Dearing Acting Studio Podcast

Welcome back to the Dearing Acting Studio podcast. It's been a long time and a LOT of innovation has happened. As a studio we've been fighting to innovate through all of the uncertainty. Our team has gone through a ton of trials but we've seen a ton of reward from it. We came out of this uncertainty with a brand new virtual acting program that allows us to teach worldwide. This episode got a little feisty, but I'd like to think that's because we were all so ecstatic to be back on the mics.

As a studio, before the shutdown we had already been test running a beta online acting program. At the beginning of the coronavirus spike, we had a team meeting to talk about strategy and we made a group decision to be a positive light for everyone and use this situation as a teacher. We spent hours going through cords, setups, tables, wifi connections, anything you can think of! What helped us persevere through all of the adversity was our strong why. No matter what the circumstance, our team was going to find a way to keep pushing forward together. Not only did we successfully make a transition to virtual classes, but we gained new students, and we're continuing both programs together in the future. 

This was our first week back in studio for the beginning of June classes. It also came with it's own problems to solve after our decision to continue the virtual acting program alongside in person students. There was so much trial and error, Matt was re-wiring, innovating, and changing each day before class. The payoff was truly amazing because at the end of the week we had multiple very special emails from students who were ecstatic to be back. The energy on thursday night specifically was something our team will never forget. It was electric in the theater, and we believe you could've felt it from the parking lot. 

It was so fun doing the radio improv podcast with long time student and friend Jason Jackson. In this improv podcast instead of talking about improv, we get right into performing it. At Dearing Acting Studio we subscribe to all different forms of improv, however our favorite by far is "The Improvised Play." You can see an example of a past Boondocks Improv Show done in this format. We execute performing podcast improv "old time radio" style through our podcast microphones. This special format allows viewers to listen and let their imaginations run wild. Matthew Dearing, Joey Sweeney and Jason Jackson use sound effects, character voices and active listening to pull you into a wold of their own design. 

The "old time radio improv podcast" format is a product of innovation during quarantine. During the week of the initial shutdown, we had an improv show and refused to cancel it. Now we had Jason on to practice our improv skills and create some funny content. You'll hear a Sylvester Stallone impersonation, four crazy characters, and the best part, you imagine them all as we go! Improv is an art form that can benefit us in more ways than we can count. Wether it's using your voice, thinking on your feet, or just simply a creative outlet, there's nothing quite like doing improv scenes! If you want to try it out, check out our improv classes here which are now available in person AND virtually! 

It's summer time, which means, it's time to talk summer camps and online acting school. Joey Sweeney does his impression of Samuel L Jackson, we discuss the importance of letting go and the team drops a big announcement about our summer program. 

What's the big announcement you ask? Starting June 1st 2020 The Dearing Acting Studio will be re-opening the physical doors for our acting classes in Phoenix Arizona. This is a program wide decision that includes kids acting classes teen acting classes and adult acting classes. We will also be launching our kids and teens summer movie making camp Valleywood Movie Camp

We will be taking all the necessary precautions to keep everyone healthy and safe. So how are we going to do it you ask? The “how” is never more important than the “why”. Why are we opening our doors? Because people need us to. Everyone will open very soon we are sure. And when they do - we will help. We will learn and we will share what we learned so others can follow. There’s a reason why creative arts have been around since the dawn of time. We are essential. Virtual and online acting classes will continue for all who prefer that method. For those ready to come back and trail blaze with us. Sign up quick bc space will be extremely limited. We have new cleaning protocols in place. There is more to come - but know that we are extremely sensitive to the needs of our staff and clients and will do everything possible to ensure we keep everyone safe.

New actor hand washing policy for EVERYONE.

Valleywood Movie Camp is the premier summer movie camp in Phoenix Arizona. Film. Produce. Star. Teen and youth actors come together over 5 days with professional directors, coaches, cinematographers and editors to create movie magic. The end result: an indescribable bond with peers, high level film actor training, 20 minute short film, IMDB credit, demo reel footage, red carpet walk, black tie movie premiere, award ceremony and heart felt acceptance speeches.You can sign up online on our website to get more information. 

We have two of these camps coming up this summer, The first is in June and the second is in July. Both camps are five day camp, Monday- Friday,  from 8am-2pm.Our June summer camp will take place June 1st- June 5th and is titled "The Missing Cell Phone." 

