Dancing Cypress
Acting Workshops 2025
Dancing Cypress is a new acting workshop program that welcomes actors from diverse backgrounds, experience levels, and training methods to retreat together from the chaotic hustle of daily life, and rediscover their creative potential with fellow performers and industry professionals from around the world... enveloped by the Tuscan countryside.
Our approach
The mission of Dancing Cypress is to spread artistic empowerment through the sharing of knowledge and practice in a tranquil environment. Our approach to this consists of 3 essential steps:1. Acknowledge and integrate the mind and body’s capacity to collaborate in unison and articulate creative instincts.2. Develop a sense of belonging within the context of a greater artistic culture and community.3. Refine and strengthen practical skills in order to approach professional settings with confidence and preparedness.
The 2025 Retreat
Join Us, August 17th-25th!
The first ever Dancing Cypress Acting Workshop retreat will take place this August 17th - 25th at a charming countryside villa in the green hills of Arezzo, Tuscany.With the Early Bird Special we are currently offering a 20% discount on program fees, with rates ranging between just $2300-$2700.The program fee includes 2 multi-day workshops, accommodation in a private room, with 3 daily home-cooked Italian meals on all workshop days.For participants interested in joining us at the NOT Film Festival in Emilia Romagna from August 26th-31st, free festival passes will also be included!
Visit the NOT Film Festival website here.** Travel expenses are not included in the program fee, but any questions regarding travel are welcome!By signing up to be among the first actors that join the Dancing Cypress family, aside from experiencing our Early Bird discounts you will also be an important part of the program’s history and quest to empower fellow actors in celebration of this craft.
The Mentors
Superdrama™
with Jonathan Kellam
Actor, director, and founder of the Superdrama™ technique, Jonathan Kellam will kick off the 2025 retreat with a two-day intensive workshop, providing a comprehensive introduction to his trademarked theatre style. This workshop will serve as a powerful physical training, and will also provide our actors with unforgettable tools to carry through the rest of the retreat and their careers.Jonathan is a veteran actor in theatre, film and television. He is also a professional theatre director and teaching artist, with a Master of Fine Arts in Physical Theatre. He has worked and trained in a variety of styles and techniques in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Now based in Italy, Jonathan continues to develop and produce projects within the Superdrama™ style, hosting workshops throughout Europe. This multifaceted technique functions as a theatrical language and synthesis of training, and can be used by any actor to create, build, and devise character and entire performances.
The Mentors
Cinematography For Actors
with Indeana Underhill & Haeleigh Royall
Cinematography for Actors (CFA) has empowered filmmakers and actors since 2022, creating opportunities to connect, train, and refine their craft. Through workshops, podcasts, film festival partnerships, alternative financing, and hands-on productions, CFA bridges the gap between departments, ensuring seamless collaboration on set.Now, co-founders Indeana Underhill and Haeleigh Royall bring their training to Tuscany, expanding the retreat’s acting curriculum with a technical deep dive into screen performance. Actors will explore how cinematographic elements—focal length, eye-line, eyelight, and camera movement—shape storytelling and perception. Through theory, hands-on exercises, and scene work, participants will build confidence in adjusting for the camera while preserving character authenticity.
How to Apply
Fill out our simple application form using the link below! All applicants can expect a follow-up email within 5-7 business days.Additional materials to prepare upon request :
- Headshot & resume, and (if available) an acting reel or link to viewable acting material.
- If no reel material is available, please introduce yourself in a brief, 1 minute video and tell us a bit about your journey with acting so far!Upon acceptance, a non-refundable $500 deposit is due to register and reserve room selection. Remaining balance for fees and tuition is due by June 15th.In case of cancellation, best attempt will be made to fill your reserved spot. A full or partial refund will be issued if a replacement is confirmed before the retreat start date.