Well, I have not posted much lately because I have not had a VO audish recently. That's ok, I assume I am still with my agency because I did get an email from them to all their actors saying not to go in for an audition if you are sick.
All this down time has given me the opportunity to reset- I just got new headshots with the fabulous Brian McConkey. When I get the prints, I will be sending out a mailing with my new headshots. Now I should probably start to prepare a monologue in case someone calls me!
AND...it's almost Dec 31st- so if you made over $600 and are into getting tax deductions, start gathering receipts and/or buy stuff and services you can deduct. I'm not a CPA but my dad plays one in real life.
Showing posts with label Industry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Industry. Show all posts
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Green Shirt Studio NEW Coaching Services
My friends just started a cool new actor coaching service. Details below!
Due to many requests, Green Shirt Studio is launching an actor coaching service. Combined Qualifications Include:
Sommer Austin & Andrew Gallant
Green Shirt Studio
www.greenshirtstudio.com
Due to many requests, Green Shirt Studio is launching an actor coaching service. Combined Qualifications Include:
- 2 M.F.A.s in Acting
- 3+ years teaching acting & voice at university level
- 15+ years combined acting experience
- Over 7 years monologue coaching experience
- Chicago's only certified teachers of the Meisner technique and founders/teachers of Green Shirt Studio Meisner Acting Training
- Students of ours have gone on to appear on national television series, booked national commercials, have been accepted to prestigious graduate acting programs, among many other successes!
- We are the only teachers in Chicago to be recommended by Larry Silverberg, renowned teacher, actor, director, author and Meisner guru!
- Scene work
- Monologue work
- Audition technique
- Cold reading technique
- Actor "life coaching"
- Meisner repetition work (for partners)
- Last-Minute "Oh sh*t, I have an audition coming up, help me!" Sessions
- Or a combination thereof
Sommer Austin & Andrew Gallant
Green Shirt Studio
www.greenshirtstudio.com
Monday, March 23, 2009
Guest Blog
In today's guest post: another example of using improv in an audish!
Last year I was asked to audition for some TV show coming through town that needed improvisers who could act like a variety of "young hollywood types." They gave us a list of types we could choose from. You had to pick one, dress as that character, come up with a "story to tell" about your character and lastly they'd conduct an interview with that character. They really stressed that the characters needed to be realistic so they didn't want any wacky voices or over the top stuff.
I spent all this time coming up with a story to tell. I knew that the improvised interview part wouldn't be too difficult, but the story thing was stressing me out. I wrote it and rehearsed it like a mad man. It was like really intricate and had all these dramatic details about my character and his history.
Well, I got to the audition (they were also auditioning for a McGolden Arches commercial in the same place so there were a bunch of child actors running around, rehearsing lines and being precocious) and when they called me in they just said: don't use any funny voices, stand on the "X" and just be your character.
They then launched right into the interview portion. I didn't even have to tell them the story.
I think the reason they did this was to sort of throw us off our game a little bit, just because the role we were auditioning for was to be improvised. They probably wanted to see if we could think on our feet and handle unexpected stuff being thrown at us.
After that initial shock, the rest of the audition went really well. Later, I talked to another friend who auditioned who said he used a voice for his character. He didn't get a call back. Duh.
Last year I was asked to audition for some TV show coming through town that needed improvisers who could act like a variety of "young hollywood types." They gave us a list of types we could choose from. You had to pick one, dress as that character, come up with a "story to tell" about your character and lastly they'd conduct an interview with that character. They really stressed that the characters needed to be realistic so they didn't want any wacky voices or over the top stuff.
I spent all this time coming up with a story to tell. I knew that the improvised interview part wouldn't be too difficult, but the story thing was stressing me out. I wrote it and rehearsed it like a mad man. It was like really intricate and had all these dramatic details about my character and his history.
Well, I got to the audition (they were also auditioning for a McGolden Arches commercial in the same place so there were a bunch of child actors running around, rehearsing lines and being precocious) and when they called me in they just said: don't use any funny voices, stand on the "X" and just be your character.
They then launched right into the interview portion. I didn't even have to tell them the story.
