Backto1's Actors' Workshop, Kingston, ON (2026)

11/06/2023

Well, it seems the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strike in the USA has reached a threshold. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has made a last, best, and final offer which as I'm writing here tonight is being considered by SAG_AFTRA.

My guess is it will be rejected by the actors, which means, negotiations could go on into next year. The reason, I think, is simple. AI and the possible implications that this new technology could bring about for the big screen are frightening. The Actors' union is at a singular disadvantage in trying to see how the technology may be deployed when Producers, on the other hand, know full well where this technology's use is heading and how they will be deploying it - for the most part.

So, it couldn't be a more pressure-burdened night for the SAG. My heart and support rest with them. Go get 'em Fran!

By the way, our Canadian Actors Union ACTRA sits in sympathy with SAG. There are serious negative side effects in Canada as a result. Many American films are shot in Canada with many American actors, all of which now is on hold.

I'd love to see the end of this as soon as possible, but only if the Actors get the fair deal they deserve.

At Backto1's Actors' On-camera Scene Study, everyone’s first session of 4 classes is FREE!

TUES, NOV 21st. 2023. is the next class!
Our website is at https://www.backto1s.art
Go here to register directly. https://form.jotform.com/cbrianrhodes/backto1s-registration-form
Or call 416-898-5874 to chat.

Direct Registration link.
https://form.jotform.com/cbrianrhodes/backto1s-registration-form

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10/30/2023

You cannot take the set-up of auditioning self-tapes for granted. There are no hard rules but there are preferences hinted at by Casting Directors.

Use a solid coloured background to shoot against. I prefer a light blue, grey or beige wall. Quite frankly any solid colour will work but do not shoot using a distracting background of wall paintings, flowers, or a room setting etc.

Unless asked to do otherwise, shoot in close-up. Simply leave an inch of space above your head and below your chin. Always shoot in landscape.

Casting Directors look into the actor's eyes for insight. Therefore, I suggest you not use a 'circle' lighting lamp. They tend to wash out the actor's eyes. Your lighting is important. Make sure you are well-lit with no shadows cast on the backdrop.

If you have a choice, 'slate' at the end. I generally slate, name, height, and location. If you are asked to slate in a full stand-up shot, make a separate standing set-up video and then edit the two shots together. Never send in more than one video per audition. Also, a movie editing app can help. I use iMovie. It's easy to use and offers as many options as you'd need. For example, editing out the set-up and closing scenes and then adding a fade-in and out can give your video a more professional appearance.

When naming the video, I put my name first, the role name I'm auditioning for in capitals and lastly the project name: Brian Rhodes BIG DADDY Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, just stay consistent.

Lastly, and very important, establish definite eye-lines. NEVER look down the camera lens. Apple devices have offset camera locations. You need to adjust for this camera offset when you audition. Your head needs to appear on screen just slightly to the right of centre looking slightly to the left and always on a fixed eyeline. When you look away and then look back you must nail that location perfectly, every time, otherwise, you create confusion for those watching.

At Backto1's Actors' On-camera Scene Study, everyone’s first session of 4 classes is FREE!

TUES, Nov 21st., 2023. is the next class!
Our website is at https://www.backto1s.art
Go here to register directly. https://form.jotform.com/cbrianrhodes/backto1s-registration-form
Or call 416-898-5874 to chat.

10/23/2023

I spoke with a Casting Director Thursday and another actor who built his own online actor’s studio. It was a fun get-together.

We talked about COVID-19 and its effect on the film industry and concluded the introduction of "Self-Tape" was an enormous change that appears to have survived the pandemic, much to the benefit of the aspiring actor.

It was huge since it opened up the world of acting to a greater audience, those who were excluded from the dance previously due to the distance between them and Casting Directors.

When I first became an actor, there were 6-10 active Casting Directors in Toronto, with offices mainly in the core of Toronto.

On arrival, I registered and then took a seat to wait, with 10-20 people on average waiting to audition for the same role. It was daunting.

