CVF Classes

The Mission at CVF Productions is not just to teach acting, but to make “great actors” out of each of our students. We also help performers of all walks get over stage fright, and truly shine when they are on stage. Each of our students are walked through the process of getting a headshot, resume and monologue together so they prepared for auditioning. CVF often provides students with practical experience by including them in TV commercials and other productions, like music videos or infomercials.

Our Beginner's course makes it easy to learn acting from the basics of stage directions and lingo to preparing for auditions and skits. We help our students with voice projection, stage fright, monologue selection, etc. At the end of the course we do a skit or short play and twice a year we have a Student Showcase that the parents and friends can attend.

Our Intermediate course takes the basics to the next level, securing monologues, exploring characters in time and conditioning forces (dealing with more than one sensation or condition at the same time), reviewing roles and how to work with a script. Longer skits are used, and at the end of the course we do a short play for the Student Showcase.

In our Advanced course, we use video feedback more and you learn additional skills that will make you stand out against the crowd, such as Stunt Fighting, Voice Overs, Animations, Green Screen, Anchoring, how to be an MC (master of ceremony), complex Characters, and more!!!

In our Improvisation class you can Express Yourself and learn to think out of the box, how to react quickly, build your creative self confidence and have fun! This is great training for those moments on live stage that are unexpected. Laugh your way through this unique course designed to introduce the beginner student to the world of improvisation, using individual, pairing and group improvisation exercises.

Our Musical Theater class presents a variety of excerpts from known and original musicals and a new musical is introduced every 4 weeks. Acting for live stage is reviewed as well as vocal projection and stage presence. The end of each 4 week session is video-taped. It starts off with little to no movement and one or two songs and builds with each new musical to include more song and movement. A DVD compilation of the musical excerpts is available at the end of the course.

Our Teachers, Debra Sosa and John Parsonson are experienced actors in all areas of Television and Stage performance.

Multi-Talented,Pianist, Producer, Professor Ray Olan " AKA Mr Ray " Celebrates 12 years with Mr. Ray's Musical Theater, now Teams with CVF Production Studios @ a New Clearwater Location.

Ray Olan is beginning his 12th season as " Mr Ray's Musical Theater " Musical Theater director now @ CVF Production Studios. “It’s a great time to focus attention on the contributions of people of all heritages in the U.S.,” he said. Olan, who is known as “Mr. Ray,” was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Brooklyn. He met Ms. Maria, a native of Venezuela, in Orlando Florida. While visiting family in her native country, he was hired as a producer for Warner Brothers International Television, in part because of his multi-lingual talents. He developed a series of short entertainment segments called “Inside the Series,” which gave him an opportunity to train with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood.

His current emphasis is on “Mr. Ray’s Advanced Musical Theater, & his Latin Salsa Band " Nuevo Sason” but today he has teamed up with Debra Sosa vice president of CVF Productions Inc. in Clearwater and is presenting workshops for Children/ Teens and Adults . Classes run monthly with the current session offering "Scenes from Broadway Musicals" Shows like" WICKED" "SOUND OF MUSIC" "ANNIE 'STEP 3 " " PETER PAN MEETS THE BEATLES and others...Enrollment is ongoing. “We are always recruiting,” he said.“Our program is unique in that our students are also given instruction in theater, drama, dance, visual arts, and music,” he said. Students explore historical musical styles, music theory and the elements of music (melody, rhythm, form and tone color) through a variety of vocal, instrumental, rhythmic, creative, dramatic and dancing activities.

Non CVF Student Registration fee: $10 / Class Cost: $90 for 6 weeks @ 1 hour per class. $10 Prop Fee includes, costumes and materials, plus a 1 hour Showcase Presentation on the Sunday following the 6th week. TOTAL COST: $110.

Start Date- Wed., September 19^th Rehearsal time for ages 4-6 is 4:00 to 5:00 PM & for Ages 7-13 is 5:00 – 6:00 PM.

