Dean's Behind the Scenes

Small Package – Big Dream by Dean Carey
in Dean's Behind the Scenes
2 May 2012 | 1 Comment

I am sitting at my desk at home this morning about to start the final touch-up phase on my new book before we hit PRINT. I have to really thank one of our graduates who, in 2009, called into ACA and gave me a Christmas present. It was obvious through the wrapping it was a book. I wondered what it might be and gratefully began peeling off the paper. As I began seeing bits of the book I first saw a name on the dust jacket, ‘Dean’ - odd I thought, and I continued. I then saw the word ‘Acting’ - even odder. I suddenly had a weird thought that someone else called Dean had just published a book on acting. This graduate knew I had been talking about writing my new book throughout 2009 through his final year of the course, so it was a little strange as I didn’t know what exactly I was unwrapping. Until the paper fell away completely and there – on the vibrant and glossy dust jacket cover of this smart hard-covered and bound book – I saw my own name, the title of my book, a short blurb about the book and even an ISBN number and bar code. On the back cover was my photo and a short history about my previous books and a welcome to the reader who, eagerly, was about to embrace this new title they were now holding in their hands.

I blinked – was I dreaming? Had I ‘forgotten’ I had published it due to some warp or black hole in space and time? It was such a bizarre moment. Until I slowly opened the book to find some 200 blank pages staring back at me. I looked up at the grad who simply said, “Happy Christmas Dino, I can’t wait to read your new book”. He smiled and sailed back into his day.

I sat back in my chair and realized what I was holding was what I now had to do – no more talk, but action. Moreover, there would be many, many people who may well be moved and maybe inspired by the thoughts I share in class that could now be available to anyone in the world. 3 years later, I sit here at the final stage of my book and I thank the stars that someone took that much ingenuity and care to rocket me into the future where I would actually be holding my new book in my hands, not just imagining it in my dreams.

The Acting Edge will be published and available later this year. It speaks of that place where actors and audiences alike make that leap of faith in order for the dramatic adventure to take flight. It’s a guide to high-quality creativity for actors, teachers and directors – from the rehearsal room to on set to onstage – travelling straight to the heart of dramatic art.

I better get back to it – I don’t want to disappoint that graduate.

DEAN'S CV>>
Master Module by Dean Carey
in Dean's Behind the Scenes
2 Apr 2012 | 1 Comment

Pure Performance

When I spoke with Andrew Lloyde and Simon Hunt about the three of us combining our teaching techniques and working with 14 people with the sole purpose of creating a Master Module and acting laboratory, we began firing ideas between us. This year marks my 30th year teaching acting and I have never lost my fascination for exercises that take actors to a sharper, more refined and empowered position in terms of their craft. This master module will do just that with all three of us combining our understandings and insights in order to take each actor to a heightened awareness of what’s possible as well as what’s practical. I’ve always been a firm believer in the fact that a teaching environment should combine three things: be positive (allow people to feel good learning), be practical (yes, I can use this) and finally, productive (leading the inquiry forward). Education – whatever the content or focus – is a wonderful pursuit. Master Module launches at the end of this month...

MORE INFO >>
American Theatre by Dean Carey
in Dean's Behind the Scenes
1 Apr 2012 | 0 Comments

Passions Under Pressure

Both of these supremely-crafted plays pack a punch, and under the masterful direction of Gale Edwards, both Glengarry Glen Ross and The Women had a soaring weekend of fine performances. The graduating company have worked for 10 weeks to bring all the gripping detail and finely-etched psychology driving all of these characters to starling life. Both plays capture the way men and women deal with pain – even though both plays have many, many moments of comedy and high-comedy at that, both writers go to the heart of human woundedness and fragility. A good play for me is something to behold. A great play is simply a great swap of my time and energy as what I get back truly moves me and sharpens my mind. Ideas are so powerful when they’re fed through relationships and interaction. Both casts pulled out all stops and gave the audiences full-throttle performances that were as gripping as they were moving. This week we have 2 industry performances where agents, casting directors and people from many fields in the profession come to ACA as a prequel to next term’s SHOWCASE performance. So now: it’s lights, camera and ACTION...

SHOW INFO>>
2012 – The Creative Adventure... by Dean Carey
in Dean's Behind the Scenes
15 Dec 2011 | 2 Comments

"Acting skills are life skills and acting can make an enormous contribution in people's lives. It’s not that you use acting skills in your life, but what acting generates and releases in each person is significant: confidence, creativity, spontaneity, imagination, connection, authenticity, liberty and vitality.

Once activated, these elements within us begin to move out from the bandwidth of the acting class into our life and business and relationships. Hence acting being one of the most significant pathways and trigger points to us understanding what we’re capable of. An acting course is a self-investment in your skills and abilities which has enormous results and outcomes for each individual.

