So, why ACTORSPACE? Okay, here's the deal – it’s not like a lot of studios/workshops.
Now, this is where you say, "Oh, yeah? And we say, "Yeah!" Then you say “So what’s the difference?” We’re glad you asked…
First of all, we’re not about "acting". And we don't have any "celebrity teachers" with giant tuitions attached. We're not indoctrinating actors into anyone's "technique" - use what you like, bring everything you know and let's work... play... SAME THING!
ACTORSPACE was created by Greg Thompson to provide a safe, inspiring, professional place for actors/directors/filmmakers to work and play; challenge and grow their skills. Our classes/workshops offer a comprehensive approach covering a range of material and an amalgamation of techniques, with the primary focus on finding and nurturing what works for you as an individual - "what makes YOU tick.”
All classes work from a “cold-read base” taking the actor through a complete break-down of each piece with each actor presenting their “read” - in some classes that is followed by a second go ‘round as a call-back. We deal with cold-read techniques as well as ways to “own your space” and “earn the life” rather than auditioning. Then we dig deep into creating history, environment and relationships – how to recognize them, trust them, build them and deepen them. On-camera classes include on-camera work, which we review and discuss in the class. And Scene Study classes build scenes from the ground up – we write, cast, direct, workshop and present the scenes. Classes vary from 2 - 5 hours, depending on class type, format and schedule. AND, it’s a blast!!!
Our students have booked regular, recurring, guest star and co-starring roles in such shows as: Valor, Preacher, Scream Queens, The Walking Dead, Supergirl, Scorpion, The Last Ship, The Resident, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Satisfaction, True Detective, NCIS, Powers, Rizzoli & Isles, Constantine, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Dark Blue, Anne & Jake, Halt and Catch Fire, Vampire Diaries, CSI: Miami, Three Rivers, Nashville, House of Lies, Criminal Minds, Without A Trace, Heroes, Army Wives, Castle, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Life on Mars, Drop Dead Diva, Moonlight, Army Wives, Dexter, Women's Murder Club, One Tree Hill, Pretty Little Liars, Gray’s Anatomy, House, MD, Two And A Half Men, Cold Case, Dawson’s Creek, House of Lies, October Road and Surface; major roles in numerous features including: American Made, Hidden Figures, Sand Castle, Misconduct, Ride Along 2, Selma, 12 Rounds, The Dark Knight Rises, Insurgent, Divergent, Expendables 3, Drive, Mena, Joyful Noise, Big Fish, American Reunion, The Great Debaters and My Super Psycho Sweet 16: Part 2 as well as indies and student films for USC, UCLA, FSU, NYU – Tish School and AFI’s up-and-coming filmmakers.
Our theatre students have been seen in major roles in such Broadway productions as: The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess - 2012 Revival, Original Cast; Anything Goes - 2011 Revival, Original Cast; Lestat - 2005 Original Cast, Les Miserables - 2006 Revival, Original Cast; Aida - 2000 Original Cast; Promises, Promises - 2010 Revival, Original Cast; The Book of Mormon - 2011 Original Cast; Nine - 2003 Revival, Original Cast; Dame Edna: Back With A Vengeance - 2004 Original Cast;The Look of Love – 2003 Original Cast. And many perform regularly on regional theatre stages, from coast to coast, including The Goodman, Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, The Alliance Theatre, Goodspeed Opera House, North Shore Music Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Signature Theatre, Alley Stage, Dallas Theatre Center, American Repertory Theatre, Arena Stage, The Guthrie, Walnut Street Theatre, Steppenwolf, American Conservatory Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, The Muny and Denver Theatre Center. Many have graduated from The Juilliard School, NYU – Tish School, Boston Conservatory, Carnegie-Mellon University, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Boston University, Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts and North Carolina School of the Arts among others.
Greg who? "Thompson" the guy's name is Greg Thompson.
Greg has been a member of the Actor's Equity Association, SDC and is SAG-AFTRA eligible. In addition to his numerous local, regional and national tour acting credit, he has worked as a union stage director, as well. Greg's productions have garnered regional and local awards including best actor, best director, best choreographer and best production. In 2000 he began pursuing his "real dream" - film. Since then he has worked on more than 50 Studio and Indie Features, Shorts and Episodics and countless Commercials and Voice-Over gigs. In 2006 his first short film, Swimming To The Moon, enjoyed critical and festival success, nabbing the audience choice award in its festival debut along with two best short awards during its 11 festival run. Down A Dark Road, followed in 2008, screening in 16 festivals to rave reviews and netting several awards including the Mason-Dixon Award for Best Filmmaker. MINE, his most recent film, clocked 21 festivals, pulling 5 awards for best short and an additional best short nomination.
Greg’s teaching career spans nearly 35 years, having taught for numerous Theatre Company-Based Conservatory programs, Colleges and Public Performing Arts High Schools, as well as developing and administering curricula for mentally and physically challenged teens and adults for the Kennedy Center’s VSA Arts (formerly Very Special Arts). Greg has studied with Ted Brunetti (Hollywood Playhouse, LA), Jack Plotnick (LA), Ginger Friedman (NY) and Margie Haber (Margie Haber Studio, LA) to name a few, and continues to study on a regular basis.
