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Tuesday, June 3, 2014

PTE @ PTE: A Bridge To Your Acting Career

Are you looking for a way to take the next step in your acting?

Consider the intensive learning program - Professional Training Ensemble -- offered by PTE's Film and Theatre School.

PTE@PTE = PROFESSIONAL TRAINING ENSEMBLE
PERFORMANCE 
PTE @ PTE is a PERFORMANCE based actor training program structured around rehearsals and PERFORMANCE of a professionally directed play which will be presented on the MAINSTAGE of Prairie Theatre Exchange at the end of the program.
TRAINING
PTE @ PTE is an advanced TRAINING program designed for serious emerging actors who have had some training and have made a serious commitment to a career as an actor. You will study and work with some of Winnipeg’s finest theatre professionals to develop your skills, enhance prior training and gain realistic knowledge and practical tools you will need to purse a career as a professional actor.
ENSEMBLE
As part of the ENSEMBLE, you will work collaboratively with other serious and talented actors under the guidance of professional theatre artists to explore your craft and create excellent theatre. Training, rehearsing and performing as an ensemble enables the entire group to challenge and learn from one another, which greatly enhances your training experience as your explore your talents and expand your skills.
WHO IS IT FOR?
PTE @ PTE is an advanced TRAINING program for SERIOUS EMERGING ADULT ACTORS who have some experience and training and have made a commitment to develop their talent and performance skills to the highest level in preparation for a professional acting career.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PROGRAMS?
PTE is one of Winnipeg’s oldest and finest professional theatre companies with an excellent national reputation for producing quality professional theatre. PTE School has been training actors since 1972.
PTE @ PTE is the most advanced, intense program offered at PTE School. 
PTE @ PTE enhances prior training and experience with the realistic knowledge and practical skills need to make the transition to becoming a professional actor.
PTE @ PTE is a practical opportunity for trained and experienced, emerging actors to develop their skills and talents as part of a performance ensemble with the guidance, instruction and support of Winnipeg’s finest theatre professionals.
PTE @ PTE is an opportunity for emerging actors to be directed by a professional director and showcase their talents in a public performance on PTE’s main stage.


HOW IS THE PROGRAM STRUCTURED?
PTE @ PTE is a training program structured around rehearsals and PERFORMANCE of a play. ENSEMBLE members will attend classes and rehearsals for three evenings per week to receive intensive training in acting, improvisation, movement, voice and speech production, acting for camera along with private coaching as they prepare for a public performance of a full length play. The program will culminate in a public performance presented over two weekends on the MAINSTAGE at PRAIRIE THEATRE EXCHANGE.
WHO ARE THE PTE@PTE INSTRUCTORS?
All PTE@PTE classes will be taught by many of the highest calibre of working, professional theatre & film artists such as:  Sharon Bajer, Brenda McLean, Debbie Patterson, Miriam Smith and John B. Lowe.  PTE’s Artistic Director, Robert Metcalfe will act as Artistic Consultant.  The PTE@PTE Main stage production will be directed by one of Winnipeg’s leading directors.

WHAT TRAINING IS INCLUDED?
Rehearsals & Performance – PTE@PTE is practical, performance based training - classes will be scheduled around the rehearsals for a production on the PTE Main Stage.
Acting  - way beyond the basics – take your understanding of the actor’s craft to a new level with useful, practical techniques that will demystify the process and help you discover ways to create interesting, authentic characters in active, connected and truthful performances.
Voice and Speech - Voice and speech are fundamental tools for an actor and this class will help you develop and integrate the mechanics of voice production and speech to effectively enhance your performance. Some singing may also be included
Body and Movement - The language of acting includes more than just words. An actor communicates through body language and physical expression. This class will provide essential tools to enhance the physical aspects of an effective and dynamic performance.
Improvisation - (more than games) Improvisational exercises are not just tools for creating comedy they also develop actor’s flexibility, spontaneity, and creativity. Learn to use improvisation as a tool to discover the truth of a scene within and beyond the text.
Film and TV Acting – An acting career includes work in film and television as well as theatre.  Theatre and Film provide very different technical challenges. Acting on a film set and in front of a camera requires specific knowledge and a different set of technical skills. This class will help you understand and develop the skills needed to work on a real professional film set.
Coaching and Scene Study - PTE@PTE will also provide one-on-one coaching for character development and text work.  Coaching sessions will be tailored to the production rehearsal schedule and designed for your specific training needs.

