Session starts:
Tuesday, July 2 at 4:30 pm pacific
or
Wednesday, July 3 at 4:30 pm pacific
The class will have periodic weeks off in the 6 month spread of time due to Holidays, Pre-planned events and Catch-Up weeks.
Culminating in December 2024
The Craft was created to ensure that upon completion of this course a young actor is prepared to be on a competitive level with their working actor peers while pursuing a professional acting career in the TV/Film Industry.
And most importantly to establish a love of the craft of acting that is rooted in passion with a desire to be great artist and not just find fame.
As a Talent Manager , I encourage all of my own clients to complete this course, to increase their knowledge, confidence and callback-booking ratios by learning many techniques that they can use to create a system that works for them.
Taught by Corey Ralston
Who is this course for?
- Young actors 10 years of age and older
- Already have a good base knowledge of Acting for the camera
- Have begun auditioning via self tape &/or in-person casting appointments
- Posess a strong desire to learn and explore methods of acting
- Determination to become a working actor
- Committed & Disciplined to keep up with sometimes rigorous weekly homework assignments
- Willingness to be vulnerable and/or goofy while exploring characters
- Able to analyze text & discuss theories
- Maturity to play an array of characters beyond "Disney" types
- Can handle constructive and sometimes frank criticsm of work
- Ready to take initiative & be an active participant of their own career path
What is the mission and goals of the course?
- To lay a solid foundation of acting technique and methods that will elevate skill to a competitive level.
- To equip them with a technique toolbelt that they can access to create dynamic characters, as well as be present and nuanced in every scene.
- To educate on the business side of an acting career with understanding of the Casting Process and knowing how to network & market themselves.
- To bring their audition technique to a consistent callback level by learning how to make strong acting choices and understanding how vital charisma plays into becoming successful.
- To get out of their own heads and embrace their uniqueness, establish connection, trust their instincts and welcome vulnerability.
- To be an active, responsible participant in their career by maintaining their Marketing Materials and Creating Content that showcases the best of their acting skill.
How is the course structured?
Over the 20 weeks there are many topics covered. Each week the class will meet via Zoom for 60 to 90 minutes. I will go through a multi-media presentation on the weekly topic.
Each week is:
- Part Lecture
- Part Discussion
- Part supplemental Video Lessons
- Part Performance Participation
Each week the presentation will have a lot of supplemental links to articles and videos that will not all be covered in class.
Every week the presentation is emailed to students/parents and they have the ability to go back through to review and read/watch the extra videos and links.
A video download link of the zoom meeting is also sent in case they want to rewatch or have missed that week's lesson.
Homework is also listed and materials are linked in presentation.
How many students are allowed in the course?
There are EIGHT spots available in each class. I offer the class twice a week, so it has the potential to serve SIXTEEN actors in the 20 week session.
What if we have to miss some weeks of classes?
- The beauty of this class is how flexible it can be to your schedule.
- Every week a copy of the presentation lesson and zoom recording of class goes out via email. It is extremely easy to catch up.
- Some previous students had major conflicts that pulled them away from at least half of the weeks and they had zero issues with falling behind.
- Two students completed the course completely on self study.
- I have also been known to being very forgiving with late homework assignments.
What does the homework consist of?
To ensure there is an understanding of each topic, to exercise our new knowledge and skills, and to properly evaluate each student there are activities that must be completed each week.
- Typically there are on average two assignments that are due before the next class begins.
- These assignments range from Self Tape Exercises & Scenes, Analyze material to discuss, Questions to answer about themselves, etc.
- I am often very lenient and fair in allowing things to be turned in late as long as it is earnest and not due to a total slacking off.
- There have even been catch up weeks inserted in the past to help students not feel overwhelmed.
- All of the assignments are fun & challenging to those that love acting.
- If you do not wait until the last minute, it is very easy to complete homework during the week.
What topics are covered in the 20 weeks?
- The elements of and how to recognize what GOOD ACTING is.
