Teen Silver
Get ready to level up your biggest, boldest, and most dynamic dreams in this visionary term inspired by the dreams actors chase in the industry. Explore eight fanciful and fun weeks of technique that will have us dreaming with no limits, discovering ways to shine on screen, and taking monumental steps to turn our acting dreams into reality. Let’s dream enormously, approach every week imaginatively, and realize what we can achieve in this surreal Spring term!
“A dream is a wish your heart makes…” An iconic line sung by Cinderella, our dreams stem from a deep desire within us, and help us visualize the life we hope for ourselves. As actors, our dreams can encompass professional goals: certain roles, projects, or people with whom we’d love to work. Our dreams can also speak to our personal growth as performing artists: emotional breakthroughs, self-confidence, and a better understanding of others and the world around us. Without dreams, we have no motivation or fuel to push forward—in short, we have nothing to fight for. So this term, we are dreaming big, and exploring ways to turn these gigantic dreams into reality.
With eight weeks ahead, we’ll suspend into the world of the dreamer, exploring a dynamic dream and the inspiring technique to help us achieve it. From epic genres, to skill training, to behaviour and etiquette, each of these dreams are bold and bright. They are truly dynamic! And they need powerful and passionate young actors to match their force. That’s where you come in, LeBlancers! Every class you’ll be tasked with learning the appropriate technique to move these big dreams from up in the clouds to down here on earth. Are you up for the challenge? We know you can do it!
This is the term to wish, to hope, to aspire, to fantasize, and to support each other as we plan to keep dreaming with all our might. We’re tucked in, we’ve counted our sheep, entered the REM stage, and dreams are starting … our first dream is forming into view … let’s explore Week 1!
Schedule has not been released yet.
WEEK 1: I DREAM TO BE MORE SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT
WEEK 2: I DREAM TO WALK A RED CARPET WITH SELF-ASSURANCE
HOLIDAY CLOSURE
WEEK 3: I DREAM TO WORK WITH A CELEBRITY
WEEK 4: I DREAM TO BE IN A MOVIE WITH A GRIPPING STORYLINE
WEEK 5: I DREAM TO NOT PANIC WHEN NEEDING TO MULTITASK
WEEK 6: I DREAM TO HAVE A FLEXIBLE AND SKILLFUL VOICE
WEEK 7: I DREAM TO ACCESS THE DEEPEST EMOTIONS WITHIN ME
WEEK 8: I DREAM TO MAKE EVERYONE LAUGH
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: LEAD ROLE: The Hero’s Journey
Strong emotional shifts as you carry the story.
It’s Performance Week!
This week, you’ll be performing a scene audition-style. Read on for required prep and your script.
Casting Notice! Seeking actors who have crushed and astounded throughout eight epic weeks of technique, and know how to break down and prepare for any category of role!
OH LOOK, IT’S YOU!
We could not be more proud of how far you’ve come, LeBlancers. With eight weeks of thoughtful, technical, and fun breakdowns, you have truly gone on a journey. And now it’s time for the final journey of our term, as we tackle the heroes of the story. It’s time for a LEAD ROLE!
ROLE: LEAD
PURPOSE: carry the story, shape the adventure, and lead the audience through the character’s emotional journey
A Lead Actor is the face of the story, and these roles carry weight. With a lead role, the emotional transition and arc is essential. Actors must demonstrate the ability to believably convey strong emotional shifts, interpret the script in justified and creative ways, and invest in bringing this character to life so that the audience roots for them: the story, after all, is usually all about your character! These characters go through a whirlwind of adventure (literal and emotional), and a lead actor has to take care of their character. This means mastering the art of a major emotional shift that carries the biggest weight possible, in the emotional crux (highest stakes moment) of the story. That means taking big swings and being bold as you magically weave technique with a sense of rawness and relatability, keeping the audience invested in you right until the end.
We know you’re ready to break down this highly coveted role, LeBlancers, so let’s put everything we’ve learned this term and come to class with the gusto to finish strong. Way to go, LeBlancers—you’re ready for your big break!
