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     

CASTING CALL FOR DEGRASSI

CASTING CALL FOR DEGRASSI

Degrassi is going into its 14^th 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 17^th, 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.

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. 

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.

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

PTE School's Acting On Camera Instructor, Curtis Moore, is not only an accomplished actor and teacher, but he is the Acting Coach on the NEW Disney XD TV series, BUNKS.  

Curtis shares his experience on our blog:

Boy this is a crazy business. One minute you’re sitting there learning lines for your Fringe show, and the next, Tibor Takacs says he wants you to be his right hand man as he directs a locally shot Disney movie. 

Am I interested? Uh, ya! 

Suddenly, your life is taken over by Tibor and the greatest gig I’ve ever had. Oh, as an actor, I’ve been shot by Mila Jovavich, beat up Julian McMahon, been hacked up by an angry Santa, and been turned into a fully functioning volcano, but, to be Tibor’s right hand man on Bunks?; uh, wow. 

Curtis Moore In Faces in The Crowd

As my teenage students like to point out, I’m an “old” dog, but it’s good to know I can still learn new tricks. And did I ever learn new tricks working so closely with Tibor and that team. I call them tricks, but, they’re really not. They’re more of a refinement of my skills and knowledge. 

Curtis Moore in Silent Night

Being acting coach on BUNKS has proven to be a game changer. My acting is different. My auditioning is different. I’m different. I was asked if the experience would affect my teaching. You bet it has. So much more of the mystery has been uncovered, and I really can’t wait to see how my students grow even more as a result. Yes it’s a crazy business; crazy good!

More Moore HERE

Curtis Moore On IMDb

Murray Never Thought He'd Be An Actor (He was wrong)

I never thought I’d be an actor.

I sort of fell into performing, taking a job as a character server at Celebrations to pay the bills while I trained in another career.  I learned what I knew of acting by watching others and experimenting, got cast after auditioning a few times, and gained a decent amount of performance experience there.  When my original career path didn’t work out for me, I decided I would give a career in acting a shot. Unfortunately, I had little to no formal training, and even less of an idea about the business of acting. 

Luckily, a friend told be about the auditions for PTE@PTE.  I’ve found the training and connections that I made in the program incredibly helpful over the past few years.  

Since the course, I’ve been part of MTC’s regional tour, voiced dozens of characters for cartoons,  and been part of many local independent productions on stage and screen.  Most recently, I was part of a professional production of local playwright Joseph Aragon’s Bloodless, produced and performed a three-city Fringe tour of Daniel MacIvor’s one man show Here Lies Henry, and worked with PTE@PTE alumni Heather Russell and director Deb Patterson  in The Crackwalker.  Coming up, I’ll be working on PTE’s touring show Portage and Munsch under direction from PTE@PTE instructor/director Sharon Bajer.

While this path is a constant learning process, the instruction and support that I received through the school was invaluable in steering the early stages of my acting career.  Confidence, preparation, and the drive to persevere; those tools have and will continue to aid me as I continue to work in the coming years. 

Who Hates Bill Pats? (not us)

I was asked to write for this blog a while ago.

Told I could promote my upcoming shows and if I wanted to, I could promote the PTE School, but I didn’t have to.

 I’ve struggled with what to write, I thought about looking through the blog at what other people had written but I was worried that would influence what I wrote too much and wouldn’t come across as genuine. So I decided to do what I was taught in Hope McIntyre’s writing class last year. Put pen to paper and just start writing. Don’t think. Just write. 

I’ve never considered myself a writer, even though I’ve somehow managed to write and perform 2 successful one-man Fringe shows. I’m currently working on a third for the 2014 Winnipeg Fringe Festival.  I’m also re-writing my first two “I Hate Bill Pats” shows into one and plan to take it on a Fringe tour it next summer, as well as performing it at the 2014 Winnipeg Comedy Festival.

 I am living my dream and PTE School is a huge part of that. Without their training and support none of this would be possible. If you’re looking to get into this crazy business or just looking for a creative outlet look no further. Sign up for a class at PTE. You can edit your writing and your life to death. Especially if you’re like me and never satisfied. Or you can leave it and move forward. Pen to paper. Don’t think.

Bill Pats 

COMEDY at PTE School!

