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.
That's a Wrap on the August Showcases
August 25, 2016
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!
To Prop or Not to Prop
August 24, 2016
When preparing for an audition taping or showcase recording, I've had actors ask me whether or not they should use props. My first question to them is this: "Is the prop crucial to the scene?"
Generally speaking, if the prop is necessary for the scene and small enough to fit in your pocket, then it is probably fine to use. However, let's say you're auditioning a fight scene, and the stage direction reads: pulls out knife; do NOT assume you should bring a knife in to your audition. The moment a weapon comes into play, everyone in the room is immediately nervous, including the casting director and your fellow actors. Typically, the action in those types of scenes will be mimed in an audition situation. This applies to both on-camera and theatre auditions.
Let's look at another example: your character is sitting at a restaurant with friends, so you'd like to sip on a glass of water during your audition. Ask yourself this: Does drinking the glass of water add to the scene, or detract from it? Would the scene be just as effective, if not more so, if you did not drink the glass of water? If it is imperative that your character be drinking, then use a bottled water. Bottles of water are easy to transport in your bag, and you won't have to worry about a glass breaking.
Don't hesitate to ask the person running the audition about prop usage. There are situations in which props are necessary, like in commercials where you are selling a product. Clients need to see how you handle their product, and in these cases the prop is likely supplied for you.
When in doubt, just ask. You'll be doing yourself, and the others in the audition room, a favor.
Time to Edit!
August 22, 2016
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.
Coachings Complete! Up Next: Showcase
August 20, 2016
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!
Gearing Up for the Weekend
August 18, 2016
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!
August is SOLD OUT, but September Dates are Coming Soon!
August 15, 2016
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!
"What is this workshop, exactly?"
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.
"Who is Matt Miller?"
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!
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!