Because...the Tony Awards

June 9, 2016

In honor of this Sunday's Tony Awards, here's a Throwback Thursday to what was hands-down one of the most memorable nights of my life. I was gifted a ticket to Hamilton, along with a backstage tour (I know what you're thinking, and I don't have a clue how I got so lucky, either). And then I met Lin-Manuel Miranda. Suddenly, I forgot how to form sentences, and became so overwhelmed that it took everything in my power just to avoid peeing in my pants.

I look forward to watching the Tonys this Sunday, June 12, and cheering on not just the cast and crew of Hamilton, but all the Broadway nominees who work so hard to bring us such joy.    

Second City, Here I Come

June 8, 2016

Ummm, so THIS is happening! Next month, July 7 and 8, I'll be teaching my first workshop at Second City. Whoa! I can't wait to meet these teens and work with them on commercial copy and scenes. After giving them each a bit of coaching, I'll be recording their performances to be posted on Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase. Why is this awesome? Well, for one thing, there aren't a lot of showcases for teenagers to participate in, so this is a great and somewhat rare opportunity for them. AND the industry is always looking for young talent. It's a win-win. For more info about the workshop, click here.

Audition Taping with Beth

June 8, 2016

Beth Lacke, after finishing a scene where she finds out some pretty tragic news about her daughter and then is publicly humiliated. May there always be dancing!

You wouldn't guess it from reading the audition sides (they were kind of an emotional downer), but I had SO MUCH FUN taping with Beth Lacke today. I learned all about being Swedish, the value of random applause, and the ambiance of footsteps on the ceiling.

Okay, maybe you had to be there. It was a blast. Thanks, Beth!

How Is It June Already?

June 6, 2016

Events coming up this month:

Meeting with a local children's book author to discuss shooting some promo videos for his latest release. Exciting! PLUS, more Virtual Showcases to come! 

#TBT Bit Tank Auditions

June 2, 2016

     For Throwback Thursday, here's a look at one of the contestants, Eric Lewis-Baker, from iO Chicago's live reality show Bit Tank, Season 2. I taped the auditions of all the performers, then we (and by we I mean myself and the creator of Bit Tank, Micah Sterenberg) informed all the contestant hopefuls that if they made it onto the show, this audition footage would be used as their intro video, sort of their "package" that would play as they walked out onto the stage. What we didn't tell them is that we'd mainly be using their bloopers.

     With the show underway, one by one contestants were introduced, and the outtakes began to roll. Needless to say, it was a delightful surprise for the performers as well as the audience! 

Graduate Showcase Season

May 30, 2016

     It's Graduate Showcase season here in Chicago - a time when seniors from area colleges and universities perform their best material for industry professionals, in the hopes of forming invaluable connections as they transition from the academic to professional stage.

     Unfortunately, due to prior commitments, I will be missing two of the biggest showcases, both of which are happening this week: Northwestern University and The Theatre School at DePaul University. I am, however, looking forward to attending North Central College's Senior Showcase. I always enjoy meeting new talent, and showcases are one of the best ways to do that. See you soon, NCC!

Virtual Showcase & Editing Session

May 26, 2016

Had a successful session yesterday for Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase. It was great to get reacquainted with familiar faces as well as meet several new ones. Each actor prepared two commercials and a scene or monologue, then gave a brief interview. I enjoyed hearing some commercial copy that I haven't heard recently! Once the showcases are edited, they can be viewed on Matt Miller's website here.

Now, time to start editing...

Update (September 17, 2019): I’m happy to say the Virtual Showcase is still going strong ten years and counting! However, it is no longer called Matt Miller’s Virtual Showcase. The Chicago Virtual Showcase is the official new name for this unique and beneficial event for actors. If you’re looking for an agent or want more audition opportunities, the Chicago Virtual Showcase is a great way to get your face out there, whether you’re new to the city or have been working in the community for years. Visit chicagovirtualshowcase.com for more information, or click on the Virtual Showcase tab in the menu on this site.

Audition Taping with Abby

May 23, 2016

Just finished taping an audition for one of my teen clients and sent it off to her agents in LA. Thanks, Abby, for being super prepared as always. I am constantly impressed by the talent in this town! And thank you to Acting Studio Chicago for the space!

Social Media Links

May 20, 2016

You can now Like, Share and Tweet this site directly from the Home Page. Additionally, you can show your love for individual News posts by clicking the social media buttons below each post.

Welcome to the Site!

May 16, 2016

The website is now live! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this possible.

Events coming up this month:

Recording a session for Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase - looking forward to meeting new actors!