Past Film Projects 2019-2025
THE TALENT DEN · EST. 1996 · WESTCHESTER, NY
Where serious young artists find their voice.
SUMMER ACTING INTENSIVE
FILM · VOCAL
Most programs put your kid in a crowd.
We put them in a craft.
Led by Andrea Bennett — Off-Broadway director, award-winning filmmaker, and 30-year performance educator — the Performance Lab is a 6-week boutique program for dedicated teen artists ages 13 and up. Maximum 6 students. Two tracks. Real results.
Tuition
Investment by age group
One flat rate per track. No hidden fees. Andrea reviews every application personally.
Ages 10–15
Young Artist
$360
per track · 6 weeks
Ages 16–18
Teen Artist
$397
per track · 6 weeks
Ages 19+
Young Adult
$430
per track · 6 weeks
Program Dates
July 6 – Aug 15
Spots Per Track
6 Maximum
Reg. Window
June 15–20 Only
A Different Kind of Program
We don't produce other people's work.
We create our own.
While most youth programs rehearse existing musicals and Disney productions, every piece that comes out of The Talent Den is original — written, directed, and produced from scratch. That's the environment your student trains in.
Maximum 6 Students
No ensemble filler. No favorites. Every student gets coached, challenged, and seen — every single session. If your child has ever been lost in a cast of 50, you already know what we're not.
Original Work Only
Our students don't perform Disney. They perform original scripts, classical scenes, and real film monologues — the kind of material that prepares them for professional auditions, not school recitals.
Taught by a Working Artist
Andrea Bennett is not a program director who hired faculty. She is the faculty. Off-Broadway credits. Award-winning film. 30 years of original productions. Every session taught personally by her.
Film & Vocal — Not Theatre
We deliberately chose the two disciplines most underserved by large programs. On-camera technique and vocal performance are where the industry is. That's where we train.
The Curriculum
Two tracks.
Real training.
All sessions are available in-person or via Zoom — so participants can join the group class remotely if they can't make it in person during the summer session.
Film Acting Track · Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
In-person or Zoom · Summer 2026
Ages 10–15
Mon, Wed & Thu · 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Ages 16–18
Mon, Wed & Thu · 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Adult (19+)
Time TBD — scheduled with attendees & coach
- On-camera technique & lens awareness
- Self-tape setup, lighting & production basics
- Cold reading & scripted scene work
- Character development & emotional recall
- Monologue selection & audition strategy
- What casting directors actually look for
- Filmed audition reel production
Vocal Artist Track · Tuesday & Thursday
In-person or Zoom · Summer 2026
Ages 10–15
Tue & Thu · 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Ages 16–18
Tue & Thu · 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Adult (19+)
Time TBD — scheduled with attendees & coach
- Vocal technique & breath control
- Expanding range — chest voice & mixed tone
- Mic technique & studio confidence
- Song interpretation & emotional delivery
- Developing your signature sound
- Performing for camera & live audience
Who This Is For
Built for young artists who are ready.
This is not a drop-in class or a casual summer program. This is focused, intimate training for students who are serious about film performance or vocal artistry — and ready to do the real work.
The Aspiring Film Actor
You want to work on screen. You've watched enough to know the difference between acting and performing for a camera. Now you want to learn it properly.
The Serious Vocalist
You can sing. Now you want to perform. You're ready to build technique, develop your sound, and learn how to command a mic with intention.
The Self-Tape Student
Auditions are happening online. You need to know how to set up, perform, and deliver a self-tape that actually gets you called back.
The Portfolio Builder
You need real recorded work — not just a memory of a show. You leave with filmed performances you can use for auditions, college applications, and reels.
Why Train at The Talent Den
30 years. Real credentials.
Actual results.
30 years training performers — from church basements to Carnegie Hall to Off-Broadway
Award-winning filmmaker — Best Director & Best Narrative, "Nein" 2020
Created The Phone Chronicles — real films made by teens on phones, directed over Zoom during COVID
Alumni have written for Toni Braxton, Jason Derulo, Pusha T & David Archuleta
Maximum 6 students per track — every student gets real attention, every session
Every production is original — written, directed and produced by Andrea Bennett
Your Instructor
Andrea Bennett —
The Artist.
She's not a program director who hired faculty. She is the faculty. Every session is taught personally by Andrea.
Andrea Bennett's performing arts journey began at age 5. Her first professional performance was at Carnegie Hall. What followed was three decades of work as a writer, director, producer, vocalist, and filmmaker — not on the sidelines of the industry, but inside it.
She took four original productions to Off-Broadway stages in New York City as writer, director, and producer — every single one an original work, not a revival or an existing property.
In 2020 her short film "Nein" won Best Narrative at the Directors Circle and was recognized at the NRPN Women's International Film Festival. That same year she directed teen actors live over Zoom using only their phones — creating The Phone Chronicles, a complete web series made entirely online during COVID.
Our process is simple and thoughtful.
Explore our range of services designed to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you're headed next.
In-person and remote options
Our office is conveniently located in Manhattan. A place to gather, grow, and reconnect.
Our Services
Explore our range of services designed to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you're headed next.
Meet the Team
-
![]()
Monet Goode
FOUNDER
With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience.
They set the tone for everything we do. -
![]()
Emmett Marsh
SALES MANAGER
Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care. -
![]()
Eleanor Parks
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience. -
![]()
Karl Holland
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER
Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, our customer service manager ensures every interaction is a positive one. They keep communication clear, timely, and human.
