ABOUT US
Nancy Berwid's First Take Acting Program provides a holistic approach to acting.
Along with a Method that students can use to hone their craft, Nancy provides a keen
eye for logic, a sensitivity to human behavior as well as the human heart. She
posses' a great understanding for the human experience ,which she ultimately uses
to guide her students in performing their scene as true to life as possible. Belonging
to a family closely involved in the Hollywood industry, students can benefit from
learning the business aspects of acting as well, a knowledge imperative for any actor
desiring to break into the competitive LA film and television market. Nancy's candor,
coaching and genuine interest in the careers, lives and well being of her students
have strongly contributed to the on-going success and growth of her students. She
approaches teaching from a comprehensive standpoint, covering topics that many
other courses of this nature gloss over or neglect entirely. Many of these aspects are
what set First Take apart and have proved fundamental to its success.
The curriculum includes:
FIRST TAKE METHOD:
Students are given the overall structure at the beginning of each on-going eight
week session and trained in the consistent application of the First Take Method. A
technique that provides students a set of unique tools to dissect the few pages of
material that would usually be given to them in an audition situation and make it
come to life realistically and believably. This unique approach has contributed to the
consistency, depth, and complexity of students' work.
BUSINESS:
Nancy provides a no nonsense, realistic overview of the acting business. As much as
aspiring actors like to focus on craft, acting is also a business. Nancy is well aware of
how important this is to an actor's career. Actors can take advantage of her wisdom
in how to pick a perfect Headshot, how to format resumes, marketing tools, how to
get seen by casting directors, and other important information for the LA market.
This is one of the often overlooked, but crucial elements to real success in the LA
market.
NETWORKING:
Nancy provides information and coaching to develop and enhance essential
networking skills. She covers the DO's and the more important DON'Ts of engaging in
and maintaining the ever important correspondence and marketing skills an aspiring
actor must have to be successful.
PSYCHOLOGY:
Few other careers are as competitive or elusive as acting. As with most creative
endeavors, there is a huge emotional investment an actor makes when he or she
decides to pursue this path. It can be daunting on so many levels. Many actors move
to LA prematurely to follow their dream only to find they are isolated and unequipped
with the support and coping skills needed to deal with rejection and uncertainty
along the way. Though they may be marketable or possess talent, they may not
have access to the proper network or level of skill to get them in the door and on to
the next level. Nancy emphasizes the extreme rarity of super-stardom and
encourages students to embrace the journey and passion of the craft rather than the
end result. She focuses on preparation and realistic goal setting for each individual
given their marketability and skill set. On both a group and individual basis, she helps
her students to recognize the realities of the business, advocating they develop
other aspects of their lives.
PERSONAL (GROWTH) TRUTH IN PROCESS:
Many students find through the pursuit of acting in the First Take Program that they
grow not only as actors but as people. Acting compels the individual to seek out the
truth about themselves, to reflect, ponder and remain present. Magic happens the
moment an actor begins to live in the moment and experience the beauty of his or
her own spontaneity.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING (CULTURE)
First Take students enjoy a unique culture and camaraderie with one another. More
often than not you will hear a student comment on the friendships and support
networks he or she has built while attending on-going classes. Nancy has created an
environment of equality, humility and above all respect amongst peers. There are no
hierarchies or rankings ensuring a safe and inviting learning atmosphere. Acting is
challenging enough without the additional pressure of competition amongst friends.
Students are encouraged to find their own unique gifts and cultivate them.
Along with a Method that students can use to hone their craft, Nancy provides a keen
eye for logic, a sensitivity to human behavior as well as the human heart. She
posses' a great understanding for the human experience ,which she ultimately uses
to guide her students in performing their scene as true to life as possible. Belonging
to a family closely involved in the Hollywood industry, students can benefit from
learning the business aspects of acting as well, a knowledge imperative for any actor
desiring to break into the competitive LA film and television market. Nancy's candor,
coaching and genuine interest in the careers, lives and well being of her students
have strongly contributed to the on-going success and growth of her students. She
approaches teaching from a comprehensive standpoint, covering topics that many
other courses of this nature gloss over or neglect entirely. Many of these aspects are
what set First Take apart and have proved fundamental to its success.
The curriculum includes:
FIRST TAKE METHOD:
Students are given the overall structure at the beginning of each on-going eight
week session and trained in the consistent application of the First Take Method. A
technique that provides students a set of unique tools to dissect the few pages of
material that would usually be given to them in an audition situation and make it
come to life realistically and believably. This unique approach has contributed to the
consistency, depth, and complexity of students' work.
BUSINESS:
Nancy provides a no nonsense, realistic overview of the acting business. As much as
aspiring actors like to focus on craft, acting is also a business. Nancy is well aware of
how important this is to an actor's career. Actors can take advantage of her wisdom
in how to pick a perfect Headshot, how to format resumes, marketing tools, how to
get seen by casting directors, and other important information for the LA market.
This is one of the often overlooked, but crucial elements to real success in the LA
market.
NETWORKING:
Nancy provides information and coaching to develop and enhance essential
networking skills. She covers the DO's and the more important DON'Ts of engaging in
and maintaining the ever important correspondence and marketing skills an aspiring
actor must have to be successful.
PSYCHOLOGY:
Few other careers are as competitive or elusive as acting. As with most creative
endeavors, there is a huge emotional investment an actor makes when he or she
decides to pursue this path. It can be daunting on so many levels. Many actors move
to LA prematurely to follow their dream only to find they are isolated and unequipped
with the support and coping skills needed to deal with rejection and uncertainty
along the way. Though they may be marketable or possess talent, they may not
have access to the proper network or level of skill to get them in the door and on to
the next level. Nancy emphasizes the extreme rarity of super-stardom and
encourages students to embrace the journey and passion of the craft rather than the
end result. She focuses on preparation and realistic goal setting for each individual
given their marketability and skill set. On both a group and individual basis, she helps
her students to recognize the realities of the business, advocating they develop
other aspects of their lives.
PERSONAL (GROWTH) TRUTH IN PROCESS:
Many students find through the pursuit of acting in the First Take Program that they
grow not only as actors but as people. Acting compels the individual to seek out the
truth about themselves, to reflect, ponder and remain present. Magic happens the
moment an actor begins to live in the moment and experience the beauty of his or
her own spontaneity.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING (CULTURE)
First Take students enjoy a unique culture and camaraderie with one another. More
often than not you will hear a student comment on the friendships and support
networks he or she has built while attending on-going classes. Nancy has created an
environment of equality, humility and above all respect amongst peers. There are no
hierarchies or rankings ensuring a safe and inviting learning atmosphere. Acting is
challenging enough without the additional pressure of competition amongst friends.
Students are encouraged to find their own unique gifts and cultivate them.
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F I R S T T A K E
A C T I N G P R O G R A M
the proof is in the booking.