Instructor: Geoff Soffer, NYC Casting Director

One Day Workshop: (Pick ONE Time Slot)

Saturday, October 23, 2010: 10:00am-2:00pm OR 3:00pm-7:00pm
OR
Sunday, October 24, 2010: 10:00am-2:00pm OR 3:00pm-7:00pm

Maximum enrollment per session: 12 actors

Price: $149

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Proper acting training required. Class size is strictly limited to 12 actors to allow for ample work time.  Please come prepared with assigned material.

This 4-hr intensive is geared toward actors looking to learn more about the television industry, obtain feedback and coaching on their acting, and learn proper audition etiquette and technique.  Actors will perform their individually-assigned television scripts in front of the instructor and be directed to give the best possible performance.  The workshop will also include a lecture on the “business of the business,” including how to get seen, and how to market your career. Actors registering for the seminar should already have a general understanding of the industry, some solid training in acting, and be serious about their career. Geoff offers straightforward and honest advice and feedback, while still maintaining a supportive, hostile-free, work environment.

Geoff Soffer recently completed casting the final two seasons of the hit ABC television series “Ugly Betty” and he is currently producing the feature film “He’s More Famous Than You”, directed by Michael Urie. From 2003-2008, he was a casting exec at ABC/ABC Studios, and credits include work on the original pilots of “Army Wives”, “Miss/Guided” produced by Ashton Kutcher, “Ugly Betty”, “Dirty Sexy Money”, and the Sam Raimi produced series, “Legend of the Seeker”. He was the New York Casting Coordinator for the pilot of “Grey’s Anatomy”. In 2009, his relationship continued with Ashton Kutcher’s Katalyst Films by casting the scripted drama “The Beautiful Life” starring Mischa Barton and Elle Macpherson for CBS Studios and The CW Network. His work in the New York theater includes two seasons as Casting Associate at Roundabout Theater Company and Broadway productions of Cabaret directed by Sam Mendes, The Rainmaker starring Woody Harrelson, True West starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly, and Wise Guys directed by Sam Mendes at New York Theater Workshop.

Geoff can be seen on the American documentary series, “A&E Biography,” where he discusses the career of Vanessa Williams.

As an educator, Geoff created and has taught the television audition class at Brown University’s MFA Acting program since 2005. He has also lectured or taught in acting programs throughout the country including Rutgers University, University of Cincinnati, Carnegie Mellon, American University, Temple University, and NYU School of Education. Since 2000, he has been a musical theater audition instructor in the University of California-Irvine New York semester for BFA Theater majors. In 2009, he taught with actor John Lithgow and playwright Mark Medoff at the Society of Arts & Letters National Drama Competition in Washington DC.  In the fall he joins the faculty of Pace University as an Adjunct Professor in undergraduate drama.

Geoff trained in musical theater at the University of Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music, and has been working in the entertainment industry since age 11 when he appeared in original Broadway touring company of Les Miserables.

He is a member of The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and Casting Society of America.

Please visit http://www.geoffreysoffer.com for further information.

Industry Quotes:

“It’s rare to find someone that actually knows what they’re talking about when it comes to auditioning. Geoff Soffer is incredibly smart and insightful about the art of ‘getting the job’ and is one of the very, very few people that I trust to impart essential knowledge to acting students.”
-Marci Phillips
Executive Director, Casting
ABC

“In this curious business, one of the real delights is to encounter true professionals who are genuine ‘discoveries’. Geoff is one of those people. Anyone could be grateful to be exposed to his insights and his humanity.”
-Judith Light
Emmy®Award winning actress
“Who’s the Boss”, “Ugly Betty”, “Law & Order: SVU”

“With his extensive knowledge of television casting and production, Geoff Soffer offers his students precise observations and sharp insights. He encourages personal acting choices, while also demanding a sense of absolute truth for the camera. His classes are well tailored to the participants, all of whom learn from the work Geoff does with their colleagues, as well as from their own on-camera opportunities. Experienced, informed, and current in his connection to the business, Geoff Soffer has given our students invaluable training.”
-Stephen Berenson
Chair, MFA Acting and Directing Programs
Brown University / Trinity Rep Consortium

“Geoff has an exceptional eye for spotting talent, intuitively recognizing potential and developing it.  He is a true ally of producers and actors alike.”
-Silvio Horta
Executive Producer/Creator
“Ugly Betty”

“Geoff Soffer has helped my clients demystify the audition process. With
helpful techniques and quality feedback, they have a newfound confidence when approaching TV and Film auditions.”
-Jed Abrahams
Agent
The Talent House

“Geoff Soffer possesses passion, care and experience as a casting director, and as a result, his teaching is clear-eyed, smart, and features a definitive viewpoint. He is practical and specific, and students respond strongly to his work.”
-Richard E. Hess
Chair, Department of Drama
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

