8-Week Class Syllabus
Week 1: The Basics
This class deals with
general theories of commercial auditioning and an overview of the
advertising industry. Students will also start work on actual
commercial copy, learning how to interpret a text so as to maximize
performance in a short period of time.
Week 2: The Basics Continued
This class continues the
foundations begun in week one, while introducing the camera and cue
cards. Students will see themselves on video for the first time and
learn, among other things, how energy and enthusiasm can make or break
an audition.
Week 3: Be the Client
In this class, students
will watch actual commercial auditions in order to see the casting
process from the client’s point of view. The class will see how
different actors bring their own unique perspective to the same piece of
copy, and will be asked to “book” someone, not always the easiest thing
to do.
Week 4: Meet a Professional
A working NY commercial
actor will come in and give his/her perspective on the audition process
and working in the business. He/she will work with the students on copy
and discuss when and how improvisational techniques can help one’s work
stand out from everyone else’s.
Week 5: Audition
This class comes closest
to offering both private instruction and the feel of an actual audition,
as all students will work on commercial copy individually, without
other class members present. The emphasis is on developing continued
comfort with the on-camera process, as well as applying the first four
week’s techniques to the performance choices made.
Week 6: Non-verbal Auditions
Students will learn the
basic techniques of non-verbal auditions, particularly how to use one’s
physicality alone to tell a coherent story.
Week 7: Double Duty
This class is devoted to
the (sometimes) tricky reality of auditioning with other actors, both in
non-verbal and scripted situations. The basics of improvisation will
be touched upon.
Week 8: Meet an Agent
An agent from one of the
top commercial offices in New York will be brought in for a Q&A,
followed by an opportunity for each student to perform copy. (Note: This class is not videotaped.)
