Why Young People Should Start Acting with Jess Martin
As the head teacher of the Youth Program, Jess is passionate about helping young actors develop their skills and find their unique voice. With over a decade of experience as an actor, director, and teacher, Jess brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role at The Studio. She believes in creating a safe and nurturing environment where students can explore their creativity and take risks, while also providing them with the tools and techniques needed to succeed in the industry.
In this interview, we delve into Jess's experience as a teacher, discuss her approach to working with young actors, and explore the unique opportunities that the Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia offers to its students.
Where did it all start with Jess Martin and Howard Fine Acting Studio?
Jess Martin’s journey began at Howard Fine Acting Studio in the same way a lot of us find The Studio… through word of mouth.
“Back in 2012 a friend of mine… said come and check out this Master Class with Howard Fine and David Coury teaching. So I came along and was blown away by the work. It was the best training that I'd ever seen. So clear so passionate, it just made sense to me. So I auditioned for the Full-Time Program straight away.”
Jess’s friend that introduced her to The Studio was none other than Shane Savage. Shane is an alumni of the first Full Time at The Studio cohort in 2012 and joined the faculty in 2015, founding the year long Youth Program. In 2018, Shane migrated to Canada and has since opened his own studio, Studio Sonder. Visit their website to learn more.
What is the Youth Program?
The One Year Youth Acting Program offered by the Howard Fine Acting Studio is a curriculum for budding actors to receive professional training and explore the acclaimed techniques developed by Howard Fine.
Catering to young adults between the ages of 14 and 19, this year-long program is held once a week and aims to be a rewarding, challenging, and inspiring experience that boosts confidence. The program is suitable for young individuals who have a passion for acting or are already established young actors.
Lead by the Head Teacher, Jess Martin, the program is taught by experienced faculty members of the Howard Fine Acting Studio and industry professionals.
Here’s a breakdown of the terms:
Term One: Introduction To Technique
During Term One, The Studio exposes students to its award-winning technique training along with the teachings of Uta Hagen, which serve as the foundation of their training.
Throughout the term, students engage in activities such as working on monologues and short scenes, as well as delving into Uta Hagen's 'Object Exercises', aimed at assisting actors in overcoming performance challenges like self-consciousness. As the term comes to an end, students are acquainted with Howard Fine's 'Eight Steps for Script Analysis and Role Preparation', which will guide their work in Term Two.
Term Two: Application Of Technique To Text
In Term Two, students will commence their application of the knowledge gained in Term One through partnered scene work with text. This exercise will facilitate learning in script analysis, role research, character development, and effective rehearsal techniques.
Additionally, Term Two marks the beginning of vocal work for the students.
Term Three: Application Of Technique To Industry
Throughout Term Three, students delve into the world of camera work, audition technique, self-testing, and receive valuable industry knowledge and guidance. This enables students to enhance their technique training and develop the skills needed to establish a successful career as a professional actor.
Term Three also provides an opportunity for students to strengthen their vocal skills.
Term Four: Application Of Technique To Performance
In Term Four, students will refine the acting principles they have learned throughout the program while preparing for their end-of-course public event. This event offers an opportunity for students to showcase their skills to a wider audience.
As the term concludes, there will be an open class available to students, where they can invite friends and family to witness their progress.
Why Should Young People Start Acting?
Jess is passionate about helping young people discover and develop their creativity, confidence, and self-expression through acting. Studying the craft of acting encourages young people to explore their emotions, develop empathy, and collaborate with others to create meaningful performances.
“Actor training is so beneficial in helping you understand yourself more. Helping you have confidence and own who you are and different parts of yourself. Being a good actor is being an extremely empathetic person. Part of this training is learning the skills of empathy which isn't often taught at school and it's such an important life skill to have. Essential as an actor. So a lot of the work that we're essentially doing is empathy based. Who is this person? How do I connect? Where do I see myself in that person? And that is a incredible skill for any human to have.”
What If My Parents Aren’t Supportive Of My Acting?
For some aspiring actors, one of the biggest obstacles they may face is a lack of support from their parents or family members. This can be a challenging and discouraging experience, as it may feel like their dreams and aspirations are not being taken seriously. However, there are ways to address this issue and overcome it. In this context, one possible piece of advice is to do your research and provide your parents with concrete reasons why pursuing acting can be beneficial, not only for your career but also for your personal growth and development.
“What I would say for anybody whose family may not be supportive or may not see the benefit straight up. Is do your research and show them that you've put in time and commitment into wanting to pursue this as a career. Show them the research that you've done. Show them that you have watched videos on technique, that you have researched different institutions and why this could be beneficial not just to do with an acting career but to do with your confidence, to do your sense of self. Being able to public speak is important for any career or most careers that you may jump into.”
Want To Know More?
The Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia's ‘One Year Youth Acting Program’ offers young actors (ages 14 - 19) a unique opportunity to receive professional training and explore the acclaimed techniques developed by Howard Fine. Head Teacher, Jess Martin, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, and is passionate about creating a safe and nurturing environment where students can explore their creativity and take risks.
The program is suitable for young individuals who have a passion for acting or are already established young actors. It provides a rewarding, challenging, and inspiring experience that boosts confidence. With a curriculum that covers everything from technique and script analysis to industry knowledge and performance, the program is an excellent choice for young actors looking to enhance their skills and develop their careers.
If you’d like more information, please don’t hesititate to get in touch with us by sending an email to admin@howardfinestudio.com.au.