Beginning Class

WEEK ONE

INTRODUCTION: Getting to know each other / Class description / Commercial reel
SLATING: How to make an impression just by saying your name / Different attitudes
TYPES: Where you fit in / How to sell yourself
MONEY: Session fees / Holding fees / Residuals / Facts & Myths
ON-CAMERA: Getting comfortable / Relating to and Acting for the Camera / Fundamentals

WEEK TWO

INTERVIEW/AUDITION: How it works from A to Z / Roles of Agent, Casting Director
TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Equipment needed at hand / Clothing / Tax Deductions
COPY (Script): How to break it down / How to analyze / How to hold
CHARACTERIZATION: How to form quick/instant characters
CUE CARDS: How to work with / Cold reading techniques

WEEK THREE

UNION INFORMATION: Role of SAG & AFTRA / How to get into / Costs / Health & Pension Plans
EXTRA/ATMOSPHERE WORK: Pros & Cons

WEEK FOUR

AGENTS: How to organize submissions / How to interview with / Getting the agent
CONTRACTS: Contents / Provisions / Written or verbal
INDIVIDUAL COMMERCIAL IMPROVISATION: Face-Acting 101 / Acting without dialogue

WEEK FIVE

PHOTOGRAPHS: Getting the best Headshots / Finding the right photographer / Asking the right questions / Description of the photo shoot / Costs and values / Taking care of all of your needs
PRINTING: Photo vs. Lithographs / Borders / Name / Costs
RESUMES: Form / Content / How to fill a blank page
GROUP IMPROV WORK: Improvisation &  / Acting & Reacting / Teamwork

WEEK SIX

SCAMS & RIP OFFS: How to identify / How to avoid / Misrepresentations
TRADE PAPERS: Where to find them / What to look for / Are they useful?
GUEST DIRECTOR NIGHT: Industry professional (casting associate/agent/ director/etc.) Views, directs, critiques your work / Answers questions / Purpose is to give you a different voice

Advanced Class

WEEK ONE & TWO

An On-Camera Workout, all individual commercial copy chosen specifically for each student. All work recorded directly on student provided tapes. Usually 6-7 pieces a night.

WEEK THREE

Wall to Wall Multiple Person Copy, working with others for optimum results; Re-creation of the callback with actual video of the real callback.

WEEK FOUR

Cold & Flu Acting Technique, learning how to turn it on and off for those auditions where you must simulate illness (e.g. Nyquil, Robitussin, Contac); Eating On-Camera Technique, learning from A to Z how to eat and react to product; Handling props and product.

WEEK FIVE

Discussion of "The Shoot". Learning the ins and out of how to prepare for when you're on the set.