This Acting МasterСlass will combine Gary Stretch and Dessy Tenekedjieva’s unique experiences and methods to create a
comprehensive, fresh and exciting new way of approaching film, ТV and theatrical material.
We strongly believe that although there are basic fundamentals to the work, each individual student must be coached on a one to one basis to develop their own
individual growth.
Gary Stretch will share his wealth of experience based on the teachings of Janet Alhanti's system. The pair met in
Los Angeles at the very beginning of Gary's career. They became close friends and Gary studied with her for over twenty-five years.
Janet Alhanti was one оf the most prolific acting teachers in cinema history. A New York based former actress who studied with
Sanford Meisner, Janet soon realized her journey in life was to become a teacher. After many years with Meisner she decided to go her
own way and slightly modify her way of teaching. Janet Alhanti taught Hollywoods elite A list including actors such as Sidney Poitier,
Marlon Brando, Benicio Del Torro, Josh Brolin, Salma Hayek, Sean Penn, Natasha Hendstridge and many more.
Dear friends and candidates,
Due to the highly successful first MASTERCLASS in 2023, Gary Stretch and Desi
The Tenekejievas decided to continue working this year as well, as with students from the first
edition as well as with new ones. Classes will be held throughout the year - once a week at
live or online, depending on whether the mentors are in Bulgaria or not.
This year we are pleased to hold our MASTERCLASS in a new intensive form in an
amazing atmosphere. We are happy to invite you to spend seven fantastic days
together, at one of the most luxurious five-star spa hotels in Europe - ORPHEUS SPA & RESORT
We thank the owners for their generous partnership and friendship!
This is how we will combine our intensive Acting Masterclass with ECO tourism,
SPA, health, beauty and pleasure!
Our exclusive offer for our selected students includes:
26.08 - 02.09.2024
We invite everyone over the age of 16, people who are professionally engaged in film, filmmaking,
theater or any of the performing arts.
We also welcome absolute raw novice participants as we are very excited to discover and develop
new talent from other professions. We welcome everyone who has a passion for growth and for life!
The candidates will be selected by the acting coaches of the MasterClass - Gary Stretch and Dessy Tenekedjieva.
We are looking for participants with high motivation, desire and passion for their development in the acting process.
Applications will be evaluated on an individual basis. The ability to gain attention with the video presentation of
60 seconds may aid in the final decision in the selection of participants. We will also consider the applicant's
qualities shown in thier previous film work or projects selected but this is not a requirement.
All applicants will be informed on or before 6th of August, regarding their participation.
During the early nineties, Gary Stretch was the glamour-boy of British boxing He was the British & WBC international
welterweight Champion. Due to his massive popularity the cross over to entertainment began. He did campaigns for
high-end brands including Calving Klein, Hugo Boss, Levi and Versace. Gary turned to the art of acting and in 2004,
his hard work finally paid off when he was cast as psychotic gangster Sonny in Shane Meadows highly acclaimed
Dead Man's Shoes. Stretch received a BIFA nomination alongside another British talent, Paddy Considine and
Toby Kebell. This picture finally earned Gary the recognition he deserved. He went on to co star opposite Sir Anthony
Hopkins, Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie In Oliver Stones' Alexander. Stretch Produced & Directed Through My Father's
Eyes The Ronda Rowsey Story (LionsGate) Earning best film. Other films include Savages opposite Benicio Del Toro & Salma
Hayek). Gary's latest film which he executive produced is the upcoming drama-thriller The Wheels of Heaven, directed
by Ben Charles Edwards, produced and starring by Dessy Tenekedjieva, where Gary stars opposite Mickey Rourke and Geoff Bell.
See a segment about Gary.
Dessy was only 14 years old when she made her film debut. Since then she has more than 35 movies, including
major international productions.
Since 2000 Dessy's production companys NOVA Film and later Black Sea Film
have produced over 200 art projects for the international market including feature films, documentaries, shorts, TV
shows, commercials, music videos & albums. Dessy's multi- awarded movies were represented at the most critical world
cinema forums and festivals. As Maria Medici in Il Mеstiere Delle Armi, directed by Ermanno Olmi, she is the first Bulgarian
actress representing Bulgaria at the Cannes Film Festival, with a lead role in a movie from the Official competition / Golden
Palm. One of Dessy's high acclaimed films was Saving my Pig where she starred opposite Gerard Depardieu. Dessy
has just finished her latest project as producer The Wheels Of Heaven, directed by Ben Charles Edwards,
where she's starring along side Gary Stretch, Mickey Rourke and Geoff Bell. This is an exciting project for Dessy
and Gary (Exec Producer) as they gave the two lead roles in the film to young and upcoming Bulgarian actors Eleonora
Ivanova and Dimitar Nikolov.
Dessy Tenekedjieva is the Founder and Chairman of the Stoyan Kambarev Art Foundation in 2008. She established THE 355
FILM AWARD in 2019 to support young filmmakers, has produced numerous short movies and has been committed in discovering
and developing a young Bulgarian talent.
Dessy was the official spokesperson of Jean- Paul Gaultier and Suzuki.
She is currentlty based in London & Los Angeles.
See a news segment about Dessy.