David E. Talbert is giving the next generation of minority actors, writers, directors and producers in major cities across the country an opportunity to break into Hollywood and see their dreams come true.
Fresh off the heels of two back to back much heralded runs of his Multi-City Actor’s Workshop & Talent Search in 2014 and 2015, David E. Talbert is launching the third installment of his Actor’s Workshop & Talent Search concurrently with the release of his highly anticipated movie, Almost Christmas, which hits theatres nationwide on Friday, November 11.
During her history making Emmy Award-winning speech last year, actress Viola Davis said, “Let me tell you something: The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.” Like so many others in Hollywood, Talbert shares the sentiment of Davis, but wants to move from just media conversation to action confirmation.
“Based on the report by USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, The need for more diversity in Hollywood is apparent,” Talbert says. “It is my hope that my workshops will create a bigger talent pool and fully open cracked doors.”
Through hands-on instruction by David E. Talbert, participants will learn acting for stage and screen, techniques for auditions and cold reads, get advice for breaking into the industry and receive monologue/scene critiques.
This year, special guest Damien McKay, Head of Casting at Universal Pictures (The Fast and Furious franchise, Fifty Shades of Grey, Straight Outta Compton, Jurassic World, and Pitch Perfect) has teamed up with Talbert for the workshop tour to interact with students, observe scenes and monologues, and share invaluable insight on what it takes to be a working actor in Hollywood.
“This year, the lack of diversity in Hollywood was front and center in the minds of everyone,” Talbert adds. “Although this has always existed, the lack of diversity at this year’s Oscars made it more apparent than ever. I am, as I always have done, dedicated to training and equipping other African-Americans and all minorities who want to get into this industry. Whether in front of the camera or behind it, I am doing my part to make sure they have access to what I know.”
David E. Talbert’s Actor’s Workshop & Talent Search will kickoff in Chicago on Saturday, October 1, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. After Chicago, the tour will travel to Dallas on Sunday, October 2 from 3 – 9 p.m. at The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, Inc., 1309 Canton Street, Dallas, TX 75202; New York on Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, New York, New York, 10036; and will be in Washington, DC on Sunday, October 16 from noon – 6 p.m. at The Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20036.
The registration fee for the workshop is $279 per person. Workshop sessions will include the following topics: Acting for Stage and Screen, Audition Techniques and Monologue and Scene Study. Those interested in attending the workshop in their city should visit www.davidetalbert.com to receive full details on registration and location. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Reserve your seats today.