“Geoffrey Soffer knows actors. He speaks our language and will get to the point without frills. You will get honest, constructive, expert feedback on your work, not to mention invaluable guidance on how to best navigate this business.”
-Xanthe Elbrick
2007 Tony Award® nominated actress
Coram Boy

Six Week Session Begins:  Thursdays, September 9 - October 14, 2010
(6:00pm-9:00pm)

Price:  $299

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Sure, it’s important to be yourself, but isn’t it fun to create new characters and become someone else?  This six-week class with comedic performer Bob Gautreau will teach you how to develop characters by introducing you to comedic improvisation techniques. Through improv exercises focusing on sound and movement, you will learn how to perform a variety of accents, voices, and impersonations. You will also have the opportunity to experiment with wigs and costumes to help you define the characters you create. The class will culminate in a final performance for friends and family. In the end you will:

•    Learn how to think faster and more creatively
•    Gain confidence and become a better public speaker
•    Tap into your comedic voice
•    Perform better in auditions and on your feet
•    Create a fully developed character and hone your on-stage persona

BOB GAUTREAU is a versatile entertainer and has taught stand up, sketch, improv and musical comedy to enthusiastic students of all ages around the world. He is a leading choice of comedy clubs, cruise ships, colleges and corporate events everywhere, and has appeared on HBO and “An Evening at the Improv.” His specialty is his R-rated, naughty-but-nice nightclub act. As a comic and impressionist, his dynamic repertoire of over 300 celebrity voices salutes and spoofs everyone from Robert DeNiro to Martha Stewart. Critics have called him “A Veritable Cyclone of Pop Culture”, “Absolutely Hysterical,” and “A Man of Many Cunning Caricatures”.

Instructor/Director: M. Lynda Robinson

Six-Week Session: Sundays, September 26-November 7 (No Class Oct. 10)
(10:00am-2:00pm)

Price: $329

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Prerequisite: On-Camera Acting Training and Experience

Perfect your craft and star in your own film at the same time!  In this six-week intensive program, actors will receive real world experience working as actors on a set. We will cast, shoot, and edit a short film featuring each of the actors in the class. It’s the closest thing as possible to getting a real job and it’s a terrific resume builder. Emphasizing teamwork and the collaborative creative process, this class will use a script from a local Boston screenwriter and will allow students to work with a real director and a real director of photography, who will help actors not only achieve excellent performances, but also a great finished DVD product. Students will get on-set knowledge, practice taking direction, and experience working under a tight deadline. Each participant will receive a copy of the finished film, which will later be premiered for students, friends, and family after the session.

Scenes will be written specifically for the actors in this class.

M. Lynda Robinson has been working in theatre, film, and TV for the past 30 years as an actor, director, producer, teacher, and playwright, and was the recipient of the Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Boston Actress in 1993. She attended the Masters Program in Playwriting at Boston University and is a published playwright.  She is the recipient of many Playwriting Awards, and her work had been performed in both festivals and full theatrical productions, including several at the Boston Playwrights’ Theatre. Lynda is also a 2010 Arts Learning Distinguished Arts Educator Advocate Award in the field of Theatre recipient.

Instructor: Chris Ciulla

One-Day Workshop: Saturday, August 7, 2010 (10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m).

Price: $195

This Business of Acting Workshop, hosted by Chris Ciulla of ACTORS2LA, has been designed so that you, the Boston actor, can make all the right choices to create and maintain progress in your acting career, while avoiding all the preventable mistakes and traps other working actors continue to experience.

In this all-day workshop, you will learn what specific tools you need in your “professional actor toolbox”, and where to acquire them.  You will know how to define appropriate acting career goals, and how to achieve them.   And you will know where to find the auditions, both in Boston and in the LA market, and how to book them.  The national entertainment landscape has changed dramatically over the past ten years, and continues to alter itself on a yearly basis.  Chris and ACTORS2LA will help you effectively navigate those recent changes and keep your career strategy current.  Chris will teach you how to seek and find all the beneficial acting opportunities, and how to utilize each and every one of them to their fullest extent.
This is a great workshop for actors of any level: for beginners who want to efficiently use their time and money, for experienced Boston actors hoping to stay current on marketing and industry trends, and for those with the right mix of talent and ambition who are destined for Hollywood. For all workshop topics and additional information, visit www.actors2la.com.
CHRIS CIULLA is a credited actor, voice actor, boxing commentator, live host and radio personality currently living in Los Angeles.  A native of Everett, Chris has been pursuing acting for almost 15 years, and has been a resident of Los Angeles for the last 9.  Chris has dedicated his life to becoming a working entertainer, and hopes you trust his expertise in helping you do the same.

