Cours Florent Alumni : Ambassadors of the School's Excellence and Reputation
Founded in 1967 by François Florent, Cours Florent was established as a multi-disciplinary professional performing arts training school. It has since grown into the best known of its kind in France, boasting celebrated alumni in all sectors of the entertainment world.
Among the many illustrious personalities who attended the school before embarking on their many and varied careers are :
Isabelle Adjani, Daniel Auteuil, Guillaume Canet, Emmanuelle Devos, Mylène Farmer, Sandrine Kiberlain, Diane Kruger, Vincent Lindon, Noémie Merlant, Pierre Niney, Audrey Tautou and many others.… While some have made a name for themselves in the French film industry, even receiving prestigious Cesar awards, others have gained recognition on the international stage, pointing to a promising future for Cours Florent students.
More recent graduates who have transitioned from training into impressive burgeoning careers on stage and screen include Stefan Crépon, Théo Christine, Camille Razat, Julien de Saint-Jean, Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Souheila Yacoub and Benjamin Voisin.
Professional integration : a major challenge !
Throughout its history, Cours Florent has been an acknowledged leader in training for the film, theater and audiovisual industries. The school fosters regular interactions with industry professionals and many alumni are willing to share their experiences and guide current students. Joining Cours Florent means becoming part of a strong professional family, built on values and a solid network of support. As a result, recent graduates can rely on their predecessors for guidance, recommendations, support in their early projects and even potential collaborations.
The Casting Office : a career catalyst for Cours Florent alumni
The Cours Florent Casting Office is a vital and integral part of a student’s experience during their time in the program and beyond. Because of the school’s reputation and celebrated alumni, throughout the year, the office receives numerous requests from casting directors, production companies, artistic agents, and theatre and film directors looking for talent.
The purpose of the office is twofold: serving the needs of professional companies and organizations in theatre, film, television and advertising by maintaining and promoting a database of professionally trained actors and actresses through casting notices and arranged calls; and providing many young performers their first professional contacts and exposure, and guiding them through answering the question, “What do I do now?” A student can register at the Casting Office from their first year in the program, and continue to take advantage of its services and remain in the casting files after graduation.
The office can advise on résumé and CV creation, headshots, video and audio show reels, and demo tapes. If a student needs advice, coaching, or support for a particular audition, the casting office can arrange it upon request.
Regular auditions for artistic agents are organized throughout the year, as well as Masterclass meetings with various casting directors, where students can introduce themselves and gain insight into the professional casting process. The office is also highly involved in the invitation of agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals to the 3rd year showcases and productions.
Finally, the Casting Office, in conjunction with the Pedagogical Department, organizes the Olga Horstig Prize every autumn. Named in honor of the trailblazing French talent agent who guided the careers of such luminaries as Michèle Morgan and Brigitte Bardot, this recognition of excellence is awarded by a jury of over a hundred theatre and film professionals. The event seeks excellence in sincerity and originality of interpretation, and demonstration of superior technical skills. The selected students are paired with a noted professional director every year. As a bridge between the Casting Office and the profession, and a showcase for our most accomplished students, the Olga Horstig Prize is an opportunity to demonstrate the applied skills and creative initiative gained through their course of study.
