It's an incredible way to make contacts. I can't tell you how many times my clients have booked substantial work from being in a class where one of their classmates involved them in a project that they happen to be working on. When I talk about classes I'm not talking about the technique classes that you took in school. I'm talking about classes where you work every week whether it be on a scene or a monologue, improve or music, movement or speech. Let's exercise your talent with these classes.

The key to looking for a great class is to audit if you can. Auditing is when you are allowed to sit in on a class for free to observe but not to participate. This will give you a sense of what kind of students are in the class, the temperament of the teacher, and if you think you will feel comfortable. The best kind of class is where students are more advanced than you; you have someone to look up to and learn from.

Click on the CLASSES link at the bottom of this page to go to our extensive list of classes and websites. A general list of types of classes is below.

SCENE STUDY - Usually scenes from plays or movies which you work on with a partner.

IMPROVISATION - Working without a script, developing characters and communicating with no prepared text.

ON CAMERA - Essential for TV, film and commercial work. On Camera classes teach you the techniques of working behind the small screen, such as how to adjust the volume level of your speech or how to "hit your mark". These classes give you an idea of how you look on camera, whether your emotions come across too big or too small, which angles are best for you, and which hair, make-up and clothing styles flatter you on camera, etc.

MOVEMENT AND DANCE - Very important in building characters. Teaches you how to connect your brain with your body. VERY important for singers who need to have vocal and breath control. Builds stamina.

VOICE AND SPEECH - Very useful for dialects or to correct a speech impediment. Can be helpful in losing an accent or regionalism.

CLOWNING - One of my favorites. Teaches you how to be truly uninhibited and not self-conscious.

SINGING AND VOCAL COACHING - Singers, you are going to need consistent voice lessons and to keep your repertoire fresh by finding new material. You also want to learn how to sing correctly so that you do not harm your voice. The difference betweeen singing lessons and working with a vocal coach is that singing lessons involve the learning of how to sing using techniques such as breath control and placement etc., while a vocal coach helps you choose material and/or helps you in the presentation of material.

VOICE-OVER AND RADIO - This is very important because it too has a specific technique. There is a rhythm that is different from stage or film acting. Even pronunciation is slightly different. There is a true art to this form.

COACHING - I want you to consider coaching especially under the following circumstances: When auditioning for a large role on Broadway or Off-Broadway, for a series regular or guest star on a TV show, a lead or supporting lead in film or any time you feel the material is challenging to you. A coach tends to run $ 100-150 an hour and it is well worth the investment especially for those just starting out.

MEET AND GREETS - OR, as I like to call them, "Pay to Display". These are so called, "classes" where you pay a particular fee to meet a particular casting director, either in a group or one-on-one. For those of you just starting out this may be a good idea for you as long as you feel confident about your talent. You usually get ten minutes alone in a room with them and have the opportunity to perform a monologue or read from sides. It's best if you concentrate on the casting directors that are the head of their company although the assistants can sometimes be very affective. Last word of advice, be smart and research the casting director that you are meeting. If your strength is comedy don't waste your money on meeting the casting director for Law and Order.

CLASSES