PTE @ PTE Alumni:

Heather Russell, Kevin Anderson, Rachelle Fordyce, Karl Thordarson, Erin Essery, Theresa Thomson, Toni Reimer, Jill Guingcangco, Kim Zeglinski, Daryl Dorge, Murray Farnell, Arthur McKinnon, Duncan McGregor, Andraea Sartison, Cindy-Marie Small, Stephanie Sousa, Kalysha Watson-Towle, Jessy Ardern, Dan Augusta, Joshua Banman, Lisa-Marie Carlson, Colin Connor, Adam    Jennings, Loc Lu, Gislina Patterson, Christine Reinfort, Samara Von Rad and Alissa Watson

WHAT IS THE 2015 PTE@PTE SCHEDULE?


Visit our website for www.pteschool.ca.


 HOW DO YOU APPLY?

Book an audition.      Call 925-5253 or email: educationsvces@pte.mb.ca
HOW DO YOU PREPARE TO AUDITION?
  • You will be asked to provide a headshot and one page resume and fill out an application form.
  •  At the audition you must perform two (2) contrasting monologues.
  • Please limit monologue time to two minutes for each monologue.
  • At least one monologue should be from a modern play.
  • SINGERS - You may choose to do a song instead of a second monologue. 

Friday, January 10, 2014

IMPROV LEVEL - 2 (ADULTS)

IMPROV LEVEL 2 WITH RobYn Slade
We are offering an Improv Level 2 class  instructed by RobYn Slade. The Class starts this Monday January 13th and there are still spaces available. Call (204)925-5253

IMPROV LEVEL 2
10 weeks, Mondays 7:30 - 9:30pm
For experienced improvisation students interested in developing their Improv skills further. The focus of the class is on improv performance techniques. The class will perform in the Colin Jackson Studio Theatre several times during winter terms.

RobYn Slade's bio is here

Call (204)925-5253 or register online at www.pte.mb.ca

Friday, December 27, 2013

PTE School Winter Classes in January

PTE School Winter Classes Start January 06 and run for 10 weeks until March!
Register online at www.pte.mb.ca or call (204) 925-5253

Adult Classes

Acting Just For Fun on  Saturday, 3:40pm–5:40pm
Acting Foundations on Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:30 pm 
Audtioning for Film and TV on Monday 7:30pm–9:30pm
Spoken Voice on   Tuesday, 7:30pm–9:30pm 
IMPROV Level 2 on  Mondays, 7:30 - 9:30 pm     

Teen Classes

Teen Acting for Ages 13 to 18 Saturday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Teen Improv for Ages 13 - 18 |Saturday 3:40 – 5:40pm 
Film and TV Acting for Ages 13 to 18 Tuesday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Kids Classes

(Start January 11 and run until March 22)
Imagine That  for Ages 5 to 6 on Saturday, 10:00am – 11:00am 
Kids Act Discovery for Ages 7 to 9 on Saturday, 10:00am - 11:00am
Acting Exploration  for Ages 10 to 12 on Saturday, 11:10am - 12:40pm
Musical Theatre  for Ages 10 to 12 on Saturday, 11:10am - 12:40pm 
Film and TV Acting  for Ages 10 to 12 on Saturday, 11:10am – 12:40pm  
Kids Improv  for Ages 10 to 12 on Saturday, 11:10am to 12:40pm     




Tuesday, December 17, 2013

CASTING CALL FOR DEGRASSI

CASTING CALL FOR DEGRASSI

Degrassi is going into its 14th season and is searching for new talent to join the cast! We are accepting video auditions from across Canada.


SEEKING:
Teenagers between the ages of 13-18yrs, males and females, all types, any ethnicity, fun, outgoing, natural acting ability.

For all video audition details, go to: www.larissamaircasting.com/degrassi
Be sure to read the instructions carefully!

DEADLINE: 

Monday, January 17th, 2014

Due to the large number of respondents, we ask that there be

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

If you have an agent, please allow them to submit you.



Saturday, December 7, 2013

PTE @ PTE: A Bridge To Your Acting Career

PTE@PTE = PROFESSIONAL TRAINING ENSEMBLE
                      AT  Prairie Theatre Exchange

PERFORMANCE 
PTE @ PTE is a PERFORMANCE based actor training program structured around rehearsals and PERFORMANCE of a professionally directed play which will be presented on the MAINSTAGE of Prairie Theatre Exchange at the end of the program.

TRAINING
PTE @ PTE is an advanced TRAINING program designed for serious emerging actors who have had some training and have made a serious commitment to a career as an actor. You will study and work with some of Winnipeg’s finest theatre professionals to develop your skills, enhance prior training and gain realistic knowledge and practical tools you will need to purse a career as a professional actor.