I think the reason they did this was to sort of throw us off our game a little bit, just because the role we were auditioning for was to be improvised. They probably wanted to see if we could think on our feet and handle unexpected stuff being thrown at us.
After that initial shock, the rest of the audition went really well. Later, I talked to another friend who auditioned who said he used a voice for his character. He didn't get a call back. Duh.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
On The Upswing
VO business is picking up! I got called in for a dialouge audish today, and when I got there I ended up reading for four roles in three different spots:
I checked my calendar, and it had been about 2.5 months without any VO audishes. And now I've been at my agency three times in the last two weeks, and two visits were for three spots! Turns out people still need to advertise, and radio is cheaper than tv.
So what does this mean for you? Get those demos and headshots in the mail! And then write me a guest blog. :)
- 'Crew' and 'announcer' part for a McGolden Arches spot
- A teen at a local mall
- A twenty-something at a local mall
I checked my calendar, and it had been about 2.5 months without any VO audishes. And now I've been at my agency three times in the last two weeks, and two visits were for three spots! Turns out people still need to advertise, and radio is cheaper than tv.
So what does this mean for you? Get those demos and headshots in the mail! And then write me a guest blog. :)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Guest Blog!
In today's guest blog...
I do not have an agent, but I've done a workshop with a casting director and he will occasionally call me in to audition for commercial and film projects. Maybe that's an overstatement, he's called me in twice. :)
The first audition I went on was for an industrial film. I had been given sides earlier for a group scene. The scene required 4 people, but in my time slot one of the people didn't show so the casting assistant was reading the lines. This is where the trouble happened. The casting assistant wasn't really reading the lines verbatim and was paraphrasing at times. Not usually a big deal, except that she kept leaving out my cue line which was a question, my line was the answer. I definitely let it throw me and my timing was way off and I got wrapped up in how the scene didn't make sense now. Not a smooth move. Looking back I wish I'd just pressed on as though nothing was wrong.
So I guess that's the lesson there. You can only control what you do. Would it have been better if the casting assistant had stuck to the script? Probably. But there was no way for me to control that. I had the power to control my reaction to the skipped line and in the future I'm pretty sure I'll do so with a lot more poise.
I do not have an agent, but I've done a workshop with a casting director and he will occasionally call me in to audition for commercial and film projects. Maybe that's an overstatement, he's called me in twice. :)
The first audition I went on was for an industrial film. I had been given sides earlier for a group scene. The scene required 4 people, but in my time slot one of the people didn't show so the casting assistant was reading the lines. This is where the trouble happened. The casting assistant wasn't really reading the lines verbatim and was paraphrasing at times. Not usually a big deal, except that she kept leaving out my cue line which was a question, my line was the answer. I definitely let it throw me and my timing was way off and I got wrapped up in how the scene didn't make sense now. Not a smooth move. Looking back I wish I'd just pressed on as though nothing was wrong.
So I guess that's the lesson there. You can only control what you do. Would it have been better if the casting assistant had stuck to the script? Probably. But there was no way for me to control that. I had the power to control my reaction to the skipped line and in the future I'm pretty sure I'll do so with a lot more poise.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Student Film Audish
On Saturday, I went downtown in the pouring rain to audish for two student films. They turned out to be two super fun audishes.
The first audish had requested a monologue, and I prepared the same one that I had done for my most recent agent audish. This time they laughed so that was a big relief.
The second audish was one page of the script. They had me read it through once and then gave me two different directions to approach with for two more takes. Interesting and fun! However, I just saw the audish posted again on c-list, so I don't think I got the part ;).
I was surrounded by bulletin boards in both buildings - totes college campus.
Friday, February 20, 2009
No, Thank You
As a result of my mailing last Monday, I got a call two days later from an agency to come in for an audish. Awesome! Then they asked me to come in this week with a 2 minute monologue. Ohhhh right, you mean the 2 minute monologue that I should have prepared and ready to go at any time? Opps. I guess I got lucky with the VO agent- they just had me read copy. I must report the truth to my readers. Sometimes (all the time) I need a deadline to get my act together. So, now that I have learned my lesson I am passing it on to you. Get those monologues ready!
