The Golden Globe Nominations Are In

December 11, 2017

     This morning, the Golden Globe nominations were announced in Los Angeles. Variety has the full list here.

     How many of the nominated television shows and films have you seen? Was anyone snubbed that you thought should have appeared on the list? Where will you be January 7, 2018 when the 75th Golden Globe Awards air on television?

     Ever dreamed of receiving one of the coveted awards yourself? It starts with your training! Check out the Resources page on this site for reputable schools and studios that offer classes to actors. And if you are looking for one-on-one coaching, whether to prepare for a specific role or to brush up on your skills, look no further.  I'd be happy to coach you to help shape your performance, so you can win the audition room each time you walk through the door.

The Virtual Showcase is Up!

August 29, 2017

     The most recent installment of Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase: Second City Teen Edition is now up and running. With school starting back, we had fewer participants than usual. However, we know at least one of the teens has already been contacted by an agent based on their showcase! That's pretty awesome. 

Update (September 15, 2019): Matt Miller’s Virtual Showcase is now known as the Chicago Virtual Showcase. Although we don’t currently have any workshops with Second City, we do try to record a showcase every month. Check out the “Virtual Showcase” tab on this website for more information.

     Thank you to all the students who participated! 

Second City Training Center: Teen Workshop!

August 13, 2017

     It was a small but mighty group today at the Second City Training Center, for another round of the Coaching and Virtual Showcase workshop for teens. Students took turns practicing on camera with monologues and commercial copy, as well as rehearsing their slates to make that memorable - and positive - first impression. They began to realize that commercials, even though they are only a few seconds long, are much harder than they seem! For most of the students, it was their first time seeing themselves on camera - something every actor should get comfortable with. What a fun day!

     Next week they will come in to record their Virtual Showcase, and a link will be sent to all the agents, casting directors, producers, etc. in the Chicago area. I can't wait to see how much more confident they become after having a few days with the material at home and applying all their notes from today. Woot woot!  

Virtual Showcase & Second City Info

January 6, 2017

     It's a new year, and things are kicking into high gear. This month, Matt Miller will be recording another Virtual Showcase for adults. Don't know who Matt Miller is? Check him out here. Want to know more about the Virtual Showcase? Just click on the "Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase" icon below. It's a great way to get in front of Chicago's top industry professionals.

     At the end of the month, I'll be returning to The Second City Training Center with a coaching workshop and Virtual Showcase for teens. Agents are constantly looking for new faces, and this is a great opportunity to be seen by all of Chicago's agents, along with casting directors, producers, etc. - all at the click of a button. Sound like something you or your child might be interested in? Click here for all the details!

     Finally, have a success story you'd like to share? I want to hear it! Just send me an email by clicking the button below.

Hope to see you in the studio soon!

Showcases and Sessions

September 19, 2016

     There have been some fun sessions in the studio these past few days, and I've met lots of new actors! I'm about to meet more with the events that are coming up: this weekend is the September Teen Coaching and Virtual Showcase at The Second City - an excellent way to be seen by more than 200 industry professionals. The following week is the Virtual Showcase for adults (no coaching class with this one, but you can book a private coaching if desired). If you don't know what the Virtual Showcase is, check out Matt Miller's website HERE.

"I want to register for your Second City class, but registration is closed! Noooooo!"

     Don't worry - if you are interested in signing up for the Coaching and Virtual Showcase this month, we are holding a couple of spots. Sign up HERE.

     And remember: I'm offering a discount for the month of September on tapings and coachings. You just have to mention the code phrase, which you can find HERE.

Registration Ends Soon - Sign Up at The Second City

September 12, 2016

There are only a few days left to sign up for the Coaching and Virtual Showcase at The Second City! This is a class designed for the advanced teen actor, and focuses on preparing commercial copy and scenes for an online showcase. Get all the details HERE.

Coachings Complete! Up Next: Showcase

August 20, 2016

I spent the morning and afternoon coaching teens on their commercials, scenes and monologues. I love meeting new actors! They were eager to work and gave it their all. I saw some really strong choices today, and I can't wait to see what they bring to the showcase recording tomorrow. Woot!

Gearing Up for the Weekend

August 18, 2016

     It's storming out now, but hopefully that clears up by this weekend. Not only is it the Air and Water Show here in Chicago, but it's also the Teen Coaching and Virtual Showcase at The Second City Training Center! Speaking of the Air and Water Show, parking could get a little nutty for all you parents out there trying to drop off your kids. Please plan accordingly.

The camera set-up in Donny's Skybox for the July Coaching & Virtual Showcase.

     Headshots and resumes, along with lots of questions, are starting to pour in from parents and students. So just a couple of things: if you are unsure which headshot to use, send me what you have and I'll choose. You will not be able to use set pieces in your scene. If you are using a prop, it should be small enough to fit in your pocket, like a set of keys or a cell phone. Your info sheet MUST be signed by a parent before I record you. No exceptions. You will have a 45-minute lunch break on Day 1, so feel free to bring a lunch. Otherwise, be sure you have money to buy food from one of the  nearby restaurants.

     That's it for now. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you this weekend! 

August is SOLD OUT, but September Dates are Coming Soon!

August 15, 2016

     Let me just say, you guys ROCK. Thanks to your awesomeness, my August workshop at The Second City Training Center is completely SOLD OUT. If you didn't make it in to the class this month, don't fret: September dates are in the works!

"What is this workshop, exactly?"

     Great question! The workshop is an on-camera class for teens that takes place over the course of two days. On the first day, I coach students on commercials, scenes and monologues. We talk about the business, practice slates, work on material the students have spent a week preparing, and review everyone's work. On the second day, students record a "virtual showcase," where they perform their pieces on camera as well as give a quick interview. The showcase is then posted on Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase, and the link is sent to more than 200 industry professionals including agents, casting directors and producers, to name a few. 

"Who is Matt Miller?"

     Matt Miller has been on the Chicago scene for many years. He began his career in casting, then moved on to directing plays and commercials. He is currently the executive producer of Teachers on TV Land. But why take my word for it? You can view some of his work here. 

     Sound cool? Keep checking back for further information regarding the next workshop. I hope to see you (or your talented teen) there!

More with The Second City!

August 1, 2016

     Calling all parents of teens! In less than three weeks I'll be teaching another on-camera workshop at The Second City Training Center. The first day, I coach students on monologues, scenes and commercial copy. Then on the second day I record their performances to be posted on Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase. Class size is limited, and there are only a few spots left. Sign your kids up before it's too late! Click here to learn more.

     And speaking of the ol' Virtual Showcase, I'll be recording another one for adults later this month! It's a pretty stellar way to be seen by more than 200 industry professionals. Interested? Click here.