attention
pda users: can't see the above menu? click on these text-only links
to browse our website:
...
now
is the perfect time to aquire the skills and techniques of our comprehensive,
certificate program ... private coaching, semiprivate, on-camera scene-study
and the audition workshops help prepare you for the lights, camera
and action!
september
2010
(kids
ob camera workshop - sept. 25-26!)
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. + hst, or $499 + hst /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
+ hst
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., sept 25 - 26, 10 am –
4 pm - $299 + hst
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., oct. 23 – 24, 10 am – 4 pm, $299
+ hst
successful auditions for adults
workshop
(beginners & advanced adults)
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., nov. 27 - 28, 10 am – 4pm - $299 +
hst
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 +
hst
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 founder of powerhouse casting said: “michael
has a lot of talent and a lot of juice. I consider michael a top acting
coach in the city!”
raven dauda, toronto actor says: "i have been
to many classes and workshops, however, yours remains to be one of
the most enjoyable and beneficial for me. your feedback was precise
and yet it left tons of room for the actor to make the connections
themselves. you reminded me of fundamental techniquesthat i now use
in my work today, and will continue to use in my work tomorrow."
neil
whitely, toronto actor says: "when my actor friends
ask me to recommend a good coach, michael caruana is the first name
that comes to mind. michael was the first acting coach that I chose
t work with when I decided to pursue an acting career at a relatively
late stage of my life. at first i didn’t understand many of
the principles he was trying to teach me but now years later i am
still using the techniques i learned thanks to michael. in the past
five years ihave been fortunate enough to appear in feature films,
episodic television and commercials. i owe much of that to michael
caruana.
elitsa
bako, toronto actor says: "i've worked very closely
with michael, and wouldn't be lying if I said he is the dream teacher!
he is comforting and encouraging, yet very forward with his observations!
he finds a unique way to shine a light on the missing pieces of the
puzzle and with the right directions, allows you to put it together
on your own. kind, compassionate and exact in his teachings, he truly
helps the artist rise within!"
tracey
jarvis - " i met michael through a recommendation. he
was summarized to me as a reliable and professional acting coach who
could help my children learn strong fundamentals. all of us quickly
learned that michael’s talents went beyond simply coaching his
craft – perhaps most importantly, his ability to connect and
relate with students. michael has that unique ability to engage with
people in a manner that inspires confidence and encourages people
to withdraw their very best from their skills. accordingly, I would
recommend michael without hesitation to any parent or individual who
has a passion for developing their love of acting."
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.”
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.
beginning
fall 2010-
continuing classes with michael caruana, mon. & weds. evenings,
at studio pavas, mississauga
mondays: the craft
level 1: stage and screen acting - acting basics for beginners
4:30 - 6 pm 8-10 yrs,
6:00 - 7:30 pm 11-13 yrs,
7:30 - 9:00 pm 14 – 19 yrs
first semester - creative play; warm ups, games,
improvisations and exercises to stimulate an active imagination and
inspire confidence, free expression and acting skills for the stage
and screen, in a fun and supportive environment.
* terms and goals for performers.
* relaxation, imagination, concentration, focus, body and sensory
awareness.* discipline, professionalism, trust and collaboration.
* observation and memorization.
* characterization, action and reaction, knowing your objectives and
making choices.
second semester - monologues: preparing and
performing monologues from literature, classic and contemporary plays,
screenplays and television and applying skills and techniques explored
in first semester plus introducing script analysis. we cover:
* context, the given circumstances, script analysis, guideposts. *
character interpretation, character traits, body and voice.
* historical vs. modern setting, costumes and props.
* understanding and playing objectives and making choices.
* storytelling, diction and projection.
* comedy vs. drama.
third semester – scenes: preparing and
performing scenes from literature, classic and contemporary plays,
screenplays and television and applying skills and techniques explored
in the first and second semesters plus reviewing script analysis.
* context, the given circumstances, script analysis, guideposts. (review)
* listening and reacting.
* ‘blocking’ and ‘business.’ Where the actor
moves and what he does when he gets there.’
* cheating out to audience / to camera.
* ensemble, collaboration and teamwork. “The play’s the
thing”
wednesdays: the industry
level
2: stage and screen acting - for returning students, those who have
worked with michael previously and experienced actors
4:30 - 6 pm 8-10 yrs
6:00 - 7:30 pm 11-13 yrs
7:30 - 9:00 pm 14 – 19 yrs
first semester – monologues and scenes:
adeeper, advanced exploration of preparation techniques and performing
scenes and monologues, on camera, from literature, classic and contemporary
plays, screenplays and television with supportive and challenging
direction and coaching.
