No tricks.
No shortcuts.
No false promises.
Just passionate creativity and uncompromising
respect for the craft of acting and
all that it demands.
​
VANCOUVER
ACTING
WORKSHOPS
2-DAY ACTING ON-CAMERA WORKSHOP
with Brandon Jay McLaren
DESCRIPTION:
It is no exaggeration to say Brandon Jay McLaren is one of the busiest, most versatile actors working internationally in film and television today.
​
A Haven Acting Studio alumnus, Brandon can currently be seen starring in the hit FOX drama "The Cleaning Lady." Other notable performances include fan favourite ‘Xavier Watkins’ on the Disney + comedy/action series Turner & Hooch, ABC’s action series The Rookie, alongside Nathan Fillion, and as ‘Buckley’ on season 5 and 6 of the acclaimed FX series Snowfall, created by John Singleton. A genre-hopping actor with killer comedy chops, smoking hot dramatic intensity and effortless charm, Brandon wants to share his experience, techniques, and stories with you, exclusively at Haven Acting Studio, in this on-camera intensive.
​
Utilizing scenes from top-notch shows that he has worked on, as well as other dynamic current productions, day 1 will be focused on scene work and day 2 will be an exploration of the art of the monologue.
​
Brandon will be focusing on on-set skills including:
​
-
taking direction on the fly
-
having agency over your craft
-
the ability to be versatile
-
taking educated risks
​
What makes this workshop even more unique is that Brandon is generously donating his entire teaching fee to REACH WITHIN, a charity dear to his heart that helps transform childhood trauma into healthy living.
​
Haven Acting Studio will also be making a $250.00 donation to Reach Within and anyone else who wants to learn more about what they do or donate, please check out www.reachwithin.org
​
​
​
​
​
​
This workshop is geared toward students with previous training and on-set experience. Only 12 spots available.
​
2-DAY ACTING ON-CAMERA WORKSHOP with BRANDON JAY McLAREN
(IN PERSON)
JUNE 22 (2pm - 6pm) and JUNE 23 (10am - 2pm)
Total: $300.00 including gst
with Award-Winning Feature Film Writer/Director/Producers
Carl Bessai and Ben Immauel
INDIE FILMMAKING WORKSHOP
Have you always wanted to make a film of your own, but are feeling overwhelmed by all the moving parts and unsure how to begin?
It all starts with YOUR STORY. This intensive 2-day workshop with veteran and multiple award-winning filmmakers Carl Bessai and Ben Immanuel will guide you toward getting your vision out of your head and onto the page. Additionally, your questions about next phases of casting, pre-production, shooting, editing and even financing will be discussed. Every filmmaker’s journey starts with the first step, and this class is a big step in the right direction.
DAY 1 (SATURDAY: 2pm - 6pm) Ben Immanuel and Carl Bessai
Pitches:
Starting with a logline and a five minute presentation of their ideas, we will go through everyone’s project one at a time, with discussion, questions and clarifications along the way. Participants do not need to have a script – an idea and a prepared pitch (talking though your basic story idea in 5 minutes or less) is all that is required.
Now the big question: Why?
You’ve each told us your story, let’s dig into why each of you is motivated to take on the challenge of bringing this story to life in a 3 act structure. Through discussion with the group and guidance from your instructors, we will all find ways to clarify your intentions. Your homework will be to come in the next day with a roughly figured out 3 act structure for your story.
DAY 2 (SUNDAY: 1pm - 5pm) Carl Bessai
Morning:
We’ll start the day with the pitches again, but this time each participant will be presenting their project in a 3 act structure. This will open up discussions about how to clarify and sharpen each of the narratives to bring your story into sharper focus.
Afternoon:
Our final session will be targeting a scene that holds the key element to each of the projects. Each participant will create that scene for the group with other participants from the group as cast members. Acting skills not necessary! This is about developing the story, not going for an Oscar! These sessions will involve guided improvisation, feedback and direction from your instructors, both of whom have worked together and individually with creating feature films from the improv stage.
Conclusion:
Each participant will have now developed their idea enough to start putting it all together as a first draft of their script. This script confirms the validity of your commitment to your goal. It’s no longer just a dream. It’s now a tangible, shootable script that is ready for collaborators to turn into a reality with you.
​
INDIE FILMMAKING WORKSHOP with CARL BESSAI and BEN IMMANUEL
(IN PERSON)
​
JUNE 29 SATURDAY (2pm - 6pm) & JUNE 30 SUNDAY (1pm - 5pm)
Total: $375.00 including gst for 2-Day Workshop
with Barbara Deutsch
MAKE THE CEILING THE FLOOR WORKSHOP
FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS!
​
Barbara is returning to Haven for this special workshop!
This 1 Day crash course features four hours of in-person direct connection coaching with Barbara Deutsch. In this workshop, you will learn Barbara's signature tools that you can apply instantly to any situation when the stakes are high.
​
Topics Include:
-
Role Play Meeting with Casting Directors and Agents
-
Get Help Navigating What is On Your Plate Right Now
-
Networking vs. Connecting Authentically
-
Dealing with Self Sabotage
-
And much more!
​
Not sure if this is the right fit for you?
​
Email Barbara at barbara@bdapproach.com for a free chat. It’s like speed dating, but for your career.
​
MAKE THE CEILING THE FLOOR WORKSHOP with BARBARA DEUTSCH
(IN PERSON)
​
May 7 (6pm - 10pm)
Total: $150.00 including gst for 1-Day Workshop
​
May 8 (10am - 2pm)
Total: $150.00 including gst for 1-Day Workshop