Neal McDonough

Watch the video of Neal McDonough at the Ardavany Approach “Actors on Acting” event. Neal McDonough Event In this special presentation Ardavany facilitated a discussion with McDonough who  shared his experience working on film and television sets with Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Jon Avnet, and others. The evening was a unique opportunity to hear first-hand what its like behind-the scenes and learn techniques for on-camera action. The lively discussion provided actors, directors, agents, managers and artists alike with insight into the Ardavany Approach’s innovative method to...

KPFK Interview

On August, 3rd, Te’nda PR Harris interviewed Ardavany for the KPFK 90.7 show “Connections”. This interview focuses improving our perception and quality life though artistic techniques that evoke the present through breathing and being in the moment without thought. Power For The People On March 29, Te’nda PR Harris interviewed Ardavany for the KPFK 90.7 show “Connections”. The interview covers Tom’s philosophy on the art of acting. KPFK Interview Part 1 KPFK Interview Part 2 Harris: How does one know that they are an artist? Ardavany: How does one know that he is a doctor?...

Hollywood Classes

Sign up for our new Monday class in Hollywood. Starting June 7, the Ardavany Approach will be offering a weekly class at our new Hollywood location.  Classes are designed for students to master their relationship with the camera. Class modules consist of scene study, cold reading, character development, and mastering the art of auditioning. Class sessions blend interactive exercises that encourage curiosity and imagination with conscious breathing techniques that allow one to enter into the gateway of personal authenticity. Simply and effectively, The Approac h teaches the actor to deeply...

Actors on Acting with Matt Gerald

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player. [Javascript required to view Flash movie, please turn it on and refresh this page] Get the latest Flash Player to see this player. [Javascript required to view Flash movie, please turn it on and refresh this page] Venice Beach Studio In this special presentation Ardavany facilitated a discussion with Gerald who shared his experience working on set with James Cameron in Avatar. Gerald shared his insights on the future of acting, especially what Cameron refers to as “performance capture”. The interview was a unique opportunity to...

Approach Highlighted in ‘The Factory’ – 2003

Factory: Revolution is interested in craft skills.  The basics that go into each element that create a script, a performance or direction.  This month Revolution meets up with Tom Ardavany and talks about his work teaching drama and methodology.  Something the actor, theatre director and teacher refers to as the ‘approach’. The thing that drove Ardavany to develop his own acting techniques is the realization that, as an actor, most of the great teachers he wanted to be tutored by had departed this earth some time ago.  And the few that were around were so old that they not...

The Malibu Times – June 29, 2006

Tom Ardavany came to Maline High School last week to teach a class of students about the Approach; his acting technique that deals with script, camera and action application. Ardavany began the session by having the students sit close together and be quiet and listen – not to think – just to receive through the senses.  The whole classroom was quiet. Ardavany then taught that what matters most as an actor is what is happening this moment and only this moment.  He told the children that past and future were not important, but the present was all that was important. Becoming...

Tom Ardavany Directs “A Christmas Carol”

Disabilities Disappear on Stage for Performers in “A Christmas Carol” American Chronicle – December 20, 2008 From the moment the choir starts singing on stage, the audience is launched into “A Christmas Carol” at the Edgemar Theatre in Santa Monica. Featuring both performers with disabilities and able-bodied performers on one stage, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” was produced by The Media Access Office and Gabriel Rayes  Productions.  Directed by Tom Ardavany, “A Christmas Carol” is meant to move the audience and it delivers...

BACKSTAGE November, 2009

“ASK AN ACTING TEACHER: How can you use improvisation in preparing for a role?“ by Tom Ardavany Improvisation is the art of finding your freedom within a moment. Acting in film is about creating and shaping moments for the camera. One cannot create and shape moments without freedom. So where do we get some of this freedom stuff? It’s right here in the present.  The present is what people who have presence command. They have cultivated their moment-to-moment existence into an energy that makes them magnetic. This improvisational condition in an artist opens the magic door to...

New Hollywood Class

Sign up for our new Monday class in Hollywood. The goal of these intimate group sessions is to help you master your relationship with the camera. Class modules consist of scene study, cold reading, character development, and mastering the art of auditioning. Class sessions blend interactive exercises that encourage curiosity and imagination with conscious breathing techniques that allow one to enter into the gateway of personal authenticity. Simply and effectively, The Approach teaches the actor to deeply understand his or her history and character by unveiling his personal...

Professional Classes

An audition is required to join this class. Send resume and headshot to: coach@theapproach.net The goal of these intimate group sessions is to help you master your relationship with the camera. Class modules consist of scene study, cold reading, character development, and mastering the art of auditioning. Class sessions blend interactive exercises that encourage curiosity and imagination with conscious breathing techniques that allow one to enter into the gateway of personal authenticity. Simply and effectively, The Approach teaches the actor to deeply understand his or her history...