Studio Shenanigans with Brianne Howey
August 26, 2016
Well THIS was super fun! Brianne came in today for a self-taped audition - so great to meet her! As always, thank you to Acting Studio Chicago for letting me do my thing.
Another Self-Tape with Abby!
August 12, 2016
It's always a pleasure having Abby in the studio. Great to see you, Abby, and thanks for coming in! Keep up the stellar work!
"I need an agent, but agents want to see footage, but I don't have any footage, so I need an agent..."
August 11, 2016
It can leave you feeling helpless: you're taking acting classes, you audition for plays whenever possible, yet you can't seem to get your foot in the door with any of the film/television casting offices. I need an agent, you think. But most agents want to see some of your work - ideally your on-camera experience - before they decide to take you on as a client. That can be difficult, since the way to get on-camera auditions is typically, well, through an agent.
In your ideal world, you have multiple clips in varying genres that you can compile into a reel. In reality, you have a blurry iPhone video of you dancing at Lollapalooza that doesn't exactly scream "Oscar."
"So how do I get footage if I don't have a reel?"
Back in the olden days (aka 2006), submitting a reel required you to download your footage to a disc, which you then mailed out to a list of agents in the hopes that a) the disc didn't break in the mail and b) the agent actually opened it. Times have changed. Now a reel can be emailed in seconds via a link, and agents can view it with a simple click of the mouse.
Guess what? Audition footage is viewed the exact same way. Preparing a few quick scenes to tape as you would a self-taped audition gives you footage. And that's all the agents really need to see - footage. So why not try taping a few scenes and commercials to compile into an "audition reel," so that if an agent asks, "Do you have anything on tape?" you can answer, "Yes."
I'm not talking about audition footage you shoot at home on your phone (reread the Lollapalooza comment above). I'm talking about professionally-shot footage you tape at a studio, with a reader and proper lighting.
Another incentive to having professionally-shot audition footage is that agents get an idea of what to expect from you when they send you to the casting office. They can see and hear you slate, notice how you dress and present yourself, and assess your on-camera technique through your read.
So why not try it? If you're interested, click here for more information - I'm happy to help!
August Deals and Discounts
August 8, 2016
With production season in high gear, Chicago has been booming with auditions. Would you like a little extra coaching before heading into the casting office? For the month of August only, receive $10 off a one-hour coaching. Just mention the code HOTHOTHOT in your email to me. Half-hour coachings and tapings are just $40, which means for $10 more you can get an extra half hour! That's HOT.
Oh, and one more thing...I'm offering a FREE actor reel to the FIRST person who requests it. You supply the footage and I'll cut it into a reel, providing you with a downloadable link. Just send me an email and mention FREEREEL. Happy Monday!
Acting Studio Chicago Survey - Win a Taping with Me!
August 4, 2016
Want a free audition taping? Check out Acting Studio Chicago's newsletter this month - just click here. By filling out the survey, you could win a free self-tape session with me. Simple as that!
The Book of Mormon's Candace Quarrels!
August 3, 2016
What a blast it's been this week working in the studio with Candace Quarrels, star of The Book of Mormon currently touring in Chicago. Thanks for coming in, Candace!
Audition Taping with Steve
July 27, 2016
Social media actually works! Thanks to a Facebook page I created, Steve scheduled a self-tape recording with me this morning. Great to see you, Steve - thanks for coming in! You can check out the Facebook page here.
Break a Leg Tomorrow, Aida!
July 21, 2016
It was great to meet Aida today, and give her coaching for her big audition tomorrow. Break legs!
Filming season is kicking into high gear! Woot!
Another Self Tape with Ariel!
July 18, 2016
Ariel stopped by for another audition taping today. Great to see her again, and I'm super jealous of her hair. Happy Monday!
Audition Taping with Colin
July 16, 2016
I love an unexpected self tape! I'm so thankful Acting Studio Chicago was open today, being a Saturday. Thanks for coming in, Colin!
Me and my Canon. :)