* Storytelling With StorySlam * Development Workshop * Improv Sampler *
* Improv I * Improv II * Screenwriting I * Screenwriting II * Screenwriters Lab (Virtual) *
* Voice Acting 1 * Podcast Like a Pro *
* Workforce Development Classes Coming Soon! *
Everyone has a unique story to tell, but not everyone has the training or the confidence to feel comfortable telling it. Since going online with most everything we do for work and to socialize these days, do you feel like the Zoom calls and Facetime don’t show your real self? Do you get nervous running meetings at work? Do you want to ensure your message is well received on the radio, a podcast, or at your next fundraiser? Then the Art of Storytelling is the perfect first step for you! In this course, we will review the basics of storytelling and performance to ensure you are your best self in front of any group. Whether or not you want to work on confidence in preparing your next professional storytelling performance with Montclair Film StorySlams, this class will give you the tools you need to deliver high quality stories, performances, and content in whatever spaces you choose! (Class size: 7 – 8)
Storytelling now includes a final showcase story slam on the last day of class. Invite your friends and family to come see you and your classmates tell your stories!
Age: 16+
Dates: 5 Wednesdays: 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27*
*Story Slam takes place from 8:15 PM – 9 PM on this date.
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: $300 / Members: $270
You’ve written your script or you have a killer idea, now what?!? Unlock the path to bringing your ideas/screenplays from the page to the producer’s table in this immersive three-part seminar on creative development in the film and television industry. This course delves into the essentials of loglines, pitch decks, and pitching strategies, offering you the tools to confidently present your ideas to industry professionals. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the development process for both Hollywood and Indie projects. With hands-on guidance and practical exercises, this class gives you the knowledge and confidence to develop the materials needed to pitch your idea/script.
Screenwriting experience is required. A finished, or near finished script is recommended.
Alex Schwarm is a creative producer and development executive specializing in scripted film and television. He has shepherded numerous acclaimed series from development through production, including Peabody Award Winners RECTIFY and DEUTSCHLAND 83, as well as John Le Carré’s THE LITTLE DRUMMER GIRL.
Ages: 18+
Dates: 3 Wednesdays: 4/22, 4/29, 5/6
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: $225 / Members: $202.50 ( Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Alex Schwarm
Curious about improv? Join our one-day Improv Sampler to experience the fundamentals of spontaneous creativity! Through fun games and exercises, you’ll learn to listen, agree, and collaborate with your fellow participants. No experience needed—just come with an open mind and a desire to have fun! Our supportive instructor will guide you as you create characters, build scenes, and explore your creativity in a safe and friendly environment. It’s a perfect opportunity to dip your toes into the world of improv before committing to a class. (Class size: 8 – 12)
Age: 16+
Dates: Saturday, June 20th
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Cost: $40 / $36 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Luke Ward
“This class was great! It was fun, comprehensive and incredibly loose. Luke is an incredible instructor. I’ll definitely be back!” -Adult Improv Student
The fundamentals of improvisation are the fundamentals of life. Listening, agreeing, forwarding action, taking care of your partner and so much more! You’ll be introduced to those lessons as you play games as well as create characters and scenes using a variety of improv and creativity exercises. You can’t do anything wrong, no experience necessary! Number one rule is to have fun! (Class size: 8 – 10)
Age: 16+
Dates: 4 Mondays: 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: $200 / $180 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Abby Sher
“Concise, thoughtful, and inviting, this has to be one of the most valuable classes I have taken!” Sean, Improv 1
Improv II builds on the fundamentals in Improv 1, focusing more on scene work, theatrical performance, and longer-form games. This class continues to encourage honest, grounded scene work while introducing new acting, clowning, and improvisational techniques. This is an expansion of our level 1 Improv and includes a live performance for family and friends on the last day of the class. The number one rule, as always, is to have fun! Previous improv experience required. (Class size: 8 – 10)
Age: 16+
Dates Option 1: 8 Tuesdays: 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9*
Dates Option 2: 8 Wednesdays: 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26*
