ABOUT ÉPOCA
Época is a non-profit organization offering acting workshops for people of color taught by people of color with the mission to elevate diverse voices and increase the talent pool of BIPOC actors in Utah.
Representation in the performing arts is critical. However, far too many aspiring comedians, actors, and performers are discouraged from this pursuit because they do not see their faces, bodies, and experiences reflected on the stage or screen. We also recognize that many people of color do not have the resources or opportunities to pursue training in this field.
As actors of color ourselves, we see the dire need for more representation in our community -- on stage and in film, in improv shows and on billboards, in movies and commercials. Yes, Utah is predominantly white, but the most recent census states that roughly 1 in 5 Utahns belong to an ethnic or racial minority group. Let's celebrate this diversity!
Unfortunately, there have been countless stories of local productions not casting diverse because they "couldn't find anyone" or "there was no one good enough."
We believe that there are actors of color in Utah that are good enough and in order to increase the visibility of the talent that is here in our state, we are offering acting courses at an affordable price to help actors hone their craft. We invite you to join us for an instructive and engaging class as we train you in the ways of the local Utah actor. All experience levels welcome.
LESSON TOPICS
AUDITIONS / SELF TAPES
CHARACTER WORK
NAVIGATING RACE AS AN ACTOR OF COLOR
HEADSHOTS & RESUMES
COMMERCIALS
SAFETY & RESPECT ON SET/STAGE AS POC
MEET OUR TEAM
Our incredible team is made up of local actors who are passionate about seeing more people of color on screen.
BRYSON ALEJANDRO
Actor | Producer
Bryson Alejandro is a proud Latino heiring from Colombia! He can be seen acting in commercials, short films and web series. He is a regular player at ComedySportz Utah and part of the main-stage cast at ImprovBroadway. He co-runs Infigo Films, a video production company that creates comedic and lifestyle commercials. Each summer he teaches comedy to youth at the BYU Sketch Comedy Workshop. He is also adjunct faculty in BYU's TMA department.
WENDY DANG
Actor | Singer
Wendy is an actor, singer, dancer, and classically trained theatre enthusiast. She has been seen in film, TV, commercials and filling the stage in musicals and plays. She trained with The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC to hone her Shakespeare skills, developed Voice work with Juillard's top Voice coach as well as studied with The Barrow Group for invaluable guidance in acting naturally in contemporary theatre and film. She has been expanding into writing and directing and is excited to grow this community.
JOHN VALDEZ
Actor | Stunt Coordinator
John is an actor, screenwriter, stunt coordinator, producer, director, and second generation Filipino-American. He has a BA in Theater Studies, is a certified stuntman, and is passionate about creating media with a focus on movement, particularly action. John is currently fundraising to produce his first full-length feature length screenplay, a coming-of-age/action/romance about a queer POC.
ARCHELAUS CRISANTO
Actor | Director
Archelaus Crisanto (he/him/his) is a proud Filipino immigrant American. Raised in Oregon - Archie has made a home in Utah and has been extremely active in both the film and theatre industries as an Actor, Director, Producer and more. He is passionate about storytelling and minority representation in media, and is honored to be doing both with Epocà.
COURSE OFFERINGS, DATES, & PRICING
COURSE OFFERINGS
Época 101 - Offered annually in the Fall
This class is geared towards beginners but something that every actor will find value in. We will cover different aspects of the business side of acting: self tapes, headshots & resumes, zoom audition prep, marketing tools, set etiquette -- while also getting hands on experience with auditions and scene work. What makes this acting course different than any other offered in Utah, is that we teach through a shared experience as actors of color ourselves. We also heavily on how discuss how to navigate the industry as BIPOC.
Época 201 - Offered annually in the Winter
The focus of this class will be on performance, helping you refine you talents as an actor. Each week will have a different theme (Type, Shakespeare, Comedy, Commercials, etc.) and an assingment that you will perform in front of the class and receive feedback on. We will dive deeper into scene study and character work.
Each course runs for 5-6 weeks, meeting once per week for 2.5 hours. Location is typically in Draper, UT.
Our next class will be offered in October 2023.
PRICING
Acting workshops can be expensive, but we don't want price to be a barrier to entry.
Our acting courses are only $100!
Most acting classes can range from $300 to $600 or more. Fortunately, we've been able to subsidize the cost so that this training is more affordable and accessible to you.
If for whatever reason this is still out of your budget, please talk to us and we'll work something out. Financial aid is also available upon request. We don't want money to be the reason that prevents you from taking these classes!
Upcoming Classes
época
a Spanish word meaning the beginning of a distinctive period in history; an era of time.
TESTIMONIALS
"The Epoca Acting course was a pioneering effort to bring together actors of color into a safe teaching and performance space. All of the four instructors were experienced, professional, encouraging and created an atmosphere of genuine learning and growth. They paid individual attention to each student and their strengths and weaknesses. The experience not only lived up to the expectations but surpassed it. A++ class!"
Sudeep K.
"It was such a breath of fresh air to be surrounded and supported by my fellow BIPOC actors. The community I gained from this class is priceless. I’m so grateful for the creators and instructors of this course. I’ve been out of the acting game for a few years and this was the perfect class to freshen up my skills and further my knowledge."
Alexa N.
"These classes were a beam of light and a place where I could focus on self-growth with a positive and uplifting community of amazing artists in the middle of a world pandemic. What initially drew me to the EPOCA family was that classes were designed for people of color and created a safe space for professionals and aspiring professionals to come together and discuss ways to fine tune, embrace and key in on our uniqueness to add to the pool of actors in Utah."
Poonam K.
"The instructors are all very experienced and extremely talented. And just as important (something you can't get anywhere else) they understand the experiences that POC's have and will face in this business."
Marilynn L.
"I loved the encouraging and supportive atmosphere of this class. I was nervous before this class because I had no previous acting experience, but passionate teachers and eager peers inspired me to work hard and experiment with new skills, and as a result I grew so much."
Ai F.
"The ÉPOCA class is one that I am immensely grateful for. I will cherish being one of the first to have taken this class. You all have provided so much value in an area of need & ample support. Thank you for creating a safe haven for people of color."
Adrienne D.
CONTACT US
Have any questions? Let us know! Email us at epocaacting@gmail.com or call 801-897-9835.