“I’ve worked with Matthew Dearing both on set and off and this guy has a lot to teach. As a casting director and producer, I’m not surprised anymore when I find myself offering roles to actors who have previously trained with the Dearings. I always note their students during auditions are well prepared, directable, and extremely talented.” -Andy
Specialty Private Lessons
Dawn Reilly * Currently Booking PRIVATES @ Dearing Acting Studio
Lessons by appointment only: 480-313-9901
ACTORS‘ Preparation for:
SOUTHWEST SHAKESPEARE SEASON AUDITIONS
Audition Dates and Times:
5/10 – 5/12 different times each day
Callback Dates and Times: TBD
Production Company: Southwest Shakespeare Company Mesa Arts Center
Playwright or Screenwriter: Shakespeare, Cain, Dickens
Compensation : AEA – Equity Contract & Non-Union
Rehearsals Begin: 09/09/2013
Run Dates: 10/11/2013 – 04/19/2014
PREPARE: 2 contrasting Classical monologues, preferably Shakespeare-
(1st is required, the second is upon request only)
Singers – 16 bars of any song (bring recorded accompaniment if needed)
Headshots/Resume Required
Audition By Appointment Only: Email ONLY
Appointment Contact
swalston@swshakespeare.org
Born into an Irish/Italian family – look out! – Leeann originally hails from New York. As a young girl, she quickly realized she lacked the foot dexterity for soccer, the aggression for lacrosse and, despite a brief stint as a college player, the upper arm strength for tennis. Fortunately, she stumbled into the theater as an awkward, shy, ninth grader and something clicked within her.
Attending college on the east coast, she explored classical theatre and developed a deep appreciation for character acting. Just take a spin through www.BobParsons.me and you’ll see what we mean!
Upon relocating to Arizona, she was recruited by some of the equity theaters in Phoenix and pursued additional career opportunities in movies & commercials as well. Earning her first prominent role in 2008, as the narcissistic pop star “Rio” in the Lifetime movie Maneater, directed by Tim Busfield.
In 2009, Leeann booked a Super Bowl commercial for GoDaddy.com, co-starring Danica Patrick. The commercial was featured as their lead-off spot in the game and was very well received! The real surprise came afterward, when Go Daddy asked her back for a video blog with CEO and Founder, Bob Parsons. She never imagined all the other wonderful opportunities that initial commercial would bring – including another appearance in the 2011 Super Bowl, numerous other commercials and appearances that have taken her all over the country.
Leeann’s earned numerous film credits, including her two most recent roles: the girlfriend inEverything Must Go with Will Ferrell and Caitlin in the sci-fi thriller Intersect with James Morrison.
She’s also found success in commercial work, landing roles in spots for Arizona Lottery, PetSmart, Catholics Come Home, Beauty Foods, Style Showdown and Tilted Kilt.
Brian Sweeney is one of the founders of Dearing Studio. After working and teaching with the company for over 5 years he has earned his way to Chief Operating Officer and is also one of the lead instructors within the studio. Brian’s constant pursuit of knowledge and growth combined with an unmatched passion for the craft has transformed him into one of the most respected teachers in the state. Recently Brian has turned a focus toward an intense study of emotional acting which he believes will bring a new insight into helping our local actors reach greatness. When he’s not teaching Brian works as an actor, director, improviser, and editor. Needless to say Brian has dedicated his life to teaching and sharing his knowledge of the craft with others and our students simply rave about his classes and expertise.
Donna DeCarl has worked with actors on many levels of the business, as an esteemed director, teacher, and highly respected lecturer in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Donna has directed numerous stage productions throughout the U.S. She is one of the original founding members of The Actors Theatre of Phoenix, and has directed productions at The Stagebrush Theatre, The Phoenix Theatre, Desert Foothills Theatre, The Black Theatre Troupe, and The Herberger Theatre in Arizona. Donna had the pleasure of acting as the associate casting director for The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California. Donna then continued in casting film and television in Los Angeles with Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Studios, Castle Rock Entertainment, Lorimar, Columbia Pictures, King World Productions, and Viacom.
Donna is committed to empowering the actor. She has created, and teaches her technique,
“The Map”, which is a winning formula for the actor’s professional and personal success.
Sarah Harvey graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Studies and a Minor in Theatre Arts from the University of Nebraska in 2011, and relocated to Arizona to begin growing her acting resume. She became a team member at Dearing Acting Studio in the Fall of 2011 where she works, teaches, and performs. Sarah is in the Chaos Comedy Improv Show and continues to study and grow in her craft at the studio. When Sarah is not working, she is taking classes at the studio or just hanging out…..at the studio. In most cases, you can usually find her at the Dearing studio!
Dawn Reilly is an active member of the Screen Actors Guild (S.A.G.), the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (A.F.T.R.A.), and the Actor’ Equity Association (A.E.A.)
Dawn studied with a myriad of top acting instructors including one of the most revered and formidable acting coaches in the United States, Stella Adler (whose students included Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro, Harvey Keitel, and Warren Beatty), and was a performing member in Stella Adler’s master performance class. Her career as a professional actor has afforded her great insight, and her impeccable skills as a acting coach have helped countless actors book work in the industry. Dawn’s facility for coaching, directing, writing, and consulting has changed the trajectory of many an actor’s career. Dawn’s unique teaching style, and endless generosity, also reaches beyond the adult actor, while she has a special gift working with children and teens. Dawn’s greatest reward as a teacher is the actor’s growth
Javier Gilmore is an improviser with over 4 years of performance experience. Among other troupes, Javier has been a member of Chaos Comedy since 2009. improv training includes Second City LA and Improv Olympics Chicago. Javier has been a teacher at the Dearing Acting Studios since 2009, and he loves seeing students who are new to improv really “catch the bug”.
Javier is married to Amina and they have four beautiful daughters.
Shelby Wilson was born and raised in Arizona and she will graduate with her B.S. in Psychology from ASU in May 2013. She has been training with the Dearing crew since she was a kid and has continued to be involved in the acting community ever since.
Shelby was recently in a national commercial for Safelite Autoglass. She has also been a part of numerous local film and theatre productions. She is currently a member of the “Chaos Collective” improv troupe.
Brenna Heater, formerly Brenna Sakas, is a professional actor, host, and model. She began her foray into acting and modeling when she became Miss Arizona USA 2006, and placed in the top 15 at Miss USA. She quickly gained the attention of SAG agent Ford Robert Black, and immediately began training and booking. Brenna has been seen in national commercial campaigns as an actress and model for clients like Dickinson’s Witch Hazel, Blue Diamond Almond, AAA, GoDaddy.com, Fear Farm, Ritz Carlton, DriveTime, Petsmart, Albertson’s and many more. Brenna was also the featured coach on MTV “Made” this year for a young pageant hopeful, Sarah (Episode 1195). Brenna is dedicated to her acting and pageant clients. (For more information on her pageant training, visit www.BrennaHeater.com)
She holds a Bachelors degree in Human Communication from Arizona State University where she focused her studies on public speaking, interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution. Brenna resides in Tempe with her husband Nathan and enjoys running, yoga, reading, and baking. They are expecting their first child (a boy) in November of 2012.
Max has been studying the craft of acting for years. He is a working actor here in Arizona. He decided his goal was to begin coaching when he noticed he had a true talent for bringing out the best performance in others. He has an eye for the art of genuine acting. The Great acting coach Larry Moss once said “Acting is life, life is Acting”. Max brings out the best in you, in front of the camera, on stage and in life itself. He believes anyone has the ability to be great. The world of acting is his life and passion.