Showcase for Option A: 6/9
Showcase for Option B: 8/26
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: $375 / $345 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor Option 1: Rob Asaro
Instructor Option 2: Luke Ward
Students will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting from format to techniques to story structure. Students will analyze the work of successfully produced screenplays to learn what it takes to write for film and television, as well as receive valuable feedback from their peers and their instructor as they develop their own ideas! This course was developed to lay the foundation for screenwriters, no previous screenwriting experience is required. (Class Size: 7 – 10)
Age: 16+
Dates: 5 Tuesdays: 6/16, 6/23, 6/30, 7/7, 7/14
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: $250 / $225 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: John Rotondo
“This is a wonderful workshop right from the start! John is a wonderful instructor with a passion for screenwriting and film. This is a great leeway for those who are interested in writing their own creative stories with unique characters and transforming it all into a script.” – Adult Screenwriting Student
Ready to take your screenwriting skills to the next level? In Screenwriting II, you’ll refine your craft and delve deeper into advanced storytelling techniques. This course builds on the fundamentals learned in Screenwriting 1, focusing on character development, dialogue, subtext, and advanced plot structures.
Engage in in-depth analysis of professional screenplays to uncover the intricacies of successful screenwriting. Participate in collaborative workshops where you’ll receive and provide constructive feedback, honing your ability to critique and improve your work and that of your peers. (Class Size: 7 – 10)
Age: 16+
Dates: 6 Tuesdays: 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: $300 / $270 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: John Rotondo
“This medium level in-person class with John was perfect. He is constructive in his critiques and very encouraging.” – Screenwriting II Student
Stuck in your script? Screenwriters Lab is a perfect class for screenwriters about to start a script or with a script in progress. Hear your screenplays come to life during table reads with your class. Receive peer feedback from other students and professional feedback from our instructor. Plan, write, edit, and polish your scripts to get them ready for production, contests, and festivals! Students should have a working knowledge of script format and a sense of basic story structure.
This Summer Screenwriters lab will include an in-person final class where local actors will perform a table read of student screenplays. Invite your family and friends for this live performance! (Up to 12 pages from each screenplay can be performed.)
Screenwriting I + 2 or equivalent experience required. (Class size 6-8)
Age: 16+
Dates: 8 Mondays: 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3
Showcase on 8/3! Invite your friends and family.
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: $375 / $345 (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: John Rotondo
Voiceover is everywhere! In addition to learning about the multi-faceted voiceover industry, in this class we will explore what makes voiceover performances compelling. We will also begin developing the tools necessary to execute them. Topics will include script analysis and interpretation, inflection, pacing, context, vocal quality, and finding your signature sound. Students will get to perform both commercial and narration copy in a classroom setting as well as in our studio. (Class Size 6 – 8)
Age: 16+
Dates Option 1: 5 Thursdays: 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/18, 6/25
Dates Option 2: 5 Wednesdays: 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: $300 / $270 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Juani Tantillo
Juani Tantillo’s voice acting class is the perfect antidote to the daily grind. Whether you are looking for a new career, a side hustle or volunteer opportunities, Voice Acting delivers! You will never listen to TV and radio the same! –Courtney Lynch
In this course learn all of the many steps needed to conceptualize, plan, record, edit, and publish a podcast. Get comfortable on the mic recording mini-podcasts of your own with classmates! Learn how to edit those recordings with Audacity: adding in music and sound effects, and cutting out dead air or mistakes. This class sets you up with the skills needed to start a Podcast of your own! (Class size: 6 – 8)
Age: 16+
Dates: 6 Mondays: 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: $350 / Members: $320 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Jason Foster
Don’t see the class you want? Help us make it happen: Film Academy Class Request
For More Information Contact: [email protected]
Join over 1,500 happy members who get early access to events and screenings throughout the year.
