THEATRE 434 Audition Techniques
Fall 2015
Tuesday/Thursday 11:00 to 12:20
Office Hours –Wed by appointment T/TH 1:30-2:30
Email- pcirino@mail.sdsu.edu phone 619-729-5549 Office DA207
Course Objectives
The Audition Techniques will prepare students for job
interviews/auditions in the professional world. Students will discuss
advanced business concepts, the related fields as is concerned with living
as professionals, as well as the continuation of applying acting techniques
to the audition process. Students will refine their interview skills and
their understanding of how to develop a business model. Students will
create a five-year business plan. The plan will also allow for
enhancement and revision as students develop through their professional
careers. Develop a showcase for faculty, peers and industry professionals
a set of skills will be developed to guide their careers. A reel will be
developed throughout the semester.
Actors must approach acting as both an art and a business. The audition is
their job interview. A degree for an actor should include practical
auditioning skills with the business realities of the industry. We want our
students to be equipped to face the professional world and potentially
teach others to enter the acting profession as well.
The course combines inner reflection as to the mission of each student,
practical experience auditioning, and evaluation of the work performed
in class and the construction of a five year business plan. This course also
provides the opportunity for students to apply the tools they’ve received
in all of their classes toward becoming more competitive in the
professional world. In that respect we will cover specific issues and
responsibilities:
"...as an actor I am the owner, manager, salesman and product..."
"my agent makes 10%, my manager makes 15%. That leaves 75% for me.
What does that mean?" It means you're supposed to be doing at least 75%
of the work!!!
The Hollywood Hustle
How to find an agent and/or manager?
Networking with other actors and industry pros
Building a reel
Cold reading techniques
On camera auditions including critiques
Public relations; “the how” of getting your name and face out there.
Student films/non-union/SAG
How do I get into SAG? Is it worth it?
SAG health benefits. How do you earn them?
Residuals - Day player/ Co Star/ Guest Star/ Series regular/ Cast member
Acting workshops - are they a scam?
Is there a difference on how to approach an audition for
commercials/TV/ Film?
Taxes. Should I incorporate?
Local Hires?
Online profiles
Headshots
Doing theater in LA. Should I or shouldn't I?
Facing rejection.
The politics of casting. "I know I nailed the audition. Why didn't I book?"
Producing your own stuff to build your reel, your network, and to stay
creative.”
Insights from Josh Feinman LA Producer, Director and Actor.
Investigate multiple possibilities to maintain yourself as an actor in
related fields and professions (Voice Over, Teaching Artist, Production
Assistant, Legal, Medical and military reenactment/situational actors,
editing, promo work, trainer or personal assistant).
Assignments
Market research /resume/headshot
Five year plan
Reel/final presentation
Critiques.
20%
25%
40%
15%
Class Schedule
Week1. Aug. 25
Introduction to course and overview of work. Assign market research.
Assignment begin the search for audition pieces.
August 27
Watch Generals in Experimental Theatre
Week2. Sept. 1 and 3
The work required to transition from student actor to professional.
Read http://showbusinessweekly.com/
article-1481-auditioning-mistakes-to-avoid.html
Watch http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/video/.
full-uncensored-comedy-actor-emmy-567756
Week3. Sept. 8 and 10
Making a five-year Plan and defining a clear professional and aesthetic
path for the future.
Read http://www.backstage.com/
Watch http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/video/fulluncensored-drama-actor-emmy-566527
Week4. Sept. 15-17
Logistics of being your own business. Table read and physical work
(recognizing the camera eye as the focal point of creation).
September 17 Work on Audition pieces
Week5. Sept. 22-24
Assignment on initial market research due.
Work on Audition pieces
Read
http://www.ace-your-audition.com/acting-techniques.html
Watch http://www.hollywoodactorprep.com/
blog/actors-auditions/
Week6. Sept. 29- Oct. 1
Continuation of Logistic of being your own business and the creation of a
reel. Continue physical work. Begin work on interview process.
Read
http://www.jackplotnick.com/resources/31Preparing+For+An
+Audition.htm
Watch
http://filmcourage.com/content/actors-tool-kit
Week7. Oct. 6 and 8
Work on five-year plan. Do rough runs of work to be filmed.
Read http://www.theguardian.com/culture/
2013/apr/15/the-secret-actor-auditions
Watch
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCBDC26C7CCA1070
Week8. Oct. 13 and15
Presentations of initial five year plans with notes.
Read
https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/13-tips-on-surviving-in-theacting-industry/
Watch(any of the Your Actor MBA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcA-noNIsbk
Week9. Oct. 20 and 22
Continue work on reel and final presentation.
Work on interview process.
Week10. Oct 27 and 29
Filming of reel. Looking at resumes and head shots.
Week11. Nov. 3 and 5
Filming of reel. Work on five-year plan and rehearse final presentation.
Week12. Nov. 10 and 12
Filming of reel and rehearsal of final presentation.
Week13. Nov.17 and 19
Discussion of ethics and rehearsal of final presentation. Presentations of
final-five year plans.
Week14. Nov. 24
Work on reel on site no class meeting
Week 15 Dec 1 and 3
Work on five-year plan and rehearse final presentation. Final
presentation of audition pieces. Turn in final five-year plan.
Week 16 Dec 8 and 10
Finish final presentations and work on filming projects for Front Seat
Chronicles in LA.
Final
Tuesday December 15 10:30 to 12:30
You must purchase the Fall season theatre and film pass, plus one off
campus production and write a brief critique on the acting.
1. Sylvia -Experimental Theatre, September 25-October 4
2. Into the Woods- Experimental Theatre, October 30-November 8
3. Dr. Faustus Lights the Lights -SDSU Don Powell Theatre, December
2-December 6
4. Film Festival and Filmmakers’ Showcase
Here are a few sources for sides:
Daily Script
Simply Scripts
IMSDB
Why Insanity (Movie monologues)
Actors Pages (Audition sides)
Awesome Film
Script-o-Rama
Screenplays Online
West Wing Transcripts
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity is one of The fundamental principles of a university
community. San Diego State University expects the highest standards of
academic honesty from all students. Violations of academic integrity
include the following: (1) unauthorized assistance on an examination, (2)
falsification or invention of data, (3) unauthorized collaboration on an
academic exercise, (4) plagiarism, (5) misappropriation of research
materials, (6) unauthorized access of an instructor’s files or computer
account, and (7) any other serious violation of academic integrity as
established by the instructor. If your academic integrity is not maintained
on a test or assignment, you will automatically receive a grade of zero for
That test or assignment and you will be reported to the Dean’s Office, in
accordance with SDSU academic integrity policy. Penalties can be severe.
More specific information is available in The SDSU Bulletin, both in print
and on-line.
STUDENT WITH DISABILITIES
Students who need accommodation of Their disabilities should contact
me privately to discuss specific accommodations for which They have
received authorization. If you have a disability, but have not contacted
Student Disability Services at 619 594-6431 (Calpulli Center, Suite 3101),
please do so before making an appointment to see me. The web site for
Student Disability Services is: http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/sds/index.html
I reserve the right to adjust the schedule and/or syllabus during the
semester
special guest from LA Anthony Meindl(Anthony Paul Meindl is an American screenwriter,
stage actor and film actor, and is the founder and artistic director at the MetaTheatre Company and Anthony
Meindl's Actor Workshop in Los Angeles, California).
Special guest Josh Feinman from LA (Joshua "Josh" Feinman is an American producer,
and television actor with appearances in Men of Honor, Transformers, and Mr. Woodcock).
film