Self Tapes

Ben takes acting classes at The Dirt Underneath acting studio in the Toronto’s East End. He could not recommend this studio enough! His favourite part is that the class is a scene study; Shaun, his amazing coach, pairs students up for a scene and sends them the scripts to memorize for class. Then, the student come to class and tape the scene 3-4 times. Below are some of Ben’s favourite takes from some of his favourite scenes. Enjoy!

 
 

Funny People

Written and directed by Judd Apatow, Funny People is a 2009 film that follows the experience of a seasoned comedian who learns he has a terminal illness, and tries to fix the relationships in his life in the aftermath of this frightening diagnosis.

This self-tape was shot at The Dirt Underneath acting studio, with guidance from my acting teacher Shaun McComb.

 

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

In this excerpt from the hit American sitcom, originally performed by Charlie Day, Charlie - ironically also his character’s name - delivers the famous Pepe Silvia monologue that has since become an internet sensation and a “memedom” of its own.

 

The Pope of Greenwich Village

The Pope of Greenwich Village is an American crime film written by Vincent Patrick released in 1984, and follows the journey of two close cousins, Charlie and Paulie, who get into trouble with the mob in the innocent pursuit of wanting to open up their own restaurant

This self-tape was shot at The Dirt Underneath acting studio, with guidance from my acting teacher Shaun McComb.

 

Frances Ha

Directed by Noam Baumbach, this 2012 film dramedy follows the life of Frances Ha, a struggling dancer that tries her best to make it in New York City in the face of high rent prices, fickle romantic relationships and crumbling friendships.

This self-tape was shot at The Dirt Underneath acting studio, with guidance from my acting teacher Shaun McComb.

 

Horrible Bosses

Horrible Bosses, written by Michael Markowitz and released in 2011, is a comedy that follows the adventures of 3 friends who decide to carry out a plan of action to kill all of their respective horrible bosses.

This self-tape was shot at The Dirt Underneath acting studio, with guidance from my acting teacher Shaun McComb.

 

Crashing

Crashing is an American HBO comedy series created by and starring Pete Holmes as a fictionalized version of himself as he navigates life trying to become a successful stand-up comedian in the wake of his wife cheating on him and leaving him homeless.

This self-tape was shot at The Dirt Underneath acting studio, with guidance from my acting teacher Shaun McComb.

 

The Newsroom

The Newsroom is an American political drama created by Aaron Sorkin that premiered on HBO in 2012 and ran for 3 years. In it, an ensemble of actors, including Jeff Daniels and Emily Mortimer, chronicle the behind-the-scenes events that occur at the (fictional) Atlantis Cable News.

This self-tape was shot at The Dirt Underneath acting studio, with guidance from my acting teacher Shaun McComb.