Camp Write, Shoot, Act!
2025-07-23 08:00 - 2025-07-27 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
DATES July 23rd-27thTIME 9 AM-3 PM**AGES 10+LOCATION Burbank**Times during filming days will be TBAREGISTER As an actor in the film and television industry, so often we wait, get an audition, submit the audition, see if we hear back, don’t hear anything at all, and wait for the next audition to come in with the hopes of it becoming a booking. But what if instead of waiting during that time, you were creating?In Camp Write, Shoot, Act!!!, Campers will act in and film an original scene of their own creation! During the first three days, campers will take a variety of film-centric classes and work with their team of 2-3 people to write their scene. A virtual half day will be coordinated sometime before the start of Camp so that campers can meet each other, their partners, and start to brainstorm their scene.The last two days of Camp will be dedicated to rehearsals and filming their personal scene with our professional crew at a local studio and directed by one of our staff. When students are not acting, they will be assisting in other departments ranging from Art, Sound, Script Supervising, and more.Our staff will then edit everyone’s scenes which will premiere in the late Fall. Afterwards, students may use their scenes for their own personal use (acting demo reel, writing portfolio, etc.)Classes Include: Mechanics of Screenwriting and the Importance of StoryHow To Make a Short FilmThe Art of the PitchCreating a Story Board Rehearsing, Hitting the Marks and Overall BlockingSet Protocol and more!We look forward to seeing what you create!Veteran actor and master teacherJohn D’Aquino (Cory in the House, SWAT, Shake it Up, CSI, Hannah Montana, Seinfeld) starred in six TV series and recurred and guest starred on dozens of other popular shows. His love for performing is surpassed only by his love for teaching, a love inspired by his mentor, teacher and friend, Charles Nelson Riley, who instilled in his students a passion for helping actors create dynamic performances by reaching deep into the human spirit. Emily Reas is a film producer, production manager, and multi-hyphenate who has produced 50+ projects in her career thus far. She recently produced the AFF Audience Award Winning featureBEAUTY OF A BLANK SPACE as well as has had projects screen at Oscar-qualifyingfilm festivals. Emily has been part of Women in Film LA’s Peer Mentoring Group, was a Second-Rounder in Sundance’s Producing Fellowship & Lab, and is a co-founder of the production company Blind Salamander Films.PRICE: $1,700REGISTER

Audition Prep Workshop
2025-08-30 08:00 - 2025-09-01 17:00
AUDITION PREPWORKSHOPPreviously known as Episodic PrepSave your spot for this workshop over Labor Day weekend!All sessions are online via Zoom. Dates: Aug. 30th-31st, Sept. 1stTime: 9am – 2pm PSTThree-day online training, personal coaching, and showcase for ages 9-20!REGISTER HERETRAIN WITH THE BEST Audition Prep was designed to help young actors make significant leaps in their audition technique and get invaluable feedback on the last day of the workshop from industry guests!TOPICS INCLUDECamera Technique as it applies to the online (Zoom) format John’s Magic Rectangle Technique John’s Active Interrogation Technique | A deep dive into what’s not being spoken Mastering Dialogue – Word Game and Painting the White of the Page What does it mean to bring yourself to the role? Interview Technique: Entering the Room, Personality Slate, Saying Goodbye AND MORE!Our Audition Prep workshops always sell out so check your calendar and make your plans NOW!

