Breaking into the business 101: NEVER PAY TO AUDITION

Always be careful in working with talent and casting agencies that require fees and/or up-front money. Don't give money or credit card numbers up-front. Do not pay to meet, read, or audition. If you believe that you have been the victim of a scam, you can file a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission. The State Attorney General should also be notified. Mastercard has free information on Scams and Flim-Flams at 1-800-999-5156. Watchdog groups also keep track of illegal money-making schemes.

The Better Business Bureau advises caution when dealing with talent/modeling agencies. If you come across something like this, the odds are likely 100% that it's a scam. Here's their "pitch." You will have instant access to amazing casting calls with parts that are right for you - parts you can apply to right away so you can get started immediately. You will get your own unique Talent Profile, including photo, so I can find parts that are right for you, and others can spot your star potential. You will be eligible to participate in our Superstar Talent Search, where you can win incredible prizes like a personal consultation with a Casting Director. You can access this all on the Web any time you like or you can even choose to have parts sent to you! If you are ready to be discovered, there is simply no easier way to get started. And it is absolutely free. A credit card is required to ascertain your interest, and will never be charged unless you choose to continue the service beyond the Absolutely Free period. You have my Iron-Clad 100% Guarantee. As your virtual casting agent, I am in a fantastic position to help you launch a career in show business. What's better, I can do it right now, Absolutely Free, if you respond immediately by accepting my invitation here.

Agents and casting directors are paid from work they arrange for talent. Talent does not pay up-front fees. However, talent has responsibility to represent their agencies well with updated headshots and appropriate resumes (onsite and online), to continue training, to use appropriate etiquette (onsite and online)…

It is unethical and even illegal in some states for a talent agencies to provide other services for which they require their talent to pay fees.

Saturday, April 28, 2012 1:00pm-8:00pm

Fri/Sat/Sun June 1-3, 2012 $350

Weekend Acting Boot Camp is designed for the beginner who want intensive training over a short period of time or the rusty actor who needs to get back on top of their game. Boot Camp will give you a strong foundation in acting techniques as well as a firm grasp of the nuts and bolts of scene work and audition skills.

Your Boot Camp will consist of no more than eight students who will discover together that acting is probably the most challenging and thrilling thing they have ever done. You will learn that if indeed this is for you and you stick with it, you will not only acquire a skill, but you will do something quite extraordinary with your life.

This class is limited to eight (8) students.

Wednesdays, beginning March 28 - May 16, 2012 7:00pm-9:30pm. $200

Mondays, beginning June 11 - August 6, 2012 7:00pm-9:30pm. $250

An intensive workshop to prepare the actor for working on a film or television set and to produce a clip for their demo reel. Students will concentrate on the development of acting skills through working on a film based on 12 ANGRY MEN, a 1957 film directed by Sidney Lumet. Our modern adaptation of this film will allow each student to be cast in a substantial role.

This class will guide the student, step by step, from the audition process, through preparation and rehearsal to actually filming on a set. In addition, students will also learn industry etiquette and terminology. We will be shooting with two cameras and a film crew to produce a product worthy for the actors' demo reels.

Students, friends and family members are invited to attend the WRAP PARTY and SCREENING of the film at the GATEWAY FILM CENTER. Students will receive a DVD of the film and a individual clip for their demo reels.

The film will also be screened for regional Casting Directors, Agents and Filmmakers.

Thursdays, beginning June 14 - August 9, 2012 7:00pm-9:30pm. $200

Whether you're an acting enthusiast who is ready to jump into the action or a professional looking to liven up their next performance or audition, this is the right course for you! It's a Scene Study class with a difference. Everyone in class works on scenes from the same author. The plays (or screenplays) are chosen for their complexity, challenge, depth, and for containing the great roles that actors dream of playing.

Another difference is that scenes are usually double-cast. At the root is my deeply held philosophy that each actor can bring something unique to each role. Seeing others bring the same role to life, with completely different choices, gives you confidence that you can trust your own ideas and follow your own instincts. It also helps you give up the notion of doing it right. There is no right and wrong way to creativity. In addition, being able to watch each other work on difficult material that you yourself are grappling with intimately, affords invaluable inspiration.

Each student will also have the chance to work on two monologues during this eight-week workshop. We will help you choose the best material to showcase your talents or you may work on material already in your repertoire.