Blog Posts

How to audition better

9/17/2015

Want to perform better in your auditions? Come to Meisner Technique beginner class. We start Monday. That's my big tip. I could give you a million different tips and tidbits that could improve your audition technique but at the end of the day, you want to be better in auditions? Become a better actor! Start working from your instrument rather than your ego. Its as simple as that. And it can take as little as 4 weeks to see a change in your performance.

You must learn to actually listen and react from your instincts before you can properly analyse a script, or emotionally prepare or plan how you are going to say a line. When you are reacting truthfully, the line will come out the way it has to.

So if you are ready to transform who you are as an actor and start booking auditions and becoming a working actor, then its time for you to get to class.
Beginner class starts Monday 7-9. Mon/Wed 7-9 for 4 weeks $149 plus HST

To sign up or for more info on drop in classes, intermediate classes or a free consult with Robyn Kay you can contact us at 416-312-9188 or [email protected] or click one of the links below

Last Chance for Summer Promo

9/7/2015

You have until midnight tonight to take advantage of our summer in the city promo price $250 tax incl for a 4 week session

You get 4 weeks of Meisner Technique class with Robyn Kay where you'll learn to work moment to moment and get a real kick in the ass to get out of your head. If you are serious about transforming the actor you are, this class is for you. Register by midnight tonight to take advantage of the savings.

Can't wait to see you in class. Contact Robyn Kay at 416-312-9188 or [email protected]

Summer Special Extended!

9/2/2015

I have it on high authority that summer is alive and well and living in Toronto! So the super Summer promo remains on through Labor Day weekend!

4 weeks of Meisner technique for $250 tax incl. Tues/Thurs 12-3 or 6-9. That's a savings of $70

Suitable for all levels of experience. Ignite your instincts and get out of your head for fall! If you are serious about your acting and ready to transform who you are as an actor, boost your confidence and start booking this is the class for you.

For more info contact Robyn Kay at 416.312.9188 [email protected]

3 biggest mistakes actors make

8/10/2015

Happy Monday dear actors. These are the 3 biggest mistakes I see actors making on a daily basis. I want you to ask yourself if you do any of these. If you do, your approach may need some tweaking.

1. Thinking talent is enough

Ok, so great, you're talented. Own that, enjoy it, put it on your Plenty of Fish profile. It is not enough to succeed in this industry. The road is quite long, some say it is never ending. It takes hard work, discipline and very specific skills to be a great actor. Do not assume that when you're on set you will be able to just turn it on. Set is filled with distractions, judgment, technical issues and shooting things out of sequence. You need a technique that will strengthen your focus and listening while keeping your ego in check. Nobody cares that you killed in your grade 12 production of Hamlet. There are a million other people contributing to this film. They need to see you deliver your lines, hit your mark and accept an imaginary circumstance- no matter what is happening around you. That takes constant practice, doing it every single day. It is a skill that anyone can learn with extreme dedication. But you need to get to class. You must find a studio where you can work out your issues and build chops so that you are ready when opportunity knocks. You need to be in a supportive environment where you can learn to be vulnerable when you need to, and thick skinned for all other times. If you think your talented enough and you do not need class, you are only fooling yourself.

2. Trying to be someone else
You don't get paid for trying. Acting is living and behaving, truthfully and fully under an imaginary circumstance. It is not simply pretending to be someone else. To be compelling to watch, you must be willing to be completely seen for who you really are, while living the circumstance of your character. That means you must know your truth. You need an intimate knowledge of your own instrument and accept your actual point of view on things- not socially- instinctively. Many actors spend to much time people pleasing and trying to give casting directors and directors what they want rather than the truth. Not every role is right for you. Do what's true and the right roles will be written FOR you.

3. Worrying about how you're going to look

To become compelling to watch, you must risk looking bad. Then and only then, do you come off looking great. Most actors walk around trying to look good by avoiding their own feelings of inadequacy or loneliness, of shame or fear. Avoid coming off as a jerk because you don't want to be mean. That is a huge mistake. We don't go to the movies to watch the guy who always wins win again with ease. We want to see him struggle and fight to win. we go to the movies to watch stories of the human condition because it allows the general public to go through something and feel something. You must never judge your own true feelings, your job as an actor is to allow, and never judge or second guess what is truly in you to give. Never rob your audience of your pain, your struggle and fears, for while they rejoice in your victories, your humanity is what they love.

Robyn Kay is an acting coach and founder of the Robyn Kay studio in Toronto, acting classes rooted in the Meisner Technique. If you're ready to transform you acting and career, click a link below or contact Robyn at 416-312-9188 [email protected]

3 Rules for Actors

8/5/2015

Happy Summer actors!!! Its August and time to start preparing for the fall audition season and making sure you finish off 2015 stronger than ever! Here are my three main rules you must employ and remember to make sure your acting is compelling to watch. You should be practicing this often....here we go.