Now, put this into perspective. To make this work, I would have to make arrangements with my employer to take time off - a minimum of half a day, maybe even a whole day - to audition for a role where I'm competing with 10-20 actors that day as well as possibly the 10-20 actors that were auditioned the day before or the day after, all for an "in person" audition that might last 2-3 minutes.

Quite frankly, it was an insane and unfair process. The cost to the actor was enormous, primarily if you lived outside the city’s core - not only costly but highly nerve-racking. But, on the other hand, the cost to the Casting Directors was nothing. The film Production company pays them.

So, thanks to the "self-tape," I relocated to Quinte West, and now my first audition is always by self-tape. Think about it! I can now audition for roles not only in Toronto film productions but for Montreal films and films across the country, all from the comfort of my living room in Quite West and taking all the time I need to prepare.

Self-taping is a profound change, especially for all in Kingston who dream of acting.

At Backto1's Actors' On-camera Scene Study, everyone’s first session of 4 classes is FREE!

Monday, Oct 30th, 2023, is the next class!
Our website is at https://www.backto1s.art
Here’s the link to register. https://form.jotform.com/cbrianrhodes/backto1s-registration-form
Or call 416-898-5874 to chat.

10/16/2023

What the actor discovers in scene preparation and how the discoveries are used is directly related to the performance's success. The goal in this preparation is to find your best interpretation and present it to your audience.

How do you prepare? First, repeatedly reading the scene gives you an understanding of the words on the page and what’s going on. This will help you with the context, the characters, the tone, and the overall story – its beginning, middle and end. It will also help identify the scene's genre, style, and mood.

You should ask yourself questions such as: Who are the characters in the scene? What is their relationship? What do they want from each other? What are the obstacles they face? What are the stakes? What is the subtext? How does the scene advance the plot or reveal something about the characters? Answering these questions will help understand the scene's objectives, conflicts, and emotions.

Once analyzed, the actor must choose an action for their character that expresses their objective in the scene. An action is a verb that describes what the character is doing to achieve their goal. For example, if a character aims to persuade someone to do something, their action could be to charm, to threaten, to bribe, to seduce, etc. Choosing an action helps you focus your performance and make it more dynamic and specific.

Next, memorize your lines. Learning the lines will help you be confident and natural in your delivery and allow you to focus on your partner and their action.

Finally, it would be best if you often practiced the scene, trying different choices and variations until you find what works best for you. Doing so will help you improve your timing, rhythm, chemistry, and reactions.

You can never do enough preparation!

At Backto1's Actors' On-camera Scene Study, everyone’s first session of 4 classes is FREE!

Monday, Oct 30th. 2023. is the next class open for registration!
Our website is at https://www.backto1s.art
Go here to register directly. https://form.jotform.com/cbrianrhodes/backto1s-registration-form
Or call 416-898-5874 to chat.

10/10/2023

Acting is about expressing emotions, thoughts, and stories through body language, voice, and facial expressions. Acting can also be a powerful tool for influencing people worldwide and locally. It can inspire, educate, entertain, and challenge.

Acting helps develop communication skills and confidence since they need to communicate effectively with their co-stars, directors, and audiences. These skills can help influence people in various settings, such as public speaking, negotiations, or interviews. For example, Oprah Winfrey, who started her career as an actress, is now one of the most influential media personalities in the world.

Acting can help people understand and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. Actors often play characters different from themselves - different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, or ages. This can help actors learn about the history, values, and challenges of others and empathize with their feelings and experiences. For example, Sean Penn, the American actor so incensed by atrocities in the current Russia-Ukrainian conflict, has taken on producing a documentary of the senselessness of this war by courageously filming it himself on the battlefront in the line of fire.

Acting can help people create and share original and innovative content since they are often involved in the creative process of making films, plays, or shows, such as writing scripts, directing scenes, or producing music. Actors can also use creativity to generate new ideas, solve problems, or express themselves uniquely.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a popular Ukrainian comedian thrust into the spotlight as the 6th, President of Ukraine, is now leading the Ukrainian people heroically at war with the overpowering Russian Invasion.

