Actors with all the best intentions in the world set out (hopefully) to strive for excellence in their Auditions, whether in TV and Film, with much time and effort also focused on how to stand out amongst the overwhelming number of self-tapes submitted for each and every role. 

What many Actors are not aware of, however, is how important an understanding of the Genre and its tone and Style are to making informed choices that will serve the needs of that Genre. Without that knowledge, excellent Acting may, in fact, not result in a callback because the Actor doesn’t understand the world in which that Character is living. 

Since the onset of COVID, fewer and fewer auditions are in person, so the days of personal relationships with the casting community have all but vanished, so the importance of an exceptional self-tape submission is all the more of a priority. 

This is a workshop that will explore the Specific Needs of one of Canada’s most popular markets for Canadian Actors, the TV and Film Western. In this workshop, Genre, Tone, and Style will be explored.

In addition, we will investigate the writer’s intent, the Given Circumstances, script analysis, and needs of the Genre, Tone, Style, and personalization to create informed, specific choices that illuminate the material as well as the actor. 

Facilitator’s Bio:

Michael Connors has been teaching, directing, auditioning, and coaching actors in TV, Film, and Theater for over 25 years in Los Angeles and New York City. He currently teaches TV Genre Auditioning Skills, Scene Study, and Dramatic Improv at ZBS in LA. The Hollywood acting studio is known for developing breakout stars and has worked with Emmy and Oscar winners on their award-winning performances. Michael has also taught Acting for Film at New York Film Academy and at The Michael Woolson Studio in Los Angeles.

He received his BFA from SUNY Purchase Acting Conservatory in NYC and has additional training from The Michael Howard Studios NYC, Judith Weston’s Actor/ Director Lab LA, and The Barrow Group in NYC. He has worked with actors who have appeared on such shows as Heartland, Under the Banner of Heaven, The Offer, Orange is the New Black, The Goldbergs, Good Trouble, and The Blacklist.