TAKE ACTION and WRITE ACTION WORKSHOPS
Summer 2026
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TAKE ACTION WORKSHOP is an innovative creative gym in which working filmmakers and actors explore uniquely effective ways of collaborating with each other and the camera to create indelible screen performances. They expand their on-camera, scene-study skill set, try out new material, and interpret established scenes, all in a nurturing, creative environment. Our summer season meets in LA Mondays from 4-9PM (100 minutes for each scene. No obligation to be there the entire time). You can join for all sessions or some. NYC workshops begin Labor Day weekend.
THE WRITE ACTION meets on Zoom in 2 separate weekly sections. We'll read and discuss new material, analyze an established script of the month, and free-write based on a prompt. All media and levels of experience.
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Our members have been nominated for Oscars and Tonys; won Emmys; had films at Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, and Tribeca; and also have had their first time behind or in front of a camera with us. As a director and writer, I've made a Lionsgate feature, currently available on Amazon Prime, that was in competition at Sundance, won Best Film or Best Actor at every other festival in which it competed, and was named one of the years best films in over 35 publications. As a professor, I teach in the MFA film and acting programs at NYU, Columbia, and Brooklyn College. As an actor, I've been in films from HEATHERS to INDEPENDENCE DAY; in the original production of Angels in America, and three other Broadway shows. As a script consultant, I've worked on films from $250 million dollar blockbusters to micro-budgeted features.
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This week's news on this season's workshoppers: COTTON FEVER co-starring and co-produced by Ben just won Best Film and Best Cinematography at the Tribeca Film Fest. Brendan won a Peabody Award. Annetta won two Gracie Awards. Camila opened last week in Steven Spielberg's new film DISCLOSURE DAY and is currently shooting the Netflix limited series GOD OF THE WOODS. Sojourner guest stars in this week's MAXIMUM PLEASURE GUARANTEED on AppleTV. Jill’s recurring role on HACKS just finished with its final episodes. Chris was in the final EUPHORIA. Elijah’s READY FOR MY CLOSE UP, with Rivers, Sonya, and Kathleen, shot by Sancheev; Kit and Kyle's MIMI THE MIME, with Brian and Kyle; and Madeline's CHLOE (all 3 developed with us) play Dances With Films in LA this week and next. Noam’s VERSE, produced by Terrence, and Misha's FAULT, both of which were workshopped with us, premiered last week at the Tribeca Film Fest. THE DRIVE, starring Rivers Duggan, just premiered as part of the Cannes Emerging Filmmakers Showcase. LIBERATION, which starred Kristolyn on and off Broadway, just won the Tony Award as Best Play, after winning the Pulitzer Prize. Vickie's WAR OF THE WEISSES, starring Hillel and Feodor, just premiered at the NY Short Film Festival. Gilda and Martin are featured in the Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park production of ROMEO & JULIET. Zach has just taken over as the lead in MAYBE HAPPY ENDING on Broadway.
Kate will be directing an episode of FIRE COUNTRY this summer.
“You could make no better decision than to have Jon Shear as your teacher. I'm struck by what a rare opportunity it is to have a coach with such a rich and varied perspective on the filmmaking process. I did some of my best work as an actor while working with Jon.”
DAN FUTTERMAN
Oscar-nominated screenwriter of CAPOTE and FOXCATCHER, star of URBANIA, SAG Best Ensemble Award for THE BIRDCAGE
"NYC-based film directors, check out the TAKE ACTION workshop run by the wonderful Jon Shear. You get to do scene work with amazing actors each week. It's really changed my life."
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