Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Expressions?
2. When can my child register?
3. What will my child learn?
4. How will I know my child is progressing?
5. Will these classes help my child break into the film industry?
6. How do I register?
7. How do I know which class to register my child?
8. Is there a difference between the sessions?
9. I really want my child to start auditioning, will Expressions help with that?
10. How old is Expressions?
11. What are the core principles of the studio?
What is Expressions?
Expressions Film Studio is a professional film acting studio for youth. The classes at Expressions are designed to teach the fundamentals of film acting and also be a place for children and teens to explore their imaginations, feel a sense of belonging and build self-confidence.
When can my child register?
Currently we offer 2 full sessions which are both 10 weeks long. Our Fall/Winter session begins in September and ends in December. Our Winter/Spring session begins in January and concludes in April. We offer a condensed spring term, which is typically 8 weeks long and various summer camps for all ages.
What will my child learn?
Each term, which consists of 10 classes, has a predetermined set curriculum. In each class the Instructor follows a lesson plan that is comprised of both theory and practical components. The theory is geared to be “kid friendly” and is repeated throughout the term for retention. The theoretical component of the class is important as it introduces the students to various acting techniques, terminology, fundamentals of performance, and notable acting coaches and their methods. The practical component of the class has students on their feet; therefore, 80% of the class is spent on exercises, scene work and on improv. These practical elements help with performance jitters, team work, line memorization, insecurity, stunted emotions, creativity and spontaneity. Each term also devotes 1 class to the art of auditioning, whereby the Instructor teaches the students how to audition for TV, film and commercial parts.
How will I know my child is progressing?
We don’t bite! Feel free to send an email anytime during a session to the Instructor of your child’s class for feedback or give us a call to arrange a meeting for a candid discussion. While we want our classes to be enjoyable, we are also very focused and concerned about learning. Our guarantee for each term is that your child will be challenged and engaged. If for any reason this is not the case, we will ensure to place them at a different level.
Will these classes help my child break into the film industry?
Who knows! While we think it is really cool when students get parts on movies, commercials and TV, we don’t emphasize this in our classes. You will certainly hear about various local projects and auditions through us, but you won’t see us focusing on ‘fame’ as a measure of success. Just like in hockey whereby the focus is to learn the skill of the sport, not make it to the NHL, we at Expressions think the same way about acting. Our goal is to teach your child the skill of acting. We are a professional school with qualified Instructors and carefully crafted lesson plans; therefore, your child will undoubtedly acquire new skills. Will these skills help your child get parts? The short answer to this is yes. Now that is not a guarantee as the film industry works a lot on various factors that are many times outside of the actor’s control; however, practicing scene work, auditions, and improv will build confidence in your child’s skill set and that will surely lend its hand in your child’s performance career. If you want to take acting to the next level (as a working actor), we can assist you, but we just won’t place it higher in importance over hard work and dedication to the craft.
How do I register?
We are with the times! Expressions is happy to offer online registration, which is found on our website: https://expressionsfilmstudio.com/ under Registration. You may also register via email or in person (we don’t have standard office hours; therefore, in-person registration must be arranged ahead of time via telephone or email).
How do I know which class to register my child?
The best thing to do is to speak to either Sam or Neil about appropriate placement. We have Intro classes (for all age levels) for those students who are new to performance and to acting. While our classes are based upon age and experience, many times students may chronologically be a certain age, but have maturity of an older student. In that case we would place the student in the class with older students. We take great pride in our classes and on our lesson plans to ensure that even if a student has taken a class the year prior, and are enrolling in the same class again due to age, that they will be exposed to new concepts, challenging material and new scripts. No session is the same! We are dynamic and always improving and changing!
Is there a difference between the sessions?
Yes! The Fall Session focuses heavily on theory and the on-set experience! In the Winter session the focus is on the practical side of film acting; by class 6, we begin working on a mini movie which gets premiered in May in our very own theatre! It is usually recommended to do a session in Fall prior to enrolling in Winter for the movie term as less time is devoted to theory.
I really want my child to start auditioning, will Expressions help with that?
We certainly will! We offer services such as private coaching, resume and headshot assistance, and taped audition sessions.
How old is Expressions?
Expressions Film Studio began in 2011. We had 2 classes back then and only 1 Instructor. Since then our school has grown considerably, but our core values have remained the same.
What are the core principles of the studio?
We stand for quality, professionalism, and fun! What is most important to us is that each student learns, feels safe in a nurturing and safe environment and has a great time while in class.