Editing Session: Kid/Teen Virtual Showcase

June 27, 2016

I've been sitting on the floor editing this month's Kid/Teen session of Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase. These kids are ADORBS. If agents don't snatch them up asap, I might just have to become an agent myself so I can sign them. So far during the session I've learned about street punks, nougat, safety patrol, and an entrepreneurial cookie salesgirl. I am laughing so hard there are tears in my eyes. Chicago Talent Agents: sign these kids! Casting Directors: call them in! Their showcase recordings can be viewed here once they have been posted.

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Follow on Twitter!

June 23, 2016

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Guess what? You can now follow Chicago Self-Taped Auditions on Twitter! Find out all the latest news and events. Just click on the link on the Home page.

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.

Ahh Summer... and Showcases!

June 20, 2016

Summer is officially here, and do you know what that means? Time for swimsuits, sunscreen and showcases! There are two sessions for Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase happening within the next week, one for adults and one for kids. Time to brush up your audition monologues, scenes and commercial copy. I'll be in the studio recording the adults in just a few days, and I look forward to meeting these actors! There are a couple of spots left, but act quickly as space is limited. If you're interested in signing up for Matt Miller's Virtual Showcase, or simply want more information, click here.

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Frequently Asked Questions (so far...)

June 16, 2016

Q: All of the videos on the site have Vimeo's markings on them (share buttons, names, etc.). What if I don't want any markings on my audition video?

A: There will be NO markings on your audition video. I am just using Vimeo as a means of  uploading videos to this site.

 

Q: What service do you use to send me my audition link?

A: Once I have edited and compressed your audition file, you will receive a link to it via WeTransfer.

 

Q: After I tape my audition, how long does it take to receive the link?

A: I can usually get the link to you within an hour.

 

Q: The videos shown on the site do not include the actors' slates. Would I have to get a separate link for my slate?

A: No, your audition will include your slate and all scenes on one video file. Of course, if your agent, casting director, producer, etc. requests files be sent separately, it's no problem!

 

Q: How many takes can I do of each scene during my taping?

A: As many as you want/need! It is my goal to make sure you leave your taping feeling confident with what we've shot; maybe that happens in two takes, maybe it happens in seven. You are in control.

 

Q: How long will my self-tape take to shoot?

A: I schedule self-taped auditions in half-hour and hour time slots. Kids/teens generally need an hour, as there is more coaching involved. Adults tend to take half an hour, unless they have several pages of sides and multiple scenes. When you schedule your appointment, I can help you determine how much time you will need.

 

Q: How far in advance do I need to schedule my audition taping appointment?

A: As soon as you get the request for a self-taped audition, you should schedule a taping appointment. Sometimes, the request comes in at the last minute and is due by the end of the day. THAT'S OK! I'm used to working with actors' schedules, and I know this business can get a little crazy at times. Same day appointments are sometimes available.

Audition Taping with David

June 15, 2016

     It might be 90 degrees and insanely humid outside, but you wouldn't know it because David Midura is just the coolest. Hehe, see what I did there?

     Thanks for coming in today, David. What a fun - and fast - audition taping!

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North Central College Senior Showcase

June 13, 2016

     Tonight I had the pleasure of watching graduates perform in the North Central College Senior Showcase. I'm always inspired to see young people who are passionate about theatre put in the work to explore and to create. Theatre is so much more than dressing up in a costume and saying lines. It teaches us about the human condition, about empathy. It's where we learn to express what others are feeling, to understand what we might be feeling ourselves, and where we find a bit of calm amid the chaos.

     I wish these seniors well and look forward to their work as professional artists in Chicago!   

Irina Bokova quote
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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.    

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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.

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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!

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!

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