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!

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.

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.

Electric Heart Media

September 15, 2016

What a thought-provoking taping today in the studio. Thanks, Electric Heart Media! I'm still thinking about it...

In other news, registration for my Kids and Teens class at The Second City ends this Friday - TOMORROW! Parents: don't miss out! Sign your kids up today.

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.

Happy September! Get a Discount!

September 1, 2016

     Fall doesn't officially start until September 22, but this cooler weather and the fact that I can sit in my apartment without sweating has me feeling all...whatever the emoji is with the red 100 underlined twice. 

     To give the humidity a proper sendoff, I'm offering a discount for the entire month of September. Half-hour sessions for tapings and coachings (normally $40) will be offered at $35, and one-hour sessions (normally $60) will be offered at $50. In order to receive the discount, just mention the code phrase: STILL TOO EARLY FOR PUMPKIN SPICE. 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Coaching & Virtual Showcase at The Second City: September 24-25 - learn more here

Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase (I hear he's offering a September special) - learn more here

Time to Edit!

August 22, 2016

     Yesterday's recording session for the Teen Virtual Showcase: Second City Edition went off without a hitch! Well, mostly. We did have some planes form the Air and Water Show give us a lovely flyover greeting a couple of times. But all in all, it was a successful day with a great group of kids. Now...time to edit! And yes, I drink my coffee through a straw.

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!