on-demand classes

Three people having a discussion in an indoor venue with exposed brick walls and wooden beams. The woman in the middle is gesturing with her arm extended while speaking to a man holding papers. The woman on the left is holding documents and looking at the woman in the middle.

the casting lens

Casting directors LOVE actors, and want to help you book the role. Do you want to know how their brain works throughout the process? Now’s your chance!

  • Learn directly from Emmy nominated Casting Director, Erica Arvold, about the process of casting curated specifically for actors like you in the 60 minute recording of her live seminar.

    We’ll demystify the process, so you walk away with a fuller understanding and appreciation of the three most important aspects of casting that an actor should keep in mind before, during, and after auditioning with a casting office.

    • 60 min presentation

    • Engaging webinar, with interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises.

    • actors at all points in their career who want to expand their knowledge of the business

    • writers, directors, producers, and multi-hyphenates who are curious about the casting process

    • actors and filmmakers who have thought about BEING a casting director, or working in a casting office

A woman, Erica Arvold, with blonde hair and glasses, wearing a black sleeveless top and gray boots, speaks to a group of acting students seated in a circle in a spacious room with wooden beams and brick walls.

conquer commercials

Are you ready to shine in the world of commercials and boost your on-screen presence? In this 30 minute recorded seminar, you'll learn the art of delivering compelling performances that resonate with audiences and advertisers alike.

Commercials are a great way to break into the industry, offer valuable learning experiences on set, and provide great income for working actors. After the key takeaways you’ll have a greater insight into the unique world of commercial work to bolster your acting career!

  • Learn the art of delivering compelling performances that resonate with audiences and advertisers alike in this class led by casting director Erica Arvold—who has cast nearly 100 commercials!


    Discover techniques to infuse authenticity into your commercial portrayals, master the skill of quickly engaging viewers in the first few seconds, and learn how to adapt and excel in various commercial scenarios.

    • 30-min presentation

    • engaging webinar with hands-on exercises

    • working costar and day player actors looking to diversify their skillset

    • early-career actors looking to break into the industry

    • creatives looking to boost their on-screen presence

A woman with blonde hair, wearing glasses on her head and a gray t-shirt, is speaking and gesturing with her right hand, in a conversation with another person whose back is visible. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly a casual meeting or discussion.

working with a publicist

Casting directors LOVE actors, and want to help you book the role. Do you want to know how their brain works throughout the process? Now’s your chance!

  • A transformational 90 minute recorded seminar tailored for early to mid-career actors who want to understand how to successfully work with a publicist, and be prepared for when your red carpet moment arrives!

    Deborah and Erica address the fundamental elements of working hand-in-hand with a publicist in the entertainment industry! Whether you're a rising talent looking to amplify your presence or an established actor seeking to refine your public image, this intensive offers practical insights and strategies to cultivate a fruitful relationship with a publicist that will make a positive impact for your career.

    • 90 minutes

    • Engaging presentations, case studies, and hands-on exercises.

    • Early to mid-career actors seeking to refine their public image

    • Emerging talents eager to make their mark in the industry

    • Professionals in the entertainment field keen on understanding the actor-publicist dynamic

or get all three

for a discounted price

Meet your instructors

✳

Meet your instructors ✳

A woman with blonde hair, wearing a black tank top, light blue jeans, and tan boots, is smiling and gesturing with her arms extended outward in a circle, in a room with other people sitting and watching her.

erica arvold

emmy-nominated casting director

teaching artist: conquer commercials, the casting lens, and working with a publicist

deborah mellman

entertainment public relations and marketing expert

teaching artist: working with a publicist

Woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling, sitting outdoors with greenery in the background, resting her face on her hand, next to a laptop and purple flowers.

anonymous on casting lens

“I definitely gained a more nuanced understanding of the casting universe in general and as it applies to my developing region. I feel more confident in approaching and owning my role as an actor within the larger ecosystem that I belong to.”

anonymous on conquer commercials

“This was very informative and interactive as commercial auditions can be a bit of a challenge because of how animated they can be. I definitely plan on using what I learned to aid in future auditions.”

anonymous on working with a publicist, anonymous

“This workshop was absolutely glorious: Not just the sheer volume of fantastic and helpful information, but also the energy, kindness and FUN!”