SUMMER
acting programs
PROGRAMS
for actors
ACTORS FILM EXPIERENCE
Your On-Camera Breakthrough Starts Here
Imagine stepping onto a professional set, feeling the thrill of the camera rolling, and walking away with a reel that captures your talent at its best. The Young Actors Film Experience (YAFE) offers young performers the unique opportunity to develop their on-camera skills, gain behind-the-scenes knowledge, and walk away with professionally shot footage that opens doors.
This year, we're thrilled to introduce an exciting new Musical Theatre Track, where actors will pre-record their vocals and then bring their songs to life on set—learning the intricate balance of acting and musical performance for the camera. Choose from popular shows like Les Misérables, Annie, Oliver, Dear Evan Hansen, and Mean Girls to create a scene that highlights your strengths.
Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills for Film & TV or explore the exciting challenge of Musical Theatre on screen, YAFE provides a comprehensive, hands-on experience designed to elevate your craft.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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Actors will rehearse and film original scenes, discovering how screen acting differs from stage performance.
Gain experience in subtle expressions, working with multiple takes, and understanding shot composition.
Learn how to take direction and adjust performances to fit different camera angles.
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Explore the roles of cinematographers, lighting designers, and set decorators.
Hands-on exposure to professional equipment; cameras, reflectors, filters, and gels.
Understand how lighting, framing, and movement bring a scene to life.
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Collaborate with professional writers to bring original scripts to life.
Learn about character development, pacing, and how scripts evolve from idea to execution.
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Discover how props, set dressing, and locations create the perfect backdrop for a scene.
Learn how different environments, urban vs. rural, day vs. night affect storytelling.
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Actors walk away with a polished, industry-quality demo reel to showcase their talents.
Your reel will be shared with industry professionals who are always looking for fresh talent.
Feedback on edits to ensure your final product is top-notch.
BONUS: Free Voiceover Reel included in select packages.
CHOOSE YOUR TRACK
MUSICAL THEATRE
Our Musical Theatre track provides a unique opportunity for performers to combine their love of singing and acting on screen. Students will pre-record their vocals and then bring their characters to life on set, mastering the art of lip-syncing, performance timing, and camera presence. This track is perfect for those looking to refine their storytelling skills through song while gaining invaluable on-camera experience.
1 or 2 professionally shot scenes
Record vocals in a professional studio and lip-sync on set for a seamless on-screen performance
Original scripts tailored to your strengths
Locations & casting included
Choose Your Best Takes for Editing
Bonus: VO Reel (for Encore Package)
FILM & TELEVISION
If your focus is on our Film & Television Track, our program immerses students in the art of screen acting. You'll work with original scripts tailored to your strengths, learn how to adapt your performance for different camera angles, and gain practical on-set experience with professional guidance. This track is ideal for actors eager to build their confidence in front of the camera and create a standout reel for industry opportunities.
1 or 2 professionally shot scenes
Original scripts crafted just for you
Locations & casting included
Choose Your Best Takes for Editing
Bonus: VO Reel (for Encore Package)
CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE
Session 1: July 7 - 12 (Ages 8-17)
Session 2: August 4 - 9(Adults 18+)
SPOTLIGHT PACKAGE
✔ 1 Professionally Shot Scene
✔ Two Hour Shoot
✔ Professional Locations
✔ Choose Your Best Takes for Editing
✔ REELARC Secrets Revealed Course
ENCORE PACKAGE
✔ 2 Professionally Shot Scenes
✔ Two Hour Shoot
✔ Professional Locations
✔ Choose Your Best Takes for Editing
✔ REELARC Secrets Revealed Course
✔ Bonus VO Reel
After a consultation and steady lessons, Denise helped me bring my acting up to a stronger level and prepared me for representation. As a result, I’ve been able to audition for strong roles on screen and stage and develop under the guidance of fabulous reps. Whether I need tweaking or guidance for theatrical performance or auditions or tv/film coaching or just need advice, Denise is there for me in every capacity.
Eowyn Young
Law & Order Guest Star
FAQ’S
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Choosing the right track depends on your interests and goals!
If you love musical theatre and want to combine singing with acting, the Musical Theatre Track is perfect for you. You'll pre-record your vocals and learn how to bring your character to life on set.
If you're more focused on screen acting, the Film & Television Track will help you refine your on-camera skills and create scenes that showcase your versatility.
Can’t decide? You can do both!
Schedule a consultation. Our team is happy to chat and help you decide! -
Our scripts are custom-written by professional screenwriters to showcase your strengths and personality on screen. For the Film & TV Track, you'll collaborate with our team to ensure your scenes align with your casting type feel free to bring any material as inspiration. In the Musical Theatre Track, we use classic, well-known songs that highlight your vocal abilities.
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Yes! If you enroll in the Encore Package, your Free VO Reel is 100% included at no additional cost. This package provides:
A professional-grade microphone delivered to your home
Broadcast-level mastering for crystal-clear sound
An audiographic deliverable to showcase your new demo professionally
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Yes! We have established relationships with top industry professionals, and casting directors are always excited to see our students’ materials. After each session, we personally pass along your reel to agents and casting directors who are looking for fresh talent.
