All the Latest from TFS’s Amazing Acting Program: Guest Blog by Hart Massey and Michael Ayoub
Toronto is the centre of attention this summer, with the Pan Am games, all the film productions in town and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) just around the corner. So, soak up the energy of the city and all the action going on right here on our campus at Yonge and Dundas square.
Our graduates are getting signed by agents and have gone on to direct, produce, write and star in several films that have premiered at TIFF, Sundance Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto Film School’s Festival of Films. Our graduates have made appearances on Degrassi, Covert Affairs, Rookie Blue, and most recently graduate Richard Maxwell starred in an HBO show playing opposite Kim Cattrall (Sex and The City) under the direction of Canadian filmmaker, Don McKellar. These are big shoes to fill and we could not be more proud.
We have eight Acting for Film, TV & Theatre sections this semester and we want to continue seeing incredible collaborations throughout all of our campuses.
Filmmaking and theatre is a team effort so open yourselves to sharing your knowledge and creativity with others. Some of the Acting program collaborations with other departments include:
*Toronto Film School General Auditions, which highlight our actors for Film Production films
*Actors starring in each other’s Term 6 films and monologues
*Film Production students helping to produce our Term 6 Greenlit Films
*Actors’ Voiceovers being used by Video Game designers at Steeles Campus
*Writing Program students pitching scripts to our Term 5 Acting Students for the greenlight competition
*Graphic Design students creating more dynamic packages for our Term 5 pitches
*Fashion students stylizing costumes for the actors in the Term 5 play
It has been our dream to integrate all programs at Toronto Film School. Now it is coming to fruition by giving you the opportunity to work across various platforms while bringing you a greater overall learning experience. Take advantage while you are here.
An important reminder for our Acting students, if you have not auditioned for the TFS General Auditions, we urge you to contact Lindsay Sutherland Boal (acting graduate, and inter-program coordinator). Lindsay has created the Toronto Film School General Audition platform so that every acting student has an opportunity to be seen by directors in all programs. She is ONLY accepting submissions at [email protected].
We are bringing back the Talent Agent Guest Lecture Series this semester. On Monday July 20th at 6pm, Yanick Landry from Newton Landry Management will be hosting a free guest lecture in Studio 1. This is a great opportunity to hear about the industry from one of Toronto’s top television and film agents. You will find out what it takes to get an agent and how to find work as an actor. It’s also an opportunity to introduce yourself to Yanick and make a connection.
Caroline Smith is back to direct our summer show with the Term 5 students. This time she has written an original script entitled Camera Cabaret, based on the musical Cabaret. The show will open on September 11 and 12 and will play at The Dancemakers Studio in the heart of the exciting and vibrant Distillery District!
We’d also like to congratulate our Term 6 Acting for Film, TV & Theatre graduating class who will be starting production on their short films under the guidance of Yale Massey. The directors will be on location for the first half of the semester. Make sure to inquire with them as to whether they are holding auditions for acting program students. Or do anything to get involved! It’s all part of networking on campus.
Finally, our ever-popular acting showcases will be held the week of September 11 to 18. Attendance to the Term 5 play and the Term 6 Short Film Screening are mandatory. Do not book flights or trains until showcase week is over. Stay tuned for specific times.
Have an amazing term! We encourage you to strive towards excellence and we are honoured to continue the journey with you.
Hart Massey & Michael Ayoub are the Coordinators of The Acting for Film, TV, and Theatre Program. Hart is also an actor and producer, known for Last Monday (2010), Ordinary Magic (1993) and The Film Student (2011). Michael is a graduate of the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater in New York City, under the brilliant Sanford Meisner. As an actor, director, producer and teacher, Michael has been an active force in the business for over forty years.