Acting is not only entertainment but also a form of education and empowerment. Once you begin acting, doors will open, that can improve your view of things and the people around you, since, in most cases, with acting, you become a better person.

At Backto1's Actors' On-camera Scene Study, everyone’s first session of 4 classes is FREE!

TUES, Oct 17th. 2023. is the next class!
Our website is at https://www.backto1s.art
Go here to register directly. https://form.jotform.com/cbrianrhodes/backto1s-registration-form
Or call 416-898-5874 to chat.

10/03/2023

Sign up for Backto1's NEW Sunday afternoon acting workshop!

Our first 4-consecutive Sunday afternoon Acting Classes begin NOVEMBER 19th, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

At Backto1's Actors' On-camera Scene Study, everyone’s first session of 4 classes is FREE!

CALL 416-898-5874 or email [email protected] for details

09/29/2023

As an acting coach, I’m always looking to reframe discussions on why some choose acting as a career.

Acting is a form of art portraying different characters, emotions, and situations on stage or screen. Some may wonder what motivates someone to pursue this career, which is challenging, competitive, and demanding. There is no single answer, as different actors may have various reasons for choosing this profession.

Some actors may have a “passion” for storytelling, expressing themselves, and entertaining others. They may enjoy the creative process of developing a character, exploring different genres and styles, and collaborating with other artists. They may feel fulfilled when seeking to share their passion with the audience.

The “challenge” of acting attracts many. Acting requires many skills, such as memorization, improvisation, communication, and physicality. They may enjoy learning new things, taking risks, and overcoming obstacles. They may seek to improve themselves as artists and welcome constructive feedback and criticism.

Seeking “recognition” for their work can come in various forms, such as awards, reviews, fame, or money. They may want to be appreciated and respected by their peers, critics, and fans. They may seek to achieve success and status in the industry.

Some are inspired by the “impact” of their work on the world, which can have various outcomes, such as raising awareness, inspiring change, educating people, or promoting causes. They may want to use their voice and influence to contribute to the greater good.

These are some possible internal motivations that drive someone to be an actor. Of course, not all actors have the same motivations, and some may have more than one. Moreover, these motivations may change depending on the actor's personal and professional circumstances.

But ultimately, acting is a personal choice that depends on the individual's goals, values, and preferences.

At Backto1's Actors' On-camera Scene Study, everyone’s first session of 4 classes is FREE!

TUES, Oct 17th. 2023. is the next class!
Our website is at https://www.backto1s.art
Go here to register directly. https://form.jotform.com/cbrianrhodes/backto1s-registration-form
Or call 416-898-5874 to chat.

09/27/2023

Here’s more of what I’ve discovered in my search for what it is to “be present”.

“Being present” in acting means being fully aware and engaged in the moment without letting your thoughts or emotions distract you from the scene. It means listening and responding to your scene partner, the environment, and the imaginary circumstances of the character. Being present in acting allows you to create a believable and authentic performance that connects with the audience.

To add to the search for acting perfection, a technique developed by Anne Bogart and Tina Landau was put forward based on the idea that actors can use nine (9) physical and five (5)vocal elements to create a dynamic performance. The theory was initially conceived during the experimental art and dance scene of the 1970s

This “Viewpoints” theory is a postmodern method for understanding and exploring the elements of movement. Like other types of movement analysis theories, Viewpoints helps directors and performers construct narratives by harnessing the power of movement.

Physical viewpoints:
Spatial relationship: how far apart bodies, props, and other objects are
Kinesthetic response: how performers respond to forms of movement
Shape: the way that a body appears in space
Gesture: a movement or expression that has a beginning, middle, and end
Repetition: when a performer recreates or mimics another
Architecture: the physical environment surrounding a performer
Tempo: the speed at which movements unfold
Duration: the length of a movement
Topography: how movements create patterns or designs

Vocal viewpoints:
Pitch: how high or low a sound is
Dynamic: how loud or soft a sound is
Acceleration/deceleration: a sound that is sped up or slowed down
Silence: soundlessness
Timbre: a sound’s texture or quality

By exploring these elements in relation to each other and the space, actors can develop a heightened awareness of their surroundings and choices and, therefore, be closer to being present. It’s an exciting proposition.

