Jacques Pepler

Was the casting assistant on 12/11/11 for George Grafas from Unique Casting Partners. 

Shoots Done for NYU. Summer 2011:

·      Iced Coffee by Theo Rosenthal

·      Instability by Lauren Levine

·      Lets have sex by Martin Pohl

·      Death in the Family by Madelaine Spivey

·      Untitled by Sally Foster

·      Untitled by Cathy Zhu

·      Untitled by Dylan Stayman

•      Jack’s Jack by Martin Pohl. 

Booked Shoots for NYU. November 2011:

·      Luck be a Lady by Lauren Levine

·      The Philadelphia by Dylan Stayman

• The Wall by Jake Fertig

Shoot for my production company (East Rand Pictures). November 2011:

·      Scars and Demons, Directed by Matthew Doyle

·      (Story by Jacques Pepler. Written by Jacques Pepler and Matthew Doyle)

Booked Lead in Feature Film. Winter 2012:

·      Obsidian Mirrors by Matthew Doyle

Booked Recurring Role on Web-Series. Starts January 2012:

·       Chemistry written and Produced by Matilde Ascheri & Elan Cassandra.

Off-Broadway. Fall 2011:

·       Something Outrageous by Michael Horn

Currently writing new show with comedy Troupe to go up in January 2012

Interning for Liz Ortiz-Mackes as casting assistant for Cast Solutions.

Interning for Martha Williams on Feature Film as Production Assistant.

Interning for Frontier Booking International (FBI) as an Agents' Assistant.

Jacques started his career at the age of 16 when he auditioned to be a student at The Playhouse Acting School in Boksburg, Johannesburg. He continued to study at the Playhouse for the next three years, even joining the team as an Executive Assistant once he graduated from Highschool.The Playhouse focuses on different acting techniques from Sanford Meisner, Uta Hagen, Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler and Stanislavski. Jacques felt like he was destined for more, he wanted to explore bigger and better opportunities, even after he landed one of the most prestigious agents in South Africa . Sarahann Doherty, the founder of The Playhouse , recommended that he should go study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts(AADA) in New York City. He immediately started the application process and upon acceptance to the school was offered a scholarship. 

So, he packed his bags at the age of 19 and flew off to New York to pursue the dream. Within the first 4 months of being in  New York, Jacques was approached by a manager who was interested in signing with him. He jumped at the opportunity which opened a whole new range of possibilities. Within the first two weeks of signing with his manager Jacques auditioned for the likes of "All my Children" and " One Life to Live." He was also cast in a supporting role in an Independent short titled, "Betrayal". 

 "I felt honored that I could be in New York amongst some of the best actors in the world working on and developing our craft together. The creative energy in the city is unimaginable. It feels like you could accomplish anything."

Jacques continued with his training at AADA and was invited back to do the second year of training which is on an invitation only basis. He once again received a scholarship for this year of study. He kept on auditioning for roles in films like, "X Men First Class" which his manager set up for him. He felt like he needed to do more and so he started submitting himself to projects that he found. He did featured background work for a Paramount Pictures film directed by David Chase the creator of "Sopranos." He comments by saying, " Working on a project on such a big scale was a huge learning curve. It was also very exciting, as a whole street in New York was closed down and transformed into the 1960's with set designers, costume designers and hair stylists doing their parts with amazing ease. It is like a huge puzzle that everyone is trying to help build."

"In the first two months that I started submitting myself to projects I managed to apply for 138 jobs. I was asked to audition for 34 of these projects. I booked 6 of these. Auditioning is the real work of an actor, booking a job is like having a paid vacation." 

Jacques graduated from AADA after two years of study and received his degree in performing arts. This marked the end of 5 years of study for him. 

He has been shooting a few Indie films and has continued to audition for more projects taking off time to be with his family in South Africa.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my family and the Guidance from Sarahann Doherty and Olivia Steyn from The Playhouse Acting School. I owe it all to them."..