On Camera and Audition Ready
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Shine Retreats, Umbria, Italy with Director and Teacher Susan Reid.
Actors Retreat July 23rd - 29th 2025
Master the craft and skills needed to book your next role.
In this stunning and peaceful setting, outside distractions and responsibilities will take a back seat as you delve into the craft of acting and explore both the artistic mind and body. At the end of the week, you will not only walk away with new audition techniques, tips and codifiable skills to book your next role, but you will be energized and rejuvenated.
Hone your audition skills with an accessible and specific step-by-step approach developed by Susan G. Reid, nationally recognized coach and industry professional, with decades of experience working with actors.
Susan's unique approach will take you from audition to on-set preparation.
Shine Retreats’ home is located in Umbria, Italy at the gorgeous estate, Siliano Alto. The nine bedroom property boasts stunning views of the country. Daily symposiums and camera work are held in the converted artist studio, meals are served al fresco at the family-style farm table, and you will work through acting and audition material as you sit in a variety of locations throughout the extensive property. Daily yoga and a 90-minute customized massage are also included. All meals are provided, using the freshest local ingredients, with vegetables and herbs from Siliano Alto’s own garden and organics purchased from area farmers and markets.
The Acting Course:
DAY 1:
The first day together will include an opportunity to introduce yourself to the group. Focus will be given to you, taking a moment for self-assessment of your craft and sharing who you are as an artist with fellow participants. A personalized massage will help reset your body and prepare you to deep dive into the tenets of the acting approach and ways to apply them in the audition process. The work done on Day 1 will inform work goals for your remaining time at Siliano Alto.
DAY 2:
Susan G. Reid will define the codified fill-in-the-blank acting technique with tailored coaching and instruction for you. Actors will receive a mock side, curated specifically to each participant. You will be given the time and space to work solo and/or with partners, following the steps of breaking down scripted material. Additionally, Reid will meet one-on-one for consultations with each actor discussing your brand, body of work and technique, giving time to reflect on headshots, past auditions and resume.
DAY 3:
You will begin the day on your feet as we build on script and character work from Day 2. Next steps in the process include the exploration of blocking approaches and the use of props. Each actor will be coached through their sides, adding movement and beat by beat character work. Time will be given to incorporate adjustments prior to taping your first audition. The evening will include a screening and celebration of your initial on camera work. We will reflect on accomplishments while recognizing individual hurdles and seek methods to move forward productively with your work.
DAY 4:
Actors will have an opportunity to retape first sides incorporating feedback and changes. Next, you will dive into challenging audition material. Sides will feature unexpected locations and activities, and we will apply technique and new strategies for the best professional outcomes. Individual work will include applying script work with blocking and movement. One-on-one coaching for second sides material will provide individual focus. We will take the evening off to visit Chiusi for dinner and a taste of gelato.
Day 5:
The day will be spent in preparation for an afternoon taping and screening of our auditions. Time will be divided between coaching, solo introspection and partner collaboration as you reflect on work from previous days and prepare for the second side taping. Final one-on-one consultations will allow for more specific reflection on where you are as an actor, defining next steps, and future goals.
Day 6:
Your time at Siliano Alto will come to an end with a trip to the natural hot springs known for their curative elements that predate the Etruscans and Romans.
Day 7:
Departure day. We will enjoy one last yoga session, followed by breakfast together over which we can reflect on the week just passed and find out your best takeaways from the experience.
Susan G. Reid is a nationally recognized director, writer, producer, coach and teacher of actors.
Currently an Assistant Professor in TV/Film Directing for Georgia State University’s School of Film, Media and Theatre, Reid is an active member of the arts community where she is a leading industry expert and consultant in the entertainment business. In addition to workshops and professional industry events that she leads, Reid also works with the top tier talent agency, Houghton Talent, as a special advisor to talent. A former Vice President and Head of the TV/Film Division at Atlanta Models & Talent, Inc. and Casting Director for Fox Casting, she holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and a Bachelor of Arts from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College.