In addition to exploring the technique, you’ll perform the attached script audition-style.
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.
Teacher:
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT, Friday
Meeting ID: 853 1124 2012
Passcode: 174648
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85311242012?pwd=8c34xOOoc8PffqLwb9PEX2UoDGipik.1
WEEK 7: RECURRING: The Flashback
Visualization, emotional expression, and scenes that stun.
Audition Call! Read the breakdown! We need an actor to fill a highly desirable—and incredibly specific—role! Is it YOU? Let’s discover what it means to be recurring on a television series.
ROLE: RECURRING
PURPOSE: appear in multiple episodes, possibly over multiple seasons, and have major story points
It’s a role many, many, actors dream of, and recurring roles offer an opportunity to return to set throughout the season (or seasons!) and continue to live the character’s life over multiple episodes. With the added screen time comes added expectations: understanding the character from a writer, actor, and director point of view, making strong choices that feel fresh, memorizing on-the-spot line changes while maintaining the emotional core of the character, and generally acting like a professional member of the cast family. This week, we are going to explore one of the major kinds of recurring roles that appear on network television: the younger lead in flashbacks.
When you’re cast as the younger version of the lead character, it’s thrilling! Not only do you get to bring iconic characters to life, but you also develop one of the most technical skillsets out there: matching mannerisms and story continuity. Remember, the lead is already cast, and it is your job to bring elements that they have already brought to the character into your role, while also leaving a mark all your own. And many times, younger versions in flashbacks are cast in highly visual scenes, so we must learn how to tell the story with our body language, character mannerisms, and interpret the breakdown we’re given. Remember, in these instances, the character’s personality is already set, so you have to interpret the breakdown correctly and bring everything you’ve got!
Karis Musongole and Cesily Collette Taylo balanced their own creativity with the mannerisms already set by Cynthia Erivo and Marissa Bode for the roles of Elphaba and Nessarose in Wicked.
Let’s take a look at a full character breakdown in class, and learn how to properly (and technically) interpret it, so you can stun in your scenes! Bring your thinking caps to class!
Teacher:
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT, Friday
Meeting ID: 853 1124 2012
Passcode: 174648
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85311242012?pwd=8c34xOOoc8PffqLwb9PEX2UoDGipik.1
WEEK 6: I DREAM TO HAVE A FLEXIBLE AND SKILLFUL VOICE
They’re called vocal chords, and they do so much!
Six weeks into our dreamlike term, and we couldn’t be more proud of your work so far, LeBlancers. Let’s maintain our motivation and energy as we float into another dynamic dream of the week: I dream to have a flexible and skillful voice.
What does that mean? A flexible and skillful voice is any actor’s superpower. With it, you can portray emotion, articulate key parts of the story, and really bring a character to life. But you need both flexibility and skill to use your actor voice to the best of its ability!
Why would we dream of this? Characters may have many different voice demands. Perhaps they use a dialect or accent, or maybe have a particular way of speaking that really showcases their personality. Emotions are also far more believable when our voice supports our performance. If our character is angry, or sad, and we are not using our voice to its full potential, the performance won’t be believable. But so often actors hold back. And the result? A performance that's not quite there. And that is exactly what we want to avoid, LeBlancers!
Our dynamic dream of having a flexible and skillful voice comes with a lot of technique and practice, particularly through expanding the voice. When we learn how to properly expand our voice, we can express emotion, project our words, and truly make an impact, with no strain or threat to our instrument. This week you’ll be guided through professional voice techniques as we see the limitless possibilities of the voice!
Please have water with you for this class. We can’t wait to “hear” you in Week 6!
Teacher: Haley Victoria Hunt
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT, Friday
Meeting ID: 853 1124 2012
Passcode: 174648
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85311242012?pwd=8c34xOOoc8PffqLwb9PEX2UoDGipik.1
WEEK 5: I DREAM TO NOT PANIC WHEN NEEDING TO MULTITASK
Multitask like a cool-as-a-cucumber pro!
