Do you long to create captivating performances?
WHAT IS LUMINARY?
Someone who inspires.
Someone who lights up the world.
Someone who lets their light shine.
A star.
In our work together, LUMINARY is an exploration, a commitment, and a state of mind.
A way of being.
Our commitment is to coach you so well that when you get on that stage, and begin your speech... you say our names.
Our heart's desire is to coach extraordinary heart-centred artists to win elite international awards.
To be a LUMINARY requires incredible dedication. From us. From you.
A dedication.
Submit your application.
Certain types of performances score well with the Academy. These performances are what you'll study as a LUMINARY.
Transformative roles, Hollywood legends leaning into their stardom, and overdue veterans receive the most awards. We know transformative roles are the ones to work on for our clients.
A whopping 93% of best picture winners are dramas, Oscar voters love critically and commercially successful movies.
Of every best picture winner, 82% have a critic's rating above 80, and 78% have an audience rating above 80 as well.
71% of best picture winners had a director or a cast member who was previously nominated for an Oscar, a trend that carries until today.
52% of best picture winners are from the six major Hollywood film studios, but that number rises to 81% if you include many major film studios like MGM
- Playing a real person increases the chances of winning an Oscar, with 19% of Best Actor winners and 13% of Best Actress winners portraying real characters.
- Transformative physical appearances, such as Charlize Theron's portrayal of Aileen Wuornos in "Monster," are highly rewarded by the Academy.
- Portraying characters with disabilities, both physical and mental, is also a winning factor, with 16% of all winners playing such roles.
- Men who play leaders, politicians, or characters with alcohol addiction have a higher chance of winning, with 13% of Best Actor winners falling into this category.
- Women who play single mothers, widows, or characters in the sex industry have a higher chance of winning, with 23% of Best Actress winners falling into these roles.
- Showbiz-related roles are also favored by the Academy, accounting for 12% of Best Actor and Actress wins.
- The proximity of a film's subject matter to Hollywood can influence voting, as seen with movies like "The Artist" and "Hugo."
- Biopics, physical transformations, and characters facing challenges are likely to continue dominating Oscar-winning performances.
We'll focus on these roles in LUMINARY.
This program is by invitation only.
Please submit your letter of applicationTHE COACHES
LUMINARY
ACTING
Kirsten Clarkson
Let your light shine and learn the art of expressing star quality through authentic and powerful expression. KC will guide you through a curriculum designed specifically to get you to brilliant, castable award-winning performances. From understanding acting techniques to developing believable characters, and creating moving and memorable stories... you'll become a nuanced, versatile and beautifully compelling artist.
VISUALIZATION
Donna-Marie Manning
Leave self-doubt behind and embrace your potential. Our supportive environment is tailored to help actors build confidence, overcome stage fright and create a vision they're compelled to attain. Through thoughtful, challenging exercises and empowering techniques, you'll learn to trust your instincts, develop a vision for your career and radiate self-assurance both on and off the stage.
SCHEDULE
For six months this will be your schedule.
BREAKS
Workshop Breaks: WE break on Wednesday and Thursday (Nov. 27th and 28th) in the week prior to the workshop and there's no class Tuesday (December 3rd) following the workshop. For the March workshops there are no classes Wednesday and Thursday (March 5th and 6th) before the workshop.
Christmas Break: December 23, 2024 - January 7, 2025
First Workshop:
September 6th and 7th
First Day of Classes:
September 17th, 2024.
Class Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Class Times:
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. pacific
Last Day of Classes: March 9th, 2025
There will be 3 workshops in Vancouver.
WORKSHOP DATES
September 6th 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm pacific
September 7th 8:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific
November 30th 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm pacific
December 1st 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm pacific
March 8th 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm pacific
March 9th 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm pacific
Students must work at least one hour each class day on their own. You'll:
- read assigned full scripts
- watch assigned films
- create OUAT for the story & assigned characters.
Students must meet their scene partner, via zoom or in person, outside of class, to work on assignments.
WE'RE KC & DONNA-MARIE.
Most would describe us as coaches.
But in reality, we're so much more than that. And so are you.
We coach actors to lead roles in series and films that are #1 in the world on major networks and streaming services.
I do this from my coastal property in BC. Donna-Marie works from her home in Calgary, Alberta.
This is not a normal life for acting coaches. Most coaches are actors who need day jobs.
We're not actors. We're coaches.
We travel for speaking engagements, coaching on set, or for the in-person aspect of our coaching. We live where we want to live.
We don't want normal lives.
We believe we should all be empowered to live our dreams.
We know if we take small, smart, risky steps to an incredible goal - we are unstoppable!
Society may put us in boxes, but that doesn't mean we have to stay there.
Donna-Marie and I coach you on more than just the standard techniques actors use. We coach your confidence, mindset, vision and success too.
Let's break free from who we think we should be and start living the fulfilling life we deserve with confidence and a sense of pride.
Don't let frightened people with small dreams affect the way you think and live in the world.
Luminary is a state of mind and a way of being.
Email us and tell us why you want to become a Luminary.
"A great coach can change your life...I would not have the career I have today if I didn't have Kirsten in my life."
Calum Worthy
"Booked my very first feature film as a lead. I didn’t know that I’ll be able to book a feature film, I just kept going. That’s all I can share for now. Thank you KC & Donna...for your guidance and support."
Sherrylyn Vergara
"The self-talk has made a huge difference in my life."
Amber Shaun
"I can't put my finger on just one thing. Everything you've taught me, KC, has helped me way more thank you can imagine."
Madeleine Arthur
IS LUMINARY
RIGHT FOR YOU?
Have you ever felt like something is missing in your life?
There's an ache to do great work and life does not feel "right" without it.
If you feel this inner desire to act and an equally powerful commitment to work at the top of your field, then LUMINARY may be for you.
We'd love to learn more about you so we can assess if we'll be a good fit.
We'll contact you if we believe we can help you create a vision for success as an award-winning actor and take the steps to get there.
Luminaries work at their best and with the best.
Email us to apply.
LUMINARY ENROLLMENT
$5599.99
Everyone’s journey is different. Select the plan that works best for you. Actors can book private coaching in addition to this course.
Pay tuition in full and receive over 10% savings.
Private coaching is only available to LUMINARY actors.
HOW TO BECOME A LUMINARY
LUMINARY IS BY INVITATION ONLY
Please submit a half page letter describing your vision for yourself as an actor, and your headshot and resume if you have them.
Our goal with Luminary is to teach you to become an Oscar-winning actor but more than that we'll work closely with you to develop the skills, confidence and vision you need to reach that goal.
You can expect a lot from us. We'll expect a lot from you.
LUMINARY is an exclusive hybrid online and in person course.
You'll receive live zoom weekly sessions online three times a week. These sessions are recorded but attendance is mandatory. You can, of course, miss classes when you're on set or auditioning.
We'll also meet for a Two Day In Person Intensive Workshop in Vancouver, three times.
Your workshops will be held in February, April, and June.
WHAT IS LUMINARY
Experienced, skilled, patient and demanding coaches. We're passionate about helping actors discover their inner light and star quality.
A challenging curriculum specifically created to ensure a supportive, nurturing and creative environment.
Skills and knowledge you can immediately apply to your acting journey, allowing you to create the career you want.
A welcoming community of actors who share your passion and dedication.
An inspiring atmosphere filled with laughter, creative exploration, and dedication.
Submit your letter of application now.