Keir MacPherson is a guy who always has his eyes open for signs of talent. The acting coach is also a talent scout who has good connections in the business, knows the shows and the people who cast for TV and film, and he is part of the KC Talent Agency with Kathy Carpenter.
Though the agency is based in Vancouver, MacPherson lives on the Coast and began looking around for a local business partner in the arts. He didn’t have to look far to realize that the Coast Academy of Dance (CAD) in Sechelt was a good fit for an acting program that he would teach, starting in September. It will cover audition techniques and scene development for budding actors in TV and film.
MacPherson understands that it’s difficult for those on the Coast to get to auditions in Vancouver and that hopefuls will need to be prepared. He began his career at 19 and has appeared in many roles, including a movie, A Girl is a Girl, and on the TV series Whistler and Dark Angel.
“Although I love acting,” he said, “I realized that I also have the ability to develop talent.” He set out to become an agent, learned the art of casting and later connected with a major agency.
Why seek out a dance academy for an acting class? “It’s a learning facility that would mesh well with what I do,” he said. “I’m not just looking for dancers. The students have background in performance, and dance has the self-discipline that’s important in building a role for TV or film.”
After talks with CAD’s artistic director Julie Izad, he knew he was on the right track. “It’s a perfect fit – a creative place.”
The CAD is a reputable, long-standing academy and Izad is its third owner who is always looking to offer something fresh to her 280 to 350 students in a season.
“You may not become the next star,” she points out, but the Acting for TV and Film class to be offered for pre-teens, teens and adults will give good life skills, especially in the areas of public speaking and confidence.
Registration for all programs is Sept. 8 to 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 5645 Wharf St., Sechelt. Classes start Sept. 21. See www.coastdance.com for more.
