Mastering Comedy & Drama Auditions
With Casting Director Howard Meltzer & Associate Casting Director Tim Pratt
Course Overview:
This four-night Zoom class is designed for actors 18 years of age or older at all levels and focuses on comedic and dramatic roles for television. It covers the essential skills needed to deliver exceptional performances that meet the high standards of today’s industry professionals. Participants will gain insights into what casting directors, producers, and networks expect, whether in auditions or on set.
Gain more insight into what a Casting Office seeks in Self-Tapes, Zooms, and in-person auditions.
Dates and Times
- Wednesday, May 7th at 7:30 pm (PST)
- Wednesday, May 14th at 7:30 pm (PST)
- Wednesday, May 21st at 7:30 pm (PST)
- Wednesday, May 28th at 7:30 pm (PST)
WEEK ONE: Auditioning and Interpreting Material for Multi-Camera Comedy.
Network and streaming ½ multi-cam comedies are having a resurgence so you should be ready when you have your next audition.
This class will explore the differences in pacing and performance with the multi-camera format. Learn to fine-tune your comedic voice while helping you master the very specific rhythm and more theatrical acting style of many multis
WEEK TWO “Mastering Television Dramedy Auditions”
What makes something a dramedy?
In this class, we’ll focus on auditioning and interpreting sides material for TV Dramedy. We will shift from our comedy exploration to this very specific format that mixes the humor found in comedies with the emotional pull of a drama. Work on finding the balance of the funny and the serious by implementing them both in one scene all while maintaining a consistent tone. Get familiar with different tones of dramedies from the light-hearted to satirical.
WEEK THREE: Finding Your Authentic Voice: Auditioning and Interpreting Material for Single Camera Comedy
Single-cam comedy continue to be a staple on both network television and streamers.
In this class, we focus on auditioning and interpreting sides material for TV Single Camera Comedy. Hone your skills in bringing your authentic comedic voice and character to any audition, as well as mastering the tone, pacing, timing, delivery and reactions specific to a single camera comedy audition. Get familiar with different single camera styles and genres like network, cable and even mockumentary.
WEEK FOUR: Impactful Drama Auditions: Auditioning and Interpreting Material for Drama
Dramas on television continue to be a mainstay on streamers and the traditional major four networks.
In this class, we’ll focus on auditioning and interpreting sides material for TV Dramas. Learn how to master proper pacing and make authentic choices to make your drama audition stand out and connect. Get familiar with different kinds of dramas, including procedurals, YA, period pieces, and futuristic/fantasy series.
This class is open to adult actors, 18 and above.
$535.00Add to cart
INSTRUCTOR
Howard Meltzer
Casting Director
Howard Meltzer has been casting in Los Angeles since 2003. Originally from New York City, he was a staff Casting Director at Stuart Howard Associates, casting for Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional theater.
Whether casting for renowned playwrights like Gore Vidal and Elaine May or casting for a network television series, Howard’s directive is to find the talent that brings the writers’ vision to life with authenticity, honesty, and humor.
He has cast for CBS, Disney Channel, Fox, Max, NBC, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Peacock, Sony Pictures Television, 20th Television, and Warner Bros. Television.
Howard’s passion is identifying new, undiscovered talent, and he has become the go-to casting director for projects for children and young adults.
He has been nominated for 2 Emmys for Outstanding Casting and 26 Artios Awards for excellence in casting, winning the honor thrice. He has served as the Vice President of the Casting Society of America and is currently a Governor of the Television Academy.
INSTRUCTOR
Tim Pratt
Associate Casting Director
Tim has been casting in Los Angeles since 2019, working on pilots, series, and films for studios, networks, and streamers, including Netflix, Apple+, HBO Max, Peacock, CBS, Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon.
Tim started as an NBC Page and did stints in television marketing for The CW and TV development for Disney before landing in casting.
Tim enjoys the collaborative storytelling process and how casting can inform and impact a role.