Instructor: Lyralen Kaye

Next Week Long Session: Monday, July 26 - Friday, July 30, 2010
(1:00pm-5:00pm)

Early Registration Price: $299

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Study with an acting coach whose students have been cast in such films as 27 Dresses, Gone Baby Gone, and Dan in Real Life! Take Teens Meisner Technique with Lyralen Kaye.

The Meisner Technique differs from other acting techniques specifically in the way it trains actors to listen and respond to each other, so that relationships on screen (or stage) feel real to both actors and audience.  Rather than simply addressing the script and the lines, Meisner teaches actors to use their essential selves, to create with each other, and to bring stories to full, three-dimensional life.  For this reason, the Meisner technique is the preferred training for many film directors; Meisner actors are truthful.  The camera picks up every nuance, every pretense, every moment an actor begins to think instead of live naturally, so this training gives actors an edge for on-camera work.  In the week long intensive, teen actors will learn all the steps of the famous repetition exercise, will learn to apply high stakes work to activities and scripts, and will take this work to on-camera scenes from actual movies.

Lyralen Kaye, who has been teaching since 1986, trained with Fred Kareman, one of Meisner’s original students, at Carnegie Hall while receiving her MFA in Theatre from Sarah Lawrence College.  For the last seven years, she has been teaching a full curriculum of the Meisner technique in Boston, developing ensembles based on the Meisner aesthetic, producing SLAMBoston at Another Country Productions and coaching in television and film while pursuing her own career as an actor and writer.  Her students have been cast in Dan in Real Life, Gone Baby Gone, Chatham, 27 Dresses, the Brotherhood, Blackjack 21,The Invention of Lying, as well as independent films, commercials and shows at the Lyric Stage, Stoneham Theatre, New Rep, Zeitgeist, and Boston Theatre Works

(Ages 12-17)

Instructor: Lyralen Kaye

Next One Day Workshop: Wednesday, July 21 (6:00pm-9:00pm)

Price: $79

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! 

Study with an acting coach whose students have been cast in such films as 27 Dresses, Gone Baby Gone, and Dan in Real Life! Take Teens Meisner Technique with Lyralen Kaye.

This one day workshop introduces teen actors to the repetition exercise, so the initial skills of the Meisner technique—concentration on the other actor, learning to respond naturally and improvisationally—can be understood and experienced.  The workshop then turns to cold readings of film scenes, where actors will have an immediate application of the technique to script work.  A great way to see if the Meisner technique is for you, the workshop offers inspiration for bringing life and spontaneity to acting and auditions.

Lyralen Kaye, who has been teaching since 1986, trained with Fred Kareman, one of Meisner’s original students, at Carnegie Hall while receiving her MFA in Theatre from Sarah Lawrence College.  For the last seven years, she has been teaching a full curriculum of the Meisner technique in Boston, developing ensembles based on the Meisner aesthetic, producing SLAMBoston at Another Country Productions and coaching in television and film while pursuing her own career as an actor and writer.  Her students have been cast in Dan in Real Life, Gone Baby Gone, Chatham, 27 Dresses, the Brotherhood, Blackjack 21,The Invention of Lying, as well as independent films, commercials and shows at the Lyric Stage, Stoneham Theatre, New Rep, Zeitgeist, and Boston Theatre Works.

(Ages 12-17)

Instructor/Director: Kate Kelly

Next Week Long Session: Monday, August 23- Friday, August 27, 2010
(10:00am-3:00pm)

Early Registration Price: $329

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Prerequisite: Previous on-camera acting training or experience

Ever wanted to be in a film or find out what goes on behind the camera? Then this is the summer session for you! In this week-long intensive program, students will receive real world experiences working as actors on a set. It’s the closest thing as possible to getting a real job and it’s a terrific resume builder. Emphasizing teamwork and the collaborative creative process, this class will use a script from a local Boston screenwriter and will allow students to work with a real director and a real camera-person, who will help actors not only achieve excellent performances, but also a great finished product. Students will get on-set knowledge, practice taking direction, and experience working under a deadline. Each participant will receive a copy of the finished film, which will later be premiered for students, friends, and family after the session. What better way to spend your summer than by starring in your own film!?

Kate Kelly is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, the Actor’s Equity Association, and has been a professional actor and teacher for over ten years. She holds an M.A. in Theater Education from Emerson College and recently accepted a position as lecturer in Children’s Theater at Curry College. Kate has performed at several theaters in the Boston area and has appeared in videos and industrials for clients including Ann Taylor, Barnes & Noble, Sheraton Hotels, and PBS. Kate is the former director of member services for StageSource in Boston, and is currently a drama specialist in the Waltham Public Schools.