1. You need every one of your emotions
There is no such thing as a positive or negative emotion to an actor- remember, your emotions are your tools! So not wanting to express anger or sadness because you "want to be positive" will kill your acting! Socially you may say "it isn't necessary to be so angry" which, I am told, is a healthy way to live. However in your acting, anger is completely necessary. Expressing anger will take you to sadness and eventually joy- TRUTHFULLY. You need every one of your emotions. Would you hear a carpenter say, "My hammer is negative and makes to much noise. I think I'll just use my caulking gun for these nails". Ridiculous right? So is an actor ignoring his true feelings.

2. Your strength is in your vulnerability
While your anger is absolutely necessary, it doesn't last. Once you fully express your anger, your joy or your excitement, there is always a much more vulnerable note waiting just underneath the surface. Your vulnerable moments are what will make your characters human and relatable, what will make you compelling to watch. The most heroic thing an actor can do on screen is admit their loneliness or fear, not with words but by being seen and allowing the truth, not running from it. You must be willing to be seen.

3. I don't give a F@&% what you want
Fight for something. I often hear actors who come in to prepare for an audition knowing what their "want" is in the scene. Wanting something isn't enough, it often comes from your ego and puts you in your head. Plus when you don't get what you want (which may just be in the script) you'll end up feeling frustrated and dissatisfied, not the best emotions to watch. Instead, you must be fighting for something. You must constantly be fighting, for when you stay in a fight that you truly believe in, then your attention is on the fight, rather than your emotions and ego. You leave yourself alone and whatever is going on in you can go on as a result of your action. So take a stand, start a fight, fight for love or money or justice- just don't settle for a want.

If you are ready to take action and transform your acting by following the above rules and igniting your instincts with acting classes rooted in the Meisner Technique please check out the links below.

Beginner class starts August 12th, Ongoing classes on special until September 1st, Drop in any Sunday evening!
For more info or a free consult with Robyn Kay contact her at 416-312-9188 or [email protected]

Free screening tonight!

7/19/2015

Well it has come to my attention that some of my students have never seen one of the greatest films of all time, Rocky. I'm talking the original, although I do have a special place in my heart for every Rocky film. Furthermore, many of you still think that Rocky is a movie about boxing. It is not. Rocky is a story about a man who was losing at life who grew to be a great champion. An ordinary man who had to fight through failure and self doubt and obstacles and adversity to come out on top. This is a film about how to win. Spoiler alert: hard work pays off.

I watch my students fight through those feelings of doubt and isolation and inferiority every single day in class. The only way to succeed is to be afraid and keep pressing on anyway. To risk looking bad to end up looking great. To allow what us truly going on you to be expressed truthfully and fully and trust that you have greatness within you.

That is what Rocky is about. I could tell you the fascinating story of all the obstacles Sylvester Stallone had to overcome to get this film made and star in it but I'd rather talk about how it all pertains to you. Are you willing to go after your goal no matter how many people say no? It's easy to say yes. Much harder to stay in there and "get hit and keep getting back up." "To know your worth and go out and get what you're worth"

Drop in class tonight 5-8 pm $20

Free screening of Rocky at 8 pm FREE

Join us for class or just come for the screening.

For more info or to RSVP

Robyn Kay 416.312.9188 [email protected]

Summer class special!

6/29/2015

Here we are smack dab in the summer time!!! I am pleased to announce that our summer special starts now!!! Join before September 1st and get a 4 week session for $250 tax included. There is no better time to join the studio and master a new technique.

As an actor you need to be in an ongoing class. You must be in an environment that consistently challenges you to grow and take risks while learning to trust your instincts. This business is full of rejection, disappointment and criticism, so what strategies do you have in place that will ensure you stay on track with your goals? Having a safe space to do dangerous things is one way to guarantee your own success.

All levels of experience are welcome.
Our beginner session starts July 6th.
Audition Technique Workshop starts July 20th
So come and experience a class with an audit or meet with Robyn Kay for a consultation
by clicking here
For more info on the studio, Robyn Kay and all of our classes, contact Robyn Kay at 416-312-9188 or [email protected]

What's Midnight Meisner??? (tonight)

6/24/2015

All this talk about Midnight Meisner and you have no idea what it is or why you should even go! So allow me to elaborate with the Who, what, where, how and why- cause this just may be the event that dictates the course of your entire summer- nay, your career! Nay, your life. boom.

WHAT?
Midnight Meisner is a social event slash Meisner technique acting class!! We start off mingling and mixing, meeting and munching. There is wine and snacks and people you may or may not have met before. From there we work our way into a late night acting class where you can connect and do some full and true expressing. Learn how the Meisner technique can ignite your instincts and raise the stakes of your acting and find out how much fun interacting can be!!!
All for 10 bucks!

WHO??

People, mostly. Charming, interesting, funny, exciting, good looking people. Many of them are actors, some are not. All are looking for a great time. Once you start learning the Meisner technique, you begin to see people for who they truthfully are and not just their social masks and everybody starts looking good. People are magic.

HOW???
The Robyn Kay Studio has been proudly bringing Midnight Meisner to Toronto for 3 years! I stand for truth, full expression and I do not condone polite or social behavior in your acting. We use the Meisner Technique to find out what the truth is- we listen, we repeat, we connect!

