Past Workshops

AUDITION WORKSHOP WITH MARSHA CHESLEY

Be Discovered By One of Toronto’s Top Casting Directors…

If you are an actor that wants to land more jobs, then you cannot afford to miss this unique workshop with Marsha Chesley!

In this intensive workshop you will receive one-on-one time to fine tune your audition technique. Cold reading opportunities with invaluable critique and honest feedback.

You’ll also learn audition tips from an industry expert who has done casting for shows such as Blue Murder, Little Mosque on the Prairie, This is Wonderland and many other films and television shows.

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Marsha Chesley– CASTING DIRECTOR

Marsha Chesley has been a casting director for over thirty years working in every medium: feature films, movies of the week, dramatic series, and sitcoms. In her years at CBC she worked with some of Canada’s most-respected filmmakers including Claude Jutra, Donald Brittain, Francis Mankiewicz, Gordon Pinsent, and Al Waxman. She also worked on two of Canada’s best-loved television shows of all time – King of Kensington and Seeing Things.With a background in education Marsha has lead workshops for actors and is frequently called upon to give seminars to producers, directors, and writers as well. For three years she was Casting Director-in-Residence at The Canadian Film Centre, the film school started by Norman Jewison. She wrote a book called “You Got the Part!” published by J. Gordon Shillingford Publishing Inc. which continues to be a best seller. Marsha currently sits on the George Brown College Theatre Department Advisory Committee and is co-chair of the Casting Directors Society of Canada (CDC). At present, she is working on a new series for TMN called Living in Your Car, written and produced by George F. Walker, and John A – The Rivals, a movie-of-the-week (MOW) for CBC.

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ACTING WORKSHOP WITH U.S. CASTING DIRECTOR WENDY MCKENZIE

Think you can ACT?

Are you READY for your big break?

Find out now!

Sharpen your skills with New York Casting Director & acclaimed Acting Coach Wendy McKenzie. Learn the secrets on how to leave a lasting impression at an audition from an industry expert who has done casting for films such as Notorious B.I.G and Oscar-nominated movie The Blind Side. If you are an actor who wants to improve your auditioning skills, then you cannot afford to miss this unique workshop!

After an introduction and Q & A session, Wendy will provide each actor one-on-one time to fine tune their auditioning and on-camera techniques. Other topics that will be covered are: how to slate to captivate, scene study, character depth, improv, how to promote yourself and gain a competitive advantage in the industry, and more. This intensive 3-hour workshop is designed to better prepare you for the audition process and beyond. If you are serious about your acting career, DO NOT MISS this workshop!

With that said … R U Ready for The Spot Light?

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Wendy McKenzie – CASTING DIRECTOR

Former model turned Casting Director Wendy McKenzie brings over 20 years of experience working both in front of and behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. Wendy has an excellent reputation for finding and casting new talent. As the lead New York Casting Director for Notorious B.I.G, she was lauded with the coup of finding and introducing Jamal “Gravy” Woolard as the title character. In The Blindside, she again showed her knack for recognizing talent when she successfully introduced another newcomer, Quinton Aaron, who was cast in the lead role of Michael Oher. In addition to films, Wendy has cast actors and models for many music videos for various artists including Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, and Wyclef Jean, just to name a few. Her experience as a Casting Director has led her to become knowledgeable in what the entertainment industry looks for when seeking talent. Wendy really cares about actors and their careers. She opens your eyes to the truth about what it takes to make it in the entertainment industry from a firsthand experience of a casting director. Wendy has a passion for enhancing an actor’s ability, which translates into actors landing substantial roles and developing successful careers. Wendy’s acting workshops are designed to bring you one step closer to your dreams the right way. “NO DREAM IS TOO BIG”…. “PREPARATION IS KEY.”

