Workshops
It's time to move forward in your career!
4 Star Casting offers workshops that can teach you how to excel as an extra. Improve your skills, hone your talents, and build a profile that can lead to more prominent roles. Acting is a business and we strive to give you the tools to succeed. See a sampling of past workshops below and review our terms of sale here.
Extra, Extra, Learn All About It
Our four hour Extra, Extra, Learn All About It workshop includes vital information on the business side of acting. You'll learn everything you need to know to be a working extra such as how to correctly submit for jobs, the best wardrobe to bring, terms used on set and how to be someone who consistently books work.
Comments from our Spring workshop:
"Thanks for the workshop! Learned a lot--it was great to have a forum without attitude, where we could ask the questions we've had for a while but were afraid we'd look stupid for asking. Great laid back style."
"A fantastic introduction to the Chicago market. Great tips and information."
"Saturday's workshop was E X C E L L E N T. For those that did not attend, I would HIGHLY recommend it..."
Comments from our Spring workshop:
"Thanks for the workshop! Learned a lot--it was great to have a forum without attitude, where we could ask the questions we've had for a while but were afraid we'd look stupid for asking. Great laid back style."
"A fantastic introduction to the Chicago market. Great tips and information."
"Saturday's workshop was E X C E L L E N T. For those that did not attend, I would HIGHLY recommend it..."
The Practical Actor
The Practical Actor workshop is designed to help you become comfortable in front of the lens. You will learn the basic tools needed to audition and excel at those auditions. This class will teach the basic skills from how to slate to owning the audition, and staying alive even when you are not speaking.
We will provide practical skills necessary to prepare for the audition and feel confident in the room. We also discuss important tools in marketing yourself for work such as your "type" and what that means, what makes a good headshot and how to improve your resume.
As an actor, you are in business for yourself. You need to make sure your business plan and the product you are presenting is on point!
This is a small class so we can focus more time on each individual. You will receive sides to prepare for the class and will walk into it like a real audition. We will go over those auditions with you. We will spend time working with you on developing what you need to improve and how to feel comfortable with yourself walking into the room so you can feel completely confident knowing you did your best job as an actor.
We will provide practical skills necessary to prepare for the audition and feel confident in the room. We also discuss important tools in marketing yourself for work such as your "type" and what that means, what makes a good headshot and how to improve your resume.
As an actor, you are in business for yourself. You need to make sure your business plan and the product you are presenting is on point!
This is a small class so we can focus more time on each individual. You will receive sides to prepare for the class and will walk into it like a real audition. We will go over those auditions with you. We will spend time working with you on developing what you need to improve and how to feel comfortable with yourself walking into the room so you can feel completely confident knowing you did your best job as an actor.
Put Me In (Acting) Coach
This workshop is for the actor who is ready to submit to agencies and advance to the next level. We will cover everything from resumes and cover letters to choosing the best monologue for your audition. Actors will be given commercial sides to work with and treated as if it was a real audition. You will walk out of the class feeling ready to submit and play ball with the best of 'em!
Kids Workshop
Our Kids Workshop was created to answer all the questions you have about how to get your kids started in the business. Or if your child has already been a regular on set, how to help them upgrade to booking the bigger roles.
Kids Ages 5-15 are welcome. Parents must attend. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you may attend without a parent.
Kids Ages 5-15 are welcome. Parents must attend. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you may attend without a parent.
Police, CIA, FBI, Oh My!
It's Time to stop pretending you know what you are doing on set... with a gun!
Many of the shows currently casting here in Chicago are filled with Police, SWAT, HRT, CIA, FBI, and Secret Service extras.
Everyone dreams to be an action hero and we want to help! The best way we can do this is to give you the tools to succeed. There's a lot more involved in playing these roles than you may realize.
We offer a workshop full of information on accurately playing a law enforcement official, so you can start booking these types of jobs. Acting is a business and we want to give you the tools to succeed.
Many of the shows currently casting here in Chicago are filled with Police, SWAT, HRT, CIA, FBI, and Secret Service extras.
Everyone dreams to be an action hero and we want to help! The best way we can do this is to give you the tools to succeed. There's a lot more involved in playing these roles than you may realize.
We offer a workshop full of information on accurately playing a law enforcement official, so you can start booking these types of jobs. Acting is a business and we want to give you the tools to succeed.
Own Your Voiceover
Are you interested in a career as a voiceover actor?
Are you currently trying to work as a voiceover artist and are not booking as often as you would like?
This 4-hour workshop will demystify the process of conditioning your voice, breaking down text to read for sense, discuss equipment to record and edit and receive individual feedback on your vocal quality, strengths and weakness.
Are you currently trying to work as a voiceover artist and are not booking as often as you would like?
This 4-hour workshop will demystify the process of conditioning your voice, breaking down text to read for sense, discuss equipment to record and edit and receive individual feedback on your vocal quality, strengths and weakness.
