on camera audition techniques
OCAT

Investment:

On Camera Audition Techniques (OCAT)

$220 cocoon member

$275 non-member / public

OCAT 2 and Advanced OCAT

price adjusted as OCAT 2 and Advanced OCAT will meet three times in June

$165 cocoon member

$206.25 non-member / public

Lead Teaching Artists: Sekou Laidlow, Keisha Champagne, Matt Mercurio, Déjà Dee

Sekou Laidlow: OCAT virtual

Keisha Champagne: OCAT in person

Matt Mercurio: OCAT 2 in person

Déjà Dee: Advanced OCAT in person

Prerequisite: Total Prep (offered monthly)

Dates: ongoing, 4x per mo

upcoming classes

OCAT virtual: June 3,10,17,24

OCAT in person: June 6,13,20,27

OCAT 2 in person: June 5, 12, 26 (no class on Juneteenth)

Advanced OCAT in person: June 15, 22, and 29

Times: OCAT in person and virtual 6:30pm-9:30pm, OCAT 2 in person 7-10pm, Advanced OCAT in person 12:00pm-3:00pm
all times listed in ET

Class Description: OCAT is your essential workout to hone your on-screen audition skills. Whether you are auditioning live in-person or creating a self-tape, you have an opportunity to craft your artistry specifically for the camera. We are here to give you the tools to send your best work with confidence, every time.

The more you practice auditioning, the less those nerves take hold… and we will train your audition muscle regularly to keep you in shape, especially when that coveted audition comes through.

Here’s what aws focuses on to keep our creative athletes in shape (that’s YOU):

  • Weekly audition themes and script suggestions to inspire your scene selections.

    • Choose material that challenges you and sharpens your instincts. You can tackle roles that you would be called in the room for or that you dream of playing.

    • Or, if you have an audition coming up, bring that in – we’ll prep & tape you.

  • Executing camera awareness in order to make your audition work best for you and your essence.

    • Eyelines, angles, framing, placing your audience in the room, when to walk in or out of the frame, where to place objects in frame, how to slate, etc.

  • Practice advocating for yourself. IOW, get comfortable asking for what you need in order to do your best work AND get the best take.

    • Where’s my frame, who will I be reading with, what’s my character’s function in the scene? Pro tip, have at least 2 versions prepared…we’ll give you nuanced coaching to get there.

  • We rehearse, review, and then tape in class, always with a giant monitor so you can watch your technical work and analyze the on-screen aspects of your performance with your peers/colleagues/fellow actors.

Oh, and on top of all of this, your acting has to be brilliant! We will help you. Let us guide your performance and sharpen your awareness for any moments of dishonesty or lack of connection to your character - if it’s not there, back to one! We’ll be right beside you.

OCAT is an ongoing monthly class, and once you’re enrolled, you have first dibs to continue elevating your audition skill the following month. Only 8 students per month.

This is your opportunity to be proactive in your craft and career, alongside and with an established acting community. Practice with top-of-the-line teaching artists and fellow artists every week, and get closer to nailing your audition every. single. time.

Ready for your on camera audition technique workout?

We’d love to see you in class!

Read our studio policies for COVID-19 mask requirements.

JUNE 2024

OCAT 2 and Advanced OCAT enrollment is through aws teaching artist recommendation. Please complete our class placement form here.

• Have questions about our classes? Email aws@arvold.com
• OCAT is ongoing, month-to-month