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february 2010

bongo productions
31 keele st. at keele & bloor, steps from keele subway station!
416 766-9092

contact bonnie feldbruegge, administrator
contact michael

bongo production’s acclaimed on camera courses:


step 1: private coaching

(for actors of all ages - beginners & advanced, flexible schedule)focused and challenging, one-on-one training sessions, in a supportive environment, michael encourages a deeper personal connection to the text, providing the actor the opportunity to explore intuitive and analytical approaches to audition preparation, monologues, on camera scene study, dialects, acting in commercials and more - sessions are one hour in length and can be customized to suit specific needs.
continuing - days/evenings, mon. through sat.- begin anytime!$99 /per hr. + gst, or $499 + gst /for a series of 6 sessions

step 2: semiprivate, on-camera, scene-study
(for actors of all ages - beginners & advanced, flexible schedule)
we pair you with an appropriate scene partner for a series of four, two-hour, semiprivate sessions, applying process oriented preparation techniques, combining script analysis and the development of a deeper intuitive connection to the text, to compelling film & television scenes, exploring screen acting technique, we create spontaneous, bold & authentic on-camera work. this is practical & inspirational training allowing the actor to explore the specific demands of acting for the camera in a challenging & supportive environment. - we can begin anytime!
continuing – days / evenings, mon. thru. sat. - $399 + gst

step 3: on camera, audition workshops
kids on-camera audition workshop
(8-12 yrs., beginners & advanced)
is a fun, focused, on-camera, audition workshop for movie, TV series and TV commercial auditions for kids 8-12 yrs., beginners & professionals, with guidance & demonstration from an experienced actor/coach who knows the ropes on both sides of the camera - detailed, proven, process preparation applied to professional commercial, film & television scripts, these are practical, realistic audition strategies and techniques, all work is taped with supportive direction, playback and critique.

sat. & sun., mar. 6 & 7, 11 am – 5 pm - $299 + gst

teens on-camera audition workshop
(13-19 yrs., beginners & advanced)
an intensive, on-camera, audition workshop for movie, TV series and TVcommercial auditions for teens 13-18yrs., beginners & professionals, with guidance & demonstration from an experienced actor/coach who knows the ropes on both sides of the camera - detailed, proven, process preparation applied to professional commercial, film & television scripts, these are practical, realistic audition strategies and techniques, all work is taped with supportive, direction, playback and critique.
sat. & sun., apr. 17–18, 11 am – 5 pm, $299 + gst


successful auditions for adults workshop
(beginners & advanced)
an intensive, on-camera, audition workshop for movie, TV series and TV commercial auditions for adult actors, beginners & professionals, with guidance & demonstration from an experienced actor/coach who knows the ropes on both sides of the camera - detailed, proven, process preparationapplied to professional commercial, film & television scripts, these are practical, realistic audition strategies and techniques, all work is taped with supportive, insightful direction, playback and critique.
sat. & sun., feb. 20-21, 11 am – 5 pm - $299 + gst

certificate program/agent referral:

(package includes steps 1 to 3) six hours of private coaching, 8 hours of semiprivate, on camera scene study, plus 12 hours weekend audition workshop! Continuing, flexible scheduling for steps 1 & 2 - begin anytime! $999.00 + gst

our audition workshops cover:

sure-fire preparation techniques: the given circumstances, script analysis guideposts, exercises for focusing and listening, the journey of the scene, memorization tips

detailed on-camera acting work on tv/movie scenes & commercials, who's who on set, slating, cold readings, what to wear, enthusiasm - the will to play, nailing the part!participants get detailed, supportive direction and perform on camera in commercials and/or scenes that are taped, screened and critiqued. we see past-participants of our workshops on movie and television screensdaily.

what they're saying about michael's classes:

norbert abrams from the nobel, caplan, abrams talent agency says: "michael is a warm, respectful and considerate practitioner with a uniquely keen sense of translating a performer's growth opportunities into sensible and realistic strategies. michael commits the performers to hands-on applications which has resulted in tangible and measurable positive results."

