The Actor's Director Workshop

November 9, 2024, 10:30 A.M. - 6:30 P.M.

The Michelle and Kevin Douglas IMAX Theatre, RZC 119, Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts, 3131 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007

The USC School of Cinematic Arts invites USC Students and Alumni
to participate in a special one day workshop
 

The Actor's Director Workshop

Actor's Director still of actors on set
A Creative Workshop for
Directors, Actors, and Writers


Taught by Sheryl Lee (Twin Peaks, Backbeat)
and Gary Hershberger (Six Feet Under, Sneakers)
 

About the Actor’s Director Workshop


There is that rare breed of Director that just “knows” how to get the best out of the actor -- giving them a sense of freedom, inspiring courage, and bringing clarity. The opportunity in collaborative storytelling is finding ways to bring out the best in each other. Discover the most important aspect of filmmaking and performance -- the communication between directors and actors.

How to Register

The Workshop is open to all USC students and alumni in the professional community of writers, directors, actors, DPs, and all creative artists. Space is limited. Payment will be processed via PayPal.

Pricing:

Students: $95.00 (for undergraduate and graduate students of all majors)
Professionals: $285.00

To Register, e-mail: theactorsdirectorworkshop@gmail.com
Visit the Official Website: www.theactorsdirectorworkshop.com
 

About the Instructors


SHERYL LEE
Sheryl Lee Headshot
Sheryl Lee has had a long and adventurous career as an actress in theater, film and television. Her credits include David Lynch’s Twin PeaksBackbeatWinter’s Bone, and One Tree Hill. She has taught the “Directing The Actor” class at UCLA and works privately with actors, directors and writers offering creative guidance and support. Sheryl is grateful to have collaborated with many wonderful artists who helped mentor and inspire her along the way, and enjoys teaching all levels of students, passing along her wisdom of experience.

GARY HERSHBERGER
Gary Hershberger Still
A professional actor, writer and director for over thirty years, with dozens of film and television credits such as Six Feet Under, Big Love, Grey’s Anatomy, The West Wing, Sneakers, and Twin Peaks, Gary knows his way around a productive and effective set. He has worked with such greats as Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Tom Hanks, Naomi Watts, Peter Falk, and many others. Gary is now in pre-production for several projects, including the upcoming feature Finding Normal, and Bat Boy, both produced by Matt Morris of Pinyon Pictures.

Parking


NO STUDENT OR THEATER PARKING IS AVAILABLE AT THE ROBERT ZEMECKIS CENTER.

We recommend Parking in the USC Shrine Parking Structure, located 686 W 32nd St. Parking passes may be purchased at the gate. Metered street parking is also available along 32nd street. The USC Robert Zemeckis Center is located at 3131 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90007, one block north of Parking Structure D, on the North side of the Shrine Auditorium. The RZC entrance is located at the rear of the building, behind the red fence on 32nd St.

Testimonials


"I just want to thank you for your transformative class. I feel like the world has turned from black and white into Technicolor." -- Julie Frank, Screenwriter, MFA, USC

"I've had so many years of classes and training... but yesterday was the first time in a very long time that I was able to truly live in the work with the other actors.  You've distilled your years of experience into a language and approach that is equally accessible for actors, directors and writers alike." -- Lisa Dobbyn, Actress

"Whether you’re a student, just out of film school, or working professionally, this class is a MUST for all of us filmmakers. It is THE most important aspect of filmmaking, yet no one really teaches it... on the relationship and communication between directors and actors.” -- Luke Greenfield, Writer/Director, USC Alum (Let's Be CopsThe Girl Next Door)

"... they get right to the heart of communicating with an actor and do so with the empathy and kindness that they teach you to direct with. I would highly recommend taking this class whether you are an actor, writer, director, or even producer. The insight that they have from their years of combined experience is invaluable to any creative that desires to work in the industry." -- Justin Chien, Writer/Director, USC School of Cinematic Arts

"Gary and Sheryl will take the mystery out of working with actors, because they have something you can’t fake: decades of experience. Become what every director really wants to become… the actor’s director."
-- Robert Krantz, Writer/Director/Actor (Faith, Hope, and LoveA Marriage Made in Heaven)

"...combo of actors and directors was GREAT!! It's taught by people with TONS of experience... kind, thoughtful, supportive teaching." -- Sara Fenton, Actor/Director, USC Alumna

Contact Information

Email: theactorsdirectorworkshop@gmail.com