Acting Consultation
Piero Dusa exclusively offers private coaching to individuals and very small groups. Twenty-four years of professional experience allows Dusa to assess each client's unique needs. A consultation starts with the design of a syllabus tailored specifically to the individual's needs, maximizes the student's skill-set and incorporates specific goals. The client learns at their own pace, as opposed to the pace of a large class, and benefits by having Piero’s focused attention. The core of the Dusa system are the classes for character work: Actors Preference℠, Actors Expression℠ and Destructive Preference℠.
On-Camera Coaching:
In addition to the Actors Preference℠, Actors Expression℠ and Destructive Preference℠ educational service workshops, Dusa offers On-Camera coaching, essential for any student training to be in film or T.V. Professional actors know the camera has a life of its own, like a silent audience always watching and judging, thus the actor needs to develop a comfort level in front of the lens. Students learn how to relax in front of the camera and concentrate on shifting into character and losing self-awareness. For example:
- Knowing what to do and where to put one’s hands before starting the audition
- Where to establish the point of focus of the actor’s eyes in reference to the camera
- How to set up place and previous moment.
- How to use the camera to one’s full advantage
- Knowing and understanding the different roles that the camera plays based on different types of auditions.
Auditions & Call-Backs for Commercials:
There are several types of commercial productions and knowing the style of the commercial is critical for the auditioning actor. Is it slice of life, infomercial, improvisation, tell me about yourself, etc., is the audition solo, in doubles or in a group?
Here, the student learns how to use product placement, props (imaginary or real), script breakdown and line delivery from a cue card. The actor also learns the camera’s role and how to use it throughout the audition for the best framing, angles and facial profile. Dusa also emphasizes the importance of how to “slate” in-character and in-action, so the actor starts the audition already in character. Last, but not at all least, Dusa instructs the actor on how to start the audition as if the character were coming from a unique script-appropriate place, and how to close the frame when the audition is over. In this way, the actor finishing the scene on-camera looks professional to the (casting) director or producer. After a well-prepared audition, Dusa coaches the actors on what to expect at a call-back audition.
Auditions & Call-Backs for Film & TV:
It's true that "you don't get a second chance to make a first impression," and, for any actor, their audition might be the first and only chance. For an audition or call-back, Dusa uses a practical approach to maximize the student's effectiveness in this critical situation; how to become camera savvy, how to use the actual script the actor is holding to their advantage, how to use the space in the audition, how to pick up the next line from the page and how to break down the script. Going into these key hiring moments, students utilizing Dusa's instruction will know how to play the preference of the character instead of falling back on their own. The actor will use phrasing to break down the dialogue in the script and making it character-specific. The actor learns the speed and rhythm required for a sit-com audition as opposed to an audition for a drama. Finally, like a baseball player who tapes his own swing to gain knowledge and perfection through repetition, Dusa's students are taped in High-Definition so the actor can see their choices in detail. Recording the specificity of their choices in multiple takes allows the actor to understand their performance and implement the experience and knowledge gained on each subsequent take. It allows the actor to watch their own progress and increases their confidence. Dusa's students leave the session fully prepared for whatever challenges the (casting) director presents to the actor in the audition.
The Screen Test:
Learning how to embody the character and make chemistry happen with the other actor(s) is the focus of a Screen Test. Here's a dirty little secret, not every director or executive can spot a good performance, originality, or potential within a new actor. But, one thing ALWAYS stands out plainly for all to see, whether there is chemistry between the performers on-screen. Good actors must know how to make character-specific choices that are meticulous and strong and know how to be flexible in the moment based on the other actor(s) in the scene. The actor should understand the preference of his character and the proper body language execution. This allows the actor to have the freedom to work within the scene and to make character-appropriate adjustments based on their partner's behavior.
On set coaching:
Totally schedule-dependent, Dusa can be retained for on-set coaching for specific projects/people.
Seeking Representation:
In the digital age, networking is more important than ever when it comes to finding an agent or manager. But, when the opportunity arises, it is crucial for the actor to appeal to the agent/manager's preference. He can accomplish this by being diligent and prepared. Dusa assists the actor in selecting and preparing contrasting monologues or a scene that best portrays the essence of the actor. He works on improving the actor’s cold reading skills and also provides the following services:
- Resume service
- Cover Letter
- Head shot selection
College Admission Preparation:
Dusa also works with students to select and prepare contrasting classic and contemporary monologues or scenes for college auditions.
Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned professional and want the best practical learning experience with a tailor-made syllabus to help you quickly improve your audition skills, call-backs, booking, marketing yourself and how to go about getting representation, contact us at info@pierodusa.com