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$219.95
What are you waiting for?
Book The Job:
How to Nail Your Next Audition
A 4-week online course with coaching from industry experts.
Live Sessions:
Wednesdays at 7:30pm ET (4:30pm PT)
February 19, 26, March 4, and 11
Set yourself up to land your next big acting role by harnessing the power of effective audition techniques. Through a blend of video lessons with casting directors, live sessions with guest speakers, and an interactive workshop with an acting coach who will give you one-on-one guidance, you’ll have the insight and practical knowledge to improve your auditioning skills.
You'll walk away with:
- The fundamentals of getting auditions
- Memorization techniques
- Effective methods for reading scripts to produce an authentic performance
- Tactical skills to help conquer nerves and appear natural and confident in auditions
- A strong grasp on how to stand out to casting directors and what they are looking for
- New connections with peers from the interactive workshop
- Valuable practice and feedback from an expert on your mock auditions
- You'll upload your recorded mock auditions and get guidance from an industry leader
This workshop includes cumulative assignments that allow you to practice what you learn.
Advance Rate
Save $80 when you sign up with our Advance Rate!
Meet The Speakers
Aaron Marcus
Actor, Model, Author, Lecturer + Mentor
Paul Barry
Acting Teacher, Author + Director
Melanie Forchetti
Head of Casting, Mike Lemon Casting
Bill Coelius
Actor + Acting Coach
Class Schedule
Week 1: Fundamentals
Wednesday, February 19
Session: How to Land an Audition
7:30-8:30pm ET // 4:30-5:30pm PT
In this session you'll learn best practices for presenting your demo reel, resume, and headshots from an industry expert. From advice on finding and landing your own auditions to tips on signing with an agent who can do it for you, interpreting casting notices and pulling together the required material, this lesson will cover how to set yourself up for success with projects fit for you and how to avoid common mistakes.
Practical Assignment:
Present/upload your acting portfolio (resume, reel, website, and headshots)
Week 2: How to Prepare for Your Audition
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Session 1: Powerful Memorization + Line-Learning Techniques
7:30-8:15pm ET // 4:30-5:15pm PT
This tactical session will give you the tools and techniques to learn your lines quickly and effectively. From apps to proven methods, you’ll learn the ins and outs of effective line learning and have a chance to try it all out in the online classroom.
Session 2: The One Thing You Need to Do in the Callback to Book The Job
8:15-9:00pm ET // 5:15-6:00pm PT
Why do callbacks exist? Why don’t they hire you right from the tape? (They sometimes do but why not always?) Working actor Bill Coelius will introduce a proven technique to use in callbacks which helps create a great relationship with the director, producers and casting in the callback room to help insure you book the job.
Practical Assignment:
Choose one of the provided scripts (or one you’d like to use for an upcoming audition) to practice line-learning techniques. Additionally, with the same script, use the techniques from both sessions to break into character. Record yourself and upload the video into the online classroom for feedback from your group and coach.
Week 3: In the Room
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Session 1: Understand Your Script
7:30-8:15pm ET // 4:30-5:15pm PT
Discover careful script and character breakdown techniques that will help you bring emotion and truth to your audition. In this session, learn the ins and outs of analyzing scripts and how to apply your findings to your performance and character.
Session 2: Master the Cold Read
8:15-9:00pm ET // 5:15-6:00pm PT
Practice makes perfect. The more you practice sight reading, the better you’ll become. In this session, we’ll give you the tools and methods to practice so that you’re prepped when a cold read pops up.
Practical Assignment:
Choose one of the provided scripts to practice cold reading. With the same script (or one you’d like to use for an upcoming audition), use script analysis techniques and record your practice. Upload the video into the online classroom for feedback from your group and coach.
Week 4: Techniques for Delivery
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Session 1: Conquering Nerves
7:30-8:15pm ET // 4:30-5:15pm PT
Ensure jitters won’t get in the way of your audition with useful nerve-conquering tips that will allow you to show up with confidence and wow casting directors. In this session, we'll cover how to push beyond your comfort zone and create a powerful performance. We’ll also go over audition etiquette, so you’ll be prepared to impress casting directors with your presence.
Session 2: Captivate with Confidence
8:15-9:00pm ET // 5:15-6:00pm ET
In this session we'll explore some surefire methods from a seasoned acting coach for using body gestures, movement around the room, and voice tricks to grab the attention of your audience. Through practice and exercise, you'll exude certainty and poise when you walk into the audition room.
Practical Assignment:
Video exercise with techniques learned in the lessons.
"Backstage? I am standing here now because of Backstage! I look back and I say, ‘Every single thing I have today is because I picked up Backstage every Thursday.’ It’s such a great thing, a tool that still exists for the actor who wants to act to go out and find like minds."
SANDRA BULLOCK
PRACTICAL ASSIGNMENTS
How do I connect with my acting coach and peer group?
You’ll stay connected to your group coach via discussion forums within the online classroom.
How much time should I plan to dedicate to my coursework?