That’s our commitment to you here at ACA – to match your commitment second by second and create an environment of meaning and momentum.

2012 marks a milestone for ACA – it’s our 25th anniversary year. Join us in celebrating this achievement and make the best investment you can make in yourself through acting and the creative adventure which awaits..."

- Dean Carey, Founding & Creative Director
Stories from the Wayside - The Reviews! by The Wayside Chapel
in Dean's Behind the Scenes, ACT NOW
29 Aug 2011 | 0 Comments

Reviews:

Standing ovations after each Stories from the Wayside performance says it all...

“Heartbreaking and also heart-warming, this is a powerful, moving and thought-provoking, even humbling piece of reality theatre with fine ensemble acting, great characterizations and excellent performances all round....an exceptionally successful example of the genre... Necessary, recommended viewing – 4 out of 5 stars.”
Arts Hub.

“ 4 out of 5 stars: No judgement and a heart as big as the harbour... Stories From the Wayside should be a reminder that we are all part of a community that doesn’t always support those who have fallen through the cracks... a touching, honest and intimate night of storytelling. Go to Stories to be reminded of the human face of inequality, of the effects of an unsympathetic community – and then go home and do something about it.” Time Out

“I'm so glad I was lucky enough to attend last night. I think I'll have to see it again with some friends, such a unique and inspiring project”. 9 to 5.

“Stories from the Wayside is literally titled and carries a force only truth can possess. This is a thing apart from conventional theatre and is uniquely humbling. Throughout, I had to keep reminding myself there wasn’t a narrative agenda – that visceral reactions to the devastating lows weren’t an emotional manipulation, but an instinctive response... These are stark experiences, and the courage required to continue life makes one’s own anxieties seem trivial by comparison.”
Sydney City Guide

“A stunning new project at the Wayside Chapel”.
Aussie Theatre

“What a night - a stunning piece of theatre! Utterly compelling, brutally honest, profoundly moving , surprisingly funny and ultimately completely uplifting. Can't ask for anything more... I congratulate everyone involved on a major achievement. I am very proud to be involved with Wayside.”
David Wenham

“A wonderful piece of theatre. I gave up my Sydney Theatre Company subscription a few years ago, as the average play was doing nothing for me. But your production reminded me just how good theatre can be.”
Anon

From the director: “Stories From The Wayside is a universal story about real people, struggle, love, redemption and the human spirit. Verbatim Theatre (Reality Theatre) is a striking form of theatre. It takes audiences deeply into the issues and bares the realest of emotions in a way which transports audiences and which creates the most powerful of atmospheres and theatre experiences.” Dean Carey

This is precisely the kind of theatre Sydney craves: moving, simple, immediate. 1 week remains in the season.

“We opened on Friday night and during the curtain call the cast acknowledged the Wayside people who were interviewed to create the show. One of the women, Fabby, ran onto the stage to embrace Suzanne who plays her. The emotion from her and indeed the audience, was palpable. Finally, these wonderful people are having their lives, hearts and voices honoured. The audience stood up as one as they have been doing almost every performance since. There is definitely magic in the air and you can’t argue or hide from what is being shared when it’s real as well as shot straight from the heart. I have been touched more than I can say from working on this piece. I’m also proud of the company for honouring the Wayside tribe in such detail and with such integrity. Come on down to the Wayside and sit amongst the candlelight for a dose of humour, love and touching truth”. Dean Carey
Stores from the Wayside by The Wayside Chapel
in Dean's Behind the Scenes, ACT NOW
22 Aug 2011 | 1 Comment

VOICES FINALLY HEARD...

We opened on Friday night and during the curtain call the cast acknowledged the Wayside people who were interviewed to create the show. One of the women, Fabby, ran onto the stage to embrace Suzanne who plays her. The emotion from her and indeed the audience, was palpable. Finally, these wonderful people are having their lives, hearts and voices honoured. The audience stood up as one as they have been doing almost every performance since. There is definitely magic in the air and you can’t argue or hide from what is being shared when it’s real as well as shot straight from the heart.