ENSEMBLE
As part of the ENSEMBLE, you will work collaboratively with other serious and talented actors under the guidance of professional theatre artists to explore your craft and create excellent theatre. Training, rehearsing and performing as an ensemble enables the entire group to challenge and learn from one another, which greatly enhances your training experience as your explore your talents and expand your skills.

WHO IS IT FOR?

PTE @ PTE is an advanced TRAINING program for SERIOUS EMERGING ADULT ACTORS who have some experience and training and have made a commitment to develop their talent and performance skills to the highest level in preparation for a professional acting career.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PROGRAMS?

PTE is one of Winnipeg’s oldest and finest professional theatre companies with an excellent national reputation for producing quality professional theatre. PTE School has been training actors since 1972.
PTE @ PTE is the most advanced, intense program offered at PTE School

PTE @ PTE enhances prior training and experience with the realistic knowledge and practical skills need to make the transition to becoming a professional actor.

PTE @ PTE is a practical opportunity for trained and experienced, emerging actors to develop their skills and talents as part of a performance ensemble with the guidance, instruction and support of Winnipeg’s finest theatre professionals.

PTE @ PTE is an opportunity for emerging actors to be directed by a professional director and showcase their talents in a public performance on PTE’s main stage.


HOW IS THE PROGRAM STRUCTURED?

PTE @ PTE is a training program structured around rehearsals and PERFORMANCE of a play. ENSEMBLE members will attend classes and rehearsals for three evenings per week to receive intensive training in acting, improvisation, movement, voice and speech production, acting for camera along with private coaching as they prepare for a public performance of a full length play. The program will culminate in a public performance presented over two weekends on the MAINSTAGE at PRAIRIE THEATRE EXCHANGE.

WHO ARE THE PTE@PTE INSTRUCTORS?

All PTE@PTE classes will be taught by many of the highest calibre of working, professional theatre & film artists including, Sharon Bajer, Brenda McLean, Debbie Patterson, Miriam Smith and John B. Lowe.  PTE’s Artistic Director, Robert Metcalfe will act as Artistic Consultant.  The PTE@PTE Main stage production will be directed by one of Winnipeg’s leading directors.


WHAT TRAINING IS INCLUDED?

Rehearsals & Performance – PTE@PTE is practical, performance based training - classes will be scheduled around the rehearsals for a production on the PTE Main Stage.

Acting  - way beyond the basics – take your understanding of the actor’s craft to a new level with useful, practical techniques that will demystify the process and help you discover ways to create interesting, authentic characters in active, connected and truthful performances.

Voice and Speech - Voice and speech are fundamental tools for an actor and this class will help you develop and integrate the mechanics of voice production and speech to effectively enhance your performance. Some singing may also be included

Body and Movement - The language of acting includes more than just words. An actor communicates through body language and physical expression. This class will provide essential tools to enhance the physical aspects of an effective and dynamic performance.

Improvisation - (more than games) Improvisational exercises are not just tools for creating comedy they also develop actor’s flexibility, spontaneity, and creativity. Learn to use improvisation as a tool to discover the truth of a scene within and beyond the text.

Film and TV Acting – An acting career includes work in film and television as well as theatre.  Theatre and Film provide very different technical challenges. Acting on a film set and in front of a camera requires specific knowledge and a different set of technical skills. This class will help you understand and develop the skills needed to work on a real professional film set.

Coaching and Scene Study - PTE@PTE will also provide one-on-one coaching for character development and text work.  Coaching sessions will be tailored to the production rehearsal schedule and designed for your specific training needs.

PTE @ PTE Alumni:

Heather Russell, Kevin Anderson, Rachelle Fordyce, Karl Thordarson, Erin Essery, Theresa Thomson, Toni Reimer, Jill Guingcangco, Kim Zeglinski, Daryl Dorge, Murray Farnell, Arthur McKinnon, Duncan McGregor, Andraea Sartison, Cindy-Marie Small, Stephanie Sousa, Kalysha Watson-Towle, Jessy Ardern, Dan Augusta, Joshua Banman, Lisa-Marie Carlson, Colin Connor, Adam    Jennings, Loc Lu, Gislina Patterson, Christine Reinfort, Samara Von Rad and Alissa Watson

WHAT IS THE 2014 PTE@PTE SCHEDULE?

Schedule:      3 nights / week -Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday
                     7:00 pm to 10:00 pm  + extra rehearsals as needed

Classes and rehearsals    February 04 to March 27, 2014
Spring Break                  March 28 to April 07, 2014
Classes and rehearsals    April 08 to May 22, 2014
Production week            May 25 to May 31, 2014
Performances                 May 29, 30, 31, 2014

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

Book an audition.      Call 925-5253 or email: educationsvces@pte.mb.ca

HOW DO YOU PREPARE TO AUDITION?

