she also produced.
MELBOURNE
“I’m very grateful for the opportunities TAFTA has opened up for me. I would recommend it to anyone needing a launching pad for their acting career. I received invaluable mentoring, coaching and support that’s lead to an incredible agent, opportunities to audition worldwide and gained lead roles in film and TV.”
- Saskia Hampele (The Heights, Twenty Something and Neighbours.)
Not finding what you’re looking for?
We schedule new workshops and courses every month!
Fill out the form to the right if you would like to be put on the waitlist for our upcoming courses and workshops, and you will be first to know when that course is announced!