Inside TVI Actors Studio

Last night in Emily Gipson’s Business of Acting Class, she brought a guest: Christina Wright form Meredith Tucker Casting, currently working on Boardwalk Empire.

Emily stressed the importance of doing workshops with casting directors to start forming those relationships – Christina even told us that because she’s been so busy casting Boardwalk, coming to TVI is the first class she’s done all year!

If you’re working on your casting director relationships (like you should be), here’s a list of the great one night workshops we’ve got coming up at TVI Actor’s Studio:

4/4 Jodi Collins
4/8 Cindi Rush
4/15 Alison Shomer
4/23 Eliza Kahn, Amy Gossels Casting
5/9 Lauren Port, MelCap Casting
5/14 Kathleen Vissichelli, Adrienne Stern Casting

Call 212 302 1900 or click here to sign up!

Are you ready?

Slowly but surely, the snow is melting in NYC. Sure, we’re calling that groundhog everything but a child of God, but no matter how the weather protests otherwise, Spring is around the corner. All of the big, splashy, new shows on the Great White Way are celebrating what feels like their consecutive opening nights, and sooner than later, we’ll be toasting this year’s Tony Award nominees and winners. Then, it will happen.

Once all the reviews are in, the statues and gift bags are given out, the box office receipts are tallied and the next Season officially starts, contracts will end and those actors lucky enough to have opened a show will be on to greener pastures. On the other end, the productions that were fortunate enough to not become a casualty of the season and recoup their earnings will spawn into National Touring companies. The question begs: Are you ready for that replacement call?

The phrase “Your Best 16 Bars” is enough to strike fear into the hearts of every gypsy from here to Las Vegas. Yes, 16 Bar Anxiety Disorder is real. From an actor’s stand point it’s hard to tell a solid story and show off your range in 16 puny bars (and that old trick of trying to use a song with really long measures isn’t fooling anybody either). Ultimately, it comes down to making some very clear and concise decisions at the outset, and asking yourself some tough questions:

1. Is this the best key for me?

Sometimes just a half a step up or down and can make a world of difference in how the song lands for the people behind the table.

2. Does this cut have a beginning, middle, and end?

So the first instinct is “I only have 16 bars so…I just need to go in and belt my face off.” While I’m sure your whistle register is the best thing since 1993 Mariah Carey, that’s the wrong approach. You still have to deliver subtext, beats, and intention, even more so when you’re doing 16 bars of a rock/pop song where the story is a little more open to interpretation.

3. Are you stuttering?

Speaking of rock/pop, most of those songs are written around a “hook”, the one part of the song (usually in the chorus) that makes it completely memorable. Oftentimes the hook is repeated as a songwriting device. Great for radio, not so much for your 16 bar audition. If you find yourself repeating a phrase like “BABY. BABY. BABY! BABEEHHHHHH!” It may be the wrong cut. You’re wasting valuable time and bars!

4. Is the character right for you?

We all want to be different and sing those songs for roles that we would never be cast in, because frankly, they’re a whole heck of a lot more fun. The truth of the matter is, while it may be fun for you to perform, the casting director is going to be wondering if you have any actual scope of who you are and how the world sees you. Make sure that your song is age and type appropriate, as well as show appropriate. You would never go into an audition for “Crazy For You” singing Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” (would you?). Do your homework, and give them specifically what they ask for. Nail that first 16 bars and you’ll have more than enough time to sing through the rest of your book.

Casting Directors can tell with in the first four bars (two if they’re really listening) whether or not you’re right for a role, or if you even really know who you are. Why take the risk of giving the wrong impression? While these were just a few tips to get you ready for replacement season, if you really want the hands on, gold plated experience, you should join us here at TVI New York for our master class “Your Best 16 Bars” with Tony Award Winner  Randy Graff (Les Miserables, City of Angels) and Celebrated musical director Michael Larson. Randy and Michael will go through your book, adjust your keys, work your acting beats and spin your 16 Bars into a production contract! Call us at 212.302.1900 for more details.

There are just a few spots left in the extremely popular Hosting class at TVI New York. If you’ve ever considered a career in television hosting then this is the course for you.

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We are so excited to have Kimberly Graham of Judy Henderson Casting host a one night workshop at TVI. She served as casting associate for the television shows Homeland (Golden Globe winner for Best Drama 2012) and Babylon Fields. Kimberly has been involved in casting for feature films, short films, commercials, and theatre (Broadway and Off Broadway).

The workshop takes place on April 18, 2012 at 7:00 pm, at TVI Actors Studio in NYC.

Today Ingrid French of Ingrid French Management  will hold a hands-on audition technique youth workshop at our Times Square studio. Ingrid is one of the city’s longest-tenured and most-respected managers for youth talent.

Though the last one of 2011, Ingrid is one of many youth agents holding these showcases. Check out tvi’s website for updates!