 Acting Classes at the Dearing Acting Studio Location in Phoenix, Arizona

Welcome back to another Mornings with Matt Podcast. This episode is revolved around one question, "Do you REALLY Listen?" Active listening is something most of us struggle with, and no one is perfect at it. Listening is something we focus on heavily at the corporate level in our training. This episode gives listeners steps to read the room, listen to what's going on, and adjust your energy for maximum productivity. Sit back, relax, grab a notebook, and Just Listen!

Asking yourself these five questions before you go into any room will enhance your productivity and reduce the chance of having friction or negative energy. Question number one is, "What is the current energy of the room?" It's important to start here because if you don't evaluate where the room is at, you can't adapt to it. Question number two, "What state of mind am I in?" Self-awareness is critical to a successful life and you can't listen correctly without it. Question number three is, "What do I want to accomplish when I walk in the room?" Setting an intention before you move into something makes the worlds difference. It allows you to have a strong why that helps you make quick decisions in the moment. Question number four is, "Do I want to be seen?" This question is extremely important because it is your strategy. Last but not least, Question number five, "What is the current situation in the room?" By assessing the situation before walking in, you've armed yourself to present solutions instead of problems. 

Okay, so this is Podcasting 101! You have to watch your insights and get excited for certain milestones. Every podcaster can't help themselves from checking their podcast download numbers. Todays goal & the reason for this episode is we are pushing to 1,000 downloads in one month! We need your help, so we hopped onto the mics at 11:30pm and brought a midnight episode! Tonight, Matt and Joey talk about changing focus as a company, the importance of learning new skills, and the difference between arrogance and laziness. Welcome to the Dearing Acting Studio Podcast 101! 

We just had an amazing episode of our morning show, going over this exact thing! Ian Segears joined Matt on Mornings With Matt to talk about branding himself as an actor. Matt starts by complimenting Ian on his personal brand statement. He then advises Ian, who wants to be an actor and use that platform to motivate and inspire others, to teach and critique using himself as the bad example. He then gives multiple examples of how he does it himself to our students, and our staff members. The best place to teach from is "I could be wrong" and that is something Matt has always preached!

Sounds cheesy right? It's not! Knowledge is the single most valuable thing we can possess as human beings. Those who commit to mastery never grow tired and give up on their craft. Instead they understand that to become a master is to commit to being a student for life. Matt has been buried in numbers and SEO the last few days and it can feel like a brick wall with no progress. However because he stuck with it and was consistent, the terms and the knowledge he was seeking not only helped him with the website he was working on, but also translated to helping others. 

This pandemic faced many of us with a choice, and a very big one at that. You can either find ways to innovate, grow, and think outside of the box; or you can try and keep things normal and hope for the best. We chose route 1. The reason is because our staff saw this as an opportunity. We've always wanted to go online and effect people outside of Phoenix Arizona. This gave us the opportunity to do just that. Our staff went ALL IN on youtube and online courses and we failed... HARD! But on the other end of that is success! Suddenly we've found ourselves with something we love doing online and would have never made the time to make it our focus before. 

Welcome back to the Dearing Acting Studio podcast! On this episode we have Shadow Mountain High School senior, Keegan Sinur. Keegan came into the studio to apply for an internship to get school credit hours and learn more about the acting industry. On this episode, we take a quick glance at what it's like to have an Arizona Acting Internship!

Most of you know our studio producer, and director of media Joey Sweeney. Well, funny story, when Joey moved to Phoenix and transferred to Shadow Mountain, he met Keegan in the drama department and they quickly became close friends. They did multiple shows together including The Addams Family and Rock of Ages, but even after Joey graduated they kept in contact. When Joey heard Keegan was coming in he was ecstatic!

Keegan came in expecting this internship to be the typical one we've all heard of. You come in, get the hours, and then it's all over and you forget about it. He was surprised to find that was NOT the case. Keegan says the job exceeded his expectations because he's learning and having a ton of fun! He was super nervous after the tough interview but was ready to take the opportunity and show he had what it takes.

In just this ten minute podcast, Keegan and Matt reflect on the lessons he's learned so far and add a couple onto the list live. Matt believes in the "wax on, wax off" method for our staff. We've all been through it and Keegan was no different. He preaches it's the people that love you the most in life that are willing to critique you. The lesson we uncovered right here in this episode was the difference between saying "I have to" or "I get to". Saying, "I get to" is a positive way to frame a task. You can look at anything with a mindset of I get to, and realize everything you are blessed with. We're so excited to have Keegan in the Dearing Acting Studio fam! 

