ACTING: Scene Study Intensive

Age group: Teens/Seniors (Grades 7-12)
Class Size: 12 max

A 2-Day Workshop with Harvey Zielinski

What makes a performance truly compelling on screen? And how does an actor bring their own creative choices to a scene while serving the director's vision?

Fresh from the success of his debut feature film Sweet Milk Lake, which he wrote, directed, produced and starred in, award-winning actor and filmmaker Harvey Zielinski brings a unique perspective to this two-day Scene Study Intensive.

Drawing on his experience both in front of and behind the camera, Harvey will guide young actors through the process of bringing scripted scenes to life, exploring how character, relationships, intention and storytelling come together to create truthful, compelling performances.

Before the workshop, students will be cast in a scene. Arriving with their scenes prepared, they'll spend two days rehearsing, experimenting and refining their work, discovering how different acting choices can shape a scene and influence the story being told.

Through practical scene work, on-camera performances and individual direction, students will explore the relationship between actor and director, learning how to respond to feedback, make bold creative choices and adapt their performances while remaining connected to the truth.

Designed for committed young actors in Grades 7–12 looking to challenge themselves, deepen their craft and develop greater confidence in front of the camera.

Teacher: Harvey Zielinski

Harvey Zielinski is an award-winning actor, writer and director working across film, television and theatre. A two-time Heath Ledger Scholarship finalist and winner of the Casting Guild of Australia’s Rising Star Award.

Harvey recently wrote, directed, produced and starred in his debut feature film Sweet Milk Lake, an Originate Feature backed by major Australian screen organisations including VicScreen, Screen Australia and SBS. The film premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2026, was the winner of the CinefestOZ Film Prize and is currently on the International Festival circuit. He is in development for his second feature film, Thugs, with Screen Australia support.

For television, Harvey is best known for his series regular role as Charlie in White Fever, which he also wrote for, earning an AWGIE nomination and Betty Roland Prize shortlist recognition. His additional screen credits include Deadloch, Don't Look Deeper opposite Don Cheadle and Emily Mortimer, as well as Love Me, Spreadsheet and Why Are You Like This.

Alongside his screen work, Harvey is an accomplished playwright and theatre-maker, with commissions from Malthouse Theatre and stage credits including Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? for Sydney Theatre Company. He was also Director’s Attachment to Emma Freeman on The Newsreader Season 2.

Dates: Thursday 14 & Friday 15 January (2-day workshop)
Time: 10am-3pm both days
Age Group: Teens/Seniors (Grades 7-12)
Cost: $350 (incl GST)
What to bring: Please bring some lunch, snacks and a water bottle.