LeBlancers, can you believe we’ve made it through half of the term already? Four dynamic dreams explored, and four more to go! And the dream for Week 5 is certainly sublime: I dream to not panic when needing to multitask.
What does that mean? It means remaining cool as a cucumber when our actor plate starts piling high. Our dream is to respond to urgent audition deadlines like a pro, maintain our composure—and top-knotch technique—when flipping between “actor responsibilities” and “life responsibilities”. We want to smoothly hit those self-tape deadlines without sweating through our clothes.
Why would we dream of this? When our plate starts piling high, so does the stress. And when our actor deadlines start overlapping with everything else in our life, you’ll start to feel the pressure. We want to be fully invested in the scene; which is hard to do when you have a science project due, or a soccer game, or a family gathering. The industry isn’t always on our calendar. But we can’t let the stress show!
Our dynamic dream of not panicking when needing to multitask takes a lot of care and self-reflection on our end. But if we master the mindset, we’ll be able to turn our panic into more productive Ps: passion and positivity! Let’s discover that through class this week. Please read on for special space requirements for Week 5’s class:
Please set yourself up in a quiet, non-distracting space when you can remain comfy and at ease. You’ll need a pen and paper for class.
Teacher: June Laporte
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT, Friday
Meeting ID: 853 1124 2012
Passcode: 174648
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85311242012?pwd=8c34xOOoc8PffqLwb9PEX2UoDGipik.1
WEEK 4: I DREAM TO BE IN A MOVIE WITH A GRIPPING STORYLINE
Feel the power of a powerful piece!
It’s Performance Week!
This week, you’ll be performing a scene audition-style. Read on for required prep and your script.
Three sensational weeks down, and another inspiring week ahead, as we get into Week 4 of our epic term! And epic is right, because this dream is just as powerful as it is magnificently monstrous: I dream to be in a movie with a gripping storyline.
What does that mean? A gripping storyline catches your attention and holds your interest until the very end. In short, they are gripping!
Why would we dream of this? These scenes involve big emotions, urgent scenarios, and give an actor a scene they can point to and go, “I’m so proud I did that!” Whether it’s footage you want to use for your demo/showreel, or the self-confidence in knowing you can tackle major emotional scenes, a gripping storyline is any actor’s dream.
Our dynamic dream of acting out gripping storylines can be realized in the form of historical drama scripts. That means a script that is set in a completely different time period, with a way of life vastly different than your own. Because these scripts demand FULL commitment to BIG emotions in INCREDIBLY urgent scenarios. So let’s act out these scripts this week!
In addition to exploring the technique, 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 dreams a reality, 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: Princess Davis
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT, Friday
Meeting ID: 853 1124 2012
Passcode: 174648
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85311242012?pwd=8c34xOOoc8PffqLwb9PEX2UoDGipik.1
WEEK 3: I DREAM TO WORK WITH A CELEBRITY
Keep your composure, even when you get star-struck!
We hope you had a great break, LeBlancers, because we’ll need a lot of energy as we get back to the Spring term. No time for snoring here, because the next dream is shaping up strong: I dream to work with a celebrity.
What does that mean? Well, exactly as it sounds … it means we dream of acting with someone we deeply admire. Maybe that’s a scene in an action movie with your favourite Marvel star. Perhaps it’s an episode of your favourite tv show with a cast of characters you love. Maybe you’ll land a part in a movie, playing the child of a celebrity actor, or working with a world-famous director. These are huge dreams, and guess what? They can totally happen!
Why would we dream of this? Most of us were inspired to become actors because we saw a movie or television show that inspired us, so it makes complete sense that we would dream about working alongside the characters and types of projects that got us passionate about acting in the first place. But acting with a celebrity means more than just being in a movie with your favourite actor. It means working alongside someone you admire as true scene partners, and performing together on equal footing. Eep, now we’re nervous!
Our dynamic dream of working with a celebrity can be achieved with composure and integrity as we rise to big challenges, feel big nerves, and respond to big expectations. That is the focus of today’s technique exercises in class. Get ready to learn how to go from star-struck to shining, LeBlancers!
