Kids Diamond Aventurine
We’ve discovered an ancient, legendary storybook, gleaming with brilliant tales of powerful trailblazers throughout history. But finding it was the easy part—protecting it from those who want to snatch and destroy it means epic challenges await! Your task is a mammoth one, LeBlancers: protect this storybook, while also learning the eight great, powerful techniques that lie inside—so that you may grow in bravery, boldness, and begin to trailblaze your own unique path. Hurry—the pages are turning!
We’ve discovered something ancient, mysterious, and powerful: a storybook called The Tale of the Trailblazers. Inside its pages lie eight mysteries—each one holding powerful, classified techniques for those daring enough to forge their own path. But many others are after this storybook, and some do NOT plan on treating it with care! It’s up to you, LeBlancers, to protect this legendary artifact, and while it’s in your possession, gleam insight from the eight epic techniques that help make trailblazers stand out. In doing so, you’ll become a future trailblazer as you soar onto magnificent roads ahead.
Eight delicate pages of old, each with a unique technique to be revealed, as we blaze ahead together. Every class you’ll dive into an acting technique, and in the end, find that you are making a mark in storytelling that is all your own. But what exactly IS a trailblazer? A trailblazer is someone who charges ahead, smashes through goals, and inspires everyone around them. So the challenge that has been tasked upon you this term, LeBlancers, is about being bold, brave, and unafraid to stand out. And we know you can do it!
But watch out—others are after this storybook, and you must protect it week after week! As your trailblazing skills grow, so will your strength in protecting this remarkable book. But no one can do it alone, so we must work together! Are you ready, LeBlancers? We are bursting with curiosity to see what’s written on Page 1 … turn the page, and let’s get into it!
Schedule has not been released yet.
WEEK 1: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO NOT GET LOST IN A CROWD
WEEK 2: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO LET THE EYES SPEAK LOUDLY
WEEK 3: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO BE ABLE TO TURN AT THE FLICK OF A SWITCH
HOLIDAY CLOSURE
WEEK 4: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO TRANSFORM DEEPLY INTO CHARACTER
WEEK 5: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO FULLY EMBODY A REACTION
WEEK 6: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO BOOST YOUR SCENE PARTNER UP
WEEK 7: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO INSPIRE OTHERS WITH YOUR WORDS
HOLIDAY CLOSURE
WEEK 8: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO NOT SEE THINGS IN ONE WAY
We are our students' biggest fans; we love seeing them perform and use their skills. At L.S.A., we tell our students that taking videos and pictures of yourself in performance or while practicing is a great tool to go back and reflect on your abilities. However, we hold a strong stance on maintaining a respectful environment, and to that end, no recording of full classes is permitted at LeBlanc.
Parents may only record their child during class when it is their turn to perform, and they hear the word "Action!" and stop when they hear the word "Cut!". Feedback and instruction are not to be filmed and shared.
Our school is built on our unique approach to teaching, and many of the techniques we share in class are exclusive to LeBlanc. We believe that all our students learn in a safe, comfortable, and engaging way. By doing so, our students have an atmosphere for optimal learning and skill retention!
Although we all know you are online learning professionals at this point, we just want to make sure everyone is in the loop with our key virtual acting class etiquette:
Our class time is valuable, and we want to make sure our students have conducive learning environments and are ready when the clock strikes. To ensure our students have the best experience possible, LeBlanc School of Acting has a strict 'Late Policy'.
Our Late Policy means that if you are more than 10 minutes late, you will unfortunately not be allowed to participate in class and will not be let in from the Zoom waiting room.
At LeBlanc, we work hard to create exciting class plans coordinated to class time. By being late, our students lose out on key elements and education while disrupting the class flow and learning of others.
Our team is always open to working with unexpected schedule changes or appointments; they just need to be made aware ahead of time. If your child will be late, please email admin@leblancschool.com to let us know in advance.
WEEK 8: WE DARE YOU TO FLIP THE EMOTION
Joy-Sadness. Anger-Fear. Disgust-Trust. Anticipation-Surprise.
It’s Performance Week!
This week, you’ll be performing a scene audition-style. Read on for required prep and your script.
Can you believe we’ve come to Week 8 of the term, LeBlancers? You’ve made it through seven thrilling dares and bold adventures. You’ve met each challenge with gusto and glittering creativity. And now the final dare awaits. Pull the last card in our epic term, and see what the challenge is for this week.
For our final class, we dare you to FLIP THE EMOTION.
Connecting to strong emotions is essential when performing a scene. But sometimes, there are multiple strong emotions that make a great choice. Other times, you’ll be asked to try it with an emotion that is the total opposite than what is written. This might be to see if a new discovery jumps out. Or—and the most likely scenario—to see if you can take direction.