I set up a directing session with one of my talented friends, and that gave me an early deadline to meet. With her help, on Sunday we chose a piece and outlined the beats. I crammed for the next 48 hours and went into the agency on Tuesday during the one hour a week that they see new talent. To the best of my recollection, this is what occurred while I was in their office:
I managed to get there a few minutes early and while waiting I overheard the guy who was audishing before me. They were talking about his career and how he had been away from acting for awhile. When they came out of the room, the agent gave him more materials and a copy of their contract.
During this time I was sitting on a chair about 2 feet from them trying not to look like I was watching them. When he left, she turned to me and said "Come on in." After a pause, I introduced myself because she didn't introduce herself.
She asked for a headshot and I said yes, I brought 5 as instructed on the phone. She said she only needed one to start and if we move forward they need more (I could already feel the foreshadowing). We chatted for a few minutes and she asked if I was with any other agencies and I told her about my VO agency.
Then she asked for my monologue. Without butchering any lines, I did one of my better renditions… but she didn't laugh at all. When I was finished, she asked if I sang and had 16 bars prepared. I said no. And she said “OK, thank you.”
And then we stared at each other for a moment.
And then I realized that was it, so I got up and left.
I was pretty sure that she was not interested. The next day I got my SASE back with a form letter that said my category was full, but to resubmit in 6 months.
Overall, it was a tough but good audish experience. I felt that I represented myself the best that I could on that day. I wasn’t paralyzed by nerves and am now going to work more on my monologues. Also, I wore makeup to work so in the end- everybody wins.
I set up a directing session with one of my talented friends, and that gave me an early deadline to meet. With her help, on Sunday we chose a piece and outlined the beats. I crammed for the next 48 hours and went into the agency on Tuesday during the one hour a week that they see new talent. To the best of my recollection, this is what occurred while I was in their office:
I managed to get there a few minutes early and while waiting I overheard the guy who was audishing before me. They were talking about his career and how he had been away from acting for awhile. When they came out of the room, the agent gave him more materials and a copy of their contract.
During this time I was sitting on a chair about 2 feet from them trying not to look like I was watching them. When he left, she turned to me and said "Come on in." After a pause, I introduced myself because she didn't introduce herself.
She asked for a headshot and I said yes, I brought 5 as instructed on the phone. She said she only needed one to start and if we move forward they need more (I could already feel the foreshadowing). We chatted for a few minutes and she asked if I was with any other agencies and I told her about my VO agency.
Then she asked for my monologue. Without butchering any lines, I did one of my better renditions… but she didn't laugh at all. When I was finished, she asked if I sang and had 16 bars prepared. I said no. And she said “OK, thank you.”
And then we stared at each other for a moment.
And then I realized that was it, so I got up and left.
I was pretty sure that she was not interested. The next day I got my SASE back with a form letter that said my category was full, but to resubmit in 6 months.
Overall, it was a tough but good audish experience. I felt that I represented myself the best that I could on that day. I wasn’t paralyzed by nerves and am now going to work more on my monologues. Also, I wore makeup to work so in the end- everybody wins.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Agency Mailing
The post office just announced another increase in postage. Yet another reason to get your buns moving and do an agency mailing!
There are currently a few commercials in rotation that cause me to say "OMG! I know that guy!" I would love for this to happen all the time so I am offering a special quid pro quo deal to Audish readers- I will email you my updated list of AFTRA franchised agencies in exchange for a guest post. This list is in Excel! This list is totes ready for Mail Merge! This list tells you which 3 agencies have online submission!
Wait a freckled frog second, that sounds too nice. What do I have to give you? The complete bare minerals eyeshadow collection?
Dear Reader, all I ask in return is a guest post or story of some kind related to audishes.
Take the needle off the record, that sounds too complicated. Why don't I just go compile the list myself?
On Monday I sent out an agency mailing so my list is totes up to date. I suppose it is up to you to decide which is easier: writing up a fun story or spending hours checking all the addresses and submission guidelines posted on each agency's website.
Leave a comment with your email and I will email you back. I moderate the comments, so don't worry about your email- I won't post it publicly.