Welcome back to another episode of the Dearing Acting Studio Podcast! You're probably thinking, Pack your bags? What do you mean? We can't go anywhere yet! On todays episode we have a surprise 6ft away visitor who we haven't seen in a month and a half, SHEA TOEPEL! Crazy right?

In case you don't know, Shea does not live in our neck of the Valley. In fact, she lives in this seemingly unknown section of the east valley commonly known as....Ahwatukee. We know. We can't pronounce it either. BUT! She was over on our side of the world and stopped in for a visit....and maybe a fresh espresso :) It's been about 6 weeks since the entire gang was all together IRL (this is a millennial term- we think -meaning "in real life" that is just way too fun to say.) Anywho, the gentleman set up Shea's chair exactly 6 feet apart from then (With rope and all- see picture below) and the fun was truly had by all. 

Shea and the guys chat about how simple activities like taking a long drive ( like the 40 minute one Shea typically drives to and from the studio everyday ) can feel like a vacation when we are all confined to our own spaces. The team also chats about their close knit relationship and how the energy shifts when the entire team is rowing the boat in the same direction. There is an undeniable fire that is fueled by the constant side-by-side team mentality that we have all had to navigate through this transition into this virtual age. 

The gang gets into a deep conversation about dreams; why we have them and what they actually mean. It is interesting to hear each person speak on their own individualities when it comes to dreaming and how their thoughts affect them. Are our subconscious thoughts taking on life within our minds? Possibly foreshadowing things to come or highlight indirect thoughts and ideas that we haven't processed while we are awake? (Woah- talk about some deep questions right there). 

Fun fact! Shea is currently supposed to be in Barcelona enjoying her honeymoon (2 years later). But, Covid 19 had other plans. So the team ends their discussion with a fun story that Shea shares about what her and her hubby plan to do to celebrate the occasion right in the heart of Ahwatukee. Shea also speaks on the reality that the lifestyle change she has created for herself in the past 6 weeks would not have happened if she got on that plane. So instead, she decided she was going to pack her bags everyday to show up for her life, not just vacation. 

Thank you for joining us for another Dearing Acting Studio Podcast! Love our content? Check out our other podcasts here! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and have a Dearing Day! :)

Welcome back to the Dearing Acting Studio Podcast! On this episode, the whole team is back together. Matt, Joey, Brian and Shea hang out (Virtually, of course) and have an open discussion about mental health. Battling Mental Health has definitely turned into a large buzz concept in our world. Not only are we doing our best to fight the good fight and erase the stigma around mental health, but we are going through it ourselves. 

Shea shares her story regarding her own struggles with paranoia, anxiety and depression. Since making the choice to get put on medication 3 years ago, Shea has had to consistently check in with her doctor to measure progress she's making. 

These are tough appointments. But....not this one. Since being in Quarantine, Shea has taken it upon herself to completely uproot her current lifestyle and become the best version of herself. Tune in to hear Shea's positive news following her latest appointment! 

The team transitions to chatting about the Compound Effect. Author Darren Hardy wrote this book to give business employees advice on how to reap rewards from seemingly small actions.  Studio Owner and Author Matt Dearing speaks on this idea frequently. He is constantly encouraging his team and his students to create realistic, action-based goals in order to build up to your grand result. This approach is thought to increase the likelihood of reaching your ultimate goal instead of chasing it with zero milestones in mind. This coincides perfectly with Mental Health because when your mind is in a good, healthy place, you are more likely to stay motivated in your action plan to create ultimate success. 

The team also touches on the negative compound effect, which can happen if your mindset is focussed on negativity. When you are not taking care of mind, body and soul, your decision making skills, drive and determination may falter. 

Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe and have a Dearing Day! 

Nick Milotta is here on Mornings with Matt and we are so excited! Nick is an excellent human being who has a unique story and is constantly looking for growth.  You can check out his awesome testimony here. Matt and Nick discuss the idea of putting your life in constant "go" mode in terms of letting time and distractions slow you down. When we are used to our routines, our lives tend to be non-stop and we adapt to that. When the world hits the pause button, it can be tough to climb out of that feeling of loss, in a way.  Matt and Nick also discuss active ways to plan success paths, staying motivated and raising your floor on your own.  This....you don't want to miss. #LevelUp Tune in with us Live on Youtube every day at 7:00am. To get involved text questions to (480) 485-1211. We appreciate your feedback through comments / likes and be sure to subscribe for more light driven content. Also.. It would mean the world to us if you hit the subscribe button!