What you get out of the course will depend on the time you choose to spend engaging with the keynotes, video lessons, practical assignments, acting coach, and peers. We recommend that you plan to spend a minimum of 3-5 hours per week in the course: 1.5 hours participating in the weekly webcasts (or watching the recording), plus several hours working in the classroom on video lessons, assignments, and participating in discussions. Many participants will choose to spend longer on weekly assignments, as these will be instrumental in developing a stand out audition!
Will you be grading the practical assignments?
Participants will receive personalized feedback on their assignments from a dedicated coach. Grades will not be assigned.
What happens if I miss a deadline? Can I turn in a late assignment?
Weekly assignments should be turned in by the scheduled deadlines to help keep you on track with making progress and to help your coach balance their workload. However, if you get into a bind and need to turn in a late assignment, you can do that and your coach will review it in the next week's review cycle.
COURSE LOGISTICS
If I miss a live webcast, can I view a recording?
Yes, all live sessions are recorded and posted within this online classroom by the end of the day they took place. And the online classroom will remain open for six months.
How can I download course materials?
All materials are organized within the Modules of this online classroom, where you can access assignments, initiate discussions with peers, interact with your coach, and join the live keynote sessions.
What equipment and technology is required to complete a course?
You’ll just need a strong internet connection and a computer or tablet to join the live keynote sessions and complete and post assignments.
What is the Backstage Course Refund Policy?
Attendees can receive a refund for the course up to 7 days before the course start date.
Course FAQs
Sign up today and secure your spot to land auditions in 2020
This course is a learning experience. It is not an audition or employment opportunity. When the online course is over, the casting director teaching the lessons will not be given access to your headshot, resume, or any of your other promotional materials.
Week 1: Fundamentals
Wed, February 19
Session: How to Land an Audition
7:30-8:30pm ET // 4:30-5:30pm PT
In this session, you’ll learn the best practices for presenting your demo reel, resume, and headshots from an industry expert. From advice on finding and landing your own auditions to tips on signing with an agent who can do it for you, interpreting casting notices and pulling together the required material, this lesson will cover how to set yourself up for success with projects fit for you and how to avoid common mistakes.
Practical Assignment:
Present/upload your acting portfolio (resume, reel, website, and headshots)
Week 2: How to Prepare for Your Audition
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Session 1: Powerful Memorization + Line-Learning Techniques
7:30-8:15pm ET // 4:30-5:15pm PT
This tactical session will give you the tools and techniques to learn your lines quickly and effectively. From apps to proven methods, you’ll learn the ins and outs of effective line learning and have a chance to try it all out in the online classroom.
Session 2: Compelling Characters
8:15-9:00pm ET // 5:15-6:00pm PT
Learn the art of building a believable character for your audition. In this session, hear from an acting coach on different ways to break into character by creating their history, motivations, and how they present themselves.You’ll learn how to apply what you develop to your audition and stun casting directors.
Practical Assignment:
Choose one of the provided scripts (or one you’d like to use for an upcoming audition) to practice line-learning techniques. Additionally, with the same script, use the techniques from both sessions to break into character. Record yourself and upload the video into the online classroom for feedback from your group and coach.
Week 3: In the Room
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Session 1: Understand Your Script
7:30-8:15pm ET // 4:30-5:15pm PT
Discover careful script and character breakdown techniques that will help you bring emotion and truth to your audition. In this session, learn the ins and outs of analyzing scripts and how to apply your findings to your performance and character.
Session 2: Master the Cold Read
8:15-9:00pm ET // 5:15-6:00pm PT
Practice makes perfect. The more you practice sight reading, the better you’ll become. In this session, we’ll give you the tools and methods to practice so that you’re prepped when a cold read pops up.
Practical Assignment:
Choose one of the provided scripts to practice cold reading. With the same script (or one you’d like to use for an upcoming audition), use script analysis techniques and record your practice. Upload the video into the online classroom for feedback from your group and coach.
Week 4: Techniques for Delivery
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Session 1: Conquering Nerves
7:30-8:15pm ET // 4:30-5:15pm PT
Ensure jitters won’t get in the way of your audition with useful nerve-conquering tips that will allow you to show up with confidence and wow casting directors. In this session we'll cover how to push beyond your comfort zone and create a powerful performance. We’ll also go over audition etiquette, so you’ll be prepared to impress casting directors with your presence.
Session 2: Captivate with Confidence
8:15-9:00pm ET // 5:15-6:00pm ET
In this session we'll explore some surefire methods from a seasoned acting coach for using body gestures, movement around the room, and voice tricks to grab the attention of your audience. Through practice and exercise, you'll exude certainty and poise when you walk into the audition room.
Practical Assignment:
Video exercise with techniques learned in the lessons.
Pre-Live Session
Live Session
Workshop
Days 1-2
Day 3
Days 4-7
On-Demand
2 Hours
1-2 Hours
-Resources, discussions, bonus content
-Guest speakers via webcast
-Q&A via chat
-Recordings available on demand
-Project-based homework, applied to your job
-Personalized feedback from a facilitator
-Group discussion in a workshop setting
One Week
With assignments and coaching in-between live sessions; all live sessions are recorded for viewing on-demand.
Carla Renata
Actor + Branding Expert
NEW ONLINE COURSE
Ajarae Coleman
Acting and Marketing Expert