There are currently a few commercials in rotation that cause me to say "OMG! I know that guy!" I would love for this to happen all the time so I am offering a special quid pro quo deal to Audish readers- I will email you my updated list of AFTRA franchised agencies in exchange for a guest post. This list is in Excel! This list is totes ready for Mail Merge! This list tells you which 3 agencies have online submission!
Wait a freckled frog second, that sounds too nice. What do I have to give you? The complete bare minerals eyeshadow collection?
Dear Reader, all I ask in return is a guest post or story of some kind related to audishes.
Take the needle off the record, that sounds too complicated. Why don't I just go compile the list myself?
On Monday I sent out an agency mailing so my list is totes up to date. I suppose it is up to you to decide which is easier: writing up a fun story or spending hours checking all the addresses and submission guidelines posted on each agency's website.
Leave a comment with your email and I will email you back. I moderate the comments, so don't worry about your email- I won't post it publicly.
Monday, February 9, 2009
I’ve been a little slow on the VO audishes lately so I don’t have many fun stories in that department. Fortunately for all of us I have fabulously talented friends. Molly recently blogged about a relevant topic and has given me permission to share it here:
Just wanted to share a tip. Let me start off by saying this specific tip applies to on-camera auditions only...
I interned at a casting office and sometimes still free-lance there. Recently something came to my attention. A beautiful, slender, statuesque blonde came into the room. She slated her name. The camera pulled out to get a full body shot. I looked at her, oh so pretty. I looked at the monitor. Oh so pretty hair, shirt, nice jeans...Wait.
Is she hiding cankles? She's so tiny. Why on the screen does she look like big-foot? Oh. It's the Ugg boots with the jeans tucked in. They're creating an illusion.
Read the rest
Saturday, January 3, 2009
2009
In my other life as a marketing coordinator, we created a plan for 2009 using a year long calendar. The marketing department made a list of everything we are supposed to do and planned out a schedule. As proposal and other day-to-day requests come in, we get pretty busy. So this keeps us on track and reminds us of the big picture things we are supposed to do.
I have always had lots of 'plans' and 'ideas,' but I've never sat down and put it on a calendar like that. As you can tell, I think this is a great idea and I am going to do this for myself. Why? Well, if we're all trying be professional entertainers (actors, improvers, writers, comedians, whatevs) then you are your own show business. So why not run it like a business?
As you can see from the pic, you can download a calendar from the webs. If you have Word, check out the templates and do a search for calendars. You can type right into the boxes and print out a supercute 2009!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Discount on a Class
Here is a great way to save some money on a class at the Acting Studio- the excellent school where I took my voiceover class. Numerous friends have enjoyed their on camera and acting classes. I got this in an email since I'm on their e-list, but I think everyone can use it. Funsies!!
Our 3rd Annual 3 Wishes
New Years Discount
This holiday season, you can save 15% off any Adult class or the Kid/Teen Bootcamp (EXCLUDES ALL WORKSHOPS) if you register by Monday, January 5, 2009.
Just let us know: What 3 things do you most wish to see Acting Studio Chicago provide in 2009?
Email us (info@actingstudiochicago.com SUBJECT LINE: 3 Wishes) 3 wishes you have, for Acting Studio Chicago in 2009, and we will e-mail you a 15% Tuition Discount Coupon.*Check out our website for our updated schedule. The wishes can be for new workshops or classes you would like to see us offer, wishes for our web site, wishes for teachers....use your imagination and we'll see if we can make your wishes come true!
Our 3rd Annual 3 Wishes
New Years Discount
This holiday season, you can save 15% off any Adult class or the Kid/Teen Bootcamp (EXCLUDES ALL WORKSHOPS) if you register by Monday, January 5, 2009.
Just let us know: What 3 things do you most wish to see Acting Studio Chicago provide in 2009?