At Backto1's Actors' On-camera Scene Study, everyone’s first session of 4 classes is FREE!

TUES, Oct 17th. 2023. is the next class!
Our website is at https://www.backto1s.art
Go here to register directly. https://form.jotform.com/cbrianrhodes/backto1s-registration-form
Or call 416-898-5874 to chat.

09/24/2023

Uta Hagen’s contribution to acting is profound, but I personally find applying her thoughts and practices difficult. Judge for yourself.

However, I use her “Nine Questions” to assist me in creating the scene and its character world - an exceptional first step to a scene.

Who am I? Includes all relevant details, from name and age to physical traits, education, and beliefs.
What time is it?
Where am I?
What surrounds me?
What are the given circumstances?
What are my relationships?
What do I want?
What is in my way?

Uta Hagen wrote Respect for Acting (1973) and A Challenge for the Actor (1991). Both advocate “realistic” (Characters speak in naturalistic, authentic dialogue without verse or poetic stylings) as opposed to “formalistic” acting (The practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to prescribed or external forms - as in religion or art). In her mode of realism, the actor puts their own psyche to use in finding identification with the role," trusting that a form will result.

In these acting books widely used in drama schools and universities, she developed a series of "object exercises" that built on the work of Stanislavski emphasizing the importance of physical actions, sensory awareness, emotional recall, and personalization in acting.

Ms. Hagen was known for her profound truthfulness, versatility, and dedication to acting and was a pioneer of political and social activism in the theatre.

She was honoured with many awards and recognitions, including being elected to the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1981 and an honorary doctorate from Juilliard School in 2000.

She co-founded the Herbert Berghof Studio (HB Studio) in New York City and trained famous actors such as Al Pacino, Matthew Broderick, Liza Minnelli, and Jason Robards.

Uta Hagen was a remarkable actress and teacher who inspired generations of actors with her passion. She left a legacy of excellence and innovation in the acting world.

At Backto1's Actors' On-camera Scene Study, everyone’s first session of 4 classes is FREE!

TUES, Sep 26th. 2023. is the next class!
Our website is at https://www.backto1s.art
Go here to register directly. https://form.jotform.com/cbrianrhodes/backto1s-registration-form
Or call 416-898-5874 to chat.

09/18/2023

Voice is an essential instrument for an actor, allowing them to express emotions, thoughts, and intentions through words and sounds. A well-trained voice can enhance the actor's performance, convey the character's personality, and captivate the audience's attention. Therefore, voice training is vital to an actor's skill development.

Voice training involves various exercises and techniques that aim to improve the actor's vocal quality, range, flexibility, clarity, and stamina.

● It helps the actor to breathe properly and efficiently, which supports vocal production and prevents vocal fatigue or damage.
● It enables the actor to project their voice with power and confidence without straining or shouting.
● It allows the actor to modulate their pitch, tone, volume, and pace according to the context and mood of the scene.
● It teaches the actor to articulate and enunciate their words clearly and accurately, enhancing their speech's intelligibility and impact.
● It expands the actor's vocal repertoire and creativity, which enables them to create different vocal sounds and effects for various characters and genres.�

Some of the common voice exercises for actors are:

● Full-body stretching: improves the posture and alignment of the spine, head, and neck.
● Facial stretching: This helps to loosen the tension in the facial muscles, especially the jaw, lips, tongue, and cheeks.
● Airflow exercises: This helps to control and regulate the airflow through the lungs, diaphragm, and vocal cords.
● Humming: This helps warm the vocal cords and prepare them for sound production.
● Lip trills: This helps release excess air pressure or tension in the vocal cords.
● Vocal rises and falls: This helps to stretch and exercise the vocal cords across different pitches.

Voice training for actors is a continuous process that requires regular practice and feedback. Actors can benefit from working with a professional voice coach to discover their unique voice and use it as a powerful tool for storytelling.

