Audition Technique Intensive

SYLLABUS

• Self – Tape Empowerment – Auditioning is a skillset that an actor must learn if one wants to take the craft seriously as well as be taken seriously. There are several aspects in this process that must be instilled to ensure that the person casting will feel comfortable in bringing you to the next round of the process.
• The Ideal Person in Monologues – eyeline, imagination meditation, personalization and other components on giving a standout performance within the 1-2 minute range is difficult but not impossible. We will delve into the instantaneous connection one must have to be direct and convincing on camera.
• Sides & Cold reading – How does one break down the text in a scene when the turnover time is less than 24 hours OR within 15 minutes with a stranger before being seen in a callback. There are techniques to connect into the immediacy of working on sides that will be fundamental as the actor moves forward in their career.
• Live Commercials  – You are selling a product. Simply put, a different set of rules apply for commercials.
• Voice Over – From Commercials, Audiobook Narration, Industrials and Animation, this is an introduction into the world of Voice Over and the power it holds in the industry.
• The Biz – Discussing the entertainment business is key to being successful in the field. Daunting as it may seem, understanding the process on the other side of the camera is key to being in front of it.

AREAS OF FOCUS

• Self – Tape Empowerment 
• Technicalities of Spatial Awareness
• The Ideal Person in Monologues
• Scenic Sides 
• Cold reading 
• Commercials 
• Voice Over

LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the intensive, participants will:

• Gain the confidence one requires for a competitive field.
• Igniting the saviness of introducing oneself by engaging with the camera.
• Be comfortable in cold readings of scenes
• Learning the immediacy of breaking down a text without context.
• Understanding the importance of casting director notes.
• Administering how to best present oneself on camera regarding eye lines and posture.
• Self-tapes available by the end of the workshop.
• MP3 files are recorded during Voice Over sessions

• Should I bring physical props into my self-tape or in-room audition?
  Yes, minimally for a self tape. Dress the part for an in room audition, casting will also ask if you can bring a prop especially if it’s needed for the job, like a skateboard,  basketball or if it’s to dance ballet.
• How loud should I speak?
  You should use a natural, conversational volume. The boom mic or lavalier will pick up your voice perfectly. Pushing your voice for the back of the room—like you would in theater—reads as “yelling” and unnatural on camera.
• Should I memorize the sides completely?
  You should be as off-book as possible. However, the camera captures your eyes intensely. If you need to glance down at your sides to find your place, simply let your character think naturally in that moment rather than breaking character to search for the line.
• How do I show emotion without overacting?
  The lens is the 6th sense that captures authenticity in the natural sense so there is no need to project or heighten the emotional state. 
• Do I have to do exactly the same take every time?
  You can do two takes of a scene with a different delivery. If your in the room with the casting director or the director, you adjust to their suggestions.
• What is a slate?
  A slate is when you look directly into the lens and state your name, the role you are reading for, and your representation (if applicable). There may also be  additional queries that casting may ask you.
• How do I know where the frame is?
  You don’t need to look at the monitor to know if you’re in the shot. acting coach or director will tell you the type of shot (e.g., tight close-up or wide shot). As a rule of thumb, the tighter the shot, the more contained your physical movements need to be.
• Should I look directly into the camera lens?
  Yes when you spate. For the audition, you will look just to the left or right of the lens depending on who you are talking to OR what you’re saying.
• \What is the difference between an eye-line and a “cheat”?
  Your eye-line is the direction your eyes are looking. A “cheat” is when you subtly adjust your body or face slightly more toward the camera lens without losing the reality of the scene, ensuring the camera catches your expressions clearly.