Sia Spence Hails Acting Masterclass
Bermudian filmmaker and screenwriter Sia Spence has hailed the success of a three-day acting masterclass aimed at providing industry-standard training for aspiring actors and filmmakers.
The Frames for the Future Acting Masterclass Weekend was held at Ignite Bermuda and led by Ms Spence alongside American actress and filmmaker Patrice Fisher, whose credits include Saints & Sinners, The Family Business, How High and Charmed.
The programme was designed to support young people and adults interested in film and television and to improve understanding of the actor–director process.
It opened with a youth workshop for participants aged 12 to 17, followed by a two-day adult intensive for those aged 18 and over, and concluded with a panel discussion on professional pathways in the screen industry.
Training covered acting for the camera, audition techniques, scene work, script analysis, professional set etiquette and the working relationship between actors and directors.
Ms Spence described the youth masterclass as “incredibly moving and inspiring” and said the talent in the room was exceptional.
She said students left with renewed confidence and a belief that film and television were possibilities in their future.
One of the most memorable moments, Ms Spence said, was the contribution of seven-year-old Zaya Smith, who joined the youth session and held her own alongside older students.
“Her confidence, focus and natural ability were so impressive that she was invited back to attend day one of the adult acting masterclass, where she once again rose to the occasion and absorbed even more than she had the night before,” Ms Spence said.
Ms Spence also highlighted the participation of Serlinia Fisher, Bermuda Idol 2025, who first attended the youth session before returning for the adult intensive.
“She was truly exceptional and is clearly going places,” she said. “In fact, all of the youth participants were invited back for the adult session because we enjoyed working with them so much.
“As Patrice shared on her way to the airport: ‘I feel like I have to return, because I’m leaving some hearts here’,”
Ms Spence described the two-day session as just as powerful as the youth workshop.
“In addition to on-camera techniques, auditions and scene work, we read the first half of my full-length feature screenplay set in Bermuda,” she said.
“The group thoroughly enjoyed the story and the process, and we’ve decided to continue the table read and discussions via Zoom.”
Ms Spence expressed gratitude for the support of the Ministry of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and G.I.F.T.E.D. [Girls in Film, Technology, Entertainment & Design], led by Dr Dana Selassie.
Read More About
Category: All, Entertainment, News