Directors want to see that actors can take redirections and be malleable! As an actor, it’s your job to demonstrate that you can stretch and play with a scene. In the entertainment industry, it’s becoming more and more common to be asked to flip the emotion in the audition room, or to send two contrasting takes with a self-tape. Because of this, young performers must learn the art of flipping the emotion—even if it feels like a curveball, or when you’re convinced it’s not going to work.
Rise to the challenge as we dare you to FLIP THE EMOTION this week, and prepare the script attached to perform audition-style in class. Let’s dare to finish the term like pros, LeBlancers!
HOW TO PREPARE FOR PERFORMANCE WEEK:
Printing out the script 10 minutes before class is not enough. In order to get the most out of class, please follow the following notes. Preparing for performance week includes some essential components:
1) Learning your lines. You should be comfortable (ideally off-script / memorized) with all of the dialogue;
2) Blocking scene action in a non-distracting, simple way for the camera;
3) Understanding what is happening in the scene, who your character is, and what they want most of all;
4) Dressing to suggest with smart wardrobe choices; and
5) If possible, incorporating all of the techniques you explored throughout Weeks 1-8.
Performance week should be treated the same as an audition. It is unacceptable to be unprepared for performance week.
Click here for script
Teacher:
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT, Sunday
Meeting ID: 836 9405 1222
Passcode: 523204
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83694051222?pwd=uBcXMbToCNQKAgb0fbbED9R0axk7AK.1
WEEK 7: WE DARE YOU TO NOT CARE
An uninterested character does not mean an unexciting actor.
Another week, another dare. Ready to pull the card? Here it comes! Ready, set, draw! The suspense is killing us! We’re on the edge of our seats! Come on, we care a lot about this!
… or not. Whatever.
LeBlancers, this week we dare you to NOT CARE.
“Um, what? You’re telling me to not care? Seriously? Won’t that ruin my audition?”
Okay, so we aren’t really saying that. This week, the dare is to get you to explore characters who are uninterested in the action on camera, and unimpressed by their scene partners or fellow characters in the scene. We’re talking about characters who have an attitude of indifference. But hold on, LeBlancers! You still need to be engaged, committed, and an active actor!
What’s the risk of playing an uninterested character? Young actors will often read a character’s indifference and take it to the extreme. The result is a performance that lacks complete energy and is devoid of any interpretable body language—a total bore. “But wait, you said the character was bored!” Yes, that’s true. But when a character is bored, or doesn’t care, it ABSOLUTELY does not mean actors are off the hook from making strong choices. It may sound contradictory … this is why it’s a daring challenge! In class, we are going to find that balance. We’ll discover how to perform this lack of enthusiasm as a strong actor. We’ll play with characters in a script who are bored, over it, and couldn’t care less.
Did you just say script? Yup, we did. It may not be performance week, but this dare comes with a sneaky little script attached. Print it out and bring it to class. Are you ready, LeBlancers? Get ready to NOT CARE!
Teacher:
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT, Sunday
Meeting ID: 836 9405 1222
Passcode: 523204
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83694051222?pwd=uBcXMbToCNQKAgb0fbbED9R0axk7AK.1
WEEK 6: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO BOOST YOUR SCENE PARTNER UP
Know when to stand out, and when to lift others up.
Six weeks into our fantastical term, and we’ve dodged many dangers as the quest continues. Each week has flipped open a truly trailblazing technique, and you are all becoming the strongest performers you can be! You are forging your own path like a pro. But you cannot do it alone. Time for Page 6 in The Tale of the Trailblazers: to trailblaze is to boost your scene partner up.
As much as an actor may crave the spotlight, a true artist knows that things are never a one-person show—even those one-person shows! There are many people working together to make the story come to life. In front of the camera, you and your scene partner must develop a strong bond as you support each other through the script. That means engaging your active listening skills, building upon what your partner is contributing to the scene, and knowing when it’s time to showcase THEM in the moment. A fluid scene will highlight everyone in the right moment, so actors must balance standing out and lifting others up. How do they pull it off? It takes strong ears, open minds, and a whole lot of teamwork.
Wait, those sound like exactly the skills we need to keep this storybook out of the hands of those who are chasing us! If we can master this week, LeBlancers, The Tale of the Trailblazers will be one step closer to protection. Let’s give it our all in class, as we support each other and share the shine!
Teacher: Corey Woods
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT, Sunday
Meeting ID: 836 9405 1222
Passcode: 523204
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83694051222?pwd=uBcXMbToCNQKAgb0fbbED9R0axk7AK.1
WEEK 5: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO FULLY EMBODY A REACTION
This week is about a BIG reaction!