shari quallenberg from ami says:" i always feel confident that my clients arebetter prepared after taking ichael’s workshops. His interpretation of scripts and dialogue is a true asset."

kim everest from powerhouse casting says: “Michael has a lot of talent and a lot of juice. I consider Michael a top acting coach in the city!”

anna donato, mother of emmy nominated teen actor mark donato says: “michael is a loving inspiration and wonderful coach. he has all the necessary qualities; kindness, patience and knowledge. he is the best there is.”

josh kimmel - toronto, los angeles, montreal actor, says: “since your workshop, i did a co-star role on "e.r." and a spot on "west wing". i still remember several tricks that you taught me.”

patrick tivy - toronto actor says: “i just got a call from my agent -- i got the part! i don't think i'd have gotten it without the focusing igot in your classes.”

katy storey - "michael is a fantastic coach! he has taught me so much about all different aspects of acting. he helped me with so much - from on camera techniques and getting into the character, to getting an agent and much more."

michael caruana

actor, acting coach/teacher/director


since 1996 michael has been coaching actors of all ages, privately at his home/studio and on set. he has been a busy working actor for more than 30 years in theatre, film, tv movies & series and more than 70 commercials. on-set acting coach for: red - directed by robert schwendke, with bruce willis, morgan freeman, mary loise parker, john c. reilly & helen mirren, abc tv series happy town, the new line cinema feature film the time traveler's wife, starring rachel mcadams and eric bana. on-set acting coach and dialogue coach for the feature film cave dweller, including stars kyra sedgewick, kevin bacon, aidan quinn & sherilyn fenn, dialogue coach for feature film owning mahoney, including stars phillip seymour hoffman, minnie driver & john hurt, ken finkleman’s series: at the hotel and acting coach for harvey kietel feature crime spree and more american and canadian features and series including psi-factor & queer as folk, mayday 5. michael teaches advanced on camera skills & techniques and screen auditions at humber college institute of technology and applied learning in the acting for film & television program (aftv.) since 1994, michael has been a director of auditions for powerhouse casting, gloria mann casting and fade to black casting. an acting coach who ‘walks the talk’ and ‘knows the ropes on both sides of the camera,’ michael is in constant demand as an acting coach, on set, privately and in workshops; he receives high praise from casting directors, agents, producers and actors alike.

some recent news ...

kamiran aldebagh is now represented by karen law at law talent!

erin jones is now represented by karen law at law talent!

i'm acting coach on feature film 'red' dir. by robert schwentke (time traveler's wife) shooting in toronto winter 2010.

maya hall is now represented by david dunstan at etm!

andrew besselling is now represented by norbert abrams at the nobel, caplan, abrams agency!

justine kitteringham is now represented by david dunstan at etm!

andrew besselling is now represented by norbert abrams at the nobel, caplan, abrams agency!

harrison & samantha jarvis are now represented by shari at ami!

emily neighman has just been cast as the voice of 'beaver' in the new children's series "franklin" ... we are all so pleased and definitely wanted to send a big thank you to you. i have no doubt that her work with you prepared her for the audition because of the tips and exercises that you gave her during her classes ... working with you was a wonderful experience for emily and she is looking forward to finishing up with the kids on camera workshop, thanks again. leanne neighman.

james coholan is now represented by shari at ami!

jennifer roias is now represented by norbert abrams at the nobel, caplan, abrams agency!

tatiana walker is now represented by karen law at law talent!

i am acting coach on the abc tv series pilot of happy town, shooting in toronto summer/fall /09

marina stone is now with dani delio at creative drive talent!

simon brand is now represented by elvira at g.t.a. and booked tv principal roles on aftermath and extreme forensics ..!

july 11& 12 - we had an extremely talented, enthusiastic and fun group of teens at our teens on camera workshop, they are: lauren gaudio, will jester, michaela milgrom, alia de santis, jacalyn kelly, simon breton, brendan cox, patty facy and michaela snoyer!

