A Masterclass — with Annie Chadwick
These ShowBiz workshops were originally produced as an ongoing motivational, monthly series at the Drama Book Shop. They can be presented individually or tailored and combined to fit into the focus of any theatrical performance training program or conservatory.1. Seeking Representation 101
Creating a successful performance career is still a somewhat illusive path. Most aspiring artists begin with the assumption that if they can quickly sign with a good agent or personal manager then their career will instantly take-off. Representation is an important component to any performance career but in many instances it is not necessarily the most advisable first step. This career building workshop will give you five steps to take before approaching an agent or manager; the most effective ways to begin your campaign for representation; and how to successfully work with your agent/manager once you have one.
2. Connecting with the Industry
Whether you are a seasoned professional, a wide-eyed beginner or lost in the actor maze this motivational career workshop will give you: innovative self-promotional techniques to advance your own unique talent; out-of-the-box, no nonsense business strategies and the most current industry trends. Have you just finished an acting training program & are ready to begin seeking work? Have you recently moved to NYC and need a plan to introduce your talent to the Big Apple? Are you returning to acting or just starting after working in the business world? Has your career stalled and you need fresh innovative tools to move to the next level? Annie helps you develop the following qualities to consistently create success: daily targeted work, professional guidance & training, a clear plan for smart use of your time and money and finally a committed belief in your own unique creative potential and place in Show Business. With these disciplines, you can successfully move your career forward in this very competitive NYC market.
3. Setting Goals for Success
Annie Chadwick will give you the tools to set attainable and successful goals to move your career to the next level in the busy NYC Fall Season. Are your Fall Season career goals specific and achievable? Have you just finished an acting training program & are ready to begin seeking work? Have you recently moved to NYC and need a plan to introduce your talent to the Big Apple? Are you returning to acting or just starting after working in the business world? Has your career stalled and you need fresh innovative tools to move to the next level?
4. Website and Social Media Workshop
In this hour and a half workshop will give you tips on how you can create an effective web presence with the marketing materials you already have at whatever stage you are with your career. Social media networking sites offer the aspiring artist a marvelous free marketing tool to publicize and build career momentum. A performance career is driven by social recognition and demands time to promote. There is no need to wait until you "have enough footage" to create your reel or have effective social media platforms. Workshop Topics Will Include: Domains and Hosting; Effective website design; Using email efficiently; Social Media 101- Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn; DIY PR - submission schedule, effective press release formats & resources; Creating your own reels; Search Engines - Where to begin.
5. Booking Regional and Summer Stock Work
If your passion is working on stage, this workshop will give you a clear path to booking your own Regional and Summer Stock work in 2018. Waiting for an agent to get you an audition, waiting until you’re union, or even waiting all day at AEA is not the best use of your time. Open yourself to booking theatre work in 2018! In this workshop, your will: Learn effective ways to self-submit for your own appointments; Create your top 10 list of roles and how to start your campaign to book them; Know which research sources are best for 2018 seasons; Discover which are the most popular plays and musicals being produced.
6. Effective Pictures and Resumes
Learn from our ShowBiz panel of industry experts the most current NYC headshot and resume trends. Find out what type shots get their attention along with reproduction and postcard suggestions. Learn how to define your unique talent through you resume. Sample resume formats with be given along with clear ideas of what resume information helps and what can hurt. Bring your current picture and resume for evaluation. Workshop will conclude with a question answer session with the guest panel.
7. Self Promotion - Where to Begin & How to Keep Going
Now that you have a great headshot and resume, the next step is clear marketing tools to promote your talent to the NYC Show Business industry. Learn from our ShowBiz panel of industry experts the most current trends in effective industry mailings and promotion. Get specific letter writing skills and tips to make your cover letters, postcards, followups and submissions more targeted. Are emails, faxing, website promotion the way of the future? Each workshop will conclude with a question & answer session with the guest panel
8. Working in NYC Film & TV
Film & TV opportunities are greater than ever in NYC. Hear from our industry panel their take on how to develop a film/TV career and where they go to find talent. Can a talented actor get Film/TV auditions without representation? Yes! Get valuable tips on where and how to begin from out ShowBiz panel. Workshop will conclude with a question & answer session with the guest panel.
9. Effective Audition Skills and Monologues
To quote Joanna Merlin, "Stop self-sabotage: Change the Odds!" Auditioning is a life long process for a performing artists which by many is continually filled with apprehension, fear and insecurity. Hear from our panel of experts how it is possible to take control of your auditions and affect the casting choice. Learn the differences in preparing and performing audition material for theatre and film/TV auditions and how to choose an effective monologue. The workshop will conclude with a question answer session with the guest panel and a book signing with Joanna Merlin.
10. Working in Regional and NYC Theatre
If theatre is your passion, learn from our ShowBiz panel how to build a successful career both regionally and in NYC. Learn from our panel the most effective ways to get agents and casting directors see your work. Get specific tips on how to find out 6 months in advance before casting notices go out what's being produced, the best ways to get auditions, target and identify the roles you are most right for, and how to see the latest NYC Off Broadway theatre for free.
11. Meet the "Acting Coach" Pros
Working one-on one with an acting coach is a definite plus to perfecting your monologues as well as preparing for competitive auditions. We have invited 5 of the top NYC acting coaches for you to meet and hear their personal techniques for helping you find your unique take on audition materials.
12. The Commercial Actor: Working On-Camera and in Print
Working in commercials can be a great way to increase you visibility and income as a legit performer. Hear from our ShowBiz panel the most effective ways to build a commercial career, get representation, best headshot and comp card looks, learn how to promote your career and projects through graphic design, as well as the best on-camera training, and audition skill tips.
13. Acting Off Stage & Off Camera
The same skills that make you a good actor can be marketed into prosperous secondary jobs that help round out your yearly income as an artists. Hear from our ShowBiz Panel how your acting skills can coach CEOs in public speaking, provide entertainment as a mentalist at corporate and private parties and as a teaching artist in the public schools
14. The Producer In You
Whether you want to produce your own solo act, theatre piece or develop your new screenplay, our ShowBiz panel will outline the best and most efficient ways to promote your own projects. Topics to be covered include: taking your show on the road; pitching your scripts/projects to producers; dealing with the unions; effective fliers, postcards & invitations; press kits; getting reviewed and attracting industry attention.
15. Tax Time
Don't wait for April to get your tax records together. Get the tax basics for artists from our ShowBiz panel - theatrical CPA, Richard Morse, author Annie Chadwick, Showbiz Bookkeeper, and Conard Fowkes from VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) at AEA. Get an overview of how to represent your performance career as a business. Learn valuable record keeping information to organize your career and job pursuing expenses so that you get all the deductions you are entitled to.
16. Meet the "Dialect & Vocal Coaches/Teachers" Pros
Have your creative support group ready before you get the audition. Whether it's a musical theatre audition or a script that requires a particular dialect knowing the right vocal coach can be just what you need to land the job. Come meet 6 of the top NYC vocal coaches, teachers and dialect coaches.