Email us (info@actingstudiochicago.com SUBJECT LINE: 3 Wishes) 3 wishes you have, for Acting Studio Chicago in 2009, and we will e-mail you a 15% Tuition Discount Coupon.*Check out our website for our updated schedule. The wishes can be for new workshops or classes you would like to see us offer, wishes for our web site, wishes for teachers....use your imagination and we'll see if we can make your wishes come true!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Deadlines
Two reasons for my lack one posts: one is that I haven't had many auditions and the second is that I am doing NaNoWriMo, a challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel in the month of November. I don't want to jinx myself but I just passed 25,000. Yes, that's about five days behind, but I skipped a few days at the beginning of the month and have managed to get in about 2,500 words a day over the last week. If I can keep this up, I think I'm going to make it to 50k.
I know I always work better when faced with a deadline. Case in point and my segway into the audish portion of this post: I've heard that you should do agency mailings every 4-6 months, but I haven't kept that up this year. It's hard to sit down and essentially be your own assistant for a few hours but once you do it once it's easier to go back and update. Last year I mailed out packets on December 31st and I walked to two post offices during my lunch break because the first one had already closed and I was determined to have the postmark match the date in the letter. Hilarious... and crazy.
This year I'll try for a little earlier in the month.
I know I always work better when faced with a deadline. Case in point and my segway into the audish portion of this post: I've heard that you should do agency mailings every 4-6 months, but I haven't kept that up this year. It's hard to sit down and essentially be your own assistant for a few hours but once you do it once it's easier to go back and update. Last year I mailed out packets on December 31st and I walked to two post offices during my lunch break because the first one had already closed and I was determined to have the postmark match the date in the letter. Hilarious... and crazy.
This year I'll try for a little earlier in the month.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Solo Sketch Class
Graffiti and The Playground are doing a class that sounds awesome-
Solo Sketch Comedy Class
This workshop is designed to assist, motivate, and inspire those who would like to write and perform character monologues and one-person scenes. Open to the experienced and not-so experienced, it will focus on writing, stage presence, structure, tools, tricks, timing, cadence, finding inspiration --- to name a few. The workshop will be limited to 6 students. Upon completion, performers will have performance slots in Thursday Happy Hour, the weekly solo showcase at the Playground.
Solo Sketch Comedy Class
This workshop is designed to assist, motivate, and inspire those who would like to write and perform character monologues and one-person scenes. Open to the experienced and not-so experienced, it will focus on writing, stage presence, structure, tools, tricks, timing, cadence, finding inspiration --- to name a few. The workshop will be limited to 6 students. Upon completion, performers will have performance slots in Thursday Happy Hour, the weekly solo showcase at the Playground.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tax Deductions
As we end out the year, it's a great time to review what you have spent on your career. It's also a good time to sign up for a workshop or invest in a mailing one last time for 2008- get those dollars into your career and you can deduct them against your income. Save a little bit on taxes or maybe get a refund!
*This post brought to you by the wisdom I have gained by osmosis from my CPA father.
*This post brought to you by the wisdom I have gained by osmosis from my CPA father.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
How To Follow Subtle Directions
I recently went through audishes at an athletic improv theater. I am excited to report they turned out well for me and I will be playing professionally at this theater. The numbers show it was a tight race- 120 people audished and 9 were hired. I don't want to be smarmy and I would have posted this had I not been hired, but yet again I saw some of my talented friends sabotage themselves.
Things we could figure out before the audish:
Does this stuff make a difference? Maybe not, but I'm always in favor of being professional and following directions. There were excellent people who were hilarious and were not hired. Auditors might not even be fully aware of it, but if it comes down to two people and one of them followed directions...
As always, stand out in a positive way.
Things we could figure out before the audish:
- The word 'professional' appears 4 times in the post, including "professional appearance" listed as a plus. What does this mean? Business casual, no jeans!
Things we learned during:
- Kudos to the artistic director for starting the audish with a clear and honest speech about the process and what they were looking for. This included being family friendly, no swears. So... be clean and smart! Maybe this is not the best time to sexually harass your scene partner.
Does this stuff make a difference? Maybe not, but I'm always in favor of being professional and following directions. There were excellent people who were hilarious and were not hired. Auditors might not even be fully aware of it, but if it comes down to two people and one of them followed directions...
As always, stand out in a positive way.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
O+P=S
What is O+P=S?