Susan was a past participant in the Lincoln Center Theater Director’s Lab. Directing and writing work includes her short film, "Superpower" and upcoming "In the Dirt". She is a Producer on the feature film, "Rejuvenation", led by Tom Luse, Executive Producer of "The Walking Dead". Additional directing film credits include "Food Justice", a collaborative media piece that documents food inequality, combining resources from Georgia State University, Syracuse University and Clark Atlanta with local not-for-profits Free99Fridge, Food4Life and GSU’s Panther Pantry. The short film, "Sighted", directed by Reid, was the winner of the Spotlight Short Film Awards. Her short film "Artscape 2021" aired on ATL PBS. Streaming media projects include: "Mami Confessions" and "Nine", winner of BroadwayWorld.com Best Director of a Stream.
For more information you can go to Susan's website: ReidForIt.com
Natalie is the Co-Owner of the Retreat house and one of the founders of Shine Retreats.
She will be guiding you through a morning Yoga session each day.
Natalie came to the practice of yoga to find balance, peace, healing and health. As an experienced kinesiologist Natalie brings her extensive knowledge of the body and emotions as well as energetics into her classes.
You can expect breathwork, connection, slow spinal vinyasa flows, energetics, sound healing, juicy hip openers, intention and deep heart openers - all delivered straight from her heart to yours.
Sophie is one of the founders of Shine Retreats
She facilitates the Creative Retreats with the Retreat Leaders. She will be giving you a beautiful Massage during your retreat experience.
Sophie qualified as a Holistic Massage Practitioner back in 2010 and gained a distinction in her Sports Massage diploma a few years later. Over time she has expanded her skills with Deep tissue, Pregnancy Massage and Myofascial Release. She loves to understand where her clients are at emotionally as well as physically to hold space and ease your mind in the most insightful way that she can.
Everything included on Retreat
Daily Acting workshops with Susan
Daily Yoga sessions with Natalie
A 90min Massage with Sophie
A Beautiful bedroom and communal spaces
All food and soft drinks at the House
Countryside walks and trips to local Italian spots that we love
Gaining all the tools that Actors need for Camera work and Auditions
Connection with like minded Creatives
Not included on retreat:
Travel insurance
Flight costs
Airport transfers
Visa fee
Additional treatments
Meals when we go out to restaurants
Additional activities not included in the itinerary
The Actors Retreat Price List:
We have a few options to tailor to all of your needs. Whether you need your own space, want to come along with a few friends or share with a partner, we have you covered.
This retreat is ideal for 5 - 8 guests only. Everything included on retreat is reflected in your choice of investment below.
Payment plans are available upon request.
Deluxe Ground Floor Room
Private Bathroom
Single Occupancy
£2760
Deluxe Ground Floor Room
Private Bathroom
Double Occupancy
£2070 (pp)
based on two people sharing a King bed or Twin beds.
Deluxe Ground Floor Room
Private Bathroom
Triple Occupancy
£1725 (pp)
based on three people sharing with a single bed each. *This option is only available with people you know.
1st Floor Room
Shared Bathroom
Single Occupancy
£2415
1st Floor Room
Shared Bathroom
Double Occupancy
£1840 (pp)
based on two people sharing a Queen bed.
Travel Details
We are set in the beautiful countryside on the border of Tuscany and Umbria.
Our nearest train station is Chiusi-Chianciano Terme.
Our nearest local airport is Sant'Egidio Airport (PEG - Perugia)
Our nearest major airports are Fiumicino Airport (FCO - Rome), Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA - Pisa)
If you are flying in to Perugia, a taxi is your best method of transport to come to us and is around 90euros from the taxi rank.
If a few of you are flying in that way, the cost will of course be less. We can help organise a larger pick up if necessary for you to split cost.
Train transfer from all other airports is quite easy, and we can help you with tickets and directions.
We will always be happy to pick you up from Chiusi train station.
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