WHO WE ARE
The Doug McDade Studio of the Performing HeArts is a performance based learning center for the actor and non-actor alike. Our goal is not to simply mass produce actors who are given basic elements of performance without guiding them to a specific destination of their artistry. Our goal is to nurture, grow and develop generations of HeArtists. What is a HeArtist? A HeArtist is someone who approaches every facet of their work, be it performance based or not, from a place deep within their heart. A HeArtist finds the love in every minute detail of their work and draws people in with their undeniable passion. Through decades of work, Doug McDade has cultivated a teaching method unlike any other studio. One that allows the student to come as they are and leave as they want to be. We will not leave you hanging if you’re unsure of your work or feeling off-balance in your understanding. Some suggest that taking the time to work with one individual takes away from the rest of the class. But we understand that everyone will experience the same hurdles at some point in their career. The benefits of classroom learning, on-line or in-person, is we all have the opportunity to learn how to overcome these issues. We will be by your side, and in your heart, the entire way!
A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER
Have you ever found yourself feeling like you were out of your league? In over your head?
Maybe you knew you wanted to act in a play or a movie or even perform a task or business transaction. But the path to get there was completely foreign. You had the passion and perseverance to pursue your dream but after processing, sifting and sorting all of the information your drive fizzled down to barely a “putt-putt”. You were lost. You were worn down by the busy-ness of it all. Or busy-MESS. You think to yourself, There’s gotta be a better way!?!?
ME TOO!!! Oh my gosh! When I began studying acting I heard words like “safe”, “risk”, “dangerous”, “stakes” and I quickly tired of the mental and physical gymnastics of it all after getting nowhere. I was always left with questions. I had to find a better way! AND I DID. Everyone talks about having secrets. Well I’m sharing mine. Oh… I guess they’re not secrets then, huh?
You see, that’s my story: I always need to find a better way. I started acting in musical theater after touring the country for years as a recording artist in a rock band. I had no theatre training. I just pretty much walked off of the rock stage and onto the theatre stage. I soon started auditioning for TV, commercials and film. If you know me, I’m an ex-rocker. I’m wild and crazy. So after my auditions casting directors were telling my agent “He's too big. He needs to take some on camera classes.” My agent didn't know how to explain the issue. I was told over and over that I was “projecting” too much. Projecting TOO much? What does that even mean?
From the set of the award-winning 2019 Eagle-Mehana film, The Pride.
I started watching films. One of my favorites was Michael Caine. I was riveted by his performances. I saw Deathtrap and I was hooked. He had charisma, charm, connection and heart! And it was all in his eyes! “Oh, look what he just did with his eyes! Oh man! Wow! Oh cool!” I bought and read his book, Acting In Film. I was still in a fog. Why was he so vague? He didn’t completely break down what he was doing. Why? Still more questions and no answers. I had another audition and the director said to me, Doug, we're very tight on your face. From your eyebrows to your chin. Can you like hold your head still?And no, I couldn't. And then I remembered Michael Caine’s eyes. I realized the reason I wasn't booking anything was because I was too out of control, too animated, and I was moving way too much. And that's what led me to develop an easy process I could remember so that I could consistently be in control of my performance.
When I began teaching, I saw others with the same issues: second-guessing themselves. I found I had the patience to walk them through the mess I experienced years earlier. I also remembered taking Shakespeare in high school and hating it. Because the teachers hated it. Then I studied with a guy who loved it! He was so passionate about sharing the wonders of the Bard’s work. I was overcome with excitement. That’s where my passion comes in. The science of the energy in our eyes and the intelligence of our heart fascinates me. And this secret alone is worth sharing with you. You will learn so much in your first session or class from the fundamentals I developed, your confidence will encourage you to dig deeper. That’s when the fun begins. And I’ll be right alongside of you, encouraging you to discover the art in your heart. We always hear ‘them’ say “Get out of your comfort zone”, when the truth is, as my friend motivational speaker, Matt Grace says, you’re not yet in your comfort zone! That’s why you’ve been so uncomfortable. So join me in helping you get into your comfort zone where you can soar in confidence and comfort, in love with all you have to offer.
“What’s at the core of your vulnerability? Love.
The love you want, the love you need,
the love you have, the love you’ve freed
and the love that’s been torn from you.”
“People often describe a great coach as someone who believes in you even when you don’t know and believe in yourself. That is what I experienced. I am grateful to you Doug McDade!”
— Marlena Asher
“Doug McDade always hit such a tricky balance of giving honest feedback but doing so in a way that was encouraging and provided a healthy fun class environment.”
— Alexandria Ross
“Doug McDade was great! He challenges you to be the best and gives great feedback every time you perform. He will take you out of your comfort zone.”
— Adriana Belen
“I took Doug’s on camera class and I loved it. He made me feel really comfortable in front of the camera. So naturally when I needed one on one coaching I called him.”
— Sharonda Roberts