The Theatrical Casting Director Collaboration led by
Casting Director, Howard Meltzer
The Theatrical Casting Director Collaboration is a transformative four-week audition intensive designed for actors seeking to refine their craft and excel in television auditions. Led by the esteemed casting director Howard Meltzer, nominated for 3 Emmys for Outstanding Casting and 26 Artios Awards for excellence in casting, winning the honor three times, this program provides unparalleled, hands-on training. Each week, Howard collaborates with a renowned theatrical guest casting director to guide participants through different aspects of the audition process, utilizing sides from various television genres.
Each actor will work hands-on with sides from Television Comedy, Drama, Dramady, and Steaming Films. The curriculum is structured around four focused themes: “Nailing Comedy Auditions,” where actors master the timing and delivery essential for comedic roles; “The 411 of Impactful Auditions,” which teaches strategies to make memorable impressions; “Mastering Television Dramedy Auditions,” helping actors navigate the nuances of blending drama and comedy; and “Finding Your Authentic Voice,” aimed at discovering and cultivating an organic acting style to stand out in auditions. These themes ensure that participants receive comprehensive training across diverse aspects of television auditions.
Participants engage in practical exercises and receive expert feedback from industry-leading professionals, ensuring they develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the competitive world. By joining this intensive, actors will elevate their audition techniques and uncover their authentic voice under the mentorship of award-winning experts. This class is a valuable opportunity to enhance your acting career and accelerate your 2025 goal.
Dates and Casting Directors/Instructors
- February 5th at 6:30pm, PST – Week 1 with Casting Directors, Felicia Fasano and Howard Meltzer
- February 12th at 7:00pm, PST – Week 2 with Casting Directors, Sibby Kirchgessner and Howard Meltzer
- February 19th at 7:00pm, PST – Week 3 with Casting Directors, Patrick Rush and Howard Meltzer
- February 26th at 7:00pm, PST – Week 4 with Casting Directors, Geralyn Flood and Howard Meltzer
Week 1: Mastering Television Dramady Auditions
Date: February 5th at 6:30pm, PST
Casting Director: Felicia Fasano
Focus: Actors will perform dramady and comedy scenes of their choosing. After their initial performances, actors will receive personalized feedback from Felicia on their choices, delivery, and comedic choices, gaining insights into the scene’s nuances and how to elevate their work.
Armed with this guidance, actors will perform the scenes a second time, making adjustments to enhance their portrayals and deepen their connections to the characters and stories.
This hands-on process encourages bold, impactful choices and fosters adaptability, teaching actors to respond confidently to direction. By refining their approach and reconnecting with the material, participants will better understand the script and develop the skills to deliver compelling, authentic comedic performances that shine in auditions and on set.
About Felicia Fasano
Felicia Fasano is an acclaimed casting director and producer whose illustrious career spans over three decades. A four-time recipient of the prestigious Artios Award, the Casting Society of America’s highest honor, Felicia is celebrated for her exceptional contributions to television and film. Her meticulous eye for talent and deep understanding of character dynamics have made her one of the most respected figures in the entertainment industry.
Felicia is best known for her acclaimed casting work on hit series such as Better Things (2016), Californication (2007), and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015). Beyond casting, she has expanded her creative repertoire by serving as a consulting producer and co-producer on various projects, further cementing her reputation as a multifaceted force in the entertainment world.
An active presence on social media, Felicia offers her followers a glimpse into her professional journey and personal passions through her Instagram account, @fleafasano. Her commitment to her craft and her engaging approach to storytelling continue to inspire both industry professionals and aspiring talents alike.
Week 2: Finding Your Authentic Voice
Date: February 12th at 7:00pm, PST
Casting Director: Sibby Kirchgessner
Focus: Sibby Kirchgessner is an Emmy Award-winning Casting Director renowned for her expertise in single-camera series and procedural dramas.
In this class, Auditioning for Television Comedy and Drama’s: Finding Your Authentic Voice, Sibby will guide actors through the nuances of pacing, style, and tone across various television genres. Designed to sharpen television audition skills, this workshop helps actors develop a distinctive dramatic and comedic style while emphasizing the importance of finding their authentic voice. Participants will focus on character development, uncovering and showcasing their unique strengths to craft memorable, relatable characters that stand out in auditions. Through practical exercises and hands-on coaching, actors will refine their timing and delivery, empowering them to make bold, natural, and authentic choices that resonate with casting directors and producers alike.
About Sibby Kirshgessner
Sibby Kirchgessner is an Emmy Award-winning casting director with a passion for discovering and elevating talent. A journey that began unexpectedly led her to a thriving career in casting, where she has become a respected name in both comedy and drama. Originally working on the corporate side of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, a back injury and subsequent surgery sparked a career change when Sibby became intrigued by the credits she saw on television. A fortuitous connection introduced her to renowned casting director Eric Dawson, launching her career at UDK where she worked for a decade, rising from Casting Assistant to Casting Director.
