COVID-19 And What That Means For Tapings

March 13, 2020

Well, the inevitable has happened. As a precaution, several studios in Chicago are shutting down for the next several days which means tapings will be extremely limited. If you do have a self-tape request, feel free to reach out to me. However, I can’t guarantee that I will be able to get you scheduled.

More availability should open up after next week, but right now studios are paying attention to what is being recommended and proceeding accordingly.

Because of this lack of availability, I’m extending my “Voter Discount” through the month of April. Just show me a picture of your “I Voted” sticker or wristband to receive $5 off a half hour session or $10 off an hour.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Stay safe and stay well everyone!

Limited Availability and Holiday Schedule

November 19, 2019

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are already upon us (though I still refuse to watch ANY Christmas movies until after Thanksgiving). With the holiday season comes a change in scheduling. Most ongoing projects will soon be on hiatus and the need for self-tapes will quickly drop. If, however, you do happen to get a self-tape request between now and Thanksgiving, please note my availability is extremely limited.

For the remainder of this week I will do my best to get you on the schedule if you need a taping, but I will not be available at all next week, November 25 - December 1.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

I'm Headed Out of Town!

September 26, 2019

Chicago actors: I’ll be leaving town tomorrow (Friday, 9/27) and won’t return for a few days. You should see a notification bar at the top of this website. Currently tapings are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, October 2. My apologies for any inconvenience!

What Makes a Successful Showcase Recording?

September 22, 2019

It’s editing day! Friday I recorded the September Virtual Showcase with six actors - a good handful for agents to review. I hope to have the preview link available tomorrow or Tuesday.

So what makes a successful Virtual Showcase recording? Here are some things to consider:

Choose your material wisely. Scenes tend to work better in this format. It should be age-appropriate and fit your type. Is there a show from the last few years that you really love and connect with? Are there characters in it that you could legitimately can see yourself playing? If it’s a television show, chances are you can find an episode online from which to pull a scene. If it’s a play, you can likely get a copy of the script. Finding a scene with some comedy in it that makes your audience laugh certainly doesn’t hurt, either.

Spend some serious quality time on your commercial copy. Far too often actors dedicate the bulk of their rehearsal time on their scene or monologue while assuming they can just wing it when it comes to the commercials. After all, it’s just a couple of lines, right? Wrong. The less lines you have to say something, the more difficult it can be to effectively tell the story. Yes, as an actor your job is still to tell a story, even when that story is in the form of a selling a product. And you only have a few seconds to do it. Auditioning for commercials is an art form. Commercials are typically the first auditions an agent will send a new talent on, so honing these skills is key when preparing your Showcase recording.

Don’t rehearse your interview answer. It shows every time. You definitely want to prepare some things you’d like to talk about, but don’t rehearse this like a script. Your interview should feel relaxed and natural. Industry professionals want to get a sense of who you are as a person and what you might be like when you walk into an audition room. Many actors, especially those just starting out in the business, try to portray themselves in a way they think the agent or director wants to see. They’ll talk about things they think an industry audience wants to hear ("I’m really dedicated to acting, it’s my passion.”) Well, obviously. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here. Instead, think about hobbies or interests that separate you from the rest. (“I was runner-up in a hot dog eating contest.” “I’m fluent in three different languages.”) Okay, now it’s getting interesting.

Have any further questions? Feel free to email the Chicago Virtual Showcase staff at chicagovirtualshowcase@gmail.com.

Tapings Closed June 30 - July 4

June 28, 2019

Hi All! Just a heads up, there will be no tapings June 30 through July 4. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Pilots, Pilots, Pilots

February 15, 2018

     Pilot season is in full swing, and it's crazy right now! Due to the current high demand for self-tapes, please keep the following in mind: 

* Scheduling is tight. If you are unable to make your appointment, I need to know as soon as possible, but no later than two hours prior to your scheduled time. If you cancel less than two hours before you are scheduled to tape, you will be charged the full amount for your session, even if you reschedule.

* I cannot always grant same-day tape requests. Although I do what I can to accommodate your schedule, it is not always possible to get you in for a last-minute taping. Please book your appointment as soon as you can to increase your chances of getting taped.

* I need to know how much time you want to book. I try to allow time immediately after your session to compress your file, so that you are not waiting around all day for the link. If you know how much time you need to tape, I can adjust the schedule to allow time for editing. There are times when someone might booked in a slot immediately following yours, so running over your session time is not an option. If you are unsure how much time to book, ask for more. You will only be charged for the time you use. If you send me your sides, I can help you determine how much time you'll likely need.

* I do weekend tapings! If your link is due Monday morning, and you are unable to tape the week before, know that the weekend is an option. Although there is an additional fee for weekend tapings, just know it's available to you.

     Stay focused, keep breathing, and we'll all get through this exciting time together. And if you get a callback or book the job, let me know - I'm rooting for you!

Holiday Schedule

December 15, 2017

     Season's Greetings! In just one week, Chicago Self-Taped Auditions will be going on hiatus for the holidays. Appointments will be available through December 21, then on December 22 I'll be headed out of town until after the New Year. If you want to get a coaching in before the year is up, don't wait! And be sure to take advantage of the December Discount: 20% off your session. This is the best deal I offer the entire year, so don't miss out! **You must mention code SNOW DAY in order to receive the discount.

Happy Holidays!

December Discount

December 8, 2017

     Hello! 'Tis the season for giving, and this month I'm giving my biggest discount yet. On your next self-tape or coaching, mention code SNOW DAY and receive 20% off your session. Typically, a half-hour session is $45 and an hour is $70. With the discount, you'll only pay $36 for a half hour, or $56 for an hour. AND, you can use the discount code as often as you'd like. But hurry! This deal is only good through December 21, 2017. On December 22 I'll be taking a holiday hiatus and heading out of town, returning January 3, 2018. Happy holidays!

November Holiday Schedule

November 21, 2017

     The holiday season is upon us, and that means a change in hours on the schedule. I will be out of town the rest of this week, returning to Chicago the evening of the 26th. Tapings will be available again on the 27th. If you are traveling this week, be safe! 

     Next week will be the last week to take advantage of the November discount - $5 off a self-tape. If you schedule an appointment with me before the end of the month, be sure to mention the discount to receive the offer!

     In other news, Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase just finished up another round. I have almost completed the editing for everyone's files, and it will post soon. Stay tuned!

Back at the Studio

October 2, 2017

     After being out of town for several days, it's time to get back to work. I am back in the studio and taking appointments. My apologies to those of you who reached out last week for tapings when I was unavailable. Thanks for your understanding!