Build Your Own Personal Brand
Are you interested in learning how to build your online presence and brand?
You will learn important tips such as:
You will learn important tips such as:
- How to post (Where do I find filters? Which ones are the best for me? Do bunny ears really help me get likes?)
- Increasing your followers
- Getting sponsors
- And the most importantly, how to make money on social media!
Past Speakers
Sylvie Sadarnac
Sylvie is an American actress and writer. Based in Chicago, she has appeared in television and film, as well as the online series Patriot. Sylvie also works commercials, industrial videos, and the occasional print assignments. She owns a Certificate of Comedy Writing from The Second City in Chicago, where she saw one of her sketches performed in the first Mary Scruggs Works by Women Festival. Fluent in French, and proficient in Spanish, Sylvie writes under the nom de plume Saffi Karlsen.
Sylvie is an American actress and writer. Based in Chicago, she has appeared in television and film, as well as the online series Patriot. Sylvie also works commercials, industrial videos, and the occasional print assignments. She owns a Certificate of Comedy Writing from The Second City in Chicago, where she saw one of her sketches performed in the first Mary Scruggs Works by Women Festival. Fluent in French, and proficient in Spanish, Sylvie writes under the nom de plume Saffi Karlsen.
Stephanie Potakis
Stephanie graduated from Indiana University in 2006 with a Bachelors of Arts in Telecommunications and a minor in business. Looking to get into film production right away, she took a job as a casting director for a student film and fell in love with the process and continued on casting putting two seasons of America’s Got Talent, a few SAG independent films and an internship at PR Casting under her belt. Stephanie switched gears from 2009-2015 by becoming the on-camera/theatrical agent at Lily’s Talent Agency where her credits include hundreds of National/regional/local commercials and TV/Film projects.
At the end of 2015, Stephanie switched gears returning to casting by accepting the role of the new in house Casting Director at The Onion Inc. Here she currently casts all videos produced by The Onion for all its sites (ClickHole, Onion Labs, Onion Studios etc.) as well as outside commercials, TV and films. Witnessing the talent of Chicago find their sense of humor at auditions makes everyday a dream for Stephanie.
Stephanie graduated from Indiana University in 2006 with a Bachelors of Arts in Telecommunications and a minor in business. Looking to get into film production right away, she took a job as a casting director for a student film and fell in love with the process and continued on casting putting two seasons of America’s Got Talent, a few SAG independent films and an internship at PR Casting under her belt. Stephanie switched gears from 2009-2015 by becoming the on-camera/theatrical agent at Lily’s Talent Agency where her credits include hundreds of National/regional/local commercials and TV/Film projects.
At the end of 2015, Stephanie switched gears returning to casting by accepting the role of the new in house Casting Director at The Onion Inc. Here she currently casts all videos produced by The Onion for all its sites (ClickHole, Onion Labs, Onion Studios etc.) as well as outside commercials, TV and films. Witnessing the talent of Chicago find their sense of humor at auditions makes everyday a dream for Stephanie.
KaCee Hudson
A Seattle native born to musicians, KaCee received her degree in Theatre Performance from Columbia College Chicago in May 2012 and holds 10 years of acting training and experience. Having a rich appreciation and understanding of art in all forms, KaCee has previously worked in casting both with O’Connor Casting and independently as KCJ Casting before making the switch over to the talent agency side. She loves helping her talent grow their careers from the ground up. When not in the office, KaCee enjoys all kinds of adventures with her son, Jackson.
Mike Theisen
Mike joined the Gray Talent Team full time in December of 2011. Mike began his career as an actor at the age of 8. His work in the theatre lead him to Chicago to attend The Theatre School at DePaul University where he received a BFA in Acting. After graduation, Mike moved away from performance to the other side of the table and began working at Gray Talent Group. In addition to running the Commercial/VO department Mike has maintained a strong focus on talent development as well as assisting with Chicago based television projects. His background in performance and passion for the business have allowed Mike to find his place in the Chicago performance community. He could not be more excited to have the opportunity to do what he loves to do every day: help actors achieve their goals.
Mike joined the Gray Talent Team full time in December of 2011. Mike began his career as an actor at the age of 8. His work in the theatre lead him to Chicago to attend The Theatre School at DePaul University where he received a BFA in Acting. After graduation, Mike moved away from performance to the other side of the table and began working at Gray Talent Group. In addition to running the Commercial/VO department Mike has maintained a strong focus on talent development as well as assisting with Chicago based television projects. His background in performance and passion for the business have allowed Mike to find his place in the Chicago performance community. He could not be more excited to have the opportunity to do what he loves to do every day: help actors achieve their goals.