Another week, and another class where we must protect The Tale of the Trailblazers. We’ve learned four astounding techniques so far, and our strength is growing as we continue on this epic adventure. We turn a corner and come to a dark, forested path. There’s a chill in the air. We’re alone. No one is following us … right? … Right. We must venture onward to safety. One step, two steps, three steps—
BUT WATCH OUT!!!!!!!!!
Eep! Our hearts are pounding! We need to catch our breath! That was a close call, LeBlancers. And terrifying! Phew … we’ve got to keep this book safe! Collect yourselves, and let’s move on. It’s certainly a week for bravery, as it says on Page 5: to trailblaze is to fully embody a reaction.
Our technique this week is to master the art of the jumpscare. That’s right, we’re talking about embodying big, physical reactions that connect to huge emotions. To excel with jumpscares, you’ll need to muster believable reactions that require your ENTIRE body and commitment. Trust us when we say that strong jumpscares are difficult! And they appear in many scenes and scripts, so every actor needs them in their performer’s toolbelt.
Are you ready to courageously battle the fear of the jumpscare, LeBlancers? Together we can come out of Week 5 with bold and brilliant technique!
Please read on for special space requirements for Week 5’s class:
Please set yourself up in a large space that allows you to do full body movement. In addition, let others in your home know that you may get LOUD in this class!
Teacher: Julian LeBlanc
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT, Sunday
Meeting ID: 836 9405 1222
Passcode: 523204
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83694051222?pwd=uBcXMbToCNQKAgb0fbbED9R0axk7AK.1
WEEK 4: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO TRANSFORM DEEPLY INTO CHARACTER
Transform and perform like a pro.
It’s Performance Week!
This week, you’ll be performing a scene audition-style. Read on for required prep and your script.
We hope you had a restful break, LeBlancers! We are back and more excited than ever to jump into Week 4. Let’s turn the page and see what’s been left for us, secretly written on Page 4: to trailblaze is to transform deeply into character.
Transformation will certainly help us as we protect our storybook from potential threats, but more importantly, it will allow you, as actors, to perform scripts with a believable impact. What does it mean to transform into a character? It means to prepare a backstory, connect to emotions, let go of nerves and hesitation, and allow yourself to be present in the scene. It means placing value and honouring the moment your character is living, and doing all you can to bring that story to life.
Let’s get ready to transform this week, LeBlancers, with the monumental challenge ahead. We must transform into a character that has an illness, and we must learn to truthfully (and sensitively) portray it.
SENSITIVITY WARNING: This week, we are covering a script that deals directly with illness: specifically, leukemia. We understand this may be difficult or triggering for some. Our instructors are dedicated to ensuring class is a safe space, and no one is asked to perform if they are uncomfortable with the material. If you need to take a break during class, please communicate that need to your instructor through the chat function on Zoom.
In addition to exploring the technique this week, you’ll perform the attached script audition-style. Read on for LeBlanc’s expectations for how to appropriately prepare for class, and let’s make Week 4 a trailblazing one, LeBlancers!
HOW TO PREPARE FOR PERFORMANCE WEEK:
Printing out the script 10 minutes before class is not enough. In order to get the most out of class, please follow the following notes. Preparing for performance week includes some essential components:
1) Learning your lines. You should be comfortable (ideally off-script / memorized) with all of the dialogue;
2) Blocking scene action in a non-distracting, simple way for the camera;
3) Understanding what is happening in the scene, who your character is, and what they want most of all;
4) Dressing to suggest with smart wardrobe choices; and
5) If possible, incorporating all of the techniques you explored throughout Weeks 1-4.
Performance week should be treated the same as an audition. It is unacceptable to be unprepared for performance week.
Teacher: Corey Woods
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT, Sunday
Meeting ID: 836 9405 1222
Passcode: 523204
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83694051222?pwd=uBcXMbToCNQKAgb0fbbED9R0axk7AK.1
WEEK 3: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO BE ABLE TO TURN AT THE FLICK OF A SWITCH
Flip, don’t flop, through emotions!
What a wonderful two classes of technique from The Tale of the Trailblazers already! Our excitement is building as we anticipate what may still lie ahead. Protecting this legendary storybook is a big responsibility, and the challenging task is always changing with plot twists and unexpected turns. That brings us to the mysterious Page 3, which reveals: to trailblaze is to be able to turn at the flick of a switch.
Actors will be asked to portray many different emotions, that’s part of the job! And LeBlancers, there will be times when you’ll be asked to switch between different emotions within the same scene. To add to the difficulty—those emotions might be completely opposite from each other. How do you portray both of them truthfully, without having lots of time in between to switch gears? How do you convey the same script with different emotions? That’s the focus in today’s class!