danielle watling is now represented by karen law at law talent!

thomas darya is now represented by norbert abrams at the nobel, caplan, abrams agency!

julian smither is now represented by lee andrews at j&j talent!

gabbi grecco is now represented by lee andrews at j&j talent!

we had a very talented, enthusiastic and fun group of teens at our teens on camera workshop april 18-19, they are: olivia collins, leslie hamilton, deana hamilton, riley kate mcnair, megan anderson, pamela johnson, michaela snoyer, taylor evans, robin beck, bronte johnson, dharen cabuntocan, ariel alcorn, kara marzilli & viktoria sciacca!

matine campbell is now represented by shari at ami!

cole promane is now represented by barb muller at the messinger agency and just landed a recurring role in the new animation series “the 99”!

our successful auditions workshop on feb. 21-22 was a great success, a wonderful talented group, ... expecting great things from erin jones, annie morin, stephanie cooper, laura metcalf, carol levesque, rick kunst, analuisa almada, lindsay marie branton and the very busy richard cordeiro!

jill o'craven is now represented by teri boyack at hines management. since our workshop, she has had lead roles in 4 short films and a music video and appeared in a promotional video for the rom.

emily nolan is now represented by black & block talent!

anne-marie caicco is now with teri boyack at hines management!

stephanie sheri is now with teri boyack at hines management!

evan cameron is now represented by black & block talent!

annabel ramjit is now represented by lee andrews at j&j talent!

our successful auditions workshop on nov. 15-16 was a great success, a very talented and enthusiastic group, ... expecting big things from stephanie sheri, kamiran aldabbagh, tedili hatzinicoletos, evan cameron, nadine nassereddine, anne-marie caicco, vanessa del bianco, bret ryan, diana goldman, barry wood, annabel & roger ramjit and ryan turner, who just keeps getting better!

sara foster is now with amanda rosenthal at the art agency!

victoria goncalves is now represented by norbert abrams at the nobel, caplan, abrams agency!

patrick smith is now represented by penny nobel at the nobel, caplan, abrams talent agency!

alino giraldi is now represented by sandra gillis at premier artists!

cat oliver is now represented by sandra gillis at premier artists!

maja perrin is now represented by rob maxwell at premier artists!

i was dialect coach on manson (next film productions) shot in toronto, about charles and his followers ... adam wilson is intense and well cast ...

marsha chesley came to speak to my class at humber college, acting for film & television (aftv) - she is wonderfully articulate and warm ... the class and i were rapt!

i took my audition & self promotion students from humber college, to audition for andrew hayes at powerhouse casting, shasta lutz at jigsaw casting and for michael stevenson at fade to black casting, ... they did wonderfully well! we also have other casting directors and agent coming to the college to meet/audition them ... very exciting!

peter brant is now represented by lee andrews at j&j talent!

i was dialect coach on series 'cold blood' - nf productions, with director george d'amato, a fun set, great people!

i'm happily back teaching at humber college in the acting for film & television program (aftv) where i have a very talented goup of students itching to break into the business!

i'm enjoying teaching at studio pavas in mississauga, on camera acting skills and techniques and auditiong for movies & television - for kids, teens & young adults

i was on set acting coach for the kids on the time traveler's wife (feature film shot in the city.) it'll be a wonderfully moving, film - i can't imagine a more beautiful and perfect 'clare' than rachel mcadams, eric bana's 'henry' is magnificent and director robert shwendtke is brilliant!!

i was dialect coach on series 'mayday 5' - nf productions, a disaster re-enactment of air india flight 186 - irish and east indian, a fun set, great people!

andrea hunt is now represented by shari at ami!

alexandra perpick is now represented by shari at ami!

holly goddard is now represented by lee andrews at j&j talent!

michael, terryn & christina murphy (kids from the time traveler's wife) are now represented by shari at ami!

