ACTOR CORE GROUP 2026 – ONTARIO CHAPTER

Preparation: The Foundation of Your Success

1. Discovery of the character you are to play and what that means to the scene(s). 
2. How to trust your creative mind and impulses by building on your imagination.
3. The magic of the “moment before” for any scene and how to discover it.  You will learn the true power of this ability and how it raises your work to professional standards.
4. How to effectively prepare for auditions and working on set. 

Auditions

1. Self-taping auditions do’s and don’ts. You must come across as a competent professional at all times and the self-taped audition is usually the first sample of your work seen by those that hire.
2. Live stream and in-person auditions, procedure and etiquette. How to make those auditioning feel like they would love to work with you.

Story

1. The importance of story to an actor and how screenplays are written. Learning how the genre of the film you are auditioning for and working on affect your work and your character. 
2. The basic archetypes of story and which one you play best. You will zero in on a clear concept of a character you play best and through the means of headshots, audition style and demo reels communicate this clearly to those in the industry who hire characters for film and TV.  

Working On Set

1. On set decorum and expectations. How to maintain relationships and the importance of being a collaborative actor. 
2. What it means to be a collaborative actor and how to get good at it, like we are talking genius here. 
3. How to work with a director to get the best possible performance.  A happy director is probably one of your best marketers.
4. Learn how matched action and the editor are key to your final performance. Make it easy for the editor to make you shine.
5. Learning the jobs around you on set and in the production sequence so you are not a fish out of water.
6. How to always demonstrate professionalism no matter your level of skill and expertise.

NOTE: As part of the ACG you will be acting in a union short film. All ACG members are asked to write a short film. The director of the program, Neil Schell, will select the film to be shot. The ACG students then produce the film and every actor has a significant role. The students who produce the film will own the film and can submit it to film festivals around the world. It will be professionally directed and edited by Neil Schell, the creator of this program and a long time film and TV director. These will be union films so every actors gets a union credit. And each actor gets excellent footage for their demo reel with professional, high quality footage.

The Business Side

1. Headshots, demo reels and marketing – how to present yourself to the industry at large.
2. The actors union ACTRA (Canada) SAG/AFTRA (USA).
3. How to get a short film produced and why this is a pro-active career move.
4. Applying for your first union credit (if applicable).
5. Connecting with the industry players. Who hires actors and what are they looking for. 
6. Film festivals and conferences – which ones to go to what to do when you get there.
7. Your personal day-to-day schedule and how that affects everything. Discipline and focus move you forward faster than anything else.

Your Own Custom Curriculum

Each actor receives a custom curriculum written specifically for them based on Neil’s personal evaluation of your skill level and your current place in the industry. The above curriculum is followed in general by all group members but you will receive a unique study and practical program just for you.

Union Credit

Every actor in the program will achieve a union credit since the short film that is made is a union project. This credit will count toward your full membership if you are not a full member yet.

Requirements

You must meet all of the requirements listed below. To apply click on the “Apply Now” button. You must submit your application by the end of day, January 31, 2026.

1. Demonstrate, with proof, that you deserve to be selected for this unique training/mentorship program.  How you do this is up to you but you are encouraged to be creative and fun while doing so. One way could be to write up a brief record of what you have been doing to date in the film and TV industries or anything that is along those lines of activity.  While your resume may show this, what about your experience can be told that isn’t on your resume?  Another way could be to send a testimonial uploaded to YouTube where you talk about your dream.  Maybe email a postcard that shows you standing next to an Oscar.  Anyway you want to do it is fine.  Just come up with some fun, bright, creative idea that communicates why you should be trained and mentored by Neil.  He is looking for heartfelt and genuine passion, creatively expressed. 
2. Demonstrate as best you can that you are willing to practice a minimum of 6 hours a week with the techniques you will be trained in.  A simple Promissory Note will work just fine. NOTE: You have to report by email each week on what work you did on your acting and with whom you worked.  These emails will be sent to Neil and the rest of the Core Group Members every Sunday and have the word “Report” in the subject line. You will state what days and what hours you practiced. It is recommended that you do more than the 6 hours of practice a week since 6 hours is a bare minimum.  
3. There will be 4 in-person workshops over the year-long program.  The first will be in March 2026. All the workshops will be scheduled in coordination with all the accepted members so everyone can attend.  
4. Every month there will be a two-hour scene work class with all the members of the ACG. This will be held on the last Sunday at the end of the month. You must be available for these important training sessions. 
5. If you are selected for the program, you will be required to purchase the complete package for $6,500 CDN ($5,000 USD) when selected. The reason for this is Neil is committing a very large portion of his time and energy and hard-won experience to you over the next year and your completed purchase will be an equal commitment on your part.  Payment can be made by e-transfer (Interac) online or direct deposit through your bank. (Canada only) If you want to pay by credit card, please request an invoice. All USA students will receive an invoice by which they can pay by debit or credit card. NOTE: There is a payment plan that has a $650 surcharge with a down payment of $3,500 and 10 monthly payments of $365.  Please inquire if you are interested in this option. If you are an American student, please contact us for your payment plan amounts.
6. You cannot be younger than 14 years of age.
7. You must be able to use skype or zoom for the program.  Neil will be setting up regular weekly video sessions with you that will last approximately 60 minutes.  These weekly sessions will be on a schedule that works for you and Neil.  In addition to those meetings, where he will discuss your homework and business activities, Neil will be coaching you by video call on all of your auditions.  Video meeting times for your auditions are set when you know your audition day and time. Video calling is an essential part of the overall program. Whether it is on your phone or your computer, it doesn’t matter as long as you have access. There are no exceptions to being coached on your auditions.  You must be coached. This is part of raising the bar for all the actors in the program.  NOTE: Neil travels to various countries coordinating the productions he has in development and/or production. This is why skype/zoom is very workable.  He can coach you and mentor you while he continues to develop, produce and direct TV series and movies. 
8. You must purchase and thoroughly study several texts as assigned by Neil. (Book titles vary depending on the program that is written specifically for you and will not total more than $200. They do not have to be purchased all at once.) This will involve a customized list of reading assignments, essays and practical assignments that will take you through a full year. 
9. As part of the Actor Core Group program, the group members will be producing a short film written by one of the members (everyone gets to submit one if they wish, one will be chosen.) Neil will direct the film and guide the group in the overall production.  All members will have excellent characters and dialogue – great footage for your demo reels – and will get an ACTRA credit in Canada. 
10. By virtue of you applying for this program, you fully understand and realize that it is up to you to put in the time and effort required to finish your customized program within the one year under Neil’s guidance.  Neil does have tools he knows as an educator that can help you when your are bogged down or just can’t seem to find the time.  But it is you who must take full responsibility for the completion of this program. 

