Just a Few Days Left to Register!

November 5, 2019

Hi Actors! There are just a few days left to register for the November Virtual Showcase. Think the holiday season is a bad time to try to get an agent? Think again! As the entertainment industry slows down agents actually have a little more time to comb through submissions, which allows them to sign actors just in time for pilot season. The November and December Virtual Showcases are perfect opportunities to let agents know who you are! Click here to register.

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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.

Are You Looking for an Agent?

July 25, 2016

Filming season is in full force...are you ready? Do you have an agent, or are you looking? Click here for a list of all the Chicago talent agencies you should know.

If you're not used to being in front of the camera, the best thing to do is practice. Get in class!

If you're not used to being in front of the camera, the best thing to do is practice. Get in class!

It's never too late to learn! Check the Resources page for studios and schools offering classes.

Another Virtual Showcase Come and Gone!

July 23, 2016

Virtual Showcase

Virtual Showcase

We had a smaller group than expected today (darn cancellations!) but they were fierce, nonetheless! I had a great time with these delightful actors; they came prepared and ready to record. I hope to see much more of them on the audition circuit SOON.

Update (October 22, 2019): Matt Miller’s Virtual Showcase is now known as the Chicago Virtual Showcase. The format is the same - actors prepare a slate, scene or monologue, one to two pieces of commercial copy and a brief interview, which I record and then send to Chicago industry professionals. The Showcase has been going strong for ten years and counting! It’s helped numerous actors find agents and book jobs. Interested? Send us an email at chicagovirtualshowcase@gmail.com.