I have been touched more than I can say from working on this piece. I’m also proud of the company for honouring the Wayside tribe in such detail and with such integrity. Even though we’ve extended a week, the tickets are selling fast. Come on down to the Wayside and sit amongst the candlelight for a dose of humour, love and touching truth.
- Dean Carey

TO BOOK www.thewaysidechapel.com

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ABC NEWS STORY
You Can’t Argue With Reality Theatre... by Dean Carey
in Dean's Behind the Scenes, ACT NOW
9 Aug 2011 | 1 Comment

I have just come out of a marathon rehearsal where this extraordinary piece really began coming to life. There’s one thing about this show and concept: as an audience you can’t escape from what is shared by the characters as there’s simply nowhere to hide. The irreverent and the profane, the magical and pure, all sit in perfect sync as nothing has been ‘designed’ and there is no obligation for it be be anything other than what it is – real, truthful, unadulterated and pure. The stories are searing, hilarious. The characters speak deeply and from the heart and the content has, as a result, blow-torch accuracy. Once again, I am felled by the power of live performance and how much we as humans crave that touchstone to the heart. With one week left before we open, we stand on the threshold – side by side with the interviewed characters – and free fall into honouring everything this show stands for...

- Dean
Defining Courage... by Dean Carey
in Dean's Behind the Scenes
7 Jul 2011 | 0 Comments

In 90 min the third years take to the stage in their graduation showcase. This marks the end of their official training with us as well as their welcome and initiation into the industry. It’s a very exciting time and with it comes some trepidation. It took a leap of faith for most students to even entertain the idea of auditioning for drama school and to leave the known and safe paths they and their families might have expected for them. Now, at the end of an amazing experience – and what we believe is a privilege in the actor’s life – their training with us comes to an end and the students are asked to make another leap of faith and follow their dream out there in the profession.

We are so proud of our students as they have come to us to pursue their passion and that is to be both acknowledged and celebrated. Now they move into another unknown sphere – the industry. “What will happen? When might it happen? What if it doesn’t happen in the time frame expected?” There are a hundred questions that can plague and stifle one’s creative courage.

But as I remind the students, one definition of courage we use here at ACA is that courage is about keeping your faith in all of the spaces and places where your vision is not in evidence. It’s easy to feel courage and that forward-moving commitment when all is going to plan and you are buoyed by all you see around you. It’s a different experience altogether to maintain that forward-moving commitment and belief in yourself when your vision seems to have faltered or indeed stalled. THIS is the precise moment to remember to re-engage the faith – sometimes called blind faith – and keep moving towards your vision through active choices that have you releasing the very best of yourself out into the world. It sounds simple, it is. It may sound easy, it’s not.

The training here at ACA is so distinctive that I know every student will pursue their dreams with the very best of themselves engaged. One clear distinction we make here also is that life is not about what you do, it’s about the contribution you make whilst doing it. I know in my heart these students understand this and that is why people in the industry love working with our graduates.

So I congratulate our graduates for their courage and faith, and may I also acknowledge their belief in the power of the art. We have been privileged to have shared the last few years with them all. They are now ready for their next leap of faith. May they fly high and fly proud...

Dean
Outperforming Yourself... by Dean Carey
in Dean's Behind the Scenes
24 Jun 2011 | 0 Comments

One thing that I have learnt over 30 years of teaching is to never underestimate what every person and group is capable of. I’ve also learnt not to succumb or agree to a perceived level of ability and achievement within the teaching environment that may indeed undersell what is possible for all concerend.
I see it all the time. In fact, every teacher, everywhere, encounters it in every class and every day: people play and stay within their perceived limitations or indeed expectations. The teacher’s role thereofre, as is the coaches role in any sport or business environment, is to actively roll out a bigger field of green – a larger playing field so people will be encouraged to go beyond their expectations, discover and uncover more, and therefore excel.
BUT - and this is a huge distinction to understand - people will never – NEVER – outperform their own self-image. Unless a large bear enters your tent on a camping trip in the dead on night, you may indeed outperform your known physical ability in order to escape. But that level of fight or flight isn’t (nor should it be) active in the teaching environment. Some teachers do choose however to play the fear card with their students through becoming ‘disapproving (perhaps bullying) parents’ and activating ‘disappointing children’ who will either be crushed by the pressure, or rebel and fight back. This is something I have never agreed with. Why? Because I have been on the receiving end of this type of domination too many times during my development and the cost can be great.
Instinctively I chose many years ago to achieve the same result and assist people to outperform themselves by one simple idea: create an expectation and a compelling future and then live into it... ACA is based upon this same notion and our staff here believe in the same principle.
How? By activating a deep level of curiosity and inquiry. Once someone becomes curious – and I mean really curious – about what’s possible, then their self-image begins to dismantle, and often quite unconsciously. Or more to the point, it begins to rebuild itself with a bigger capability. Then they simply step into this larger space, filling it out, occupying its dimensions, and being transformed as a result.
Tomorrow we begin our series of free intro sessions here at ACA. 50 people attend each one and something happens in that room that always leaves me astounded and privileged to witness: the possibility of possibility itself.
I have spent over half my life teaching and I love coming to work everyday.
Roll on tomorrow...