With the fast pace of the film and television industry, actors not only have to be prepared for last-minute self tapes, but also for script changes when on set.   Whether or not short notice (as is standard) or very short notice, this often doesn’t allow actors suitable time to comfortably prepare their material.  Especially when pressure seems high, it is important for actors to have tools at hand for use in any situation. These factors and more make it necessary for actors to train with cold reading, and there is a clear and pressing need for this technique to be commonplace in our talented city. 

Learning objectives  

• To teach cold read techniques and prepare performers to have utmost confidence while preparing scenes on short notice:
  • Address scenario of actors being given new or altered material on set 
  • Address scenario of actors being provided with audition material less than 24hrs in advance, where they are familiar with material but still require their script/sides in hand 
• To meet industry needs and deliver on local casting directors request for a workshop of this nature to ensure that our local talent is performing at the highest level and ultimately increase employment of Montreal’s talent pool.
  • Ensuring that the highest number of roles are given to Quebec performers and are not being lost to Toronto, Vancouver and LA (where cold-reading is much more commonly done)

Application process 

• Submission of your most recent resume 
• Submission of a recent headshot
• Let us know when submitting your application, if there are any additional barriers to access that you would like us to know about for this workshop. This will not affect your eligibility.  

Key dates 

• Saturday 7 June 2025 – Group 1: 09:00 to 14:00 Group 2: 15:00 to 20:00  
• Sunday 8 June 2025 – Group 1: 09:00 to 14:00 Group 2: 15:00 to 20:00  
• Deadline to submit an application: Thursday 29 May 2025 at 09:30am

Cost: $55 

Duration: 10 hours

Number of participants: 20 (two groups of 10) 

Language: English  

Admission criteria:  

• Age range: 18+  
• Proficiency in English  
• Must be an active member of ACTRA  

Instructors

Alex Gravenstein 

Alex has been a performer and trainer since 2015. He has worked on and off in casting agencies since that time as well, where he has been a reader, ran the camera, created scenes, processed self tapes, and more.  He has been an acting coach since 2018, where he works with the performer to discover their own defenses and doesn’t focus on eliminating them, but rather on finding new ways for the creative energy to tell the story. His goal is to make storytelling accessible to all, and to put the spotlight back on Montreal talent.  As an actor, he has appeared in a range of feature films, TV series, video games and more: most recently in A-Nation Media’s Witchboard, CBC’s Plan B, Roland Emmerich’s Moonfall, and as Eric King in the video game House Of Ashes. 

Jen Viens 

Jen (they/she) is a queer filmmaker and acting coach with over fifteen years of practice in film and theatre. Jen’s training ranges from intimacy coordination, anti-oppression and consent to constructive communication. Together with a solution-oriented perspective, and a growth mindset, Jen facilitates drama-based activities in myriad settings, with an attentive, consent-forward, and tailor-made approach. Jen’s coaching credits include; Moozoom, Autumn and the Black Jaguar (StudioCanal), The Naughty Nine (Disney +), Moonshadows (short). In addition, Jen facilitates scene study classes and workshops, and offers private coaching to performers of all ages.