Teacher: Corey Woods
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT, Friday
Meeting ID: 853 1124 2012
Passcode: 174648
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85311242012?pwd=8c34xOOoc8PffqLwb9PEX2UoDGipik.1
WEEK 2: I DREAM TO WALK A RED CARPET WITH SELF-ASSURANCE
Smash those interviews with charm and charisma!
We’re back for Week 2, LeBlancers, and our dreams are only getting bigger and bolder! Are we sleepwalking? Nope, we’re fully awake, and we're marching with confidence and pizazz for this one: I dream to walk a red carpet with self-assurance.
What’s a red carpet? Grandma Doris might still be rocking a red shag carpet from the 1970s in her basement, but we’re talking about something a little different. A red carpet is an event where the cast and crew are interviewed about a project as they literally walk down a red carpet into the event. This could be at a premiere, gala, or even award show! Cameras are flashing, microphones are held out, and all eyes are on you. If ever there was a time for self-assurance, this would be it!
Why would we dream of this? It’s one thing to dream of attending a red carpet event, or to be interviewed. But in order to represent a project you’ve put hard work into, and are proud of, you need to dream of self-assurance to make it through this overwhelming experience. You want to speak clearly and confidently, and carry yourself in a way that makes you say, “that was great!” when it’s over .. not “what just happened?!”
Our dynamic dream of walking a red carpet with self-assurance needs some training in public relations etiquette in order to be realized with success. That means in this class, we’ll learn how to be interviewed—and yes, even role-play some hilarious disasters, so we can pick ourselves up with grace.
Note: you are invited to dress in a “red carpet” outfit for class if you wish! See you in Week 2, LeBlancers!
Teacher: Julian LeBlanc
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT, Friday
Meeting ID: 853 1124 2012
Passcode: 174648
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85311242012?pwd=8c34xOOoc8PffqLwb9PEX2UoDGipik.1
WEEK 1: I DREAM TO BE MORE SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT
No freezing on the spot when improvisations come our way!
Welcome to your first week of Spring term, LeBlancers! No dreams are too big, as we explore what it means to dream with no limits! And our first dream is here: I dream to be more spur-of-the-moment.
What does that mean? It means being ready for anything, while also remaining spontaneous. For actors, being spur-of-the-moment allows you to create and excel with off-the-cuff improvisations, respond to the unexpected in any scenario, and most importantly, be flexible and adaptable. These are key skills for any performer!
Why would we dream of this? As actors, we hope to be present, creative, and yes, even funny. These skills stand out in an audition and allow us to contribute to a project on set. But in order to be present, creative, and funny, we have to be ready to respond to anything with ingenuity and our own unique flair. And of course, make everything we do seem completely natural! The last thing any actor wants is to freeze up on set. It doesn’t feel good, and it can deeply affect our performance. But fear not, there'll be no sleep paralysis in these dreams, LeBlancers! This week we’ll dive into techniques that help us succeed with off-the-cuff improvisations, and come out shining with spontaneity.
Our dynamic dream of being more spur-of-the-moment can be achieved with some technique-based activities that you’ll explore in class. Come prepared with a non-distracting space and a lot of creative enthusiasm for the Zoom class. We can’t wait to see you for our first week of the term!
Teacher: Marie V. Sharp
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT, Friday
Meeting ID: 853 1124 2012
Passcode: 174648
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85311242012?pwd=8c34xOOoc8PffqLwb9PEX2UoDGipik.1
HOLIDAY CLOSURE:
1, 2, 3, 4 … as those fluffy LeBlanc sheep jump through dreamland, we’re going to take a little pause to rejuvenate. Our Canadian team is observing the statutory holiday, and our offices will be closed from Monday, May 12th - Monday, May 19th, inclusive. No classes will run and correspondence may be limited.
Our dynamic dreams are still percolating, and will be back in full fantastical swing when we return to class on Tuesday, May 20th.
Catch some Zs and enjoy the break!