ACTING: Scene Study with Film & TV Director
Age group: Teens/Seniors (Grades 7-12)
Class Size: 12 max
For students ready to take their acting further, this two-day Scene Study Intensive offers a deeper exploration of screen performance and what it’s really like to work with a director in a professional production environment.
Ahead of the workshop, students will submit a short chat-to-camera audition and be cast in roles suited to them. Across the two days, they will rehearse, refine and film scripted scenes under the guidance of writer, director and actor Taylor Ferguson, working through the creative process as though preparing for a real screen production.
Through rehearsal, script analysis and on-camera scene work, students will explore character relationships, emotional truth, blocking, performance adjustments and how to respond authentically in the moment. The workshop places a strong focus on understanding story, connecting to the character’s journey and learning how actors collaborate with directors to shape compelling performances for screen.
Designed for teens and senior students wanting to strengthen their acting craft, this intensive encourages bold creative choices, deeper emotional connection and greater confidence taking direction in a professional and supportive studio environment. Students will gain valuable insight into industry rehearsal processes while developing the technical and emotional skills needed to create truthful, engaging performances on camera.
Teacher: Taylor Ferguson
Taylor Ferguson is a writer, director and actor, starring in productions including CLICKBAIT, FIRES, and GLITCH.
Taylor’s first short film which she wrote and directed, TOUGH, premiered at Melbourne International Film Festival 2021 and subsequently screened at Sydney Film Festival 2021, San Francisco International Film Festival 2022 and FlickerFest International Film Festival 2022. Taylor won the Rouben Mamoulian Award for Best Director at Sydney Film Festival, Best Director at Flickerfest International Film Festival, Best Female Director at Cannes Indie Shorts Awards, Best First Time Filmmaker Short at Hollywood Shortsfest, and Silver at Cannes Young Lions – all in 2022.
Taylor also had her television debut, directing three episodes of the STAN series YEAR OF for Roadshow Rough Diamond.
In 2023, she directed episode 4 of Kindling Pictures new drama series FAKE for Paramount+, starring Asher Keddie and David Wenham. Asher Keddie is Executive Producing alongside Imogen Banks and Emelyne Palmer.
Taylor is also an acclaimed commercial director with Good Oil Films. She was awarded Emerging Director of the year for the AWARD Awards in 2023 and nominated for the 2022 Australian Director’s Guild Award for Best Music Video.
On her development slate, Taylor is currently writing her debut feature film LIPPY PALM along with an original television series she has created SICK S**T with Kindling Pictures. Taylor has contributed in various writers’ rooms for Matchbox Pictures, Roadshow Rough Diamond, Kindling Pictures and Wildflower Films.
Dates: 1 & 2 July (2-day workshop)
Time: 10am-3pm both days
Age Group: Teens/Seniors (Grades 7-12)
Cost: $300 (incl GST)
What to bring: Please bring some lunch, snacks and a water bottle.