Instructor:  M. Lynda Robinson

Next One Day Workshops:
Ages 8-12: Saturday, August 7, 2010 (10:00am-2:00pm)
Ages 13-17: Sunday, August 8, 2010 (10:00am-2:00pm)

Price:  $149

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

In the more detail-oriented world of film production, an actor must be able to fully analyze a script and build a complete character. Utilizing actual film copy and monologues, this workshop will teach you the intricacies of film acting. Students will work on-camera with playback, using scripts specially chosen to represent the type of acting work that comes to the Boston area. Learn the skill set required to create and develop a character, analyze scripts, work with the camera and props, and be mindful of continuity. By working with partners, participants will learn how to make strong, natural decisions without “overacting.” Upon completion of this workshop, each student will have the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to communicate the character and the story. The confidence and on-camera techniques gained will prepare students to thrive on a film set.

M. Lynda Robinson has been working in theatre, film, and TV for the past 30 years as an actor, director, producer, teacher, and playwright, and was the recipient of the Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Boston Actress in 1993. She attended the Masters Program in Playwriting at Boston University and is a published playwright.  She is the recipient of many Playwriting Awards, and her work had been performed in both festivals and full theatrical productions, including several at the Boston Playwrights’ Theatre. Lynda is also a 2010 Arts Learning Distinguished Arts Educator Advocate Award in the field of Theatre recipient.

(Ages 17+)

Instructor:  Sam Weisman, award-winning film and television director

One-Day Workshop Date: Sunday, May 16, 2010 (10:00am - 4:00pm.  Break from 1:00pm-2:00pm)

Price:  $149

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Location: Intercontinental Hotel, 510 Atlantic Ave, Boston

George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Jack Black, Matt Damon, Jessica Biel, Julia Louis-Dreyfus—they auditioned for him, and he cast them when they were unknowns!

Michael J. Fox, Eliza Dushku, Alyssa Milano, Johnny Galecki, Justine Bateman, Thora Birch, Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live), Wendell Pierce (The Wire)—he worked with them as young actors, and helped them make the most of their talents.

Peter Cambor (NCIS Los Angeles), Zuzanna Szadkowski (Gossip Girl), Mary Faber (Green Day’s “American Idiot” on Broadway) studied with him in actor training programs, as have countless others who are working actors.

Boston Casting is proud to announce that award-winning director SAM WEISMAN will be teaching an intensive workshop for experienced actors and filmmakers who are serious about their craft and want to pursue a career in the film industry. The workshop will focus on character development, the business of acting, and audition skills.  Students (minimum age 17) must bring in monologues and scenes to read during the workshop. Scenes will be provided if students do not have their own.  Non-actors are also welcome in the class to learn about the business of acting and directing and to observe an experienced director at work.

This workshop provides a tremendous opportunity for Boston’s acting community to work with one of the industry’s most acclaimed directors.

SAM WEISMAN worked for ten years as an actor before making the transition to directing. He has earned directorial credits in film, television, and theatre. They include the feature films GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE (which received a British Academy Award nomination for Best Children’s Movie), THE OUT-OF-TOWNERS (starring Steve Martin, Goldie Hawn, and John Cleese), BYE-BYE LOVE, D2: THE MIGHTY DUCKS, and DICKIE ROBERTS (starring David Spade, produced by Adam Sandler).  Mr. Weisman has directed over 175 television episodes, for such shows as FAMILY TIES, MOONLIGHTING, L.A. LAW, BROOKLYN BRIDGE, SEVENTH HEAVEN, LAW AND ORDER, MONK, IN PLAIN SIGHT, and THE BERNIE MAC SHOW. His television work has received three Emmy Nominations, and a Golden Globe Award.  He is the co-creator and Executive Producer of THE SING OFF, NBC Television’s
a cappella singing competition.  His theatre work has won many awards, including Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Best Director honors for the West Coast premieres of Harold Pinter’s BETRAYAL and Simon Gray’s THE COMMON PURSUIT.

(Ages 5-9)

Instructor:  Arlynn Davis Polletta

Next Week Long Session: Monday, July 19 - Friday, July 23, 2010

Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (M-Th), 10:00am-3:00pm (Friday)

Early Registration Price: $279

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Does your child love to dress up and put on plays? This summer, join Arlynn as she teaches your child what he or she needs to shine on stage. Through creative improvisation, movement exercises, and script work, children will develop the skills, self-confidence, and discipline needed to pursue their interest in theater performance. Children will enhance their self-expression and observational skills, explore movement exercises, learn about character development, work on script analysis, develop performance vocabulary, practice their memorization skills, and develop the ability to work in ensembles. In addition to improving their skills as actors, children will gain an understanding of the process of developing a production.

This course will culminate in a final presentation of a short play for parents and guests. Parents are welcome to take photos and videotape the performances.

Arlynn Davis Polletta is an experienced performer, acting coach, director, and theater educator. She holds an M.A. in Theater Education from Emerson College and a B.A. in Dance, Theater, and English Literature from Manhattanville College. She served as the Director of Educational Programming for the Helen Hayes Theater in New York and is currently the director of the Middle School drama program at The Brimmer and May School in Chestnut Hill.