Are you considering signing up for an industry workshop or seminar at one of the many studios here in LA? You know those “classes” you always see advertised where you pay money to meet and audition for an agent or casting director. When the term “workshop” or “seminar” come up, actors have a variety of responses ranging from enthusiastic to bitter.

Well, like it or not, these type of classes have become an industry norm. Some may even say, a necessary evil. And instead of grumbling about how much money they cost, we are here to help you navigate your way through them so you come out the other end feeling proud of your work and like you’re hard earned bucks have been well spent!

1. Get some perspective. Remember that back in the day, the only way to meet industry people was to pound the pavement and knock on doors. Okay, so waiting around for 3 hours to have 3 minutes alone with a casting director is not ideal way to spend your time. But imagine how hard it would be to meet them if these opportunities didn’t exist. Driving all the way across town hoping the office security will let you up to drop off a headshot & resume would be a far worse waste of time. At least in this day and age, you are guaranteed a meeting.

Our attitude is the first thing they’ll notice when we walk into the audition room. So check yours before making a negative first impression. If you are currently falling into that bitter category, maybe hold off on the industry seminars all together and get in a class that re-inspires you first! Monkey Butler offers free improv classes around the city! There are free salsa classes almost every night of the week in the City of Angels too! Shake off that negativity BEFORE signing up for a meet and greet.

2. Bring something to do that excites you while you wait. Sometimes the hardest part of these seminars is keeping your energy up while you wait in line. Do yourself a favor and bring something other than your sides to work on while you wait. A great book, stationary for correspondence, your iPad. Whatever will keep your spirits up and brain active.

And don’t forget to stretch, jump, shake before you go into the audition room. Bringing your best energy in with you is key to making a great first impression. One studio I go to gives written feedback and the very first thing the industry guest grades you on is your energy! (Insider scoop: Quality of headshot is the second item they grade on their evaluation checklist!)

3. Choose your audition sides with care. What does this even mean? Well, if you have the choice on what sides you perform and they’re not assigned to you, put time into what you choose.

First, pick ones that excite you! This your time to play. If nothing ever comes out of that meeting, at least you’ll leave having had fun playing a role you’ve been wanting to play. Second, choose sides that are close to the type you usually get cast as. We want to make the agent’s job easy by showing them how marketable and cast-able we are right now. So this isn’t the time to stretch your artistic wings by playing Macbeth. Third, if auditioning for a casting director – Choose sides that are similar to the types of projects they cast. Meaning, comedic sides for comedy CDs, etc.

Now some of you are asking, what if I can’t choose my own sides? Well I only sign up for seminars where I get to choose my own. Some actors feel more comfortable with assigned scenes, but for me, I don’t like the thought of paying $40 to audition for a small bit part. It doesn’t excite me. So I steer clear of those seminars. It’s your call on how you want to play that. The good thing about assigned sides is that you know the scene will be in line with what the CD wants to see and is currently casting. Less work for everyone, but possibly less fun too.

Bonus Tip: Need help figuring out which studio to choose to sign up for these seminars? Our favorite is TVI, and we also really respect Actors Key West and The Network. They tend to have the highest caliber of guests at the most competitive rates. Plus the staff are knowledgeable and accommodating.

Stay tuned for “How To Navigate The World Of Industry Seminars; Part Two” later this week! More tips to come on how to pick who to meet, and insight into how to make a great first impression when doing so!

Break legs!
Megan Manzi