Emotional connection is a life-long skill of any actor, and can be some of the most rewarding work a performer does. We’ll be exploring emotional connection exercises in class, going deep into feelings. Some might stay away from emotional connection, but not the brave LeBlancers! We’ll conjure up fearlessness and bold strength, connecting deeply to what’s inside of us. That’s tough work for any actor. Fear not, that’s what class is for!
The emotions we’ll explore this week are eagerness and stubbornness. We’ll work through techniques and apply them to a scene that you’ll discover in class. Get ready for some twists and turns this week, LeBlancers, as we enter Week 3 of the term!
Teacher: Julian LeBlanc
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT, Sunday
Meeting ID: 836 9405 1222
Passcode: 523204
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83694051222?pwd=uBcXMbToCNQKAgb0fbbED9R0axk7AK.1
WEEK 2: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO LET THE EYES SPEAK LOUDLY
Use your eyes to tell the story!
We’ve managed to keep our storybook safe for a week, but the word is out, and more people are after it! How will we know who is a friend, and who is a foe? Talking is too dangerous—we’ll need to communicate with glances and looks. And that brings us to Page 2 of The Tale of the Trailblazers, which reads: to trailblaze is to let the eyes speak loudly.
It’s often been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul, meaning that eyes have the ability to reveal emotions and thoughts. As actors, it’s important that we communicate with our powerful eyes so that whatever our character is thinking and feeling shows up in our expression.
Again, this may sound simple, but it’s very tricky to do! Often our eyes will communicate our OWN emotions as an actor, that might not line up with what our character is feeling in the moment. And other times actors don’t realize that their eyes appear less energized on camera, because they haven’t fully activated them. And once we activate them, the options are limitless!
We must learn to use our eyes to their full potential so that we can show proper connection to our character, and make an impact on an audience. And don’t forget, LeBlancers, we need highly expressive eyes to help protect the storybook from dangerous hands! Let’s explore all the eyes have to offer in class this week! Come to class with a face mask (cloth or disposable) to use as a prop for activities. It should cover the lower half of your face.
Teacher: June Laporte
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT, Sunday
Meeting ID: 836 9405 1222
Passcode: 523204
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83694051222?pwd=uBcXMbToCNQKAgb0fbbED9R0axk7AK.1
WEEK 1: TO TRAILBLAZE IS TO NOT GET LOST IN A CROWD
It’s time for quick thinking and standing out!
Welcome to your first week of Fall term, LeBlancers! We’ve opened up The Tale of the Trailblazers, and Page 1 has some important insight for us: to trailblaze is to not get lost in a crowd.
Trailblazers stand out. They take risks. They make the most of their moment. They certainly do not fade into the background and get lost in a crowd. All of these things involve confidence and quick thinking—skills we need to keep this precious storybook safe! So that is exactly what we are going to work on this week in our first class. We are epically excited!
Standing out and thinking on our feet may sound easy, but every one of us at some point will struggle with this: whether it’s due to nerves, hesitation, not wanting to look silly, or fear of making a mistake. It’s comfortable to blend in. We’ll need to garner some bravery and boldness as we jump into learning how to think quickly and stand out in front of the camera.
If you can master the technique-based activities explored in class, you’ll grow in confidence and become a fierce performer. These skills will help us protect our storybook from others who are trying to force us into the background! Come prepared with a non-distracting space where you can use full body movement, and a lot of creative enthusiasm for the Zoom class. We can’t wait to see you in our first week of the term!
Teacher: Princess Davis
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT, Sunday
Meeting ID: 836 9405 1222
Passcode: 523204
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83694051222?pwd=uBcXMbToCNQKAgb0fbbED9R0axk7AK.1
HOLIDAY CLOSURE:
The Tale of the Trailblazers has almost reached its way to safety. We’ll bookmark here for a short break, so the end doesn’t come quite so quickly! Our offices will be closed for the Canadian holiday from Monday, November 10 - Monday November 17, inclusive.
When we return, the epic finale awaits! See you back in class on Tuesday, November 18th.
Enjoy the rest!
HOLIDAY CLOSURE:
The Tale of the Trailblazers has been successfully protected for two weeks. Well done, LeBlancers! As with all epic tales and mysteries, there is always a moment to catch our breath and pause. Our offices will be closed from Monday, October 6 - Monday October 13, inclusive, as our Canadian team celebrates the holiday.
Our adventure cannot rest for long, however, as there is much more to explore in our storybook! The pages will continue to turn when we return for class on Tuesday, October 14th.
Have a great break!