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For rising actress Betty Trephan, a recent workshop wasn't just an educational evening—it was an immediate catalyst for her career. Fresh off an intensive session with legendary actress Jane Kaczmarek, Trephan plans to directly implement the icon’s powerful, objective-focused acting techniques in her upcoming two independent projects.
The event, an exclusive ‘Acting Workshop + Film Screening’ hosted by Bay Area arts organization BraveMaker on October 2, provided a rare opportunity for emerging actors to learn from Kaczmarek, the seven-time Emmy-nominated star of Malcolm in the Middle. For Trephan, the decision to attend was a strategic one, driven by a desire to learn from the best and sharpen a specific skill set.
In an industry filled with fleeting trends, the chance to learn from a seasoned veteran holds immense appeal. Trephan, an actress, writer, and speaker, was drawn by the prospect of gaining wisdom from a master of the craft.
“I was drawn to this Workshop because it was an opportunity to learn from an icon in the industry,” Trephan told TheZealot. “I mean, Jane has been acting for decades! So the opportunity to learn from someone like her was something I couldn't pass on.”
Her motivation was also genre-specific. “Plus, comedy is a genre I want to explore more fully and get better at, and who better to learn from than Jane who happened to be visiting the Bay.”
Entering the workshop with a mindset of total receptivity, Trephan was prepared to absorb every lesson, whether from direct feedback on her own work or by observing Kaczmarek’s critiques of her peers’ self-tapes, cold reads, and monologues.
The workshop, held at BraveMaker’s Redwood City venue, was more than just a lecture. Founder Tony Gapastione, alongside Kaczmarek and director Rani DeMuth, cultivated an environment ripe for creative growth.
“The atmosphere was truly spectacular,” Trephan recalled. “I felt there was an atmosphere of mutual respect for one another... We had a ton of fun! We laughed, we learned so much, and we enjoyed a great meal together.”
Amidst the camaraderie, Kaczmarek delivered a core lesson that struck a deep chord with Trephan—a foundational principle that cuts through the noise of performance anxiety and gets to the heart of storytelling.
“I think the biggest takeaway is to remember to have an objective when you're doing a self-tape or telling a story through acting,” Trephan explained. She distilled Kaczmarek’s framework into a series of powerful, clarifying questions that any actor can use:
“These are all super helpful tips and reminders for both new and seasoned actors,” she added, emphasizing the universal applicability of the advice.
The true value of any workshop lies in its real-world application, and for Trephan, the results were immediate and tangible.
“I recently booked two independent projects, one of which is a limited comedy series combining a single and multi-cam sitcom,” she revealed. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. “All the things I learned from Jane, particularly regarding comedy, will especially be helpful and directly applicable.”
This direct line from Kaczmarek’s mentorship to Trephan’s next professional steps highlights the profound impact such focused training can have. By grounding her character development in the relentless pursuit of an objective, Trephan is now armed with a proven technique to bring authenticity and drive to her upcoming comedic roles.
The event was bookended by a screening of Kaczmarek’s new film, “And Now I Lay Me Down,” directed by Rani DeMuth, which Trephan noted on social media was a beautiful and emotional experience. The combination of practical scene work, profound industry wisdom, and the inspiration of a powerful new film created a holistic and unforgettable evening, expertly curated by BraveMaker to empower the next generation of storytellers. For Betty Trephan, it was an investment that is already paying dividends.