Opportunity + Preparation = Success
One of my friends was recently contacted and asked to submit for a big role in an upcoming Quirk de Oil of Olay production- a new show that will eventually end up on Broadway. With his permission I am going to retell some of the details. I love this story because it is a perfect example of O+P=S and why you should always be ready. “Be ready” encompasses so many aspects of our business: Headshot, Resume, Training, Experience, Network of supportive fellow artists, Energy, and more.
Mr. B was doing the work and performing in style of theater that he loves, and then one day a casting agent contacted his recent director. There’s an opening in the show and the character description fits him like a bedazzled spandex bodysuit. Because Mr. B is a prepared actor, he had relevant training, a resume, reviews, and costumed photos ready to go and emailed that day. He passed the first round and was asked to submit additional materials. Because Mr. B is a fine human being, he had talented friends who were willing to help him with a video and a few more specific items this audition called for.
Now he’s waiting to hear back about the next round, but he’s in an excellent place. He was prepared 100% and submitted the best materials that he could. He controlled the part of the process that he could, now it’s up to them.
Opportunity + Preparation = Success
One of my friends was recently contacted and asked to submit for a big role in an upcoming Quirk de Oil of Olay production- a new show that will eventually end up on Broadway. With his permission I am going to retell some of the details. I love this story because it is a perfect example of O+P=S and why you should always be ready. “Be ready” encompasses so many aspects of our business: Headshot, Resume, Training, Experience, Network of supportive fellow artists, Energy, and more.
Mr. B was doing the work and performing in style of theater that he loves, and then one day a casting agent contacted his recent director. There’s an opening in the show and the character description fits him like a bedazzled spandex bodysuit. Because Mr. B is a prepared actor, he had relevant training, a resume, reviews, and costumed photos ready to go and emailed that day. He passed the first round and was asked to submit additional materials. Because Mr. B is a fine human being, he had talented friends who were willing to help him with a video and a few more specific items this audition called for.
Now he’s waiting to hear back about the next round, but he’s in an excellent place. He was prepared 100% and submitted the best materials that he could. He controlled the part of the process that he could, now it’s up to them.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Resume Skills
SKILLS: The area at the bottom of your resume where you list everything you know how to do, sortof know how to do, or at one point in time knew how to do.
Well, "flute" is listed on my resume and last week I had the urge to see if I could still play and read music. I actually played from 3rd grade until my senior year of high school, including several years of private lessons.
Quick flashback: I can clearly remember wanting to play the trombone when we walked into 'pick your instrument day'. Even today I could not reach the end of the instrument when the bottom is extended, so you can imagine how far off I was as a 3rd grader. My sister played the clarinet and I was decent at the flute, so there it was.
I am proud to report that it was a little rocky at first, but I played for almost two hours and it really came together at the end of my practice session. If called upon, I could in fact demonstrate my flute playing skills.
What are your skills?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Improv Road Shows
I was just in glorious Pittsburgh, PA for two college improv shows over three days. The fun times included a great show, tax free clothes shopping, and a show that turned into a workshop. And it was all made possible by our GPS directional device. Seriously, Pittsburgh is a curvy city. Those Allegheny foothills make for some beautiful scenery but they are tricky to navigate on a dark and stormy night.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Double Audish
What a week. I had an audish Wednesday and when I got there found out it was a double audish. And now I have another audish Friday. Sometimes I think this whole industry is like a really bad boyfriend. It doesn't call for weeks and then you get flowers, dinner, and chocolates. So you forgive it and then it forgets about you again. Just a subtle way to explain the lack of posts :) Anywho...
First up: a dialogue that I read with another gal. It was for a state lottery. It took off on the concept of sharing things at a barbecue and ended at sharing boyfriends. A little too weird and awkward for a lottery spot in my opinion....but what do I know?
Second: Shoes! We're talking BOGO ladies!
First up: a dialogue that I read with another gal. It was for a state lottery. It took off on the concept of sharing things at a barbecue and ended at sharing boyfriends. A little too weird and awkward for a lottery spot in my opinion....but what do I know?
Second: Shoes! We're talking BOGO ladies!
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