Casting Workshop with Lou Mitchell (Maura Fay Casting)
TAFTA is excited to welcome back Lou Mitchell from Maura Fay Casting. With more then 35 years in the film industry, Lou has casted a wide range of different type of projects, from TV shows through to Feature Films. Lou has valuable knowledge on not only the local industry but the international industry. Lou works close with actors to ensure that their best self is being put forward.
Casting Workshop with Jade Rambaut (Finnian Tweed Casting)
TAFTA welcomes back Casting Director and Trauma-Informed Coach Jade Rambaut for a two-day intensive on self-taping, auditioning, and actor mindset. With major credits including The Witcher, Den of Thieves 2, and Redeeming Love, Jade brings top-level industry insight.
Participants will workshop scenes, create a self-tape for final notes, and dive into NLP tools, confidence-building techniques, visualisations, and mindset strategies.
Includes Jade’s Self-Taping E-Book (valued at $20).
Casting Workshop with Thea McLeod (mcleod Casting)
MORNING & AFTERNOON SESSIONS AVAILABLE
TAFTA is thrilled to welcome back the very popular, Thea McLeod. 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 has been casting the very popular Australian classic Neighbours for 12+ years. 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.
Youth: Casting Workshop with Thea McLeod (mcleod Casting)
TAFTA is thrilled to welcome back the very popular, Thea McLeod. 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 has been casting the very popular Australian classic Neighbours for 12+ years. 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.
Casting Workshop with Will Pearce (McGregor Casting)
Back by popular demand TAFTA is happy to welcome back Will Pearce. His casting career started in London, where he worked with some of the UK’s top casting directors. Will joined McGregor Casting in 2017 and has worked as an Associate and Casting Director on many Australian and International projects. Will was named a Rising Talent as a Casting Director for 2024 by IF Magazine & is an active member of The Casting Guild of Australia. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet and work with the future of casting in Australia.
Casting Workshop with Stevie Ray (McGregor Casting)
SATURDAY & SUNDAY SESSIONS AVAILABLE
Due to popular demand Stevie Ray will be returning for another casting director workshop. Stevie is responsible for casting many high end Australian and International Projects. This extended day-long Casting Workshop is an unbelievable opportunity to get in front of the top Casting Directors in Australia. If you’re watching something and say to yourself “Who cast that?” It was probably Stevie. Learn how to make an impact with your auditions, what McGregor Casting looks for in an actor, and how to navigate the world of self tapes vs in room auditions.
Casting Workshop with Stevie Ray (McGregor Casting)
SATURDAY & SUNDAY SESSIONS AVAILABLE
Due to popular demand Stevie Ray will be returning for another casting director workshop. Stevie is responsible for casting many high end Australian and International Projects. This extended day-long Casting Workshop is an unbelievable opportunity to get in front of the top Casting Directors in Australia. If you’re watching something and say to yourself “Who cast that?” It was probably Stevie. Learn how to make an impact with your auditions, what McGregor Casting looks for in an actor, and how to navigate the world of self tapes vs in room auditions.
Casting Workshop with Jane Norris - SOld Out
Jane has been a Casting Director for over 20 years, having worked on feature films, limited run series and episode TV series. She has collaborated with all television networks as well as with leading producers, directors and production companies in Australia and overseas. Renowned across the film and television industry for her ability to discover new talent, Jane’s eye for on-screen potential has seen her create award-winning casts that merge new and exciting Australian talent with international actors. Jane has championed many young actors in the early stages of their careers including discovering Kodi Smit McPhee, Angourie Rice, Julian Dennison, Odessa Young, Sam Corlett, Toby Wallace, Ed Oxenbold, and Morgan Davies
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.)
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