Screen Actors Group Ōtautahi Classes
Our classes run in six-week blocks, with one 2.5 hour class each week. Click on the read more link to see full details including dates, times, cost, and the enrolment form.
Each director/tutor plans the structure of their block, but in general you can expect to spend at least some time in front of the camera each week.
Important: each block is its own distinct course. We just number the blocks for easy reference. So, yes, you can do Block 3 (for example) without having done the previous blocks.
Age for participation: Generally, these classes are for ages 18+ due to the sometimes adult nature of the work, but we do make some exceptions, and will work with mature actors aged 16/17, and we're also looking at additional classes for younger actors.
2023-4: CANCELLED - Script as Muse: Unleashing Your Character
Dates/time: Wednesdays, 14 June - 19 July 2023, from 6:30pm to 9pm
Director: Jonathan Briden
DOP: Rush Jopson
Cost: $195*
* = We can provide a discounted rate for those experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Please let us know if this applies.
Venue: Edgar Room, Risingholme Community Centre, 22 Cholmondeley Avenue, Opawa - more info
Enrolment: class cancelled
CANCELLED
We've chosen to cancel this class to focus on a new project. For those who've been regular supporters of SAGŌ, keep an eye on your inbox!
About this block
There's a wealth of inspiration to be found in scripts. By knowing where to look you'll make awesome discoveries about your character and what they are experiencing moment to moment. It is this in-depth understanding that is what makes great actors so amazing to watch. Whether you're a seasoned actor looking to refine your craft or an aspiring performer eager to learn the fundamentals, this class is for you.
2023-3: Emotional Journey
Dates/time: Wednesdays, 26 Apr - 31 May 2023, from 6:30pm to 9pm
Director: Jonathan Briden
DOP: Rush Jopson
Cost: $195*
* = We can provide a discounted rate for those experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Please let us know if this applies.
Venue: Edgar Room, Risingholme Community Centre, 22 Cholmondeley Avenue, Opawa - more info
Enrolment: class has ended
About this block
A scene is not about the words on the script, but rather the emotional journey that the character experiences over the course of the scene. During this block we'll look at how knowing our emotional journey can give greater depth and meaning to the scene. We'll also explore subtext and emotional range.
2023-2: Moment to Moment
Dates/time: Wednesdays, 8 Mar - 12 Apr 2023, from 6:30pm to 9pm
Director: Jonathan Briden
DOP: Rush Jopson
Cost: $195*
* = We can provide a discounted rate for those experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Please let us know if this applies.
Venue: Edgar Room, Risingholme Community Centre, 22 Cholmondeley Avenue, Opawa - more info
Enrolment: class has ended
About this block
Life happens moment to moment and so should your acting. Every moment is an opportunity to embody your character and bring them to life. In this class we'll look at techniques to help you perform in the moment. We'll find clues in the text that inform us about why the character is saying what they are saying, how they are feeling, and what they want.
2023-1: Ace the Audition
Dates/time: Wednesdays, 18 Jan - 22 Feb 2023, from 6:30pm to 9pm
Director: Jonathan Briden
DOP: Rush Jopson
Cost: $195*
* = We can provide a discounted rate for those experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Please let us know if this applies.
Venue: Edgar Room, Risingholme Community Centre, 22 Cholmondeley Avenue, Opawa - more info
Enrolment: class has ended
About this block
Auditions can be tough, but there are steps you can take and techniques you can learn to help you land that dream role.
At the end of 2022 we asked for feedback, and the most requested item was more work on audition technique - so that's what we're doing! We'll do lots of work, getting in front of the camera, practising rehearsed scripts, cold-reading, and... improvisation!
2022-5: Learning Scripts - Dealer's Choice
Dates/time: Wednesdays, 9 Nov - 14 Dec 2022, from 6:30pm to 9pm
Director: Jonathan Briden
DOP: Rush Jopson
Cost: $195*
* = We can provide a discounted rate for those experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Please let us know if this applies.
Venue: Edgar Room, Risingholme Community Centre, 22 Cholmondeley Avenue, Opawa - more info
Enrolment: class has ended
About this block
In this block we will continue to work on understanding our scripts and our characters. Each participant can choose* how they want to spend the six weeks - learning 1 or 2 monologues or dialogues.
You can choose one of the following 5 options:
- 1 monologue: Spend the full 6 weeks going really deep on a single monologue piece.
- 1 dialogue: Spend the full 6 weeks with a partner on a dialogue.
- 2 monologues: Spend 3 weeks each on two separate monologues.
- 1 monologue + 1 dialogue: Work on a monologue for the first 3 weeks, and then a dialogue with a scene partner for the remaining 3 weeks.
- 2 dialogues: Work on 2 different dialogues.
* not all choices may be available depending on what others have chosen, but we will try to accommodate everyone as best we can.
2022-4: Practise, Practise, Practise
Dates/time: Wednesdays, 21 Sept - 26 Oct 2022, from 6:30pm to 9pm
Director: Jonathan Briden
DOP: Rush Jopson
Cost: $195*
* = We can provide a discounted rate for those experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Please let us know if this applies.
Venue: Edgar Room, Risingholme Community Centre, 22 Cholmondeley Avenue, Opawa - more info
Enrolment: class has ended
About this block
In this block you're going to be put through you paces. We're pulling back on the theory and focusing on learning scripts, taking direction, and getting in front of the camera.
We're rejigging the class format to give you more of a chance to really learn your scripts, work with a scene partner, and get personalised feedback on your performance.
2022-3: Actor's Guide to Film-Making
Dates/time: Wednesdays, 15 June - 13 July 2022, from 6:30pm to 9pm
Director: Rush Jopson
Director's Assistant: Jonathan Briden
Cost: $150*
* = We can provide a discounted rate for those experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Please let us know if this applies.
Venue: NZ School of Tourism, 829 Colombo Street, Christchurch
Enrolment: class has ended
About this block
(this is a reboot of the earlier block 3 which was postponed due to covid)
This block takes a look at the technical aspects of filmmaking, and how they can affect an actor's performance - through the eyes of the cinematographer, the editor and the director. Blocking, staging, camera movement, terminology and on-set workflow will all be examined, with practical exercises and some theory, where we will examine some famous examples in cinema and why they work.
please note: Start date has changed from 8th to 15th June.
2021-2: Authenticity in Performance
Dates/time: Wednesdays, 17 Nov - 15 Dec, from 6:30pm to 9pm
Director: Kim Georgine
DOP: Rush Jopson
Cost: $150*
* = We can provide a discounted rate for those experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Please let us know if this applies.
Venue: Phillipstown Community Hub, Room 1, 39 Nursery Rd, Phillipstown
Enrolment: class has ended
About this block
Actors hear about 'being in the moment' all of the time - but what exactly does this mean? And more importantly, what does this mean for you? In this 5 week block, we'll be looking at ways to develop authenticity and deep connections to the world your character lives in.
2021-1: Triggers, Connection, and Engagement
Dates/time: Wednesdays, 13 Oct - 10 Nov, from 6:30pm to 9pm
Director: Jonathan Briden
DOP: Rush Jopson
Cost: $150*
* = We can provide a discounted rate for those experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Please let us know if this applies.
Venue: Phillipstown Community Hub, Room 1, 39 Nursery Rd, Phillipstown
Enrolment: class has ended
About this block
We'll be working from a variety of modern screen-plays, both dramatic and comedic. Our focus for this block will be on script analysis, connecting to our partner, and engaging in ways to create a genuine, true-to-life performance.