For more information on a workshop, including biographies of the speakers, click on the headline. To register online, visit our Registration page.
Panels
10:00 am-11:30 am -- Fashion Theater
Young Performers Panel
Hear from successful young actors, along with a top casting director, agent, and manager about how kids and parents should navigate the biz. Speakers include: Sharon Lieblein, Nickelodeon's vice president of talent. » more
10:00 am-11:30 am – Room C998
A Career in Voiceover: Successful Voice Artists Share Their Tips to Breaking In
Do people tell you that you have a great voice? Have you thought about breaking into voiceover? Think voiceover work is easy? Find out what's really needed to succeed in this competitive niche market. Top voiceover actors tell all. Moderator: Stewart F. Wilson-Turner, Voice Bank » more
12:00 pm-1:30 pm – Fashion Theater
Television Casting: From Guest Starring to Going to Network
Just like anything in life, actors have to start somewhere when breaking into television and that place is typically in guest starring roles. Back Stage taps top TV casting directors to find out what goes on behind the scenes, how often guest stars get bumped up to recurring and lead roles, and what an actor should be prepared for if they are asked to "go to network." Moderator: Sarah Kuhn. Panelists include: Casting director John Levey » more
12:00 pm-1:30 pm – The Annex Room
Audition Etiquette: How to Enter the Room and Other Insider Tips from CDs
Did you know casting decisions are made based on the way you walk into the audition room? Learn the etiquette of auditioning from our panel of experts, including a working actor and busy casting directors. Selected Actorfest attendees will be called from the audience to participate in a mock audition. Polish your audition skills and watch how your competition does it. Moderator: Dany Margolies; Speakers include: Actor Kevin E. West, and casting directors Michael Donovan, Chris Game, and Matthew Barry. » more
2:00 pm-3:30 pm – Room C998
Breaking into the Biz: Getting Started in the Most Competitive Industry on the Planet
It's often said that an acting career is a marathon, not a sprint, but how do you take the first step? This lively discussion will cover the crucial early decisions that all aspiring actors face--and how to avoid falling into common traps. Beginning an acting career takes more than a pretty face and a few pictures. Come listen to our energetic and entertaining panel debate the most important steps actors should take to launch their careers--whether they're new to the business or just stalled on the road. Moderator: Jackie Apodaca; Speakers include: Casting director Heidi Levitt, "JFK," "Nixon," "Lakeview Terrace"); Manager Paulo Andres, RPA Entertainment; and Talent Agent Tony Martinez, GVA. » more
2:00 pm-3:30 pm – Fashion Theater
Feature Film Casting: Lights, Camera, Cast Me!
Every actor wants to work in film but just how hard is it to get considered for studio films? Do CDs still do generals? Can an unknown get seen without an agent? What do they want to see on an actor's resume or is it all about the headshot? Must an actor have a reel? Find out the answers to these and many other questions in this insightful discussion with top casting directors. Moderator: Jenelle Riley, Panelists include: Casting director Pam Dixon » more
Intensives
10:00 am-11:30 am – The Annex Room
Practical Training: Out of the Classroom and Onto the Set
Veteran casting director Cathy Reinking and acting coach Elizabeth Mestnik lead this dynamic on your feet workshop that helps actors transfer their training to the audition, table read, or shoot. From Uta Hagen to Sanford Meisner, they will address the age-old problem of how to bring your best acting out of the classroom and into your career. » more
10:00am-11:30am – Room C937
Master the Audition
Veteran casting director Cathy Reinking and acting coach Elizabeth Mestnik lead this dynamic on your feet workshop that helps actors transfer their training to the audition, table read, or shoot. From Uta Hagen to Sanford Meisner, they will address the age-old problem of how to bring your best acting out of the classroom and into your career. With actor/teacher Brad Heller » more
10:30am-11:45am – Room C967
Demo Reel Technique
Bring in your demo reel for a chance to get valuable feedback from top demo reel producers and a casting director. Or if you don't have a demo reel yet, find out what makes a great reel and common mistakes to avoid. With Joe Gressis, Owner of Secret Handshake Entertainment; Wayne Rawley, senior editor at Secret Handshake Entertainment; Casting director Rick Pagano of Pagano/Manwiller Casting » more
12:00 pm-1:30 – Room C998
Fine-Tuning Your Audition Technique I
Casting director Donna Morong ("The Princess Diaries," "Gone Baby Gone,") critiques pre-selected actors reading audition copy and offers insightful advice on how to make the best impression in the audition room. With Casting director Donna Morong ("Frasier," "Arrested Development") » more
12:00pm-1:30pm – Room C937
Spot On: Commercial Workshop
Focus on the tools you need to ensure success in the competitive commercial acting market. Taught be a commercial casting director. With Casting director/teacher Killian McHugh » more
12:15pm-1:30pm – Room C967
Learn to Host
With reality television and entertainment wrap-up programming hotter than ever, actors can get in on the game by honing their hosting skills. Find out what it takes to make it in this lucrative niche market. With TV Host, News Personality and Teacher Suzanne Sena » more
2:00pm-3:15 pm – Room C937
Know Your Type
