Editing Complete!

October 28, 2019

Last Wednesday I recorded the October Virtual Showcase and we really had some standout actors! It took me a little longer than usual to get everything edited, but the editing is finally complete and the showcase has been sent to the actors to preview.

After a few cancellations and unfortunately one actor who was too young to be included in this round (we’re working on the next date for a Kids and Teens Showcase), we ended up with seven actors total. We try to keep our numbers between 5 and 12 so as to present agents and directors with a manageable list of actors to review.

Thank you to everyone who participated! Our November recording date will be posted soon.

Chicago Theatre Access Auditions

October 11, 2019

Attention non-union actors! Applications are open for the Chicago Theatre Access Auditions. What is this, you ask? It’s a chance to be seen by Chicago’s Equity theatres. If you’ve ever tried to attend an Equity audition as a non-union actor, you know how tough it is. You wait around all day hoping to be seen, only to be told that they won’t have time for you after all. “But feel free to leave your headshot and resume,” they always say.

Who has the time for that? Thus, the Chicago Theatre Access Auditions were born. If selected, you will have 90 seconds to perform a monologue for several of Chicago’s Equity and Non-Equity theatres. And the best part? It’s absolutely free. There is no application fee or cost to participate. So what are you waiting for? Applications close THIS Sunday, October 13th. Get on it!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Sold Out

October 8, 2019

The October Virtual Showcase is now sold out. Thank you to everyone who signed up! This month’s recording will take place on the 23rd, with a November date TBA. Although the industry slows down around the holidays, it’s actually a great time to record a showcase. Agents have a bit more time to view the audition footage. So if you didn’t get a spot this month, no worries! We have a growing wait list for the next round of registration. Sign up now at chicagovirtualshowcase@gmail.com.

Do You Have a Success Story?

October 6, 2019

“Hey Kate, I just wanted to let you know that I was cast from the self tape you did for me last week. They offered me a different role from the one I auditioned for. It films next weekend. Have a great weekend!” — Steve L.

I love hearing success stories like this one! And this was Steve’s SECOND booking from one of our self tapes! Do you have a self tape success story? Email me! Tell your actor friends! So much of this crazy business we’re all in comes from word of mouth. If you’ve booked something recently, I’d love to write about it here. It helps other actors know that, yes, it is possible to book from self tapes, so they shouldn’t just disregard them.

It also helps me know things are on track for my clients. My goal with this business is to get you a callback - even better, a job. Recently after a session an actor asked, “Does anyone ever actually book anything from self tapes?” The answer: they do! One of my favorite things is reading an email from a client telling me they got the gig. I want YOU to be that client. So please share those stories, and keep submitting those tapes.

We're Almost Sold Out!

October 4, 2019

Hey! The October edition of the Chicago Virtual Showcase is almost sold out (we have one spot left)! Don’t hesitate to sign up. If we can’t get you in this month, we’ll add you to the waitlist for November. For those who have already participated recently, we LOVE hearing your success stories. If you’d like to share the news about a job you booked or an agent you signed with after they saw you in the showcase, email the showcase staff at chicagovirtualshowcase@gmail.com.

Discount Extended Through October 15!

October 1, 2019

Last month I ran a discount for $5 off a half hour session or $10 off an hour session. It was supposed to run through the month of September, but I had to go out of town the last few days of the month. So I’m extending it! Now through October 15th, mention this post to receive the offer, good on a taping or coaching.

There are still spots left for the October Virtual Showcase. Sign up now at chicagovirtualshowcase@gmail.com. The recording date for this month’s showcase is October 23.

Lastly, happy October everyone! It is quite possibly my favorite month of the year. The weather is a little cooler, but not so cold we have to bust out the North Face jackets, and apple and pumpkin scents fill the air. How are you spending these days of Fall? Carving pumpkins? Visiting haunted houses? Brushing up on your acting skills (obviously)? Whatever you are doing, here’s wishing you a delightful season filled with apple cider and lots of auditions. :)

The Next Showcase Date Is...

September 27, 2019

If you’ve been keeping up with this news feed, you know that our September Virtual Showcase posted this week. And that means it’s time to start thinking about next month! Our next recording date for the Chicago Virtual Showcase is October 23, 2019.

The Showcase is a great way for Chicago actors to get in front of industry professionals without spending a fortune on headshot/resume mailings. This opportunity is not recommended for beginners - on-camera experience is definitely advised in order to have a successful Showcase.

In other news, I am out of town for the next few days. Tapings are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, October 2. Since I had to leave town before the end of the month, I’m extending the September discount into October. Mention this post to receive $5 off a half hour session or $10 off an hour long session. This discount is good through October 15th!

I'm Headed Out of Town!

September 26, 2019

Chicago actors: I’ll be leaving town tomorrow (Friday, 9/27) and won’t return for a few days. You should see a notification bar at the top of this website. Currently tapings are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, October 2. My apologies for any inconvenience!

The September Showcase Has Posted!

September 25, 2019

The September edition of the Chicago Virtual Showcase has posted, and can be found at chicagovirtualshowcase.com. A password is required to view the showcases. For security reasons we do not post the password online, but you can reach out to us through that site to gain access.

The date has been chosen for the October showcase recording, and we’ll be posting that tomorrow - first to our contact list and then on the showcase website. Interested in getting on our contact list? We’ll only email you regarding the next showcase date, and you can let us know if you’d like to register for that month, remain on the list or be removed. Send an email to chicagovirtualshowcase@gmail.com to learn more.

In other news…

September is going strong with self-tape requests. Don’t put your self tape off to the last minute! Studio space books up quickly. In order to get everyone’s taping and editing done before their links are due, it’s best to schedule an appointment as soon as you get the request, particularly since this time of year tends to be really busy in the industry. Also, a good rule of thumb to remember is that the earlier you submit your audition, the better .

The First Day of Fall...and a September Discount

September 23, 2019

Today marks the official first day of Fall, and the day I finished editing the September Virtual Showcase. Whew! Industry professionals will be able to review this month’s showcase beginning Wednesday. We have yet to schedule an October showcase, but stay tuned as it should be announced later this week or early next week.

Just a reminder that there is just one week left to take advantage of the Fall discount. Read more about it here. Whether you need an audition taped or just want a coaching, the discount applies to the session fee.

I want to hear from you! Do you have suggestions for how this site can improve? Visit the Contact page to let me know. My goal is to provide actors with helpful information and resources they can use to further their careers. Do you have a success story you’d like to share? Keep me posted - I’d love to share it here on the site.

Happy Fall, everyone. See you in the studio!