Have questions? Contact Neil directly.

Trailers from Student Produced Films

Confirmation

You will receive confirmation from Neil that your application has been received.  If any questions are sent to you regarding your application, please handle them swiftly as all members will be selected in the coming weeks.

If you are shortlisted you will be contacted to schedule an online Skype or Zoom meeting for an interview. 

Those selected will be notified by Neil directly through email.  

Refund Policy

After three months into the program there will not be any refunds issued.  If there are legitimate reasons for a refund before those three months a 50% refund will be issued.  

Good Luck on your application!

Have questions? Feel free to contact Neil directly via email.

Testimonies

“I am finishing this program in Dec. It is so well done that I have signed up for another year. I am happy to talk to anyone who wants to discuss my experience!” – Stephanie Stolk (click her name to her Facebook page)

“Joining Neil’s Core Group was the turning point at which I decided to get serious about my acting career. The group became my professional family, and I still apply the work ethic and mentality that Neil taught us to my career today. Neil inspires actors like no other teacher and his mantra of “unkillability” is what has gotten me through many ups and downs in this business.” – Alison Wandzura 

“The Actor Core Group program for me has been a life changer. The only regret I have is that I didn’t do something like this earlier when I had more freedom to travel on auditions. It has changed the way I view auditions, casting directors and agents. I now know that I’m in control of my career and I have the tools needed to succeed. I always wondered how to keep my skills up as time lapsed between auditions, I didn’t know that I could practice every day and by practicing it would help me connect to any text faster. People have seen the change in me. I definitely felt that this was worth the investment.”

Faith Louissaint

“The Actor Core Group taught me valuable acting skills-I have a tool kit now. Your program taught me how to ‘beat at my craft’ everyday. I loved how everything just came together. What an amazing journey for me. To say I have grown as an actor is an understatement. I feel unstoppable! The confidence that I have in my abilities is liberating. I’m very proud of how far I’ve come. And I’m ready to take it to the next level. I used to clam up and get nervous and memorize (which for some strange reason was hard for me). And I thought there was no hope for me-even if I tried really hard. You proved me wrong-thank God. Now I laugh..memorizing is old school. Having a plan is old school. Because now I know the truth and the truth really does set you free.

I enjoyed the environment in your classes, your teaching style is very down to earth and you focus one on one with your students. You didn’t give up on anyone (me included). And you were very patient. I also loved seeing my fellow classmates have break throughs. It was like watching something magical unfold. If anyone wants to take their acting to the next level and really go the distance, I will point them to you. It is said when a student is ready, a teacher will appear. And you came in my life when I was ready, and for that I will always be grateful! :)”

Marsha Omeasoo

“The Actor Core Group has challenged and stretched me in many areas from learning how to explore a character well to how ‘showbiz’ in this industry functions.  Neil, will help guide you in these areas. He will stretch you so you are able to achieve freedom in your acting. Neil is available in preparing you for auditions and helping with business ideas. He is passionate in helping you succeed in the area you pursue.

This program will broaden your skills to complete tasks that may seem out of your range of ability but when you see the final result of your growth and confidence it is worth it. You will also discover that the ‘biz’ although daunting in some cases is really fun if you follow the steps Neil gives you. This course is not for the faint of heart. It will change your life! How you allow your life to change is YOUR choice. Neil will help navigate the quest for transforming your acting career and cheer you on in the process. Thank you Neil!”

Jacqueline Clement