SYNOPSIS

This class will include a Q&A with LA based Casting Director John Jackson, followed by a prepared work session. 

Participating actors will choose, prepare and perform sides from film or television.  

Additional preparation details will be sent upon RSVP confirmation.

BIO

John Jackson began his career in film and television as an actor in Los Angeles.  He received a BA in theatre from Arizona State University with further training at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. In Los Angeles, he studied with Stella Adler, Jose Quintero, Paul Blake, and at The Groundling’s Theatre. Working under the professional name John Durbin, he appeared in a combination of over one hundred films, television movies, series television, and plays. 

Returning to his home in Iowa, John began working with filmmaker Alexander Payne as casting director.  The two collaborated on seven completed films: Sideways, About Schmidt, Election, Citizen Ruth, The Descendants, Nebraska, and Downsizing.

As teacher, mentor, and speaker, John has led workshops and classes for Arizona State University, The Screen Actors Guild Conservatory, Sunscreen Film Festival, Lipscomb University, University of Tampa, and Iowa Western Community College. 

In July of 2021, John graduated from the MFA in Writing program offered by the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is currently at work on his first manuscript - a memoir of his experiences in the television and film industry while continuing to serve as casting consultant for feature films.