The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is providing free acting classes for aspiring and working actors.
The actor’s union has revealed new audition preparation workshops with top casting directors in Los Angeles and New York every week and in cities nationwide. Unable to make it to LA or NYC, Casting Access also provides a free online workshop experience for performers living outside of the Los Angeles and New York.
Casting directors and associates from the Casting Society of America (CSA) and reps from the independent casting community direct Casting Access workshops, providing actors a wide array of educational and professional tips, advice and lessons, from reading the text to the actual auditioning process to professionalism tips in the casting office.
SAG-AFTRA Foundation released a video featuring casting director Laray Mayfield and actor Verton Banks discussing the program. You can watch the video below:
The Casting Access program is made possible through gifts, grants and sponsorships and is completely free. The Foundation never draws on SAG-AFTRA dues or initiation fees to fund this program.
How to Apply for Free Acting Classes:
To qualify for Casting Access Online, you must be an active SAG-AFTRA member in good standing who does not reside in Los Angeles or New York; be over 18 years of age; and have completed the Casting Access Online application. The Casting Access Online application is available 24/7 through the member portal. To become eligible, users must complete the online application.
When a new Casting Access Online workshop is announced, eligible users RSVP to request a space in the workshop and are added to the workshop on a first-come/first-served basis. Confirmed participants will be notified by e-mail. Three days prior to the online workshop, participants will receive “sides” specially selected for them by the participating casting director.
Once you have received your sides, you will have four days to rehearse, record, and upload an audition video containing your performance of the sides. You will upload the video using your YouTube account. Finally, the casting director will review your workshop video and provide notes.
For more information and how to apply visit CastingAccess.