* creative play; warm ups, games, improvisations and exercises (review)
* context, the given circumstances, script analysis, guideposts. (review)
* interpretation/analysis of scenes and monologues applying advanced
preparation techniques.
* selected scenes and monologues prepared, rehearsed and recorded,
on camera with direction, demonstration, guidance and critique with
increased on camera time.
* playback of recorded scenes and monologues with discussion, detailed
feedback, demonstration and guidance.
* ‘blocking’ and ‘business.’’(review)
plus’ hitting marks’ and ‘eyelines.’ the ‘closeup’
shot.
second semester - auditioning for movies, tv
shows and commercials!
* theatrical auditions – monologues and readings, 'the plays
the thing.'
* film and television auditions, the breakdown, ‘sides,’
how to prepare.
* commercials, acting and auditioning for tv commercials. ‘slating.’
‘what to wear?’
* cold read auditions.
* enthusiasm, the ‘will to play’, dealing with nerves,
booking the part.
third semester – lights, camera, action:
the industry: what’s it like to have a career as an actor? working
in the Theatre, working in film and television or all of the above?
* agents and casting directors.
* who’s who backstage? who’s who on set and what do they
do?
* professionalism, the unions, actra, actor’s equity.
* training, support and coaching.
* headshots and demo reels.
* seeking representation.
a showcase of young talent
an evening in june of 2011, i will compile selected recorded work
from level 2 students to be screened at studio pavas for invited guests
including family of students and selected industry professionals.
... these are beginners acting classes, where i introduce, explore
and apply the basic skills and techniques of acting for the camera
and stage. by encouraging an intuitive connection to the text and
applying the support of sound analytical process preparation (script
analysis) to compelling monologues and scenes from plays, film &
television, we explore the specific demands of of acting for the camera
and the stage in a challenging & supportive environment. “it
is through risking that we learn and grow.” this is proven,
professional, insightful and focused coaching, encouraging the actor
to risk, play and create spontaneous, bold & authentic acting.
i employ techniques and processes i’ve learned in 30 yrs of
working as a professional actor, director, coach and teacher and my
training and collaboration and with other talented and successful
working professionals. the work is informed and supported by techniques
and processes of sanford meisner, uta hagen, lee strasberg, stella
adler, viola spolin, larry moss, harold guskin and more. monologues
and scene work is recorded, on-camera, with supportive coaching, discussion
and demonstration and screened with critique.
studio
pavas is located at 2301 royal windsor drive, unit 1, mississauga.
for more information or to register for these continuing classes at
studio pavas, you can call: 905 403-9435. email: studiopavas@bellnet.ca,
and visit http://www.studiopavas.com/
some
recent news ...
dayle
mcleod is now represened by teri boyack
at hines management!
i've
just wrapped up the year teaching at humber college.
for my audition and self promotion class i took my
students to audition for shasta lutz at jigsaw
casting and michael stevenson at fade
to black casting, i also brought in casting directors
gail carr, marsha chesley, brian levy and
millie tom, talent agent norbert abrams,
directors don mcbrearty and graeme campbell
and my good friends actor/film maker carlo essagian and
actor/clown/producer rick kunst ... all were wise
and brilliant and generous ...
melissa lem is now represented by margo lane
at margo lane talent!
inder sharma is now represented by norbert
abrams at the nobel, caplan, abrams agency!
leigh elliot is now represened by amy hines
& teri boyack at hines management!
julia chumak is now represented by stephanie
porter at the porter group!
mike liverpool is now represented by black
& block talent!
kamiran adebagh 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 jan.- march, 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!
harrison & samantha jarvis are now represented
by shari at ami!
james coholan is now represented by shari
at ami!
tatiana walker is now represented by karen
law at law talent!
i'm in cape breton to coach/direct at the film festival of
the guiding star from oct 1 -5.
i am acting coach on the abc tv series, happy
town, shooting in toronto summer/fall /09
i have six commercials for cadillac airing at the
toronto international film festival, sept. 9-17 and the vancover
international film festival, oct. 1-16.
krista hosespian is now represented by terri
boyak at hine's management!
marina stone is now represented by 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 ..!
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!
matine campbell is now represented by shari
at ami!
cole promane is now represented by barb muller
at the messinger agency
emily nolan is now represented by black &
block talent!
. anne-marie caicco is now with terri boyak
at hine's management!
stephanie sheri is now with terri boyak
at hine's management!
evan cameron is now represented by black
& block talent!
sarabryn foster is now represented by amanda
rosenthal at the art agency!
victoria goncalves is now represented by norbert
abrams at the nobel, caplan, abrams 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)
