4-Week Masterclass: How to Audition for Films – Vertical Dramas & Lifetime Movies

With Paul Ruddy

Paul Ruddy’s 4-Week Masterclass: How to Audition for Films – Vertical Dramas & Lifetime Movies

Instructor: Paul Ruddy – Acclaimed Film and TV Casting Director
Duration: 4 weeks, 3 hours per session (12 hours total)
Location: North Hollywood
Format: In-person
Focus: Vertical Dramas and Lifetime Movies – mastering the audition process, understanding the style and audience, and learning how to stand out to book more roles

Course Overview

Paul Ruddy is one of the most influential film and TV casting directors in Los Angeles, known for his expertise in casting for Lifetime movies, Hallmark films, and independent vertical dramas. In this 4-week masterclass, Paul will take actors through the specific nuances of auditioning for this genre, providing insights into the history, target demographic, and industry trends that drive casting decisions.

Actors will engage in hands-on exercises, perform audition sides from actual Lifetime and vertical drama films, and receive direct feedback from Paul on elevating their performances to meet the expectations of producers and network executives.

Dates:

April 15th at 7:00 pm
April 22nd at 7:00 pm
April 29h at 7:00pm
May 6th at 7:00pm

What Are Vertical Dramas?

Paul Ruddy’s Introduction to Vertical Dramas: “Before we dive into the work, let’s talk about what vertical dramas are, why they’re so popular, and how you can make yourself more castable in these projects.”

✅ Definition of Vertical Dramas

Vertical dramas are scripted films or series produced for platforms like Lifetime, Hallmark, and certain streaming platforms (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, Tubi) that are structured to appeal to specific demographics — primarily women aged 25–54.
The term “vertical” refers to the direct-to-platform release format rather than traditional theatrical releases.
They are typically characterized by high emotional stakes, relationship-based narratives, and clear-cut character archetypes.

✅ Hallmarks of Vertical Dramas

Emotional Intensity: Storylines revolve around love, betrayal, mystery, or redemption.
High Stakes: Often focus on relatable yet dramatic scenarios — kidnapping, forbidden love, personal redemption, or dark secrets.
Predictable but Satisfying Endings: Viewers expect resolution and emotional payoff.
Clean Language & Content: Lifetime, Hallmark, and similar platforms follow strict guidelines regarding violence, sexual content, and language.
Female-Focused Perspective: Most stories are centered around female protagonists and appeal to a female-skewing audience.

Week 1: Introduction and Q&A

Our first-class kicks off with a personal, one-on-one interview with Paul — a process often known in the industry as a “general audition.” This is your moment to make a memorable first impression as Paul explores your background, training, and experience. Using these insights, he’ll tailor specific scenes for you to work on in the following weeks, ensuring a personalized and targeted approach. Paul draws on his extensive experience from working at top talent agencies like Abrams and The Gersh Agency, combined with over 25 years as a Casting Director for film, TV, commercials, and theater. His industry knowledge is a valuable resource

that will guide you throughout the course. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to share your unique path into acting and connect with your peers. The class concludes with a lively, in-depth Q&A session, where Paul will address casting, auditioning techniques, industry trends, and the broader landscape of the entertainment business. Don’t miss this exciting, information-packed start to the program!

Week 2: Tackling Comedic Scenes from Film and TV

In the second week of the Casting Director Workshop, Paul will strategically pair actors based on their unique strengths, assigning comedic scenes that showcase their talents. Each duo will perform their assigned scene, after which Paul will offer detailed critiques, emphasizing the importance of timing, delivery, and insightful character choices. Actors will then be able to refine and adjust their performances, implementing Paul’s constructive feedback to elevate their craft. This interactive and educational process is meticulously designed to sharpen comedic instincts, enhance scene work, and deepen understanding of the subtleties that make comedy effective in casting scenarios.

Week Three: Tackling Dramatic Scenes from Lifetime and Hallmark Movies

In the third week of class, Paul will pair actors and assign emotionally charged scenes inspired by Lifetime and Hallmark movies. Each pair will perform their scene, followed by Paul’s detailed critiques on authenticity, emotional depth, and character dynamics. After receiving feedback, actors will have the opportunity to adjust their performances, applying Paul’s notes to bring greater sincerity and intensity to their work. This interactive process aims to strengthen dramatic instincts, enhance scene work, and provide valuable insight into the heightened yet grounded style typical of these beloved TV movies.

Week 4: Understanding the Format and Finding Your Place in Vertical Dramas

Develop a deep understanding of the structure and tone of vertical dramas. • Overview of Vertical Dramas: Learn about the unique production model, storytelling techniques, and the rapid rise of vertical dramas in the digital landscape. • Character Archetypes: Explore common roles like the heroine, villain, best friend, and supportive partner. Understand their dynamics and how they drive the narrative. • Research and Preparation for Auditions: Discover effective strategies for researching projects, understanding the creative team, and preparing for auditions in this format. • Knowing the Platform: Learn the importance of understanding the style and audience preferences of the platform distributing the vertical drama. • Identifying Your Type: Assess your strengths to determine whether you fit best as a leading character, sidekick, antagonist, or other supporting roles within the genre. On-Camera Exercise:Actors will perform a scene from a popular vertical drama. Paul will provide feedback on tone, delivery, and pacing to help refine performance within the genre’s unique style.

$535.00Add to cart

INSTRUCTOR

Paul Ruddy, CSA

Casting Director

PAUL RUDDY, CSA: Paul has cast over 200 films and television series for Netflix, Tubi, Lifetime, Hallmark, Disney, Dreamworks, Syfy, Fox, and NBC/Universal, with A-List talent including Nicolas Cage, Harvey Keitel, Constance Wu, Rita Moreno, Vivica A. Fox and Jack Black. An Emmy-Winner for the Netflix series “Eastsiders,” Paul’s recent television credits include the AMC horror anthology series “Creepshow.” Other notable talents Paul has cast include Sydney Sweeney, Peter Bogdanovich, Justin Long, Mena Suvari, Fran Drescher, Harvey Guillen, Molly Ringwald, Ryan Kwanten, Lou Diamond Philips, Brandon Routh, Gena Rowlands, Cameron Monaghan, Chad Michael Murray, Jackie Weaver, Vinnie Jones, Steve Guttenberg, Patrick Swayze, Keith David, Kelly Hu, Tanner Buchanan, Darren Barnett, and Cole and Dylan Sprouse.