PRIVATE COACHING
DIRECTORS: WHY WORK WITH A COACH?
I offer private, 1-on-1 coaching courses in-person or via Google Meet for directors who are just beginning in the film industry, mid-career directors, and directors who want to transition from stage to screen. As a director with over 16 years of experience and having worked on hundreds of sets, I am a dynamic coach who will show you how you can achieve your goals of becoming a profitable film director.
You can book one session, or multiple. Each session is one hour long.
In the industry, people say “You’re only as good as your reel.” A reel is a 1-2 minute compilation of your directorial work. This is a necessity in order to move forward in your directorial career. Based on the contacts I have made over the years, you’ll be in good hands if you’re prepared to shoot something that will go on your reel.
Sessions are customizable to your needs. We can cover visual language/aesthetic, how to communicate with actors and crew, technical components (I.E. camera, lenses, lighting), script analysis, and creation/development of memorable characters. It all depends on where you wish to grow.
Are you seeking an agent? Let’s work together to help you nail your submission package, and leave a strong impression on the agent (and in most cases, a contract)!
ABOUT YOUR COACH
CHRIS DI STAULO is a film & television acting coach and award-winning director. He teaches masterclasses at Humber College’s Acting for Film & TV program, and George Brown College’s Acting for Media program. He has served as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Theatre at York University, a Teaching Assistant in the Film Department at the University of Windsor, an instructor at Ovation! Performing Arts Academy, and has taught filmmaking in arts programs at high schools across Ontario.
Chris has adjudicated for Humber College’s Acting for Film & Television program, York University’s MFA in Theatre program, NTS DramaFest (formerly SEARS Ontario Drama Festival), and Etobicoke School of the Arts. Based in Toronto, Chris has established himself as one of the most exciting film directors in the industry.
Chris is a graduate of York University’s Bachelor of Arts (Specialized Honours) program in Directing. He also holds a Bachelor of Education specializing in teaching dramatic arts. Chris is a member of the Association of Acting Coaches and Educators.
TESTIMONIALS
“I really enjoy learning from Chris. He has a great sense of humour and our sessions are always fun and insightful. As a new director embarking on my first project, a short historical drama, Chris's extensive experience in all areas of filmmaking have been invaluable to me, from 'big picture' concepts to practical details, I feel that his knowledge and wisdom have saved me time and money. Thanks, Chris!”
BO TANAS: DIRECTOR (“THE RETURN”)
“Chris started coaching me in the first year of the pandemic, when I was seeking direction in making the transition from the stage to the screen. He has the ability to view my creative projects from different perspectives – as a director, an actor, a writer – and he has a sincere interest in finding the best possible outcome for any given project and its creator. Chris has referred me to online resources and to individuals, to help expand my network. I find him to be very intuitive and sensitive to who you are - the person behind the art - and as such, his coaching is customized to meet your specific needs, to help you and your art find the right path forward.”
HEIDI STOCK: MUSICAL THEATRE WRITER (“IN COMMON”)
PRICING
Single Session: $80
3 Sessions: $225
5 Sessions: $360 **Best Value**
All sessions are one hour. Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure you receive your full session.
All prices include HST.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
All sessions must be cancelled 24 hours in advance, or a cancellation fee of $40 will apply.
No refunds will be issued for missed sessions.
ACTORS: WHY WORK WITH A COACH?
I offer private, 1-on-1 coaching in-person or via Google Meet for emerging and mid-career screen actors, and actors who want to transition from stage to screen. My insight into how to be a strong, successful, and profitable actor is based upon years of training in screen acting & directing, and working with hundreds of actors on set. Let me help you book that role!
You can book one session, or multiple. Each session is one hour long.
Given the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, casting directors are asking for self-tapes. I will show you how to make your self-tape stand out above the rest.
Sessions are customizable to your needs. We can cover audition technique/preparation, script analysis, and creation/development of memorable characters. It all depends on where you wish to grow.
Do you have an audition coming up? Let’s work together to help you nail your audition, and leave a strong impression on the casting director!
ABOUT YOUR COACH
CHRIS DI STAULO is a film & television acting coach and award-winning director. He teaches masterclasses at Humber College’s Acting for Film & TV program, and George Brown College’s Acting for Media program. He has served as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Theatre at York University, a Teaching Assistant in the Film Department at the University of Windsor, an instructor at Ovation! Performing Arts Academy, and has taught screen acting in arts programs in high schools across Ontario.
Chris has adjudicated for Humber College’s Acting for Film & Television Program, York University’s MFA in Theatre Studies Program, NTS DramaFest (formerly SEARS Ontario Drama Festival), and Etobicoke School of the Arts. Based in Toronto, Chris has established himself as one of the most exciting directors in the industry. He is known for his focused and intricate work with actors and his ability to pull extraordinary performances out of the talent he works with.
Chris is a graduate of York University’s Bachelor of Arts (Specialized Honours) program in Directing, and has trained as an actor at Second City and The Tarragon Theatre. He also holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor specializing in teaching dramatic arts. Chris is a member of the Association of Acting Coaches and Educators.
TESTIMONIALS
“Chris Di Staulo is an actor’s director with an extremely meticulous eye for detail. Chris has directed me in various films and plays over the years. Our first coaching session was for an audition for the Jesse Owens biopic, ‘Race’, starring Jason Sudeikis. I booked ‘Race’ in 2014.”
JEREMY FERDMAN: ACTOR (“RACE”, “DOMINION” [JOHN MALKOVICH], “MAN SEEKING WOMAN”)
“I’ve been coaching privately with Chris for a few months and already have been sincerely impressed by the results - he has helped me develop my skills and understanding of the craft and there is a notable difference in my confidence and performance since we started together. He has a wonderful ability to create a safe space for the actor while furthering their technique and ability. He brings the unique experience of working as a director to his sessions, expressing himself logically and professionally, while allowing the work to be fun and enjoyable!”
CASEY MANN: ACTOR (“PRAY FOR ME”, “CLAWING”)
“Chris has a subtle technique that allows me to realize and refine the character from an honest, rooted place. His unique insight is inspiring. There have been many times when I have referred back to some of his coaching points and was able to apply them to a totally different scenario or role. Thank you, Chris, for always making me feel comfortable, valued and respected for the choices I make and the places we have found together.”
SUZANNE PRATLEY: ACTOR (“GROUPIES”, “FAME AND FIDELITY”, “BIZARRE MURDERS”)
PRICING
Single Session: $80
3 Sessions: $225
5 Sessions: $360 **Best Value**
All sessions are one hour. Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure you receive your full session.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
All sessions must be cancelled 24 hours in advance, or a cancellation fee of $40 will apply.
No refunds will be issued for missed sessions.