At Backto1's Actors' On-camera Scene Study, everyone’s first session of 4 classes is FREE!

TUES, Sep 26th. 2023. is the next class!
Our website is at https://www.backto1s.art
Go here to register directly. https://form.jotform.com/cbrianrhodes/backto1s-registration-form
Or call 416-898-5874 to chat.

09/12/2023

My back seat car window was open. My hand was out the window, pushing against the wind. Mary was driving. Lorna's in the back seat with me. My sister, Carol, was in the front. They were excited. Me? Not so much. I had to tag along. My sister was the babysitter. I was eight. I didn't need a babysitter. But my parents knew better.

We drove from Stratford to Kitchener to a concert at Bingeman Park. These were the early days of rock and roll. The band must have been good. We drove 30 miles to see them, a long drive in the mid-50s.

We arrived early. The girls were dressed to the hilt - saddle shoes, new skirts, ribbons in their hair and giddy.

I was bored. I went for a walk around the building. The walls had double openable doors. The doors on the sides were closed. I worked my way down the side. I found the stage door.

Little did I know I would have the best seat in the house. The girls were screaming and pushing to get closer. My sister and riends were in the front screaming the loudest. The house was overflowing while I sat comfortably on a beer case, watching.

The show was over. Everyone had left except a few girls - including my sister and friends. As I approached my sister, the band members came out. One went directly to my sister. It turns out she knew him. He was from Stratford. He introduced the other band members - but not me. Finally, we went to the car. The girls were a flutter. The girls chirped all the way home. It was a wasted night for me.

Now, jump forward 70 years. My Sister and I were driving to Stratford. That concert came up. She had fond memories of it. I had none. And then she started mentioning "Beak," her friend, and the other guys, Levon, Robbie, Garth and Rick. She had followed their careers until the band broke up in the mid 80's. "They made a film,"
she said. "The Last Waltz. Their last show. But that was a long time ago."

I was watching the birth of "The Band," A time in my life when greatness touched me, and I couldn't tap its magic!.

From the left: Robbie, Garth, Levon, Richard (Beak) and Rick.

NEXT CLASSES SEPTEMBER 12th and SEPTEMBER 26th.
Google "Backto1s" for our website to REGISTER.
YOUR FIRST 4 CLASSES ARE FREE!

09/10/2023

There is no definitive answer to which is the most important goal for an actor attending an acting class. Different actors may have various reasons and expectations for taking such a class. However, here are some possible goals that an actor could have to encourage participation.

Learning the basics of acting, such as using their voice, body, and emotions to create believable characters and scenes, is notable. This could include learning various acting techniques, methods, and styles, such as Stanislavski, Meisner, Strasberg or Adler. The growth window here is unending.

Improving audition skills and building confidence, such as preparing for an audition, choosing and performing a monologue, handling rejection and feedback, etc., is valuable. Pinpointing how to market themselves, such as creating a resume, a headshot, a demo reel, etc., is also an admirable target.

Expanding one's range and versatility as an actor, such as playing different roles, genres, and mediums like comedy, drama, film and theatre, is productive. This could also include learning the tools of improv, collaborating, and adapting to different situations and challenges.

Paramount, too, is the development of an artistic vision and identity as an actor, such as how to find their own voice, style, and niche in the industry. This could also include learning to express oneself creatively and authentically through their work.

If they wish to be recognized for their acting success, connect with other actors and industry professionals, such as coaches, directors, casting directors, agents, managers, etc. This could also include learning how to build and maintain relationships.

However, the most important goal in attending an acting class is to have fun and enjoy growing as an artist. An acting class can be rewarding and fulfilling. It can enrich one's life remarkably through work.

At Backto1's Actors' On-camera Scene Study, everyone’s first workshop of 4 classes is FREE!

TUES, Sep 12th. 2023. is the next class!
Our website is at https://www.backto1s.art
Go here to register directly. https://form.jotform.com/cbrianrhodes/backto1s-registration-form
Or call 416-898-5874 to chat.

Backto1's Actors' Workshop

11/06/2023

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