SYDNEY ACTING STUDIO MASTERCLASSES
LEIGH PICKFORD MASTERCLASS —
MAURA FAY CASTING
Sydney Acting Studio is delighted to welcome Leigh Pickford from Maura Fay Casting, for a Masterclass at our studio.
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 NOVEMBER 8
TIME: 9:30AM - 1:30PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $249
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASLP
AMERICAN ACCENT MASTERCLASS
WITH PAIGE WALKER
Sydney Acting Studio is excited to welcome Paige Walker, one of Australia’s leading American Dialect Coaches, for a special Masterclass.
Paige’s credits span stage and screen — from The Testament of Mary (STC), Beautiful (Lyric Theatre), and Angels in America (Belvoir) to coaching on Preacher (Sony) and Netflix’s Pieces of Her.
With her company Your American Voice, Paige helps actors move beyond “ticking a box” to find their own authentic sound.
In this practical Masterclass, participants will strengthen and refine their U.S. accent through partnered scene work and focused feedback.
DATE: NOVEMBER 15 — DECEMBER 6
TIME: SATURDAYS 9:00AM - 1:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $499
EARLY BIRD: $399 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASPW
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: NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 13
TIME: SATURDAYS 2:00PM - 6:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $599
EARLY BIRD: $499 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASJS
HOW TO BOOK MORE TV COMMERCIALS
WITH PIP EDWARDS
Sydney Acting Studio welcomes Pip Edwards for a practical, no-BS workshop for actors ready to stop guessing and start booking.
Commercials are their own language — fast, weird, specific, and high-stakes. This workshop teaches you how to self-tape (or walk into the room) with clarity, confidence, and a process that actually works.
Learn how to decode scripts, serve the brand without losing your authenticity, adjust tone across genres, and bring truth and charisma to even the shortest lines.
Pip Edwards is a NIDA-trained actor, coach, and founder of Pip Edwards Creative. She’s taught at NIDA, ACA, Screenwise, and Sydney Acting Studio, with 20+ years’ experience across acting, presenting, directing, and casting.
Join us for a day of sharp, practical tools that will transform how you approach commercials — and help you walk into every audition ready to book.
DATE: NOVEMBER 9 + NOVEMBER 16
TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $199
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 NOVEMBER 22
TIME: 2:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $249
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASMG
RECLAIMING PLAY MASTERCLASS
WITH COURTNEY MILLER
A Creative Reset for Actors in the Age of the Self-Tape
Sydney Acting Studio welcomes Courtney Miller (Home and Away, Logie-nominated actress) for a two-day acting workshop that reconnects actors with the joy of play and imagination.
Drawing on her acting and clowning training across Australia, London, and France, Courtney’s workshop explores the body as a vital storytelling tool—helping actors bring truth, spontaneity, and freedom back into their work.
Through movement-based exercises and scene exploration, you’ll rediscover the spark that makes performance alive and self-tapes authentic.
You’ll explore how to re-discover play and imagination through clowning techniques, engage in body-led script exploration, and develop practical tools for creating truthful, compelling performances in both self-tapes and scene work.
DATE: NOVEMBER 23
TIME: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $199
ANOUSHA ZARKESH MASTERCLASS —
ZARKESH CASTING
Sydney Acting Studio welcomes Anousha Zarkesh, one of Australia’s most celebrated Casting Directors, for an exclusive Masterclass.
Anousha will share insights into what Casting Directors look for in the room — guiding you through mock auditions, feedback, and professional tips to help you elevate your next audition.
An AACTA and Casting Guild Award–winning Casting Director with over 25 years’ experience, Anousha’s credits include The New Boy, Shayda, The Stranger, Mystery Road, Total Control, Rake, Firebite, and The Office (Aus).
Her agency is known for championing cultural diversity and inclusive casting across film and television, with clients including Netflix, ABC, Prime Video, and AMC.
DATE: FRIDAY NOVEMBER 28
TIME: 10:00AM - 2:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $249
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASAZ
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
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 31ST - FEBRUARY 21
TIME: 2:00PM - 6:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $599
EARLY BIRD: $499 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASJS
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
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
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
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 FEBRUARY 28
TIME: 2:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $249
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASMG
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 MARCH 1ST
TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $249
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASWP
DAVID NEWMAN MASTERCLASS —
Mcsweeney newman CASTING
Sydney Acting Studio is delighted to welcome David Newman from McSweeney Newman for a Masterclass at our studio.
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: TBC
TIME: 9:30AM - 4:30PM
MASTERCLASS COST: $249
EARLY BIRD: $149 (SAVE $100)
EARLY BIRD CODE: SASDN