SALSA/MERENGUE Private Lessons - $30/single or couple for 1 hour - Nick Belvis began his salsa dancing career at the age of 15 (5 years ago). He has been personally trained by Juan "Tato" Paredes, owner of Latin Groove Dance Company. Nick has been an instructor for Latin Groove Dance Company for 3 years and performed at the Orlando Salsa Congress in 2007.

YOGA/ LITURGICAL/ JAZZ/ ZUMBA/ MODERN* $10/class as scheduled – Debra Sosa is a 2 time scholarship recipient, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and Broadway Dance Center in NYC. She has performed at Radio City Music Hall with such greats as Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, in off-Broadway theater productions and spent 10 years with a Latin Musical Review. Debra has taught dance, exercise and Yoga at Community Centers, the YWCA, as well as teaching Liturgical (Praise) Dance in NY for the past 7 years. Zumba is taught by Debbie Rivas who has been teaching Zumba for almost 3 years and joins us from Family Fitness and LA Fitness.

SWING/BALLROOM BASICS Private Lessons - $30/single or couple for 1 hour – Our Teachers are experienced in waltz, foxtrot, rumba, cha cha, samba, salsa, tango, east & west coast swing, and mambo.

STAGE PRESENCE & MOVEMENT Private Lessons - $30 for 1 hour - Debra Sosa knows how to move on stage and includes her dance and performing experience, as well as, her acting experience into these lessons. She will help you to move confidently and feel comfortable on stage, capturing the audience’s hearts.

MUSIC LESSONS Private Lessons - $20 for 1/2 hour and $40 for 1 hour – Our Teachers are professional musicians who are also experienced teachers. Brian Forrestal, founder of the Musicians Study Institute teaches guitar, piano/keyboard, base, beginners drums and basic vocals. Other Guest Teachers teach woodwind instruments, strings, intermediate and advanced percussion.

MODELING CLASSES are often used to bait people into buying expensive portfolios and services. We are not an agency and don't offer photography services, therefore, we have no hidden agenda. Learn the basics - runway modeling, how to apply make-up, how to do photo shoots, and, most importantly, what to beware of. Classes are at CVF Productions Performing Arts Studio in Clearwater/Dunedin area. Taught by a genuine ex-model and showgirl.

Teacher: Debra Sosa first learned to model at the H.S. for Fashion Industries & Barbizon School of Modeling in NYC. She worked for Clairol, Converse (sportswear), various Hair & Fashion Conventions and did Showroom modeling in the garment industry (mostly modeled fur coats), and won the Ms. Palladium Beauty Contest in 1989. Also a dancer, her dance career included being a Showgirl/Dancer working 10 years with a Latin Musical Revue, wearing big headresses and elaborate costumes, dancing at Radio City Music Hall, and a few off-Broadway shows. She has also done a few commercials, modeling for Body Designs, Cable TV's commercial "The Dawn of Cable", Taffy's Dance Wear and hosted a TV show for 4 years called "Dance Brew". She is currently the host of Talent Shine TV Show and keeps abreast of all the latest trends in the fashion industry.

Naturally, the Walk is the most important aspect of Runway Modeling, but it is not the only aspect. The common pitfalls of Runway Modeling are reviewed including what to do with your Eyes, Chin, Shoulders, Hands, Legs and Posture. Last but not least, the Attitude!

How do you get "the Look". Each model is different, but some basic rules apply and then you need to know how to work with your individual features or hair type. There may not always be a hair stylist available to you, so for unplanned moments, quick touch-ups during a show, or last-minute adjustments, you should know how to do it yourself. so how do you get shiny hair, runway hair, a tousled look, an up do, etc. We give you many simple beauty tips and tricks that you can use to get some of that star power for yourself!

All models should have an understanding of what their body looks like in different positions and also understand how their face feels when they're making different expressions. We help you practice a variety of different looks so that you are prepared should you be asked for a specific expression, such as: "sexy", "intense", "serious", and "pouty". We teach you what to do about gum lines that show. Body positioning and angling, facial expressions and more are all dealt with in a non-critical fun atmosphere.