Local Funny Girl, JANE TESTAR, performs with TWO (yes TWO!) of Winnipeg's most successful comedy troupes, OUTSIDE JOKE and HOT THESPIAN ACTION and she's also a popular CBC Radio personality. Best of all, Jane is returning to PTE School this year to teach our SKETCH IT OUT! comedy class! She will be joined, on occassion, by stand up comic Cara Lytwyn. Together they will work with emerging comedians to develop their comedy SKETCH writing skills and the basics of STAND-UP comedy.

There is still room left in this class which runs at PRAIRIE THEATRE EXCHANGE SCHOOL on Thursday nights from 7:30pm to 9:30pm starting October 10, 2013.  (not October 07 as the PTE website says). You can register online or call Liz at (204) 925-5253.


For more information about the SKETCH IT OUT CLASS go to the PTE School WEBSITE
Read more about JANE TESTAR HERE and HERE

MAPLE ROUTE

Here's a CBC preview for Theatre Incarnate's MAPLE ROUTE with PTE @ PTE Alumni, Karl Thordarson and Theresa Thomson. PTE School Instructor Brenda McLean is co-artistic Director of Theatre Incarnate.  This show is running right now in the Colin Jackson Studio.Theatre
http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Manitoba/Scene/ID/2407364805/

THE CRACKWALKER

Here's a link to the CBC preview of THE CRACKWALKER which opens tonight starring two  PTE @ PTE Alumni, Heather Russell and Murray Farnell along with PTE School instructor (and long-time Young Company member) Spenser Payne and directed by Instructor / Director Debbie Patterson.

Go see this show!
http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Manitoba/Scene/ID/2408580993/

Director /Actor Mariam Bernstein teaching at PTE School

We are thrilled to announce that respected (and well loved) Winnipeg Actor and Director, Mariam Bernstein, will once again be joining the instruction team at PTE School. Mariam will be teaching Term One (fall) of our Audition class for adults and our Advanced Scene Study class for experienced acting students. Students love being challenged and nurtured by this passionate, knowledgeable theatre artist. We are thrilled to have her at PTE again. You can register for either or both of these classes online at;
http://www.pte.mb.ca/school/about.htm

About Mariam Bernstein

Mariam has been working as a professional actor, director, and theatre instructor for over 25 years. A graduate of the University of Winnipeg and the National Theatre School of Canada, she has performed in theatres from Victoria to Halifax, and directed numerous musical and non-musical productions. Recent acting work includes roles in Angels in America parts 1 & 2 (WJT), Little Women and Sweeney Todd (Dry Cold). Recent directing includes Death of a Salesman, Betrayal, Speed-the Plow, (WJT), Company and  She Loves Me for Dry Cold Productions. In addition to teaching at U of W, U of M School of Music Opera program, and MTYP, Mariam has taught children, teens, and adults at PTE, and directed their Adult Company. She has given private text and monologue coaching for over 15 years.

More information about the Audition class here 

More information about the Advanced Scene Study Class here

Maple Route by Jeremy Scarth Bowkett opens tonight in the Colin Jackson Studio Theatre at Prairie Theatre Exchange. The show runs until September 28th!

Staring PTE@PTE Ensemble Members Karl Thordarson and Theresa Thomson (also a PTE School instructor) and PTE School instructor Toby Hughes, this Canadian Premier is not to be missed! 

Read more about MAPLE ROUTE in the Winnipeg Free Press

Visit Theatre Incarnate's website for more info.

Toni Reimer: PTE @ PTE Colleagues and Collaborators

I love the fall. The time of cozy sweaters, drinking hot tea on crisp sunny afternoons, and the start of a new theatre season. I've been looking at write ups for upcoming shows and have noticed how many of the performers I know, or know of, through the PTE@PTE program. Graduates are making a strong presence in many of the companies across town and in the film industry. I was recently at a call back for an MOW and noticed that 4 of the 6 actors in the waiting room were PTE@PTE alumni!

PTE@PTE is a smart step for any actor looking to make their way into the professional world of theatre and film. It's not an easy program. It demands a lot of time, and will stretch you as an actor, which is exhausting. But this is what makes it so great. The instructors are working professionals with years of experience, who will pin point your areas of strength and weakness, and challenge you to develop your skills so you can start making an impression in the audition room and on stage.

In addition to the excellent training, the program also connects you with other actors that are serious about their commitment to growing as an artist. So many of us that took the program continue to collaborate.

