Two hands with black sleeves and a grey undersleeve hold a director's clapboard that is black and gray.
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Feb 05, 2025 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM PST

This event will be held in person.

Where: James Cagney Boardroom, SAG-AFTRA Plaza, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

RSVP Required: Log in to see the form below and RSVP by Feb. 4 at noon PT.

 

Class Description:

How do you prep for a role when you get an audition for a character who is vastly different than yourself? Or a zany character in a comedy that's over the top? Or you don't fit the description in the breakdown? You know you need to keep it grounded, but how do you create a three-dimensional character that fits the tone of the show and tells the story while giving it your unique spin? Michael D. Cohen will guide you through his unique process of uncovering clues in the script, mining your own authenticity, finding physicality and more. Presented by the Education Subcommittee of the L.A. Local MORE Committee.

 

Participants can bring in a comedic or dramatic scene or monologue of their choice for a chance to work at the front of the room. 

 

In advance of the workshop, participants are encouraged to view Michael's The Art of Specificity presentation that he did for SAG-AFTRA's President's Task Force on Education. 

 

About the Instructor:

Michael D. Cohen is a series regular, with writing and directing credits, on Nickelodeon's hit sit-coms Henry Danger and Danger Force. Other TV acting credits include Modern FamilyThe Mindy ProjectAngie Tribeca, PowerlessThe Real O'Neals and 2 Broke Girls. Film work includes Suburbicon directed by George Clooney, and the Oscar-winning film Whiplash. He served as Co-Chair of the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory at AFI, as a faculty lecturer for University of Texas, Austin in Hollywood and teaches acting classes at The Groundlings and through his own studio The Michael D. Cohen Acting Studio in Los Angeles. 

 

Parking: Please park in the garage off of Curson Ave. and bring your parking ticket for validation.

 

Questions? Email LARSVP@sagaftra.org 

 

No late admittance. Doors will close at the beginning of the event. RSVPs do not guarantee seating. These events are overbooked to compensate for no-shows.

 

This event is only open to SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local members in good standing (paid up thru Apr. 30, 2025). No guests allowed. Performers under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. 

 

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

ADA requests may be included on your RSVP form and must be received 72 hours before the start of the event.



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