The Dirt Underneath Actors' Space
636 Pape Avenue M4K 3S3 Toronto, ON, Canada

Introducing our new Voice Coach, Peter N. Bailey! Peter grew up in Toronto, Ontario and graduated from the Humber College Theatre Performance program in 2003. Since then, his work has led him to work with theatre companies throughout Ontario, as well as Quebec, Nova Scotia, Calgary and Saskatchewan. Peter’s love and respect for the theatre has grown in direct relation to his deepening understanding of the nature of the work and what it can do for those who chose to engage wit...h it either as a spectator or participant. Most importantly his years of experience has taught him what art, in all its various disciplines can contribute to an individuals life, and ultimately society’s. Peter will begin teaching Voice Classes in our virtual setting beginning March/April (Session 2). "The Voice Within" is a 6 week intensive course that functions as an actors (re)introduction to the rudiments of how the voice works in relation to self-expression. Through voice and text exercises actors will gain a deeper understanding of their instrument and the means of addressing the habits that lock the voice from its full potential. The last three weeks will focus on text work. When actors are able to connect to the entire authenticity of their voice they are able to perform with freedom, passion and intimacy. Click here to register for Peter’s class: https://dirtunderneath.com/register-2/

Notes From The Dirt: Registration Now Open for Session 2 (March/April) Classes - https://mailchi.mp//notes-from-the-dirt-registration-now-o

New Workshop on February 20th! Online Coaching + Mindfulness Workshop: Exploring Inner Emotional Roles in Relationships Although this is the 3rd in their Exploring Relationship series, registrants can take this as a stand-alone course. On February 20th Cynthia Chan + Lana Lontos will be co-leading this workshop exploring the complex layering of roles that are inherent in relationships, focusing on inner emotional roles.... What to expect: This 90 minute online workshop will be held over Zoom from 11:00am-12:30pm EST. This will be an interactive workshop. Cynthia will lead the group through a coaching exercise (done individually) and Lana will lead the group with mindfulness exercises. There will be breakout rooms assigned to discuss the coaching exercise. Click here to register: https://dirtunderneath.com/2021/01/24/feb-20-workshop/

What’s your self-tape setup? Get some guidance on this and so much more in our Online Self-Tape Study with Shaun McComb. The Self-Tape Study is a two week online intensive offering acting techniques and processes for the self tape and Zoom audition forums. If you are looking to break free from the spin cycle of panic, memorize and shoot a thousand times or are curious about gaps in your own process, the Self Tape Study offers a flexible curriculum with ample group and individ...ual coaching sessions. The work focuses on character development, environment, and script analysis, all working towards the simplicity of real and informed play. Next Session begins February 8th. Click here to learn more and to register: https://dirtunderneath.com/classes-coaching/

We’ve got something new for you! The Voice Within with Peter N. Bailey is a 6 week online intensive course that functions as an actors (re)introduction to the rudiments of how the voice works in relation to self-expression. Through voice and text exercises actors will gain a deeper understanding of their instrument and the means of addressing the habits that lock the voice from its full potential. The last three weeks will focus on text work. When actors are able to connect to the entire authenticity of their voice they are able to perform with freedom, passion and intimacy. COMING IN MARCH! Stay tuned for more information and schedule details.

THIS SATURDAY Coaching + Mindfulness Online Workshop: exploring the roles we inhabit in certain relationships. On January 23, Cynthia Chan and Lana Lontos will be co-leading this Online Workshop where we will begin exploring the complex layering of roles that are inherent in relationships, including outer, inner, ghost and secret roles.... Pay-what-you-can Click here to learn more and to register: https://dirtunderneath.com//upcoming-january-coaching-min/

Keeping things fresh in our Online Advanced Scene Study! To learn more about this class, click here: https://dirtunderneath.com/classes-coaching/

On Saturday December 5 Cynthia Chan + Lana Lontos will be co-leading a Mindfulness + Coaching Online Workshop the focus will be on Improving Relationships. What to expect: -This 90 minute online workshop will be held over Zoom from 11:00am-12:30pm. -This will be an interactive workshop. Cynthia will lead the group through a coaching exercise (done individually) and Lana will lead the group with mindfulness exercises. There will be breakout rooms assigned to discuss the coac...hing exercise. -You will need a pen and at least 2 sheets of paper handy. We will be doing a coaching exercise called Paper Constellation that will help bring clarity to a relationship or situation that may be challenging at the moment. Click here to register: https://dirtunderneath.com/register-2/ (This workshop is pay-what-you-can)

Another round of the Self-Tape Study with Shaun McComb is happening next week! Register by Sunday! This week long Self-Tape Study with Shaun offers an online training environment focused on channelling the actors’ imagination into this specific format for acting. By targeting performance space, imaginative environments, and essential character work, the Study’s curriculum embraces the incubator opportunity of practicing at home. Click below to learn more and to register.

Shaun's approach to the self-tape has forever changed my perspective. I used to dread getting self-tape requests. Now, I see one in my inbox and get excited because Shaun has demystified the self-tape and taught me how to play again. Because he is a working actor himself, Shaun has been able to break down the self-tape process in a way that is useful and playable for actors. I have come away with concrete exercises that help fire my imagination and enable me to serve the sto...ry. I am so much more confident about the self-tapes I'm producing now. I'm truly enjoying the process of putting auditions on tape and you can see that in my work. - Lara Mrkoci (actor) Shaun has another Self-Tape Study happening next week! Register by Sunday. For more info: https://dirtunderneath.com/self-tape-study-2/

I believe breath connects us to emotional and physical impulses and that cannot be emphasized enough. I believe in comprehensive script analysis and working moment to moment to achieve visceral objectives. In front of the camera and onstage at The Dirt, this pursuit is not sacred and is full of silliness and joy. - John Gordon To read more about The Dirt’s Philosophy, click here: https://dirtunderneath.com/ourteam/

Prior to the arrival of COVID-19, I was recommending Shaun McComb’s Scene Study class to those on my roster who were looking for their next challenge. The Self-Tape Study he has since created has become an invaluable part of the growth process for my clients, and for my business. Trying to keep performers engaged in their craft during an industry shutdown while everyone is dealing with financial hardship, health concerns, and issues of mental and emotional wellbeing seemed i...mpossible. Having a safe and cost-effective option to offer my clients was not only a welcome distraction during dark times, but it also allowed them to hit the ground running when the work returned. I have received incredible feedback from performers who have worked with Shaun. They continue to take his classes and reach out to him for private coaching. They are exploring more and elevating their performance with every tape, and it is a joy to watch. -Alicia Faucher - Agent, Fountainhead Talent Shaun has another Self-Tape Study starting Monday. Register by SUNDAY! Click below to learn more!