Chicago Self-Taped Auditions
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.
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
Today I recorded the adults in the August Virtual Showcase. A huge thank you to the actors who made appointments, arrived on time if not early, and came ready to play. You made me laugh, impressed me with your writing, and also made me hungry for Kit Kats (I'm looking at you, Ali). So much fun! That does it for the August Showcases...'til next time!
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.
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!
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!
Let me just say, you guys ROCK. Thanks to your awesomeness, my August workshop at The Second City Training Center is completely SOLD OUT. If you didn't make it in to the class this month, don't fret: September dates are in the works!
Great question! The workshop is an on-camera class for teens that takes place over the course of two days. On the first day, I coach students on commercials, scenes and monologues. We talk about the business, practice slates, work on material the students have spent a week preparing, and review everyone's work. On the second day, students record a "virtual showcase," where they perform their pieces on camera as well as give a quick interview. The showcase is then posted on Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase, and the link is sent to more than 200 industry professionals including agents, casting directors and producers, to name a few.
Matt Miller has been on the Chicago scene for many years. He began his career in casting, then moved on to directing plays and commercials. He is currently the executive producer of Teachers on TV Land. But why take my word for it? You can view some of his work here.
Sound cool? Keep checking back for further information regarding the next workshop. I hope to see you (or your talented teen) there!
Calling all parents of teens! In less than three weeks I'll be teaching another on-camera workshop at The Second City Training Center. The first day, I coach students on monologues, scenes and commercial copy. Then on the second day I record their performances to be posted on Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase. Class size is limited, and there are only a few spots left. Sign your kids up before it's too late! Click here to learn more.
And speaking of the ol' Virtual Showcase, I'll be recording another one for adults later this month! It's a pretty stellar way to be seen by more than 200 industry professionals. Interested? Click here.
I'm pleased to announce that thanks to popular demand, I'll be heading up another Teen Coaching and Virtual Showcase at The Second City! July's workshop was a success - what a great group of talented kids we had. I can't wait to see where their careers take them. Agents and Casting Directors: I hope you're paying attention! These teens are going places...will you help get them there?
All set up at Donny's Skybox at The Second City - ready to coach these teens!
Just coached my first workshop of teens at The Second City Training Center! I am recording their Virtual Showcase tomorrow and I. Cannot. Wait. These young actors were professional, asked smart questions and came ready to work. What more could an instructor ask for?
