SYDNEY ACTING STUDIO MASTERCLASSES

STEF DAWSON SELF TEST

MASTERCLASS

Best known for her role as Annie Cresta in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 & 2, Stef Dawson is an internationally acclaimed actress with a wealth of experience on major film sets, in high-pressure audition environments, and in the increasingly crucial world of self-testing.

Across two transformative days, Stef will take you inside the process that helped her book career-defining roles — breaking down what makes a self-test stand out, how to make quick and specific choices, how to adjust under notes, and how to bring truth, confidence, and professionalism to every frame.

Through guided exercises, on-camera work, personalised feedback, and practical technique, this Masterclass is designed to significantly sharpen your audition and self-testing skills… and help you book the job.

Stef’s additional screen credits include Creedmoria, 2:22, The Paper Store, and a wide range of U.S. and Australian productions. She brings a warm, actor-focused approach that empowers performers to take ownership of their craft and deliver their strongest work under pressure.

DATE: JANUARY 3RD + JANUARY 4TH
TIME: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $299
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASSD

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

JEREMY SIMS MASTERCLASS —

ADVANCED SCREEN ACTING

Sydney Acting Studio welcomes renowned actor and director Jeremy Sims for a 4-week Advanced Screen Acting Intensive.

Much of Sydney’s training focuses on the self-test — this course goes beyond it. Develop mastery in scene work, partnered performance, and the ability to meet a director’s demands in callbacks and on set.

Jeremy’s credits include Last Train to Freo, Beneath Hill 60, Last Cab to Darwin, and Rams. A NIDA graduate with 40+ years in the industry, he brings a wealth of insight and a passion for helping actors build depth, truth, and professionalism in their craft.

DATE: JANUARY 12 - FEBRUARY 9 (NO CLASS 26/01/25)
TIME: 6:00PM - 10:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $599
EARLY BIRD: $499 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASJS

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

LEIGH PICKFORD MASTERCLASS —

MAURA FAY CASTING

With an impressive repertoire that spans across projects such as Hotel Mumbai, Killer Elite, Packed to the Rafters, Reef Break, Secret City, Pine Gap, Janet King, Wonderland, ANZAC Girls, Crownies, Predestination, and more, Leigh brings a wealth of experience to share.

Participants will be provided with a scene to prepare for the day, and Leigh will delve into scene analysis to enhance preparation and performance. Additionally, he will shed light on specific techniques and effective working practices, empowering you to take control of the audition process for your benefit.

DATE: SATURDAY JANUARY 31
TIME: 9:30AM - 1:30PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $249
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASLP

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

MICAELEY GIBSON MASTERCLASS —

BARRETT CASTING

Sydney Acting Studio is delighted to welcome Micaeley Gibson to the studio for a Casting Masterclass at our studio.

A trusted voice in the Australian casting landscape, Micaeley’s credits include Swift Street, Population 11, Total Control, One Night, Warnie, The New Boy, Class of ’07, Shayda, Bali, True Colours, Mystery Road, The Stranger, Wyrmwood, Operation Buffalo, High Ground, Sweet Country, Cleverman, and many more.

In this class, you’ll have the chance to present a prepared scene and work directly with Micaeley to deepen your understanding of what casting directors are looking for in the room. This interactive session is designed to sharpen your skills and offer valuable insights into the expectations of today’s casting professionals.

DATE: SATURDAY JANUARY 31
TIME: 2:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $249
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASMG

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

WILL PEARCE MASTERCLASS —

MCGREGORS CASTING

Sydney Acting Studio is thrilled to welcome Will Pearce from McGregor Casting for an exclusive Casting Masterclass.

Will brings a wealth of experience, with casting credits including The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Babyteeth, Foe, Evil Dead Rise, The Unusual Suspects, The Twelve, Apples Never Fall, The Wilds, Fisk, and many more.

Participants will receive a scene to prepare in advance. During the session, you’ll perform your scene and work directly with Will, gaining valuable insight into what casting directors are truly looking for in the room — and how to make your auditions stand out.

DATE: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1ST
TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $249
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASWP

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

DAVID NEWMAN MASTERCLASS —

Mcsweeney newman CASTING

With over 30 years of industry experience, David has dedicated the last 22 years to casting, including 7 years with Christine King Casting. His career evolved from handling numerous commercial projects to contributing to major feature films and long-form dramas in Australia. In 2010, he co-founded McSweeney Newman Casting with Tom McSweeney.

Noteworthy recent projects include "NAUTILUS" (late 2023 release) and "THE BLUE" (2023 release), as well as involvement in productions like "DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD," "LOVE & MONSTERS," "BLACKLIGHT" (featuring Liam Neeson), and series such as "THE FAMILY LAW," "THE END," "ROCK ISLAND MYSTERIES," "THE BUREAU OF MAGICAL THINGS," "MAKO MERMAIDS," "RED DOG," and "EAST WEST 101."

David's expertise extends to his 15-month role as the Australian Casting Associate on "THE PACIFIC" (produced by Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks for HBO), where he conducted over 3000 auditions, considering it his 'degree in casting.' He served as the President of the Casting Guild of Australia from 2020 to 2022, representing his peers with honour.

DATE: FEBRUARY 8
TIME: 9:30AM - 4:30PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $249
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASDN

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

PIP EDWARDS MASTERCLASS — HOW TO BOOK MORE TV COMMERCIALS

Pip Edwards is a NIDA-trained actor, coach, director, and casting professional with over 20 years of industry experience across screen, stage, presenting, and actor training. She is the founder of Pip Edwards Creative and has taught at NIDA, ACA, Screenwise, and Sydney Acting Studio.
Her screen credits include Home and Away, June Again, Les Norton, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Paper Dolls, and more. As a coach, Pip has helped actors book roles in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Hacksaw Ridge, Heartbreak High, Wolf Like Me, and NCIS: Sydney.

Commercials are fast, specific, and highly technical. In this one-day workshop, Pip breaks down the exact tools actors need to decode scripts quickly, serve the brand while staying truthful, adjust tone across genres, and bring authenticity and charisma to even the shortest lines. A practical, no-nonsense masterclass for actors wanting to walk into every commercial audition with clarity, confidence, and a process that actually works.

DATE: FEBRUARY 15
TIME: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $199
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $50)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASPE

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

STEVIE RAY MASTERCLASS —

MCGREGOR CASTING

Sydney Acting Studio is thrilled to welcome Stevie Ray from McGregors’s Casting for an upcoming Masterclass at our studio.

Stevie boasts an impressive portfolio of work, with credits that include Last King of the Cross, Transfusion, Penguin Bloom, I Met a Girl, Down Under, Colin from Accounts, Thai Cave Rescue, and a myriad of other noteworthy productions.

In this class, you'll have the opportunity to showcase a prepared scene and collaborate with Stevie to deepen your comprehension of what casting directors seek in the audition room. It's a hands-on experience aimed at refining your skills and enhancing your understanding of the casting process.

DATE: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22
TIME: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
COST: $249
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASSR

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

MICAELEY GIBSON MASTERCLASS —