Casting, Teaching , Coaching for Features, Television and New Media
One of the many highlights of working as a casting director is visiting colleges and universities sharing my experiences and collaborating with theatre departments and the up and coming artists in training on what to expect upon graduation. University of Minnesota BFA Actor Training at The Guthrie is a favorite and this time it was a Juniors who benefitted from early conversation on business tools for the Actor and what it means to be “socially” visible.
I was honored to direct the School of Drama at New School in New York. 13 MFA graduates and 24 BFA undergraduates worked at lighting speed and fiercely showed up to film scenes designed in collaboration with myself and CTCA. They learned how to distinguish material showing their strengths as artists, as well as how they would be cast. This was their first time on camera, and they did a beautiful job! Web links to come. For now…
MFA preview link- CLICK HERE
BFA preview link- CLICK HERE
These BFA seniors have been in LA for their final semester immersing themselves in all things soon-to-be graduating actors do to prepare to take on film and television in Los Angeles- namely scene study and on-camera audition technique with Howard Fine and Michael D Cohen and a host of industry professionals.
As they are in preparations for the LA showcase, I am honored (and EXCITED) to be invited to test their mettle in an all-day workshop this week including mock auditions, producer call backs, as well as prepping them for their upcoming general meetings post-LA showcase. The future is bright for this talented group!
Here’s their LA showcase information. Please attend!
It has been my joy to collaborate with Pace University on our third annual LA Intensive. This program has allowed BFA candidates an inside look to our industry. They entered the Writers Room and developed and pitched self-written scripts with Nat Bernstein, uncovered who they are with branding skills provided through The Branding Buddha’s Carla Renata, elevated & monetized their online presence using their unique voice with Larry Shapiro, elevated their acting skills for career longevity with Howard Fine, learned techniques for Self Care with Kehinde Koyejo, as well as perfected their technique for auditioning on-camera for film, television, commercials with myself and casting colleagues and taking a general meeting with executives. All this along with producing their showcase videos that will serve as their reel. I look forward to following up with this beautiful group of artists in the spring. Until then…
Our Core Teachers Howard Fine, Wendy Kurtzman, Nat Bernstein, Caroline Liem, Larry Shapiro
Are you working social media or is it working your last nerve? Is your career on track? Are you feeling confident and making progress? Are casting and reps clear on how to cast and pitch you? Maybe could you use some guidance on brand or navigating social media or cultivating industry relationships? How do you stay creative and at the same time run a business?
Non-members of The Actors Key signing up for these classes may join at a 50% discount. Use MEM50 at check out, then click UPDATE CART to take advantage of this incentive.
Chemistry is the complex emotional or psychological interaction between two people. If this were a romantic article, it would be about love. Instead, we are discussing the astonishing rapport between two actors, and how that connection is achieved in order to book the room, and ultimately, the role.
A chemistry read is an opportunity to read with actors being considered for a role opposite yours, usually lead roles. The main purpose is to see how you instinctively connect and work with the other actor. But before you meet that opportunity, the casting director needs to see that potential. Please CLICK HERE to continue this read and to get tips on…
One year ago these talented Seniors were summoned to their 6th Floor conference room for a meet & greet with me to begin the discussion of how to prepare for the bridge from their amazing theatre program into our film/TV industry. They’ve done GREAT work during their 3 week session Los Angeles Intensive and now NY gets to see what LA already know. I couldn’t be prouder of you all! Break legs and go be amazing!!! xo
The Tribeca Film Festival was a whirlwind of fast-paced excitement, humble filmmakers and talented actors sharing their great work.
For the list of winners click TFF
Supporting red carpet diva Carla Renata. Behind the scenes is no joke! www.carlarenatascorner.com
@BarbieStyle on the red carpet
One of several high spirited parties celebrating women film makers
Here’s an excerpt of my latest Backstage article…
A well-trained actor is clear on preparing for their audition, brings a certain focus and energy to the room, and shares a personal point of view based on research and materials provided to their read.
These actors are flexible and resilient in their choices because throughout the casting process, adjustments with the script and character may change the vision and description initially provided with the audition materials. The part of the audition where it is most evident how material has been prepared, or where we see how precious you are about your choices is in the redirect.
The redirect, or direction given by casting following your initial read, is an opportunity to collaborate with the audition room. There are as many scenarios as there are casting directors. I will suggest three you may run into, how to adjust them, and why the redirect is so important to your bookings…
–you already possess everything to deliver your best performance under every circumstance–
Read more about Caroline…
