BOOK OF THE MONTH

The Actor's Encyclopedia of Casting Directors: Conversations with Over 100 Casting Directors on How to Get the Job by Karen Kondazian

Karen Kondazian has compiled inside information from talking to the premier casting directors in film, television, and commercials from New York to Los Angeles.

While I'm not in the habit of recommending industry books, I do praise Karen Kondazian's, The Actor's Encyclopedia of Casting Directors. It's a highly practical, intelligently written work that will be an asset to any working actor or newcomer who hopes to find work. -Thomas Mills - Senior Columnist, Backstage West Coast

I have taken three classes with Richard Mason, and I cannot say enough about how great they have been and how much I have learned. Richard’s classes have helped me feel more comfortable in front of the camera and also more confident in my acting abilities.

He teaches you the essential parts of an audition and how to “wow” your audience. Richard’s classes have given me the tools that I need to be successful in the acting industry. I have signed on with CAM Talent Agency in Columbus, Ohio and about to sign a modeling contract with an agency in Miami, Fl.

-Brent Shearer

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20. 2010 1:00-8:00pm $175

Learn how to audition for and break into the local commercial and industrial industry. You will learn how to make the first contact with the agents. By taking this class you have the opportunity to show the agents that you are serious about pursuing this type of work. This workshop will give you experience with the actual audition process.

You'll work on-camera all day doing both prepared and cold readings, and receive plenty of feedback from instructor Richard Mason.

Script analysis skills: We have written our own textbook that breaks this process down and makes it simple.

Comfort in front of the camera: How do you stand? How do you hold the script? How do you deal with your partner and the camera at the same time? What is a slate? What do you do with your hands?

Practice at doing all types of commercials: Scene work, improv, one-liners, bite and smiles, handling products, etc.

You'll also learn how to market to agents and casting directors, all about pictures and resumes, how the unions work, etc.

This on-camera intensive is designed to enable the actor to handle commercial auditions, film and TV sides, scenes, and monologues for film. Working with the camera, actors will break down scenes to discover the humor, emotional moments, pacing, beats and more.

The class will also explore the fundamentals of film and commercial auditioning, including slating and how to interview effectively, while exploring the entire audition scenario. The class will focus on strengthening performances and working with confidence in front of the camera during cold readings as well as prepared sides.

All exercises and scenes are video-taped with playback critiques an essential part of class time. All students will receive a DVD DEMO REEL of their work at the conclusion of this workshop.

Friends and family members are invited to attend the WRAP PARTY on Saturday March 6, 2010 12:00pm for the screening of Student's DEMO REELS. Parents will receive information on how to navigate "the business" and manage their young performers' careers.

Wednesdays, beginning March 17, 2010 7:00pm-9:30pm $200

Here is your opportunity to take on more challenging scenes. To work with people who are serious about the work. This is an on-going, eight-week course designed to stretch your skills. Actors work, stage, and shoot several film scenes during the eight-week session. Scripts from soaps, sitcoms, dramatic TV and film are used. This is an on-going on-camera scene class. Actors receive a new scene each week to be prepared but not rehearsed in order to most closely reproduce the working situation in TV and Film. Intermediate and Advanced level actors - Audition May be Required.
Your final scenes will be screened for area Agents and Casting Directors.