Sign up for Private lessons with Beverly Blanchette, retired Dean of Theatre at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, for students planning to audition for Dreyfoos School of the Arts, BAK Middle School of the Arts or any performing arts program.
(Grades 4 & 5)
The private lessons will include practice in cold reads, scenes, songs, improvisation, & re-directs. The students do not need to prepare anything in advance. Everything will be provided there.
The body should be completely covered to allow for freedom of movement. No shorts or skirts.
Each student will be assessed on his/her potential as a theatre student. We apply the audition criteria to the whole child rather than to simply past training/experience or presentational skills. The student’s goal is to listen, follow directions, and freely express his/her creativity as a theatre student.
Students will be evaluated on the criteria as listed below (Grades 4 & 5):
- Voice and Movement (Acting Exercise and Cold Reading or Song) – Demonstrates an ability to express a character vocally and physically in a way that matches what the actor can learn from the script or songs.
- Ensemble – Demonstrates teamwork through an ability and willingness to collaborate, listen, and react to create a believable scene together.
- Responsiveness to Coaching – Demonstrates an ability to take direction and use it to change, correct, or enhance the creation of a believable character/scene onstage. Creativity/Theatrical Awareness-Demonstrates an ability to have ideas, explore possibilities, make discoveries, and make effective choices to create character, place, and situation.
(Grades 7 & 8)
The private lessons will include practice with songs, monologues, interviews, re-directs, & improvisation. Please come with written copies of the material to be performed with accompaniment on phones or CD’s. The students will benefit more from the private lessons if they are completely “off book” & know their lines and lyrics.
Parents/guardians may join the class during the last 15 minutes for demonstrations and questions.
Reserve Your Child’s Spot Today!
Private Acting Sessions
Looking for your own private acting coach? Private acting sessions are available now! To schedule a session, please email Bblanchette@bellsouth.net
Private Lessons with Beverly Blanchette, Retired Dean of Theatre, Dreyfoos School of Arts
Receive direction on your monologue performance to get the most out of your audition. Learn how to market yourself for any type of audition: performing arts middle & high schools, colleges & conservatories, community & professional theatre, film, and television. Discover the business of the business: everything you need to know about agents, headshots, resumes, cold readings, and the slate – even how to dress! All levels of actors are invited to participate – from beginners to experts. Work at your own pace.
Follow Blanchette Directions on Facebook for upcoming workshops (currently being held online due to Covid-19).
Beverly Blanchette Studied Under Burt Reynolds
Even seasoned professional actors benefit from coaching.
Beverly was a regular attendee for eight years of acting classes with Burt Reynolds.
There is so much value in having a well-trained veteran of the arts in your corner.
Beverly often helps young talent find bookings.
Here she helped Marc Shaiman provide singers to entertain his mother and companions in her South Florida retirement home, singing songs from shows he wrote, including “Catch Me if You Can,” “Smash,” and “Hairspray.”
Testimonials
I want to take a moment to thank Beverly Beckman Blanchette for her donation to my NYC theater company’s production of Fireface! It is so wonderful to have such a supportive and artistic force such as Bev behind me and my projects. Bev was my acting and directing teacher in high school and she is … Continue reading Benjamin Viertel
“I was referred to Bev last minute before an important filming of a pilot for national TV. She prepared me and made me feel totally at ease in just one hour. I got the job and felt totally comfortable during the filming. I would recommend her for anyone seeking theatrical/acting experience.” – James Currie (TV … Continue reading James Currie
“Ms. Blanchette is the BEST acting coach! She helped me prepare for my Bak theater audition on Zoom and it was actually a lot of fun. She is super nice and really made me believe in myself. And guess what? I GOT IN!! Thanks Ms. Blanchette!” – Luna
“Hi Beverly! Wanted to let you know that Eva was accepted to Bak for theater – her first choice. Thanks so much for you help! In addition, she told me today that when she was leaving her audition she heard the judges say ‘I really like her’” – Anna
“Here was my daughter at Bak audition after only 2 months of preparation with Mrs Beverly. Of course, she got in..to my surprise I admit. I could not believe that Mrs Beverly was able to prep her on such short notice. She also trained my daughter’s friend for Dreyfus for technical theater audition in just … Continue reading Daniela’s Daughter
“Thank you Ms. Blanchette! She is so happy! Maya did it again. She passed both her auditions, and was accepted for the Theater Tech program at Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Once again, your coaching and support were essential during prep work!”
“Mrs. Beverley is such an amazing theater coach!! She coached me greatly over zoom, allowing me to do my best on my Dreyfoos audition which lead me to get into Dreyfoos School of the Arts because of her great talent and dedication. Huge thanks to her and the work she put in.” – Jillian
“Good morning, David was accepted into the school!” In a sweet message from David, he added, “Ty for your help I made it in the middle school of bak and if you don’t remember me I am David the who could not stay still.”
With her sensitivity and close attention to detail, Beverly was able to identify the weaknesses in my audition monologues in just one session. She then guided and inspired me to make stronger, more creative choices. Didn’t take me long to realize Beverly is a fabulous teacher of the craft of acting!
Hi Beverly, I just wanted to let you know that Kerry was accepted into the theatre program at Dreyfoos, yay!!! She asked me to send you a message to thank you so much for all your help during the private lessons sessions. She learned so much and really enjoyed working with you. She gained a … Continue reading Grannia
Thank you so much Mrs B for preparing Julia for her audition for technical theatre at Dreyfoos HS! We could not have done it without your expertise!!
“Thanks to Ms. Blanchette’s coaching, motivation, & support, I am at Dreyfoos where i belong. She helped me become the Thespian I’ve always wanted to become & by continuing with her coaching, I will prosper even more.”
They created this masterpiece in 20 minutes! Thanks to Randall Delone Adkison, Jas Warren, Lindsay M. Warfield, & Florida Thespians for sponsoring me. Bravo!!!! Your students are so lucky to have you! Have an awesome year!
From the first time I saw you perform on stage I knew I needed to get in your class. It has been to this day the best learning experience I’ve had. Thank you
There’s a difference between a good director and a great one. Beverly far surpasses great. I cannot think of anyone better suited to teach/direct. After countless negative experiences with theatre teachers, I was afraid to come to Beverly- but I am grateful I did. She knows exactly how to speak to students at all experience … Continue reading Bianca
“I had a great time learning acting skills from Mrs. B. She taught me so much in such little time!”
Eryk was very happy with his audition. He loved the school and the whole process. Here he is after his audition. Thank you for all your guidance.
Working with Beverly is a great pleasure. Her focus on preparing me for my college music theatre auditions is straight on. I recently auditioned for AMDA and I felt so prepared. I am waiting to hear back from them!
Beverly Blanchette 