ADULT CLASSES
Click to see past class scenes and projects at the I.O. ACTING AND CREATIVE STUDIO YouTube site:
GROUP ACTING CLASSES
Referrals and joint registration (including acting/writing combo classes) eligible for a one-time, $150 discount.
See below for our Curriculum Packages to save up to $500**
INTRO TO ACTING
STARTS: Thursday, June 4, 8:00-10:00pm
The focus of this in-studio course is to learn basic acting techniques while engaging in play and performance work. Much of the focus will be on comfort of expression in an ensemble, in-person setting. We start with the basics of movement, voice, and acting, with every step leading towards a freer ability to express oneself, and towards easing shyness and performance anxiety. Conservatory style acting exercises (Adler, Alexander, Boal, Hagen, Linklater, Meisner, Method, Johnstone, Shurtleff, Stanislavski, others) are condensed into a fun and challenging course for beginners and for those who wish to refresh their acting skills.
*Completion prerequisite for Intermediate Acting
6 weeks, one 2-hr. class per week: $540 + tax
*****
INTERMEDIATE ACTING
STARTS: Monday, June 8, 8:00-10:00pm
Having completed the Intro class, students delve into the world of on-camera acting, developing their skills and awareness when it comes to on-set Film & TV acting and audition technique. Using the “Three Ables” as a guideline (being Amiable, Available, Amenable), further on-camera monologue and scene work encourages strong choices both in confidence and in self-awareness—all while learning about professional acting via self-taping skills.
*Completion prerequisite for Advanced Acting for Film and Television.
6 weeks, one 2-hr. class per week: $540 + tax
*****
ADVANCED ACTING FOR FILM & TV
STARTS: TBA
Here the emotional challenges of the actor are explored, with a focus on acting from the heart. Professional actors and/or those who have completed the Intermediate class are eligible. Students are expected to engage in compelling work on camera—both on a personal and on a performance level—in a real, on-set environment. Students will learn invaluable techniques in acting for camera, while acquiring first-hand experience in film production itself. All the while they will be learning, as artists, how to attain an honest, compelling performance that avoids formulas. Students learn to work from the heart, rather than from a list of conventions. Essentially, students will learn how to act. Challenging scenes from contemporary film and television will be examined and performed.
8 weeks, one 2-hr. class per week: $720 + tax
*****
**Full Curriculum Package (all three sessions: Intro, Intermediate, Advanced—consecutive, or staggered) $1300 + tax
Savings of $500. $1800 + tax if taken individually, package sessions subject to class availability, full payment required in advance.
**Partial Curriculum Package (two sessions: Intermediate & Advanced—consecutive, or staggered) $1060 + tax
Savings of $200. $1260 + tax if taken individually, package sessions subject to class availability, full payment required in advance.
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GROUP WRITING CLASSES
NEW COURSE!
TALKBACK: Dialogue and Scenes for Film, TV, Plays and Prose
STARTS: Tuesday, June 2, 8:00-10:00pm
An in-person writing course live from NDG, Montreal. Learn how to create meaningful and compelling dialogue for film, TV, plays, comedy, prose and everything else. We'll do all sorts of fun and inspiring exercises that will make your scenes fly off the page.
8 weeks, one 2-hr. class per week: $480 + tax
Teacher: Adam Kelly Morton (writing bio and info)
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course instructor Adam Kelly Morton
SCREENCREATE: Film & TV Writing and Creation
STARTS: TBA
Learn the ins and outs of creating short films, features, and television drama/comedy—fictional and historical. Covering the five stages of production (development, pre-, prod-, post-and distribution) with particular focus on screenwriting, this class will be a fun, practical, creative catalyst for aspiring film & TV writers, and for those who are curious about how movies and shows get made.
8 weeks, one 2-hr. class per week: $480 + tax
Teacher: Adam Kelly Morton (writing bio and info)
*
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OTHER GROUP CLASSES (offered periodically)
WRITING FOR FUN AND WELL-BEING
STARTS: TBA
In an age where AI can manufacture any kind of (impersonal) writing we may want, is it still worth it to write ourselves? Absolutely. As professional writers, most of what we write doesn't turn into immediate profit. There is even more to gain through the process—and through finding the fun and wellness in writing. Whether it's purely creative (for film, TV, novels, stories, animation, poetry, etc.) or in the form of journaling, brain dumps (freewriting), list-making, epistolary (letter writing) or playing writing-based games, writing for the self is a healthy practice that can be therapeutic while still fulfilling a personal or professional purpose.
6 weeks, one 2-hr. class per week: $330 + tax.
*
STORYFORGE: WRITING YOUR SCRIPT FORWARD
STARTS: TBA
The hardest part about writing any kind of script is pushing through when life is getting in the way. Ideas may come fast and furious, and while getting a start can be a tricky thing, the slog of completing a project can be daunting—but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're writing a play, a screenplay, a novel, or any other kind of narrative (graphic novel, series, epic, etc.) there are tricks to help you get your butt in your chair and enjoy the heart of your story. Over this eight-week course, get specific techniques to help you write your script, do a bunch of writing, and learn to enjoy the view while climbing the mountain.
8 weeks, one 2-hr. class per week: $480 + tax.
* 
Felix Brunger in "The Anorak", Hope Theatre, London, UK.
SOLO CREATION
STARTS: TBA
With film and television successes such as Baby Reindeer, A Bronx Tale, My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Fleabag, shows that began as solo plays show the power and potential of monologues. In this eight-week class taught by Adam Kelly Morton (The Anorak), learn how to create a bold concept and take it all the way to production—culminating in an optional live reading of work-in-progress for friends and industry folks. Flexible hybrid schedule (depending on cohort, in-person and online), no required homework, and plenty of support to get a project off the ground.
8 weeks plus live reading night: $400 + tax (or $325 each for two friends).
*
NEW CLASS!
ADVANCED SCENE FOCUS
STARTS: TBA
Teacher: Marc Daniel
In this challenging, acting-focussed class, work with veteran LA/MTL actor Marc Daniel on making your scenes more compelling through in-depth script, improv, prep, and improvisation exercises. Working both on- and off-camera, learn about raising stakes, beats & tactics, pace, audition technique, scene analysis, and all about how the industry actually works from someone who’s been there—and still is.
5 weeks, one 2.5-hr. class per week: $375 + tax ($350 + tax for previous I.O. students)
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NEW CLASS!
ACTING BUSINESS
STARTS: TBA
Learn the ins and outs of what it means to be a professional actor here in Montreal, and elsewhere. We'll help you put together your portfolio including headshot, resumé, demo, and teach you all about the world of agents and bookings, productions, film, television, and about all the crazy changes going on in the industry at the moment. We'll also do some on-camera audition work to keep you fresh.
6 weeks, one 2-hr. class per week: $375 + tax ($300 + tax for previous I.O. students)
*
Master Classes/Comedy/Screenwriting/Audition/Industry
Where students and professional actors come together to engage in challenging scenes on-camera. Specific approaches to comedy, screenwriting, and industry business will be explored. Great opportunities for working with new people, networking, and most importantly: on-camera acting practice. The focus is on film scene-work, but audition materials can be brought in, as well as scenes written by the participants themselves. Industry professionals, special guests, regular audition practice, on-camera scene-work from great films, and rapid improvement are all to be expected from these sessions. Learn about the business of acting, including: agents, demo reels (with footage available from class), headshots (including photographer contacts), casting, sides, unions, set protocol, and much more. Vital classes for professionals and actors-to-be.
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