John D’Aquino Workshop Series

INSTRUCTOR: John D'Aquino
DATES: November 12 + 13
AGES: 10-16; 16-22
WORKSHOP INVESTMENT: 1 Workshop: $195 | 2 Workshops: $340
MASTERCLASS INVESTMENT: $395
Capacity: 16 for Saturday workshops, 14 for Sunday Masterclasses

John D’Aquino brings his 30+ years experience back to Catapult with THREE of his classic youth workshops + TWO MASTERCLASSES, each designed to challenge actors in ways he/she hasn’t been challenged before. On Saturday, November 12th, John teaches How to Make Funny, Magic Rectangle, and Dynamic Disney + Nick. On Sunday, November 13th, John will teach his MASTERCLASSES: Nailing the Comedic Audition + Exploring the World of Comedy. Full details below.

WORKSHOP DETAILS + DESCRIPTIONS

How To Make Funny

Ages: 10-16 | Saturday, NOV 12th | 9AM-11:30AM

This is John’s signature comedy course that he’s taught for Disney Channel where he introduces the concept of creating a math, to make people laugh! Students will practice one-liners, three step jokes, list building ideas and 180/misdirections. Learn how to create the set-up, follow with the reinforcement and land the reversal. Students will also learn how substituting simple punctuations can change everything in comedies. Get ready to have your funny bone tickled and acting craft activated while learning the essential components of great comedic performances.

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Magic Rectangle

Ages: 10-16 | Saturday, Nov 12th | 12PM-2:30PM

We are told that acting is best done “in the moment.” Yet, acting for the camera means that the moment must unfold within the eye of the camera or run the risk of not being seen. There’s not much value in a discovery that is not appreciated by an audience. This course will apply John’s Magic Rectangle technique to each scene, exploring the physical and emotional values available on the 4th Wall. John will then introduce his concept of the 5th Wall to enhance the experience.

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Dynamic Disney + Nick

Ages: 10-16 | Saturday, Nov 12th | 3PM-5:30PM

Disney and Nickelodeon have some of their best writers create test scenes that basically throw in “the kitchen sink”! In their own words, they’re looking for actors who can make the turns. Making the turn is when actors can locate the “funny” and deliver it in a way that is not only funny, but puts their own DNA spin on it.
They’re also looking for “aspirational kids” – kids that other kids would want to emulate. This challenges the actor to show off their skills in identifying the jokes, locating misdirections (the 180) and finding subtle and quirky ways to deliver them.
John has literally worked hundreds of these types of scenes in Los Angeles and around the country. There are essential formulas involved in the structure, and when a gifted actor instills their own DNA into the equation, magic can happen. This course will help actors identify the joke that the writers intended. Be prepared to have fun and learn how to climb the three-step comedic ladder (triplet), vocal manipulation, discoveries, dynamic entries and exits and more!

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SOLD OUT (WAITLIST)

MASTERCLASS: Nailing the Comedic Audition

Ages: 10-16 | Sunday, Nov 13th | 10:00am

Implementing all the elements from John’s Saturday classes and taking them to an even deeper level, actors taking this Master Class will have the opportunity to explore the comedic elements they’ve learned and directly apply them to their comedic audition.

It all starts with a strong audition (usually an audition tape) that sends multiple messages: a) you can act b) you understand how to use the camera c) you know how to create a strong, funny and committed character and d) you know how to locate and deliver the jokes. All these elements are essential for a director to feel confident when hiring you. Simply put, they need to know that you can deliver when the cameras are rolling. This course will put you through the paces to make sure you’re ready for your next comedic audition!

Students will receive a scene to work on which will be performed and taped audition style during the Masterclass.

*Prerequisite required. Cap at 14 students

*Prereq: Direct referral or a minimum of two classes taken with John previously for participating in either Masterclass. Saturday sessions of the same weekend will qualify as classes (if you are a more advanced actor and would like to take this session, you can also reach out to info@catapultacting.com ).

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Masterclass Session 1 : Ages 10-16 | NOV 13th | 10AM – 2:00pm

REGISTRATION

MASTERCLASS: Exploring the World of Comedy

Ages: 16-22 | Sunday, Nov 13th | 2:30pm

From Rom-Com to Sit-Com, Single-Cam to Dramedy (Oy, my head is spinning), there’s a lot to know about how to adjust your performance for each of those sub-genres. Despite having similar comedic rhythms and setups, each sub-genre has their own nuances and filming styles. In this masterclass, we will review each genre, showing scenes from popular comedies within the genre (Eighth Grade to Seinfeld and Modern Family to Grand Budapest Hotel and Abbott Elementary).
We will then dig deep within those scenes, specifically emphasizing the genre differences so that students can learn to identify and modify their performances. Having appeared in many of these styles throughout his career, John will share his on-set experience and wealth of comedic knowledge and insight as to best prepare YOU for your next comedic audition!

*Prerequisite required. Cap at 14 students

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Masterclass Session 2: Ages 16-22 | NOV 13th | 2:30pm – 6:30pm

REGISTRATION

John D'Aquino

LA Actor + Master Coach

Veteran actor and master teacher John D’Aquino (Cory in the House, NCIS, Dexter, Shake it Up, CSI, Hannah Montana, Seinfeld) founded John D’Aquino’s YAW in 2006. His love for performing is surpassed only by his love for teaching, a love inspired by his mentor, teacher and friend, Charles Nelson Reilly, who instilled in his students a passion for helping actors create dynamic performances by reaching deep into the human spirit. John has helped several of his clients find success in projects such as All That, Legion, Austin and Ally, Just Add Magic, BUNK’D, The Minuteman, Fuller House, Bizaardvark, Splitting Up Together, General Hospital, Andi Mack, Kickin It, Lethal Weapon, Jessie and many more.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Catapult Acting, LLC has a 24 hour grace period in which clients can cancel their registration and receive a full refund. After 24 hours, a 10% cancellation fee will apply to all registrations. If the client chooses to cancel 15-21 days before the event, a 50% refund will be issued. If the registration is cancelled within 14 days of the event, 100% of the payment will be forfeited. PLEASE NOTE: There are no refunds for missed, dropped or cancelled classes; should your schedule change once registered and within the cancellation policy.

In the event that “Shelter in Place” or another quarantine situation should take place, workshops + classes will continue virtually via Zoom. The cancellation policy above will still apply.

John D’Aquino Workshop Series