Local director Eppo Eerkes is looking for 12 youths ages 12 to 17 for six weeks of acting classes starting Oct. 11 through until Nov. 15. The classes will take place every Wednesday night for the duration of the six weeks.
Eerkes has been working as a director for at least 20 years, and has experience in documentaries, as well as working with television networks including CTV, CBC, Animal Planet, History and Discovery. Eerkes also spent time as a professional actor, which is what led him to wanting to help locals embrace a possible career in acting.
“I’m going to take my skill set that I learned as an actor as well as a director, and work with these 10 to 12 kids,” Eerkes said.
“The hope is then over the six-week class, I’m going to make a short film with them at the end, so they can use this to help further themselves as actors. The classes will be an intense two hours, where the students will have homework, but they will also be a lot of fun.”
Eerkes wants the students to not only improve their skills in acting, but also get out of their comfort zone.
“They’re really going to explore their skill in acting, but more than that, they’ll really discover about who they are,” Eerkes said.
“To me, it’s more about living the moment as an actor, and living on experience.”
The local director also thought it was a good way to give back to the community, while also continuing to hone his craft.
“For me, personally, I’m working on my craft, and sharpening my skills, but I also am giving back to the community by helping these kids try to further their careers,” Eerkes said.
The classes will be taking place in the basement of the St. Andrew’s United Church, to book your spot you can email [email protected].