John in Boca Raton
2025-11-08 08:00 - 2025-11-09 17:00
WE’RE BACKBOCA RATON !DATES November 8th & 9thAGES 8+This November, John’s back for a weekend of classes! REGISTER HERE! LOCATIONBroadway Bound Academy23102 Sandalfoot Plaza DriveBoca Raton, FL 33428SCHEDULE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH BOOKING THE DISNEY/NICK MULTICAMYOUTH| Ages 8-12 | 9:00-10:30 AMTEEN/ADULT| Ages 13+ | 12:45-2:15 PMDisney and Nickelodeon are firing up their multi-cam comedies once again! These shows require a special energy that is not only dynamic and lively, but for some of the characters, grounded in reality. Often, actors think this means that they need to “overact” and create a “cartoon version” of their character. Disney and Nick want real kids who have a strong sense of self and can “find the funny” in almost every line. John teaches students where to look for the comedic reversals, the triplet jokes, and the different character archetypes and how they are defined by their objectives and behavior. Learn how to build believable characters in the genre, identify specific characteristics of notable tropes, and how to bring your authentic self to the role! FROM THE SLATE TO THE BUTTONYOUTH| Ages 8-12 | 10:45 AM-12:15 PMTEEN/ADULT| Ages 13+ | 2:30-4:00 PMThe first thing most casting directors see is your slate. What is a slate and why is it important? Do you know what it means to “stay warm” to the character? Are there other things you can do to make your auditions more dynamic? Do you understand the power of a “discovery”? Do you know how to reveal it for the camera? What is a button and how do you use it? When is a button excessive? Learn what it means to “risk or add something” in a scene and still play within the boundaries of a professional audition. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH ACTIVE INTERROGATIONYOUTH| Ages 8-12 | 1:30-3:15 PMTEEN/ADULT| Ages 13+ | 9:00-10:45 AMSimply put, this course will make you a better actor and take your craft to the next level! Active Interrogation is John’s signature technique that infuses true human reaction into scripted lines. In short, you will never have “blank face” again in between the lines. Actors typically experience a disconnect between how they would organically respond in a conversation with their friends or family versus how they respond to lines of dialogue. Because they know what the other character is about to say, they often just prepare for their next line. John’s technique can be taught to young actors as well as adults. It applies the instinctive human traits that you use everyday to determine everything from whether you’re hungry to whether or not you are in danger. The great thing about the technique is that you’re already doing it! You’re just not applying it to your scripted work. John guarantees that if you practice this technique, your craft will rise to the next level and beyond. If you truly want to up your game, don’t miss this class. STRANGER KIDS: MYSTERY AND ‘WHO DONE IT’S’YOUTH| Ages 8-12 | 3:30-5:00 PMWho stole the school mascot? Are there really ghosts in the Amityville Hotel? Where did the dead bank robbers bury all the gold? TV mysteries come in all shapes and sizes with many of them written especially for kids! This class focuses on preparing young actors for auditioning for television and film mysteries. Students will learn the archetypal characters in most mysteries while working on scenes from within the genre. Are you Colonel Mustard with a dagger in the Living Room or Nancy Drew looking at the murderers through a spy cam she set up on a dog collar? Come join the fun and learn how to make strong and specific choices for your colorful, mystery character while building suspense and becoming unforgettable! BOOKING THE TEEN DRAMA(Gossip Girl, Outer Banks, Vampire Diaries)TEEN/ADULT| Ages 13+ | 11:00 AM-12:30 PMThe acting on most teen dramas tends to be a little over-the-top. In order for the material to not sound silly, actors must truly commit to their character’s objectives while living in a heightened reality. TV writers only write characters that move the story forward in hopes of grabbing an audience. On these stylized shows, you must have a look, a signature, and a purpose. In this class, you will learn to create indelible characters that make the story stronger while working with carefully selected scenes from the genre.John highly recommends taking the Active Interrogation Class if you plan on attending this course.PRICINGSINGLE CLASS: $125 THREE CLASS PACK: $300 Choose any three classes for you/your child’s age $75 discountFOUR (ALL) CLASS PACK: $325ALL classes for you/your child’s age$100 discountAll classes have a 16 Student Limit. To register, please click on the REGISTER HERE button, find the specific class(es) on the calendar, click on them, and proceed with the information requested. If you have any questions, please reach out to emily@johndaquino.netREGISTER HERE

Devon Brady Casting Workshop
