The Showcases Are Up!

October 3, 2016

     The September Virtual Showcases have been posted! This includes both the adult showcase and the teen showcase (Second City edition).

"What is a Virtual Showcase?"

     The Virtual Showcase was created by Matt Miller to provide actors a cost-effective way to be seen by industry professionals. Actors record a scene or monologue along with commercial copy and a brief interview, and the footage is posted online with their headshot and resume. The showcase is then emailed to more than 200 industry contacts in Chicago.

"So only Chicago industry professionals will see it?"

     Not necessarily! Since the showcase is online and accessed via a link, that link can be sent to contacts outside of the Chicago area. Trying to land an agent in New York? You can send them the link to your footage. All they have to do is click on the link in their email. It's that simple.

"This sounds awesome. How do I sign up?"

     See the box below that reads MATT MILLER'S VIRTUAL SHOWCASE? Click that.

To Prop or Not to Prop

August 24, 2016

     When preparing for an audition taping or showcase recording, I've had actors ask me whether or not they should use props. My first question to them is this: "Is the prop crucial to the scene?" 

     Generally speaking, if the prop is necessary for the scene and small enough to fit in your pocket, then it is probably fine to use. However, let's say you're auditioning a fight scene, and the stage direction reads: pulls out knife; do NOT assume you should bring a knife in to your audition. The moment a weapon comes into play, everyone in the room is immediately nervous, including the casting director and your fellow actors. Typically, the action in those types of scenes will be mimed in an audition situation. This applies to both on-camera and theatre auditions.

     Let's look at another example: your character is sitting at a restaurant with friends, so you'd like to sip on a glass of water during your audition. Ask yourself this: Does drinking the glass of water add to the scene, or detract from it? Would the scene be just as effective, if not more so, if you did not drink the glass of water? If it is imperative that your character be drinking, then use a bottled water. Bottles of water are easy to transport in your bag, and you won't have to worry about a glass breaking.

     Don't hesitate to ask the person running the audition about prop usage.  There are situations in which props are necessary, like in commercials where you are selling a product. Clients need to see how you handle their product, and in these cases the prop is likely supplied for you. 

     When in doubt, just ask. You'll be doing yourself, and the others in the audition room, a favor.   

Can't I Just Record My Audition On My Cell Phone?

July 11, 2016

     As an actor, you might be asked to audition for a project when you are not in the town the audition is being held. In this case, you'll need to send in a self-tape. Some might ask, "Can't I just tape my audition on my cell phone?" A cell phone certainly comes in handy for auditioning: it is small enough to fit in your pocket that you can easily pull it out to use as a prop, and it's a great tool to practice recording your auditions so you can see yourself on tape and make appropriate adjustments to your work. Depending on the project for which you are auditioning, it might make sense to use your phone to record and submit your audition as well, as long as you know how to compress your files based on the casting director's requirements. This method could certainly save you a few bucks, and might be practical if your audition is for, say, a local play or a student film.

     However, for bigger projects, or for characters and scripts that you wish to have a bit of coaching, it's definitely worth spending a few dollars and having a professional take care of everything for you. You'll have peace of mind knowing the lighting will help make you look your best, the clips will sound great and the footage will be edited to your agent's and/or casting director's specifications.

“Having worked in casting...[Kate] provides a keen eye for what does and doesn’t work on camera. You won’t feel rushed and she makes sure you’ve got it in the can. She is also able to juggle any technical instructions from your agent about the files.”

— David Midura, actor

     So to answer the question: yes, you can record your audition on your cell phone, but do so wisely. If you have any doubts about whether or not your cell phone footage will be good enough for the project to which you are submitting, go with your instincts. If you do decide to use your cell phone, have someone do the filming for you, preferably using a cell phone stand, so your footage is not shaky. You will need to have a reader who can read the scene with you, and be sure to shoot against a plain background in a flattering color (black and white are typically not ideal).

Frequently Asked Questions (so far...)

June 16, 2016

Q: All of the videos on the site have Vimeo's markings on them (share buttons, names, etc.). What if I don't want any markings on my audition video?

A: There will be NO markings on your audition video. I am just using Vimeo as a means of  uploading videos to this site.

Q: What service do you use to send me my audition link?

A: Once I have edited and compressed your audition file, you will receive a link to it via WeTransfer.

Q: After I tape my audition, how long does it take to receive the link?

A: I can usually get the link to you within an hour.

Q: The videos shown on the site do not include the actors' slates. Would I have to get a separate link for my slate?

A: No, your audition will include your slate and all scenes on one video file. Of course, if your agent, casting director, producer, etc. requests files be sent separately, it's no problem!

Q: How many takes can I do of each scene during my taping?

A: As many as you want/need! It is my goal to make sure you leave your taping feeling confident with what we've shot; maybe that happens in two takes, maybe it happens in seven. You are in control.

Q: How long will my self-tape take to shoot?

A: I schedule self-taped auditions in half-hour and hour time slots. Kids/teens generally need an hour, as there is more coaching involved. Adults tend to take half an hour, unless they have several pages of sides and multiple scenes. When you schedule your appointment, I can help you determine how much time you will need.

Q: How far in advance do I need to schedule my audition taping appointment?

A: As soon as you get the request for a self-taped audition, you should schedule a taping appointment. Sometimes, the request comes in at the last minute and is due by the end of the day. THAT'S OK! I'm used to working with actors' schedules, and I know this business can get a little crazy at times. Same day appointments are sometimes available.