mara wallace is now represented by shari at ami!

grace rooke, talented and lovely is now represented by stephanie porter at the porter group!

jennifer turano is now represented by lee andrews at j&j talent

luke gallo is now represented by lee andrews at j&j talent, if you want to check his very cool music you can go to www.johnnynocas.com

'hey michael, i'm now represented by the porter group agency. thank you so much for your help! you're a true inspiration! i did the excercises you taught me, and guess what? they worked!' ms ellen ding

brandon dean is now represented by lee andrews at &j talent!

mary dawson is now represented by norbert abrams at the nobel, caplan, abrams talent agency!

wendy glazier is now represented by lee andrews at j&j talent, she continues her training and we'll be seeing her considerable talents on screens big and small before too long!

ashley caputo is now represented by black & block talent!

dani kay smith just signed with ami. This gal is bottled lightning!!

from kelly murtha, she's done it again!:
" ... yes ... i'm updating you again!! just wanted to let you know i got the part you were helping me get ready for - the quirky, funny woman... the audition was saturday - went really well.... and the director called this evening to say i got it ... he said i was the woman!! thanks so much for helping me once again prepare, commit and gain the confidence to go in and seize the role!!"

had a great workshop on the weekend in cambridge for working reel productions & buddy brennan, some very talented actors in and around cambridge!

jazz testolin is now represented by norbert abrams at nobel, caplan, abrams talent agency!

katie storey is now represented by king talent!

matthew del bel beluz is wonderful as john in peter pan at the elgin theatre! he is one very talented and extremely busy young actor in the theatre, film & television!

ben watson is now represented by barb meuller at the messenger agency and is very busy.

wesley morgan is now represented by butler ruston bell and is very busy!

roger ramjit is now represented by j&j talent.

elitsa todorova is now represented by the porter group!

alex de jordy is now represented by amy hines talent and is a very busy young actor.

hailey merkt is now represented by barb meuller at the messenger agency and doing very well.

dwayne murphy is now represented by norbert abrams at nobel, caplan, abrams talent agency and is very busy!

phil poirier is now represented by lee andrews at j&j talent.

for more information or to register, contact :
bonnie feldbruegge at 416 766-9092 or email:
bonnie-bongo@rogers.com

michael caruana, bongo productions,
faculty, acting for film & tv (aftv)
school for the creative & performing Arts,
humber college
studio pavas

bongoproductions@rogers.com


bongo productions is a member of taas

(toronto association of acting studios)




 

taped auditions :

need to send an audition dvd to l.a. or vancouver? i can tape your audition at bongo productions, you'll read with a talented working actor and coach and receive expert, supportive coaching. I book one-hour taping sessions, at my reasonable private coaching rate and I'll supply the dvd!

 

 

demo reels :would you like to put a monologue or scene on tape or dvd to show a prospective agent? would you like to have expert coaching for the taping session? ibook one-hour taping sessions, at my reasonable private coaching rate and i'll supply the dvd!

suggested reading:

the intent to live- achieving your true potential as an actor

larry moss is brilliant, extremely generous and articulate, his book is truly helpful and wonderfully inspiring! you can get it at theatrebooks!

also, in my auditioning and self promotion class which I teach in the acting for film and television program at humber college, I've been usingmarcia chesley's book you got the part! i have found it very helpful and informative and an enjoyable read. it's particularly good for us here in toronto because this is where marcia lives and works and most of her references are our own. i highly recommend this book. it's available at theatrebooks on st.thomas st. in toronto.

watch for more as we build the new 'what's new' feature of our website!

coming soon : 1) an audition checklist

2) star student profile

 

for more information including our reasonable/flexible rates, or if you’d like to register for a class, you can contact:
bonnie or michael at 416 766-9092

or email

bonnie-bongo@rogers.com orbongoproductions@rogers.com

 

bongo productions is a member of TAAS
(Toronto Association of Acting Studios)

 

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