2025-12-06 09:00 - 2025-12-07 13:00
DEVON BRADYCASTING WORKSHOPJoin us for a two day virtual workshop with Casting Director Devon Brady, CSA and John D’Aquino! DATES December 6th & 7thTIME 9AM-12 PM on the 6th10 AM-1 PM on the 7thTimes are in PSTAGES 9+Register Here In this intensive, students will perform chosen scenes audition style over Zoom. On Saturday, John D’Aquino will work with actors to go over their character’s objectives, expectations, conflicts, discoveries and more. This time will be used to help performers better determine and articulate their choices.On Sunday, students will perform their scenes for Devon Brady who will then offer a redirect, allowing performers an opportunity to implement the notes in their second take.Please Note: This is an educational experience. At the conclusion of the workshop, the instructor will NOT be taking home nor given access to your headshot, resume, or any other of your promotional materials. This is not an audition or employment opportunity. Devon BradySince graduating from Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University, Devon Brady has worked with and encountered multiple sides of the entertainment industry. He previously worked in HR / Admin at Lionsgate Entertainment, and following that, worked as an Associate Talent Manager at Bx2 Entertainment. He has spent the last 6 years working within the realm of casting, where he’s aided casting offices in assembling talent for hit series on Disney Channel, Netflix, YouTube Premium and Nickelodeon, as well as independent features. Devon has been a Casting Director on several short-form and new media projects, including verticals for DramaBox, one of the leading micro drama production houses. In 2022, he won his first Artios Award alongside Doro / Sherwood Casting for his work on “All That”, and was most recently nominated for the 2026 Artios, for Tab Time and Thundermans: Undercover. John D’AquinoVeteran actor and master teacher John D’Aquino (S.W.A.T, Leanne, Seinfeld, 3rd Rock from the Sun, NCIS,CSI, Cory in the House, Shake it Up, Hannah Montana) starred in six TV series and recurred and guest starred on dozens of other popular shows. His love for performing is surpassed only by his love for teaching, a love inspired by his mentor, teacher and friend, Charles Nelson Riley, who instilled in his students a passion for helping actors create dynamic performances by reaching deep into the human spirit.Register Here

Free GOAL SETTING SEMINAR
2025-12-20 11:00 - 12:30
GOAL SETTING SEMINARDATE December 20thTIME 11-12:30 PM (PST) Prepare for the new year! Join us for a free Goal Setting and Mindset Seminar! Register for the zoom link below!REGISTER HEREGOAL SETTING AND MINDSET SEMINARStudents, get ready for 2026 by setting your goals and cultivating a positive mindset with John and Carmen! Topics Include:Cultivating a mindset for successHow to set goals and maintain accountabilityCreating a vision board or goal list Making tangible action stepsThe power of self-talk and effectively using affirmationsVeteran actor and master teacher John D’Aquino (Leanne, S.W.A.T, Seinfeld, 3rd Rock from the Sun, NCIS,CSI, Cory in the House, Shake it Up, Hannah Montana) starred in six TV series and recurred and guest starred on dozens of other popular shows. His love for performing is surpassed only by his love for teaching, a love inspired by his mentor, teacher and friend, Charles Nelson Riley, who instilled in his students a passion for helping actors create dynamic performances by reaching deep into the human spirit.Carmen Scott received her B.S. in Dance Management from OCU, a full ride scholarship recipient to iO West, and has performed at Second City Hollywood. Carmen holds certifications in Yoga & Meditation, leadership development, public speaking, and DISC behavioral analysis. Production credits include AP of 1946 The Movie and EP of Emmy-nominated webseries Razor Tongue. Her production company Flesh Onesie Creations aims improve the quality of humankind one story at a time.REGISTER HERE

Audition Prep Workshop in January
2026-01-17 09:00 - 2026-01-19 14:00
AUDITION PREP WORKSHOPSave your spot for this workshop over MLK weekend in the new year!All sessions are online via Zoom. Dates: January 17th-19th 2026Time: 9am – 2pm PSTThree-day online training, personal coaching, and showcase for ages 9-20!REGISTER HERETRAIN WITH THE BEST Audition Prep was designed to help young actors make significant leaps in their audition technique and get invaluable feedback on the last day of the workshop from industry guests!TOPICS INCLUDE: Camera Technique as it applies to the online (Zoom) format John’s Magic Rectangle Technique John’s Active Interrogation Technique | A deep dive into what’s not being spoken Mastering Dialogue – Painting the White of the Page What does it mean to bring yourself to the role? Entering the Room with Presence and ConfidenceAND MORE!Our Audition Prep workshops always sell out so check your calendar and make your plans NOW!

