Writers Boot Camp - Distinctions

Actors Annex

“Actors make great writers because they understand process. There's a direct parallel between the way an actor makes choices for articulating a character and the way a writer makes decisions about a character's journey in a story.”
	-Writers Boot Camp founder Jeffrey Gordon

Table Read Series

When a script reaches a certain stage of development, we produce a table read in order to give the writer a better idea of what is and isn’t working with their project. Hearing the dialogue, seeing how an audience of their peers reacts to the material – these are all invaluable to the writer. That’s one of the reasons we try to get the best actors available to participate in our Table Read Series. If this is something you’d like to be considered for, then send along a single headshot/resume to:

      Writers Boot Camp
      Actors Annex - Table Read Series
      2525 Michigan Ave. Bldg. I
      Santa Monica, CA 90404

Include your personal contact info (phone numbers, e-mail and snail-mail address). We’ll keep you in mind for future readings and other actor-related events.

Actors Annex

If you’re an actor with aspirations to become a double or triple threat (i.e. an Actor/Writer, Actor/Writer/Director, etc.), we have a variety of ways to support you in that quest. Most actors have the unique ability to immerse themselves in the stages of development necessary to create something entertaining and resonant. There’s a parallel process at work between acting and writing. More specifically, Actors …

	•	Are good with dialogue and adept at creating “recognizable human behavior.”
	•	Understand the importance of seeking out professional, paid instruction.
	•	Often have flexible day job situations, giving them more time to write.
	•	Are on the front lines of the industry, constantly creating new vehicles for themselves.
	•	Understand the importance of long-term career development.
	•	Are intuitive about collaboration.
	•	Know how to generate “hot character choices” -- which translate into what we call Character Conceits.
	•	Are on the front lines of the industry, know what’s going on around town and have an intuitive understanding of the business due to their relationship with peers who are actively working.

All of our programs and memberships are designed to accommodate people with full-time jobs. 10 hours per week, outside of class, is the minimum time requirement. Actors usually have no problem meeting that because you know how to budget your time and prioritize.

If You're an Actor

If you’re an actor, or in an acting group, and you’d like develop something on the page, as opposed to just reading it, then give us a call at 310/998-1199. One of our Program Coordinators will be glad to direct you towards the right program. Depending upon your experience and goals, you may be even eligible for Think Tank.

If your career takes off and you find yourself out of town for a period of time, you needn’t worry: we never punish people for getting work. As long as there’s earnest, advance communication, we’re always willing to work with you towards the long-term, full development of your project and, ultimately, your career. This business may be fickle – but we’re not.

Noteworthy Writers Boot Camp Actor/Writer Alums include: Hank Azaria, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Nestor Carbonel, John Henson, Jennifer Grey, Malcolm Jamal-Warner, Michael O’Keefe, Anthony LaPaglia, Andy Lauer, Samantha Mathis, Laurie Metcalf, Ivan Sergei, Sinbad, Alexandra Tydings, Mark Valley, Steven Weber, Peter Weller, Moon Zappa and Daphne Zuniga.