WHY????
Because you could fall in love. Because you could have a fight. You could have a cry and a good laugh. You can make people feel something and have a real experience without social context. Your instincts will ignite and you just may start learning how to really act from your instincts rather than rational thought, that is what makes you compelling to watch. You will start to build the muscle of getting your attention off yourself and finally get out of your head. Fun.

WHERE?????
480 Adelaide West in Toronto, lower level. That's Adelaide street West btwn Portland and Spadina at Maud St.

WHEN????
TONIGHT 930 PM. We may go all night!!!!
Hope to see you there!

For more info call Robyn Kay at 416-312-9188 or email [email protected]

Student Success

6/17/2015

Are you ready to see what the Meisner Technique and classes at the Robyn Kay Studio can do for your acting? The next beginner session starts on Wednesday June 24th. Come in for a free consultation, Sunday evening drop in or to audit a class. [email protected] 416-312-9188

I want to say a huge congratulations to one of my most committed and hardworking students, Anastasia Marinina. Anastasia has been working so hard in class and 2015 is slowly becoming a landmark year in her acting career. Anastasia had truly broken down so many barriers in class and has reached a place where her instincts are firing on all cylinders and she is compelling to watch. She has grown into a brilliantly fierce and vulnerable actress and I am proud of how she has used the Meisner technique to consistently improve.

Anastasia's accomplishments this year include a booking on Hemlock Grove after a coaching session with me. She was also recently signed by Hero Artists Agency. She has been auditioning like crazy over the past few months and has gotten several callbacks. Amazing work Anastasia!!! I know this is only the beginning!

Student success

5/27/2015

Congratulations to my student, the handsome and talented Matthew Sauve with Hero Artists!! Matt started studying with me just over a year ago and in just a short time has booked 3 commercials, 3 films and most recently a tv series. A very intelligent actor, Matt takes in every one of my notes when I coach him and he has been nailing auditions, taking Toronto by storm!
Cheers to a lifetime of success and living truthfully and fully Matt!!

This video was done last year after his first booking- my how he has grown!

Are you ready to learn a technique that will give you the chops to blow them away in that audition room? Learn more about the Meisner Technique and the Robyn Kay Studio- email or call Robyn Kay 416-312-9188 for a
free consultation today!

Ah-MAY-zing Special on classes...

5/1/2015

Welcome to May

There is a ton of stuff going at the studio this month.

Firstly, the 2 for 1 special is back!! Register now for a 4 week Meisner Technique session and get another 4 weeks absolutely free, What better way to jump into summer than with 8 weeks of instinct igniting and working your instrument moment to moment. Start your session on any Tuesday or Thursday either 12-3pm or 6-9 pm.
$299 plus HST

Also, the next beginner session starts May 20th every Monday and Wednesday 7-9 pm. Start from the beginning and learn the fundamentals of the technique in this 4 week class that will have you listening actively and have the ability to connect with anyone. $149 plus HST.

Ah-MAY-zing.

Act quickly cause this special is on now until May 15th. This makes a great gift, can be used at any time and does not expire. For more info or to book a free consultation or audit a class contact Robyn Kay at 416.312.9188 or [email protected]

Thank G-D for actors

4/18/2015

Actors save lives. You think I'm kidding. Yes, doctors and nurses save lives, ebola fighters save lives, firefighters, police, social workers- all save lives too. But I want to take a moment and ask you actors, do you know how important you are? Do you know how many people you affect on a daily basis and how many lives you make better?

Most people go through their days feeling as little as possible. We are a society that works to make money, that equates connection with a text msg and that gazes into our phones rather than the eyes of the one we love. We act aloof because getting overly excited is uncool. We avoid feeling disappointed by never really getting our hopes up. About anything. Hard times must be approached practically because if you stopped to think about how you feel nothing would get done. When you're taking care of someone with a terminal illness or an elderly parent or dealing with difficult financial times or just dealing with everyday life, you can't sit and cry about it. Life isn't fair, my mother was right. You just have to keep going.

So... we go to the movies.

People go to the movies to cry. Or they stay home and watch Netflix and cry. Or they feel scared, or thrilled or passionate or like everything is possible! Watching someone else truly go through something and seeing our own humanity onscreen or onstage is sometimes the only true emotional connection we have a chance to experience. That is pretty damn important. So thank goodness for actors. Thank you for giving every bit of yourself so that we can feel something through you. It can be a truly lonely road being the kind of actor that lets himself/herself be truly seen, without judgment. You must be willing to experience your own pain, your own depth and your own mortality. But it is truly a gift of life for those who can go to the movies and feel along with you. So be brave actors. Be willing to be seen in all your flaws and all your loneliness, all your anger and your true joy. You are saving lives.

Teen Class starts April 25th!!
6 Saturdays 3-6 pm $229 plus HST
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Adult Drop in class is every Sunday! 5-8 pm all levels of experience are welcome
RSVP HERE

For more info on coaching or taking classes with Robyn Kay contact her at
416-312-9188 or i[email protected]