Frequently Asked Questions contains many of the questions we are most often asked. Check below to see if your question has already been answered. If not, feel free to use the form at the bottom of this page to send your question directly to us. We will do our best to get back to you quickly.
All classes and workshops are offered both online and in person.
Weekly Classes are usually limited to 10-12.
For Weekly Classes DDA actors commit to periods of 4 weeks or what we call sessions. Sessions are scheduled to run perpetually with a 1 week break in between. So the schedule is typically 4 weeks on and one week off. This is for in person as well as online classes.
Each class of every session is scheduled to last 3 hours. When actors need to leave sooner they should notify DDA before the start of the class so they can work before having to leave. There are times when classes run longer than 3 hours. We aim for the 3-hour mark, but sometimes the actors and scene work in class requires and deserves more time..
DDA classes are set up to mirror the same environment actors are faced with in the business. Classes should be approached just as a booked SAG job. Being late for or missing class is considered “blowing” a commitment. So DDA actors are trained for, and become accustomed to, organizing their lives to support the commitment they have made to this sometimes nutty career with it’s scheduling changes this business is known for.
By registering for any class, workshop, or live showcase, for example, you are committing to participate. This means arrive on time and ready to work. Scripts and material must be ready to perform in front of the class and/or the camera off book (without script or notes). Movie sets and even auditions can be really fun environments, but only if everyone — actors, cast and crew — are prepared, focused, and ready to work. This policy is in place so that actors will be trained to work in a professional film and television environment. Following this policy will ensure that the actor’s work ethic will be respected and obliged by their scene partner, who will also be as respectful and disciplined as they are.
Material and partners are hand picked for each actor by DDA based on your Submit my Info form.
Every actor must work every class. If someone wants to audit a class, they must get permission, and then prepare to work in class as well.
DDA tapes actors in almost every class, unless something special takes precedent.
Dress in layers. Working temp is not the same as watching temp. The room is usually adjusted to the comfort of those working. So, when not working, it comes in handy to have a light jacket or sweater to put on. For scene work, feel free to dress in character, or bring something simple to throw on right before you work, simple, respectful, appropriate, non offensive.
Class usually starts with monologues, then after everyone has been up, we take a short break, then go into right into scenes. The order is random unless someone has requested to go early or late, depending on when they can arrive or have to leave early. There are no exercises, warm ups, or games.
Workshops are set up to last 2-4 hours. The structure of the workshop will differ based on the subject, or focus, of the workshop. DDA workshop attendees will most likely receive materials including an overview of what will be covered.
At DDA we understand that things come up and sometimes interfere with prior appointments. For workshops and services other than weekly classes, DDA will happily issue a credit for the value paid for that service. Weekly Classes are handled like a booking because they involve partnering with other artists. That credit will never expire and can be used for any of the DDA services, including future Weekly Classes. DDA maintains the exact position that agents, managers, and casting directors all maintain.
After receiving your payment, DDA reserves your place, sends you the materials for yourself and a partner. At that point DDA considers you booked. Once booked, DDA cannot refund any payments. Once booked, your agent, your manager, and certainly production will not excuse your absence unless it is life or limb threatening, or very close to it. DDA feels artists should be aware of the magnitude of commitment this business requires, and trains actors as professionals whom always respect that others are depending on every booked person to be there, and prepared fully to do their job.
DDA does however allow transfer of your booking to someone else or credit at DDA for a future event.
People have also elected to “sponsor” an artist by way of donating their paid reservation to someone that could not currently afford to attend. DDA maintains a waiting list and is more than happy to assist with that Sponsorship.
DDA maintains a relationships with agents, managers, and publicists locally as well as in major markets like NY and LA. We cannot ever guarentee that we can get anyone agent. What we can do is make a phone call and support actors that DDA feels are ready to enter the market as a working actor. That means the actor has to be experienced enough to compete in the market as a professional. When the time does come and DDA feels the actor is truly ready, we can make some calls to get the actor seen by agents. DDA has a 100% success rate when this process is followed. We can’t promise that we can get you an agent, but if you work hard, we will speak up for you when the time is right.
DDA does not offer a ‘payment plan’, but is open to discussing any issues regarding payments.
Please visit this link to see the
Use the form below to ask DDA any questions that were not addressed above.