Wk 4: Catalog Modeling. Catalog modeling is a choice career for men and woman who have a commercial appearance, natural physique and friendly demeanor. Catalogs feature everyday, natural-looking models, making it an approachable industry for individuals who are not incredibly skinny, tall or exotic-looking. We giveyou steps to launch a successful, dependable career.

In this class we use techniques from Acting and Performing Arts to combat nerves and stage-fright. It is almost guaranteed that following this class you will be less nervous and feel more in control. Confidence = more modeling work.

How do you set up your portfolio? Which pictures should you use in which order? Sit with a professional who will help you select the most effective shots and set up your portfolio to make the most of your pictures.

You are your own best sales person. Even if you have an agent, your agent will not be on a go-see with you. Therefore, it is up to you! Techniques, including body language and eye contact and more that get the job done will be reviewed.

This industry is full of scam artists. You will learn how to do due diligence in reviewing a company before setting out to work with them. Also learn how to quickly review & dissect a contract for items that can trap you into losses.

VOICERCISE^TM - Naomi T. Kaye was born into a musical family. Her mother, Amanda Ambrose, was a famed jazz performer and her father John Strawn was a clothing and leather designer for entertainers. She grew up with wonderful parties thrown by her parents where many of the jazz greats and soon to be greats came by to jam.

She started performing at the age of 14 in concert playing guitar and singing songs she wrote. She has performed in clubs and concert halls throughout the US, Canada and Europe. She has been on TV, radio and done two musicals and commercials. She has recorded with other artist in the studio and produced concerts. She is currently working on her new CD.

Naomi is trained in music, clothes design, performing, public speaking, business, teaching and was a business and financial manger for artists in NY. She has been a vocal and performance coach for 21 years. She enjoys helping others to realize their artistic dreams.

What is Voicercise? Voicercise™ is a breakthrough in singing! It is the first vocal technique specifically designed to strengthen the muscles used to sing popular music. Whether you sing Rock, Hip Hop, Pop, Country, R&B, Blues, Alternative, Soul, Jazz, Contemporary Christian, Gospel or any other style of singing this group class can help you sing it better. Voicercise™ was created by a successful real, working singer to successfully address the real problems singers have with their voices. Every Problem!

Call for next date
at CVF Productions 2650 Enterprise Rd. Clearwater FL. 33763
Registration is FREE
Pre-Registration is Required for all workshop attendees
Sign up Now! Space is limited:

Call 727-242-6092

Private Lessons are available Monday through Saturday.
½ hour is $20.00 and a 1 hour lesson is $40.00

Brian Forrestal is a Music Education major at Trinity College and has over 25 years of experience as a Music Teacher. He was formerly Lead Guitarist of the Halifax Band. He is a songwriter and the founder of the Musicians Study Institute and teaches all levels of guitar, piano/keyboard, bass, beginner’s drums and basic vocals.

Mauricio J. Rodriguez holds a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from the University of South Florida and has more than 30 years’ experience as a Music Teacher. He was a member of the National Evaluation Commission for Professional Musicians in Cuba, was formerly the Technical Supervisor for the Cuban Music Institute, Harmony and Orchestration Teacher of UPEL Institute in Venezuela, Double Bass teacher for the Symphonic Orchestra Conservatory in Aragua, Venezuela and most recently teaches as an adjunct instructor volunteer at the Tarpon Springs High School. Mr. Rodriguez teaches all levels of Bass Guitar, Baby (Salsa) Bass, Upright Bass and Classical Double Bass; Beginner Piano/Intermediate Jazz Piano; Beginner/Intermediate Classical and Jazz Guitar, as well as Theoretical Classes in Arranging, Harmony and Orchestration.

Jennifer Lubarsky has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Florida Atlantic University. She was formerly the Violin & Piano Teacher at Bravo Music Academy in Boca Raton, FL and also taught Violin at C Sharp Music Center in West Palm Beach, FL. In 2009 Ms. Lubarsky performed in Miami Beach with Mariah Carey and holds a Leadership Award for Music Educators from NYS Council of Administrators. Ms. Lubarsky teaches all levels of Violin, viola cello, bass, and Beginner Piano.