Auditions are on January 07 and 11, 2014
  • You will be asked to provide a headshot and one page resume and fill out an application form.
  •  At the audition you must perform two (2) contrasting monologues.
  • Please limit monologue time to two minutes for each monologue.
  • At least one monologue should be from a modern play.
  • SINGERS - You may choose to do a song instead of a second monologue. 

Friday, November 8, 2013

Alissa Watson's RMTC-HARVEY Experience

PTE's own Alissa Watson, Performance Training Ensemble member and PTE School Instructor,  shares her acting experience in RMTC's Harvey

I thought the “first day of school” sensation – you know the one – knotted stomach flip flopping in a deep dark pit, threatening to sabotage me by jumping out of my throat at the slightest missed breath – I thought those days were long over.  For a moment I believed that my legs, transfixed and rigid with anxiety, might not move when it came to my transit stop and I would blow the whole thing by showing up late.  I was so concerned about fitting in that I made sure I laid out my outfit the night before, something I hadn’t done for ten years. I thought the “first day of school” sensation was long behind me, but here I was, drowning in it, as I opened the door to my Manitoba Theatre Centre main stage debut.


John B. Lowe, Catherine Fitch & Alissa Watson.
Photo by Leif Norman
The last time I experienced nerves like these was my first day of rehearsal for Magical Mystery Munsch at Prairie Theatre Exchange.  However, having been a student at PTE for years made the rehearsal hall feel a bit more like home.  I kept telling myself that it was normal to be nervous, at least at this point in my career.  But I’ve learned that sooner rather than later you need to jump in, to remind yourself to breathe, to throw your inhibitions out the window, to remember to listen to those around you and to begin to “play” - channeling nerves into positive energy for your character.

Despite the numbness that plagued me on my way to RMTC the first day, I received a compliment from our director, Ann Hodges, regarding my calmness throughout the rehearsal and performance process.  I candidly told Ann my calm came from a mantra I carried with me from day one and repeated daily before entering the rehearsal hall, “Don’t mess this up!” (only the language in the phrase has been sanitized for this blog).  I knew this was my time to put what I had learned into practice - the opportunity I had been waiting for.

Steven Ratzlaff, Jeremy Walmsley, Cathereine Fitch,
John B. Lowe, Mark Crawford
 Alissa Watson.
Photo by Leif Norman
To conquer my nerves and, in turn, do justice to my character, I grounded myself in the invaluable training I received from my studies, regularly calling on the training I had at Prairie Theatre Exchange School over the years.  From the Adult Company directed by John B. Lowe - reminding myself that the real work can’t happen until I put my book down; Shakespeare Soliloquies with Arne MacPherson - realizing the value and significance of each word in the text and the importance of punctuation by the playwright; Stage Combat with Jacqueline Loewen - where I began to shed my self-conscious self and freed my physicality; the Adult Company, this time with Mariam Bernstein - where I focused on objectives and discovered how to ground myself in truth;  and, finally, my year in the Professional Training Ensemble with Sharon Bajer, Miriam Smith, Debbie Patterson and Brenda McLean (to name a few) - where I finessed not only my fundamentals as an actress but my connection to my body and voice and, most importantly, committed myself to becoming an actor.

I have many things to be thankful for this season - the theatre community in Winnipeg, the support of my family and friends, regional theatres that encourage work with local artists, local directors who take a chance on emerging artists, “Harvey friends” (old and new), the honor of working alongside not only industry professionals whom I have admired on the stage for so long, but some of my former teachers, this incredible experience at MTC, and the opportunity to be doing what I love.

ABOUT ALISSA:
Alissa Watson is an emerging actress based in Winnipeg.  Alissa made her professional acting debut last winter in Prairie Theatre Exchange's Magical Mystery Munsch, tour and main stage production.  Since, she appeared at the Edmonton Fringe as the free-spirited Ernestine in inspired I theatre's remount of The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine, directed by Debbie Patterson and Sarasvàti's  FemFest this September in Jessy Ardern's premiere, Harold and Vivian Entertain Guests, directed by Brenda McLean .  This winter Alissa will spend another Manitoba winter on the road touring with Manitoba Theatre for Young People's production of Night Light.  

You can catch Alissa until November 9th in Manitoba Theatre Centre's, Harvey, directed by Ann Hodges.


Friday, October 25, 2013

We're Proud of you Heather Russell

We're so very proud of PTE Professional Ensemble member, Heather Russell as she embarks on a great new acting adventure. 

Here's a great Winnipeg Free Press article about Heather's work in MTYP's one woman show, DYING TO BE THIN