How do you capitalize on your own unique self? Learn about typecasting, industry trends, and what CDs, agents, and directors are really looking for. As a result of the exercises in this workshop, you will leave armed with a list of looks, types, and categories that you will most likely be seen for, and you'll discover how to make that list a practical and useful tool in your marketing plan. With Actor, Photographer, Teacher Mark Atteberry » more
2:00pm-3:15pm – Room C967
Meisner Technique: Beyond the 'Repetition' Exercise
When most actors hear "Meisner," they immediately associate this style of training with Sanford Meisner's repetition exercise. Find out from Back Stage's Readers' Choice winner for Best Private Coach and Best Monologue Coach, Alex Taylor, how the Meisner technique goes beyond "repetition" to provide the actor with essential tools for building and performing a character, as well as interpreting a scene. With Teacher Alex Taylor » more
2:00 pm-3:30 pm – The Annex Room
On-Camera Technique
Understanding the nuances and realities of working on camera is critical to today's actor, no matter if they have an BFA or MFA or how much experience they have on stage. With Actor and Teacher Brad Greenquist » more
3:45 pm-5:45 pm – Room C937
Everything You Want to Know About Voiceover for Commercials
Marc Cashman, an award-winning commercial producer, will show you why there's never been a better time to toss your hat into the commercial voiceover ring. Want a comprehensive overview of the commercial voiceover industry? Want to understand how to interpret ad copy? Want to know what a director looks for in a voice actor? How do you find the commercial voice acting class that¹s right for you? With Voice Actor and Teacher Marc Cashman » more
3:45pm-5:15pm – Room C967
Improve Your Cold Reading
Cold reading is an essential skill that all actors must learn. Learn from a working actor what it takes to have an edge at audition readings. With Actor and Teacher Ken Lerner » more
4:00pm-5:30 pm – Room C998
Fine-Tuning Your Audition Technique II
Back by popular demand, casting directors Matthew Berry selects volunteers from the audience to perform a short monologue (under 3 minutes). After feedback from the CD, the actor makes the necessary adjustments and performs it again. Participants should come prepared with a monologue and will be chosen at random. With Casting director Matthew Barry ("The Notebook," "Alpha Dog," "Rush Hour 2") » more
4:00 pm-6:00 pm – The Annex Room
Second City Improv: An Essential Tool for Actors
Improv isn't only for comedic actors. All actors can benefit from studying improv, especially for cold reading or for making quick adjustments in an audition or performance. Second City leads this informative workshop that will give you a great overview on its training program and leave you with helpful tools to take with you to your next audition. Hosted by Second City » more
CD Focus Sessions
10:00-11:00 AM -- Room C919
Focus Session with Casting Director #1 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! Casting director to be announced. » more
10:00-11:00 AM -- Room C951
Focus Session with Casting Director #2 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! Casting director to be announced. » more
11:30 AM-12:30 PM -- Room C919
Focus Session with Casting Director #3 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! Casting director to be announced. » more
11:30 AM-12:30 PM -- Room C951
Focus Session with Casting Director #4 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! Casting director to be announced. » more
1:00-2:00 PM -- Room C919
Focus Session with Casting Director #5 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! Casting director to be announced. » more
1:00-2:00 PM -- Room C951
Focus Session with Casting Director #6 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! Casting director to be announced. » more
2:30-3:30 PM -- Room C919
Focus Session with Casting Director #7 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! Casting director to be announced. » more
2:30-3:30 PM -- Room C951
Focus Session with Casting Director #8 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! Casting director to be announced. » more
4:00-5:00 PM -- Room C919
Focus Session with Casting Director #9 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! Casting director to be announced. » more
4:00-5:00 PM -- Room C951
Focus Session with Casting Director #10 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! Casting director to be announced. » more
Union Focus Sessions
10:00-11:00 AM -- Room C985
Union-Only Focus Session #1 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! SAG, AFTRA and Equity members only. Casting director to be announced. » more
11:30 AM-12:30 PM -- Room C985
Union-Only Focus Session #2 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! SAG, AFTRA and Equity members only. Casting director to be announced. » more
1:00-2:00 PM -- Room C985
Union-Only Focus Session #3 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! SAG, AFTRA and Equity members only. Casting director to be announced. » more
2:30-3:30 PM -- Room C985
Union-Only Focus Session #4 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! SAG, AFTRA and Equity members only. Casting director to be announced. » more
4:00-5:00 PM -- Room C985
Union-Only Focus Session #5 (TBA)
This one-hour session allows individual casting directors to share their personal approaches to the work and offer advice on getting called in and called back. So come armed with your headshot/resume and best questions! SAG, AFTRA and Equity members only. Casting director to be announced. » more