John in Arizona
2026-01-24 08:00 - 2026-01-25 17:00
HERE WE COME ARIZONA !LA based acting coach John D’Aquino is bringing his classes to the Southwest! DATES January 24th & 25thAGES 8+LOCATIONThe International School of Arizona9522 E San Salvador DrScottsdale, AZ 85258REGISTER HERE!SCHEDULE FRIDAY, JANUARY 23RD Scottsdale Launch Party& Fundraiser for Parsons Drama ClubALL AGES | 5:00-8:00 PM | FREE EVENT Kick off the weekend with us for the Scottsdale Launch Party & Fundraiser for Parsons Drama Club, hosted at a beautiful Scottsdale home. This fun, family-focused evening brings together young actors and parents for inspiration and real steps for easing into the LA market. Enjoy a welcoming community, helpful insights for kid and teen performers, and a chance to connect with families who share the same big dreams. Meet John and mingle for a great cause!To RSVP, please email emily@johndaquino.netSATURDAY, JANUARY 24TH HOW TO MAKE FUNNY (BEGINNER)YOUTH| Ages 8-12 | 9:00-10:30 AMTEEN| Ages 13-17 | 12:45-2:15 PMThis is John’s signature comedy course that he’s taught for Disney Channel, which creates a math, to make people laugh! Students learn how to build three step climbs, how to escalate the stakes and how to set-up, reinforce and deliver the 180 reversals ,the “word game”, and improv. Plus, learn how substituting simple punctuations can change everything in comedies. Get ready to have your funny bone tickled while learning the essential components of great comedic performances.HOW TO MAKE FUNNY (ADVANCED)YOUTH| Ages 8-12 | 10:45 AM-12:15 PMTEEN| Ages 13-17 | 2:30-4:30 PM*Beginner version of this class is prerequisite.John combines all the How to Make Funny fundamentals (punctuating the joke, three step climbs, escalating the stakes and 180 reversals) and challenges actors to execute them in a single scene. Using scenes from popular comedies, actors are challenged to “find the funny”, while building a comedic dynamic throughout. If you can master this class, you’re that much closer to being able to deliver the “funny” on camera!THE BA-DUM-BUMADULT| Ages 18+ | 4:30-6:00 PMGet ready to laugh, learn, and level up your comedy skills! In this signature class, John brings the same techniques he’s taught at Disney Channel. Learn how to build 3-step climbs, nail fast-paced banter, raise the stakes in a scene, and deliver the 180 reversals with crisp precision. Come ready to play, experiment, and find your funny! SUNDAY, JANUARY 25TH MAGIC RECTANGLE (BEGINNER)YOUTH| Ages 8-12 | 9:00-10:30 AMTEEN| Ages 13-17 | 12:45-2:15 PMADULT| Ages 18+ | 4:30-6:00 PM This class helped launch so many careers. Take all the confusion out of auditions and learn how to perform for the camera. The Magic Rectangle is John’s technique for delivering dynamic and indelible on-camera performances. John’s simple emotional template will immediately improve student’s taped auditions by imposing structure on the imaginary fourth wall canvas that exists around the camera. If you’ve never trained with John, this is a great place to start. Taught it to thousands of actors across the country and in Hollywood, this class will dramatically improve your taped auditions!MAGIC RECTANGLE (ADVANCED): SCENE WORKYOUTH| Ages 8-12 | 10:45 AM-12:15 PMTEEN| Ages 13-17 | 2:30-4:00 PM*Beginner version of this class is prerequisite.Actors learn to apply John’s Magic Rectangle Technique in a scene that they will perform with several off-camera partners while learning to direct that performance into the “money” zone that exists around the camera. John’s camera games & exercises teach students the meaning of “eye-lines” and to which off-camera character they must focus their primary dramatic emphasis. This class will change how you audition as well as help you deliver captivating performances for TV and film. Veteran actor and master teacher John D’Aquino (S.W.A.T, Leanne, Seinfeld, 3rd Rock from the Sun, NCIS,CSI, Cory in the House, Shake it Up, Hannah Montana) starred in six TV series and recurred and guest starred on dozens of other popular shows. His love for performing is surpassed only by his love for teaching, a love inspired by his mentor, teacher and friend, Charles Nelson Riley, who instilled in his students a passion for helping actors create dynamic performances by reaching deep into the human spirit.PRICINGSINGLE CLASS: $125 THREE CLASS PACK: $300Choose any three classes for you/your child’s age $75 discountFOUR (ALL) CLASS PACK: $325ALL classes for you/your child’s age $100 discountAll classes have a 16 Student Limit.If purchasing a class pack, please visit HERE. Then, proceed to the BOOK A WORKSHOP tab (or by pressing the “Register Here” Button) and register for the classes with the code you received when purchasing the discounted packages in the “Redeem Code” section.If you have any questions, please reach out to emily@johndaquino.netREGISTER HERE