- How to BE IN THE MOMENT & the importance of developing Character EMPATHY
- The art and technique of EMOTIONS - a study of CRYING
- Creating SUBTEXT and NUANCE with NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
- Bringing REALISM to your work through the UTA HAGEN METHOD
- Discover your brand of HUMOR while acting single cam/multicam SITCOM
- Get out of your head! Partner scenes using INSTINCTIVE MEISNER METHOD
- Learning from the creator of the modern acting system STANISLASVSKI
- Controversial STRASBERG METHOD w/ emotional recall & becoming a character
- Power of IMAGINATION using ADLER METHOD in building out a detailed world (Green Screen)
- Building a CHARACTER BACKSTORY & CREATING MEMORIES to fully own a performance
- The art of LANDING A JOKE & being a BOLD & COURAGEOUS COMEDIC actor
- Steps to an effective SCENE BREAKDOWN & how to RESEARCH a production
- Identify TYPES, lean into TROPES & create MEMORABLE CHARACTERS
- Understand a CASTING DIRECTOR'S process & needs for different size role reads
- Audition with BOLD CHOICES & a distinct, CHARACTER P.O.V.
- Find what SPARKS MOTIVATION using Mamet's PRACTICAL AESTHETICS
- Focus on Character RELATIONSHIP & creating CHEMISTRY with other Actors
- The PHYSICALITY of acting in character using the WHOLE BODY
- Understanding MATURE CONTENT, set personal BOUNDARIES & get COMFORTABLE being UNCOMFORTABLE
- Discover the "IT FACTOR" using CHARISMA as the key to SUCCESS
- The TECHNICAL aspects of a QUALITY SELF TAPE (Lighting, Sound, Gear)
- Mastering the SLATE & ABOUT ME videos with COOL CONFIDENCE
- How to BOOK THE ROOM with steps to increase CALLBACKS & make industry fans
- ON-CAMERA COMMERCIAL technique & copy study while using ENERGY and SINCERITY
- Understanding ON-SET ETTIQUETTE and learning TV/FILM BUSINESS terminology
- Awareness of how we SELF PRESENT & importance of cultivating an AUTHENTIC IMAGE
How are the students scored or evaluated?
- A FINAL MOCK AUDITION that tests their skills in preparing & performing sides as well as evaluating their use of CHARISMA during their interaction with Casting.
- FEEDBACK comments with both praise and critique are added to homework turned in.
- SKILL LEVEL assessed on all topics is logged and rated.
- An EXTENSIVE EVALUATION of their strenghts, weaknesses, potential as well as training recommendations is given to all that complete the course.
- An assessment of their current CASTING PROFILE which includes HEADSHOTS, VIDEO MEDIA & RESUME.
Being in this course means I am invested in their career as member of their team. These are the additional perks & advantages young actors receive while taking THE CRAFT...
- Two SELF TAPE FEEDBACKS w/ adjustments of any auditions that arise during length of course.
- Two 30 min PRIVATE COACHING sessions for audition prep or topic deep dive.
- CAREER COUNSELING with ADVICE, Q&A & MOTIVATIONAL CHATS as needed.
If selected, what financial investment is required?
Please think of this as an important investment for your young actor. At the end of the day I want what is best for all kids that are pursuing their dream. So I am devoted to offering services that are affordable while providing an astronomical VALUE. This is a dynamic MASTER CLASS that spans a HALF YEAR. It is far more than just a weekly class - the materials go beyond the meeting and the expectations are high. It was designed to survey all things that Youth Actors should know in order to be on a COMPETITIVE level.
Payment Options
Option ONE (Early Bird Discount)
- Prior to June 20th
- A full payment of $1149
- or SIX monthly payments of $199
Option TWO (Regular Price)
- After June 20th
- A full payment of $1349
- or SEVEN monthly payments of $199
Possible Options:
- Up to (4) Discounted Spots available for those with a Financial Hardship (SEVEN payments of $135) Email Me
- Full scholarship for one student with dire financial setback and outstanding potential for excellence. Must be extremely disciplined & motivated. Email Me
- Skill Trade/Internship for discounted rate is an option. Email Me
How do I sign up?
