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:

ClassSession StartDays/Times (eastern)Fees
Beginners Class
(New or new to on camera)
March 20Monday 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 22Wednesday 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 3Currently RunningWednesday 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.**


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Please share a little about your experiance
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