Jose 'Tony' Garcia
José has worked with numerous Chicago and Regional Theaters as an actor, including: Windy City Playhouse, The Goodman Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Steep Theatre, Factory Theatre, Stage Left Theatre, Boho Theatre Ensemble, Adventure Stage Chicago, Collaboraction, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, and Illinois Shakespeare Festival. TV/Film credits include: "The Chi", "Shrink", "Animator", "Shameless", “Written Off,” "Easy", “Win It All,” “Sense8,” “Cleveland Abduction,” “Consumed,” “Chicago Fire,” “Mob Doctor,” “Boss,” and “Prison Break.” He holds a BFA from The University of Connecticut and an MFA from Indiana University. He is represented by Paonessa Talent.
José has worked with numerous Chicago and Regional Theaters as an actor, including: Windy City Playhouse, The Goodman Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Steep Theatre, Factory Theatre, Stage Left Theatre, Boho Theatre Ensemble, Adventure Stage Chicago, Collaboraction, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, and Illinois Shakespeare Festival. TV/Film credits include: "The Chi", "Shrink", "Animator", "Shameless", “Written Off,” "Easy", “Win It All,” “Sense8,” “Cleveland Abduction,” “Consumed,” “Chicago Fire,” “Mob Doctor,” “Boss,” and “Prison Break.” He holds a BFA from The University of Connecticut and an MFA from Indiana University. He is represented by Paonessa Talent.
Sarah Clark
Sarah has worked professionally in the film industry for seven years. Casting has always been her bread and butter, but she's also an Emmy Nominated producer and still produces selectively.
Sarah works hard to make sure actors feel safe and clients feel heard. Passionate about casting, she does her best to make sure everyone is taken care of and the best possible cast comes together.
Deven Hartley
Deven is a talent agent at Paonessa Talent Agency, running the tv/film department alongside Marisa Paonessa. Previously, Deven served as the TV/film/Theatrical Agent for BMG Talent. Deven also served as the Casting Director for Two Birds Casting. A Nashville, TN native and Northwestern University graduate, their career begun in Chicago working with a number of top talent agencies. When the sun goes down, Deven can be seen performing with the trans*queer project WITCH HAZEL around the city.
Robyn Coffin
Robyn Coffin moved back to Chicago in 2009 and has worked ever since. She is an ensemble member of the Factory Theater where she will be making her directorial debut in the spring! Television credits include Cindy Herrmann on NBC's Chicago Fire and Francine Katz on Empire. Robyn has worked on multiple commercials including Microsoft, Wal-Mart, Hefty, Liberty Mutual and Hebrew National Hotdogs. Some of her film credits include Unexpected, Life and Death of an Unhappily Married Man, Surprise Me, Widows, Finding Hope and Every 21 Seconds. She teaches at Vagabond School of the Arts and is represented by Stewart Talent.
Robyn Coffin moved back to Chicago in 2009 and has worked ever since. She is an ensemble member of the Factory Theater where she will be making her directorial debut in the spring! Television credits include Cindy Herrmann on NBC's Chicago Fire and Francine Katz on Empire. Robyn has worked on multiple commercials including Microsoft, Wal-Mart, Hefty, Liberty Mutual and Hebrew National Hotdogs. Some of her film credits include Unexpected, Life and Death of an Unhappily Married Man, Surprise Me, Widows, Finding Hope and Every 21 Seconds. She teaches at Vagabond School of the Arts and is represented by Stewart Talent.
Bella Palo
Bella Palo made her network television debut in Season 5, Episode 005 of Chicago Fire as "Heather" and has since been featured in a new web series called "The Principal's Office" (in production). She is also an 'Act Back Track Actor' and 'A-Lister' on Scenebot, a free app for actors to showcase their talents to some of the top Agents, Managers, and Casting Directors in the industry.
Bella was discovered at the age of 12 after she performed in her Jr. High School musical. She was granted a meeting with Joe Borrasso and Lisa Morgan of Management by Morgan and was signed on the spot. Her first professional acting job was a main role in a national Sears commercial. Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Bella spends much of her time in Chicago auditioning and receiving extensive training in acting and auditioning techniques from Professional Actors, National Talent Agents, and Casting Directors.
She is represented by Management by Morgan and Big Mouth Talent in Chicago.
Bella Palo made her network television debut in Season 5, Episode 005 of Chicago Fire as "Heather" and has since been featured in a new web series called "The Principal's Office" (in production). She is also an 'Act Back Track Actor' and 'A-Lister' on Scenebot, a free app for actors to showcase their talents to some of the top Agents, Managers, and Casting Directors in the industry.
Bella was discovered at the age of 12 after she performed in her Jr. High School musical. She was granted a meeting with Joe Borrasso and Lisa Morgan of Management by Morgan and was signed on the spot. Her first professional acting job was a main role in a national Sears commercial. Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Bella spends much of her time in Chicago auditioning and receiving extensive training in acting and auditioning techniques from Professional Actors, National Talent Agents, and Casting Directors.
She is represented by Management by Morgan and Big Mouth Talent in Chicago.
DISCLAIMER: These seminars are for educational purposes only and will not secure or provide opportunity for employment in the field or representation by an agent.