In 2014, Sibby partnered with Dorian Frankel, and together they achieved remarkable success. Their work on HBO’s VEEP earned them an Emmy Award and an Artios Award for Season 6, with another Emmy nomination for Season 7. The duo also cast acclaimed series such as Baskets, Alex Inc., Future Man, and Grand Hotel, along with numerous pilots. When Dorian retired during the pandemic, Sibby continued to lead the way, promoting Marlise to co-Casting Director. Together, they have been at the helm of 911: Lone Star for the past three seasons, bringing an innovative approach to casting by combining in-person sessions, virtual auditions, and self-tapes.
Sibby’s dedication to both the craft and the community of actors shines through her work. She values the collaborative nature of casting and thrives on creating opportunities for actors to showcase their talents. Whether working on heartfelt dramas or sharp comedies, Sibby’s passion for storytelling and talent for assembling exceptional ensembles continue to make her a driving force in the entertainment industry.
Week 3: The 411 of Impactful Auditions
Date: February 19th at 7:00pm, PST
Casting Director: Patrick Rush
Focus: Patrick Rush’s class offers an in-depth, hands-on approach to character preparation and audition skills for television dramas and TV movies. The goal is to help each actor make strong choices in their work, creating impactful auditions. Whether auditioning for regular series roles, guest star roles, or film leads, the goal is to empower each actor to bring their uniqueness and authenticity to the work.
Patrick will guide students through sides and character analysis, helping them uncover key elements that help shape memorable performances. Participants will work on understanding character motivations and making solid, dynamic choices that stand out in auditions.
Through hands-on scene work, students will learn to deliver nuanced, grounded performances that capture the attention of casting directors and producers. Patrick will also offer insights into the unique challenges and expectations of casting – ensuring that each student leaves with practical tools to excel as an actor with a better understanding of the casting process.
About Patrick Rush
Patrick Rush is a highly respected casting director with a career spanning over three decades, renowned for his exceptional ability to discover and elevate talent. His work has shaped some of television’s most beloved series, including Party of Five, Dawson’s Creek, Everwood, and The OC, which became cultural touchstones and launched the careers of numerous actors.
Expanding into diverse genres, Patrick’s credits include Supernatural, Chuck, Marvel’s Runaways, and Looking for Alaska, where he showcased his talent for assembling compelling ensembles across drama, action, and supernatural narratives. More recently, he has brought his expertise to critically acclaimed projects like Echoes and City on Fire, demonstrating his continued ability to adapt to evolving storytelling styles.
In addition to his extensive television work, Patrick has collaborated with Dolly Parton on six projects, highlighting his versatility across entertainment mediums. With an enduring passion for storytelling and a commitment to excellence, Patrick Rush has left an indelible mark on the industry, helping to craft memorable narratives and launch countless successful careers.
Week 4: Nailing Comedy Auditions
Date: February 26th at 7:00pm, PST
Casting Director: Geralyn Flood
Focus: Ready to bring the laughs and land those comedy roles? Whether it’s fast-paced dialogue or subtle beats, this is your chance to master the art of TV comedy with veteran Casting Director Geralyn Flood!
How to crush multi-cam and single-cam auditions, perfect your timing, delivery, and punchline execution.
Develop characters that are funny, memorable, and totally you!
Geralyn will guide you through the unique pacing, style, and tone of TV comedies—helping you shine in auditions for network comedies and streaming series.
This hands-on session is about building confidence and giving humor naturally so you can make every casting director and showrunner laugh out loud.
About Geralyn Flood
Geralyn Flood is a seasoned professional with a remarkable track record in the entertainment industry. With extensive experience in television and film, she has contributed her casting expertise to projects for leading networks, including ABC, NBC, CBS, The CW, Disney, Nickelodeon, and Netflix. Geralyn’s dedication and keen eye for talent has played a pivotal role in shaping the casting of iconic shows, including Good Luck Charlie, White Collar, Man with a Plan, and both seasons of Netflix’s That ‘90s Show.
Her career began as a Casting Assistant to the esteemed Jeff Greenberg, where she worked on acclaimed series like Frasier and According to Jim. She went on to collaborate with her partner Marc Hirschfeld on notable projects such as Kevin Can Wait and Sweet/Vicious. Geralyn’s work extends to indie and studio films, including contributions to Mark Waters features like Just Like Heaven and The Spiderwick Chronicles, showcasing her versatility across mediums.
Currently a Casting Consultant for AMC, Geralyn oversees casting for all shows in production and development. Her remarkable career reflects her passion for discovering talent, her commitment to excellence, and her lasting impact on the industry.
This four-week course is led by:
Senior Casting Director, Howard Meltzer, CSA
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 3 Emmys for Outstanding Casting and 26 Artios Awards for excellence in casting, winning thrice. He has served as the Vice President of the Casting Society of America and is currently a Governor of the Television Academy.
This exclusive four-week course is designed to elevate your skills and help you excel. With limited space, now is the perfect time to secure your spot! Each session will start promptly at 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM via Zoom, offering the convenience of learning from home while engaging in hands-on, interactive lessons.
The total tuition for the course is $545, breaking down to just $136 per class. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a Zoom link before the start of class. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your craft—enroll today!
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