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A few weeks before YAFE starts, you’ll get an email to schedule a 30-minute Zoom session with our writer and your scene partner. This is your chance to collaborate, flesh out your original scene, and even choose your genre!
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Yes! Throughout the program, you'll receive comprehensive coaching to ensure you're fully prepared before stepping on set. Our team will guide you through rehearsals, blocking, and performance adjustments. By the time you film, you'll feel confident and camera-ready. We’ll also provide real-time direction during filming if needed to capture your best take.
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All filming takes place in Brooklyn, NYC, at professional film locations that are carefully chosen to match the tone and style of your scene.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard, 141 Flushing Ave #1311, Brooklyn NY
You can drive and park for free with a provided parking pass, or take the subway or ferry. The studio is easily accessible via the Astoria NYC Ferry line, and a DSAC staff member will be available to commute with students. Check out the ferry schedule here. -
Only if you are under 18. One parent or guardian is required to be on set during filming to observe.
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We meet from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. Filming begins Thursday evening and continues through Saturday. You'll receive your exact shoot time once we've collected your availability and preferences.
We take a lunch break at noon each day. Actors can either bring their own lunch or purchase from a nearby food court, which accepts cash and credit cards. -
Many students stay at hotels in Brooklyn, downtown Manhattan, or midtown east for easy ferry access. Others opt for Airbnb or discounted hotel sites. Once you’re registered, we’re happy to offer guidance on accommodations.
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Absolutely! Many of our students return year after year to continue refining their skills, build their reels, and explore new roles. Each experience offers fresh opportunities to grow and connect with industry professionals.
I have worked with Denise Simon and REELARC many times. I’m gonna just have to say from the bottom of my heart, it was a very fun experience and very, very much a learning experience as well, because if you are relatively new it’s great to learn and work with such professional and amazing people
Sam Duncan
SNL Guest Star, Evil Lives Here, The Shade, Richard 111
One of my favorite programs is Denise’s Young Actors Film Experience which involves scene work, technique and, ultimately, a professional demo reel. This program also provides opportunities to learn about production while assisting the crew with cameras, lighting, and audio for the actual filming. I’ve taken this program multiple times and every single time I learn something new. Even better, through this program, I have met and worked with so many talented students and scene partners who have become great friends. I am grateful to Denise, Reelarc and this program for inspiring me and opening new doors.
Sienna Boccio
SNL Guest Star, Impractical Jokers, Numerous Commercials
Working with Denise Simon and Reelarc is a great pleasure – and very enlightening! She knows just what is needed to get an actor ready to get out there and pursue an acting career – from coaching their acting skills to getting current headshots and media that represent the actor at his/her best. Invaluable tools! I learned so much and had a wonderful time thanks to Denise’s dedication to her students and her warm, caring spirit!
Susan Scanell Gilbert
BOSTON MINI CAMP
When you watch television, do you think to yourself,
‘I could have played that character!’?
Well, NOW YOU CAN!
In our 2-Day Acting for Television Bootcamp, adult and teen actors will perform scenes from some of their favorite TV shows. You’ll learn to work on your comedic skills and commit to your physical choices. Through improvisation and scene work, actors will improve upon skills such as character development, making distinct character choices, partner interaction, and comedic timing.
Looking for private acting coaching?
Work with Denise one-on-one and gain insight from a trusted acting coach with industry connections.
In addition to learning acting and audition techniques, Denise will teach you transferable skills like building confidence, overcoming fear of public speaking, coping with rejection, and learning good speech and diction. Denise works with beginner and advanced actors. So, whether you are beginning your acting journey, nailing your audition scene, or feeling overwhelmed with college auditions, she’s a full-circle coach ready to help you build your career.
RAVE REVIEWS
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![Young male actor with brown hair, John Mahanna, in a professional acting headshot, student of Denise Simon Acting and Coaching, acting classes in nyc.]()
Denise is much more than an acting coach; she is a mentor and a friend. Her support of John has been instrumental in his ability to sign with top talent representation. Denise is very dedicated to her students and their families. She works hard to help them achieve their goals and coaches our son for professional auditions in Television, Film and Theater. More than just coaching Denise teaches her students to be prepared beyond booking. Technique, professionalism and the ability to collaborate are a priority in her classes and workshops.
Noreen + Steve, Parents of John Mahanna
Law & Order SVU, The Nexus -
![Aria Miller, young actress, has blonde hair and a closed mouth smile in her acting headshot. She is a student of DSAC, an acting studio for teens in NYC.]()
Being part of Denise Simon’s Young Actor’s Film Experience (YAFE) with Reel Arc NYC is an experience I would recommend to any young actor. One of the standout aspects of the program is how it is focused not only on acting but rather the entire creative procedure. This holistic approach to learning allowed me to have a deeper understanding of the storytelling aspect and to really bring my characters to life on the screen.
Aria Miller
