Classes
OAA holds ongoing classes covering different topics based on the current student body and their needs. Topics include but are not limited to: Camera presence, relationship communication, improvisation, emotional connection, sub text interpretation, eye work, memorization, listening, resume development, finding an agent, contracts, audition technique, self taping, camera blocking, performance consistency, taxes, and more.
Filmmaking for Actors: Creating Your Own Content
Enrolling Now for March 22nd Start
This course covers basic fundamentals of everything from blank page to final edit and story telling through each phase of production, all designed for the actor who wants to create their own work and grow their visibility.
Learn the production process from development through completion. The course covers writing, lighting, sound, cinematography, editing, sound design and more all in a hands on environment.
The course is taught by filmmaker and working actor Jim Dougherty. Jim is an award winning filmmaker who works both in front of and behind the camera. (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1346040)
Take Control – Learning to create your own work puts the control in your hands. Creating your own content allows you to guide your career and build a body of work in a competitive market.
Current Class Schedule:
| Class | Session Start | Days/Times (eastern) | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners Class (New or new to on camera) | March 20 | Monday Evenings 7pm Eastern | 80.00 Per Month |
| Intermediate I Class (some on-camera or stage experience) | Ongoing | Tuesday Evenings 7pm Eastern | 80.00 Per Month |
| Intermediate II Class (invitation only) | Ongoing | Monday Evenings 5pm Eastern | 80.00 Per Month |
| Filmmaking for Actors Class | March 22 | Wednesday Evenings 7pm Eastern | 250.00 (8 classes/session) |
| Filmmaking for Actors 2 | March 22 | Wednesday Evenings 9pm Eastern | 250.00 (8 classes/session) |
| Professional Track Class (invitation only) | Ongoing | Tuesday Evenings 9pm Eastern | 80.00 Per Month |
| Filmmaking for Actors 3 | Currently Running | Wednesday Evenings 9pm Eastern | 250.00 (8 classes/session) |
Schedule Subject to Change
Registration Fee Options (Acting Classes 80.00/mo) – Filmmaking Class 250.00/session (8 classes))
Venmo (no added fee)
https://venmo.com/JimSide8
CashApp (no added fee)
https://cash.app/$JimSide8
PayPal (Acting Class 80.00: 5.00 additional PayPal fee)
(Filmmaking Class 265: 15.00 additional PayPal fee)
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JimDougherty/85.00 (acting classes)
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JimDougherty/265.00 (Filmmaking classes)
**Online registration is currently unavailable. Please fill out the form below and registration information will be sent to you.**
| Jim Dougherty (Chief Instructor) is a current member of SAG-AFTRA and a working actor. Over the last 40 years, he has worked on over 70 films in capacities ranging from actor to post production and has also performed in over 300 theatrical productions. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Chicago SAG-AFTRA Local. Jim studied theatre and film at Indiana University and later went on to pursue the craft in Chicago where he worked for Victory Gardens and Body Politic Theatres. While living in Chicago, Jim trained as a stuntman under John Hicks Pearce and became the assistant coordinator for The Chicago Stunt Team. Some recent credits includes roles in Fantasy Football, Paradise Highway, Bluff City Law, Chicago P. D. (NBC), The Gifted (FOX), Doom Patrol (DC Universe), House of Cards, Ozark (Netflix). Jim served as chief instructor at the Southeast Actors Academy and currently serves as chief instructor of Midwest Actors Academy/Indy Actors Academy where he approaches the craft much like the blended martial arts, incorporating a variety of techniques and philosophies creating his own unique approach to the craft and helping the student discover what works most effectively for them to develop their role and serve the story. Jim’s diversified background, both on camera and in production and post production, has contributed to his teaching and the development of his student’s skill and awareness of both production and post production needs. |
Jim’s students have been seen in an array of films and television shows in multiple markets.
Including: Between Waves, Black Lightning, Brockmire, Columbus, Chicago Fire (NBC), Chicago PD (NBC), Doom Patrol, Empire (Fox), Friend of the Family (Peacock) The Gifted (FOX), Halt and Catch Fire (AMC), Homecoming, House of Cards (Netflix), How to Survive the End of the World (NatGeo), The Inspectors (CBS), MacGyver, The Mandelorian, Nashville, Old Dogs Never Die, Proxy, Rapture, Sand Castles, The Things We’ve Seen, The Walking Dead (AMC), Remedy of a Killer, Reparation, The Resident, The Rowboat, Snapped: Killer Couples (Oxygen), Westworld, Z Nation
Ava Grace Roberts in Doom Patrol
Jalen Torres in The Resident
Katy O’Brian in The Mandalorian
Makario Glenn co-starring on MacGuyver
Butch Copeland co-starring in Stargirl
Grady Port as Young Ted Kaczynski in Manhunt: Unibomber
“I love the directions he takes us to look at the craft a different way. I took some elements that I learned the first day to an audition and booked the part. It’s affordable, personable, and a great time.”
R.C. THORNE