I'm so glad that I took the program. I am a more confident actor because of it.

Toni

Brenda McLean is directing the FemFest production - Harold & Vivian Entertain Guests by PTE @ PTE Alumnus Jessy Ardern. The show runs September 15, 16 & 21 at the Asper Centre for Theatre & Film, 

Brenda is a multi talented theatre artist - actor, director, designer, physical theatre practitioner, co-artistic director of Theatre Incarnate.

You can see a Theatre Incarnate production right here at PTE in the Colin Jackson Studio Theatre - Maple Route by Jeremy Scarth Bowkett - September 19 to 21 and 24 to 28, 2013.

Brenda will be directing PTE School's 2013/2014 Adult Company as well as instructing the Outside to Inside (physical theatre) class. 

Brenda's Mclean's Teaching Bio is here.

Kim's PTE@PTE Investment

I took the PTE@PTE (Professional Training Ensemble) course during its first year in 2009. It provided excellent training and an opportunity to develop my skills under the expertise of working LOCAL professionals.  

As a teacher, mom, writer-performer-producer, actor...it was important that I find ways to network locally. 'Running-away-and-joining-the-circus' so to speak, has never been an option for me. But it has always been important for me to earn a living doing meaningful work, as well as find ways to express myself as a performer.  I think I've found a nice balance of day-job, home-life, and art-life. The lines are definitely beginning to blur, and sometimes my art-life makes up a portion of my paid work! 

Since 2009, I've written/performed/produced two, 5-Star Fringe productions: "Breast Friends" and "Stretchmarks"; performed in Theatre Incarnate's Churchill-Fest production "Far Away"; worked on Sarasvati's School Tour "No Offense"; been cast as a supporting actor in the indie film "On the Edge" and principal opposite Jennifer Connelly in the feature film "Cry Fly".  I've been cast in a commercial for lottery tickets, a few short indie films, and have auditioned for several theatre, film, and television/commercial projects.  I'm now an ACTRA-Apprentice union actor.

None of this would have happened without the networking, personal confidence, candid advice, and expert training that PTE@PTE provided.

It's definitely been worth the investment!  

Kim Zeglinski

NEW PTE School ONLINE Brochures

Check out PTE School's funky new 2013 / 2014 Brochures

They are now available ON LINE.

ADULT CLASSES brochure is HERE

TEEN CLASSES brochure is HERE

KIDS CLASSES  brochure is HERE

PTE School WEBSITE

AUDITIONS

Auditions are coming up fast for the Professional Training Ensemble program. This intensive training program is taught by some of Winnipeg's best. Sharon Bajer brings her experience as an actor, director and playwright to the class. Call 925-5253 for more details on the course. Check out www.sharonbajer.com to see what she's up to in the coming months. We're excited she'll be directing PTE's Family Holiday show.

PTE @ PTE Professional Training Ensemble is back at PTE in 2013-2014 season

We are pleased to anounce that Sharon Bajer will be the Director for this year's PTE @ PTE Show.
AUDITIONS on MONDAY September 23, 2013
Cal Liz @ (204) 925-5253

PTE @ PTE

This performance-based program has been developed especially for those who are serious about making acting their career. Learn more about the actor's craft under the guidance of some of Winnipeg's finest professionals. Develop your talent and performance skills as part of a performance ensemble. This program offers intensive training theatre professionals in a professional theatre setting -- a great extension of professional training for serious emerging actors -- and culminates in a public performance on PTE's mainstage.


INSTRUCTORS are experienced professional theatre and film practitioners.
TRAINING INCLUDES: the actor’s process, acting for film & TV, scenework and text analysis, body & voice, improvisation, rehearsal & theatre performance as well as seminars & guest instruction by professionals.


SCHEDULE | 3 Nights per week Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Program runs January 07 to May 31 2014
There will be a 3 night orientation - December 10,11,12, 2013
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES on the PTE Mainstage May 29 to 31, 2014

ADMISSION to this program is by audition and interview. There is no pre-requisite but some previous acting experience/training is recommended.

AUDITIONS will be held at PTE School - Monday September 23, 2013 - call 925-253 to book an audition.

*PLEASE NOTE: Commitment to program is crucial to your training in this ensemble environment. Regular attendance and participation in all classes is a requirement of the program.