This class is by ACCEPTANCE only. You must have approval from Corey Ralston in order to fully register. There is an application that asks for some basic info and requires video links in order to assess current skill level of applicant. Qualifying students will be chosen after review and follow up interview if necessary.
Application
Results of Craft Graduates
I have seen students during and after completing this course start to increase their callback ratio dramatically. Students grow in soo many ways in regards to their skill, their confidence and their strategic strides.
Upon completion students have secured Network TV Test Offers, Booked TV Co-stars, Guest Stars, Series Regulars, as well as Supporting and Lead Film roles. Some students have found representation in larger markets.
What people are saying about THE CRAFT...
“This course is very important and it will really help develop your children’s skills to the competitive level that they need to be at. Please if you haven’t trained with Corey yet, DO IT!”
Wendy Alane Wright
“My daughter has had a lot of prior training but ‘The Craft’ took all that training and tied it together for her. She has now developed a process and a plan for auditioning and since that time her self tapes have skyrocketed in quality. This class helped Nora take ownership & lead the way in her acting pursuits, a surprisingly refreshing change for mom. Ultimately, She's a smarter, stronger actor because of this course, there’s no doubt.”
Molly Yates (Mom of Nora)
“Incredible learning experience for every young actor. So valuable and Corey has gone to so much effort with all the amazing content! So much growth after the completion!!”
Claudine Dau (mom of Carter)
“This is a great class so much effort has gone into the course content. My daughter has learned so much in this class and it has helped her tremendously.”
Kristi Thomas (mom of Lilly)
"We have some news to share with you! Charlie is starring in a new Lifetime movie, The Secret Lives of Housewives. Charlie taking The Craft helped set this in motion. Your good training challenged and prepared Charlie. Your evaluation helped us realize that Charlie absolutely had to shoot some footage. Your tips on writing the scene that Charlie shot were spot on. All in all, your work with Charlie last year was a game changer. We are so grateful to you!"
Jenny Hitt (Mom of Charlie)
"Thought you might want to know that Ella booked a lead role in a SAG made-for-tv movie (Don't Sweat The Small Stuff, starring Heather Locklear). She goes to Nashville for several weeks at the end of the month. It’s a drama, so (it) fit her well. She’s excited and said that the knowledge she gained from The Craft course was very helpful in booking and preparing for this role."
Melissa Dorsch (Mom of Ella)
“Seriously recommend this! Corey created an insane course in all the best ways. I grew so much during and the final evaluation gave me such incredible insight as to what I was doing well and what I could still improve on going forward. One of the best courses I’ve ever taken and I would take it again and again if I could. Forever grateful for the experience that was THE CRAFT.”
Alaina Jaye Antrim
“At the end of his callback, the casting director told him how great he did with all of his choices and how much they loved his energy. And how excited they were to have him meet with the Studio team. He was jumping up and down for joy after and saying how he couldn't have done it without you and your classes. I truly believe that your intensive class has helped Aiden take his acting skills to a much higher level. Not only have his callbacks increased, but he booked a role in a huge Studio film and is heading to a producer session for another with that same studio! All of this after implementing all that he has learned from your classes. Thank you for being a great coach to all of the kids.”
Joanna Torres (Mom of Aiden)
“Hands down one of the best classes I have ever done. I grew so much. Corey is one of my absolute FAVORITE teachers. Take this course!”
Annabelle Collins
“Corey Ralston is amazing and really dives into so many subjects that are not taught in most classes. Worth every dollar!”
Sonia Bolles (Mom of Juliana Herrin)
“Hands down one of the best programs out there. I do all the partner reads with my boys and I’ve seen so much growth from all the knowledge they have received in this class from not only Corey Ralston but from all the interactions with the other like minded and driven students in their class. Setting the bar higher and pushing them to really dig deep makes for some awesome auditions we’ve submitted lately. Highly recommend”