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ACTORS BOOTCAMP WITH U.S. CASTING DIRECTORS WENDY MCKENZIE & TRACY BYRD

LIGHTS…CAMERA…TAKE ACTION! Sharpen your skills with top casting directors and acting coaches Wendy McKenzie and Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd. Learn the secrets on how to leave a lasting impression at an audition and beyond from industry experts who have done casting for films such as Notorious and Oscar-nominated movie The Blind Side. Each actor will get exclusive one-on-one time with the casting directors to fine tune their auditioning techniques and acting skills. You will also gain invaluable insight on how to build your career as an actor. Other topics to be covered in this full-day workshop are:

• Master cold readings
• Scene Study
• Monologues
• Character Development
• Business of Acting
• Actor Marketing Tips
• Plus much more…

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Wendy McKenzie- CASTING DIRECTOR, Owner of “In the Wink of an Eye Casting”

Motivational Speaker and acclaimed Casting Director Wendy McKenzie brings over 20 years of experience working both in front of and behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. Wendy has an excellent reputation for finding and casting new talent. As the lead New York Casting Director for Notorious, she was lauded with the coup of finding and introducing Jamal “Gravy” Woolard as the title character. In The Blind Side, she again showed her knack for recognizing talent when she successfully introduced another newcomer, Quinton Aaron, who was cast in the lead role of Michael Oher. Her experience as a Casting Director has led her to become knowledgeable in what the entertainment industry looks for when seeking talent. Wendy has a passion for enhancing an actor’s ability, which translates into actors landing substantial roles and developing successful careers. Wendy’s goal is to bring you one step closer to your dreams the right way. “NO DREAM IS TOO BIG…. PREPARATION IS KEY.”

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Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd- CASTING DIRECTOR, Owner of “In the Twink of an Eye Casting”

Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd is an industry veteran and is one of Hollywood’s most sought after casting directors. Her expertise and experience spans over 20 years in casting, working with the who’s who of Hollywood. She was the Casting Director for films such as Notorious, Three Can Play That Game, Kings Ransom, and Stomp the Yard, among others. One of her more recent casting projects, Jumping the Broom (shot in Nova Scotia) features an all-star cast including Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Angela Bassett and Loretta Devine. Her TV credits include The Jump Off for HBO/Cinemax with Award-winning Author “Zane” and What Doesn’t Kill You for TV One. Tracy is currently casting the remake of the 70’s classic film Sparkle. Any novice or seasoned actor will benefit from her wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and guidance. She not only shows you how to reach your dreams, but also how to keep them alive once you get them!

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“Nailing the Audition”
Actor Workshop with “Flashpoint” Casting Director Marissa Richmond

Need to brush up on your auditing techniques? If so, now is your chance to do just that. Come and master your auditioning skills with the award winning casting director of Flashpoint! This is the opportunity for emerging actors to train with one of Canada’s top industry veterans. Find out how to deliver what the decision makers want so you can overcome your fears and nail your next audition. Learn the secrets on how to leave a lasting impression at auditions and beyond. You will get exclusive one-on-one time with Marissa to fine tune your on-camera techniques and acting skills. You will also gain invaluable insight on how to build your career as an actor. Other topics to be covered in this full-day workshop are:

• Audition Etiquette
• Casting Process
• Audition Do’s & Don’ts
• Headshots & Résumés
• Casting Secrets
• Business of Acting
• Actor Marketing Tips
• Plus much more…

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“Casting Director Showcase”
Master Class with “Flashpoint” Casting Director Marissa Richmond

Would you like to perform for the award-winning casting director of Flashpoint? Now you can! Here is your chance to be seen. Showcase your talent in front of one of Canada’s top casting directors. Ever wonder why you are not being seen for bigger parts? Come and find out how to get the jobs that can take your career to another level. This is a rare opportunity for experienced actors to learn the secrets of booking leading roles. Receive candid feedback on your performances from an industry expert. You will get exclusive one-on-one time with Marissa, and learn what it takes for you to land better roles. You will also gain invaluable insight on how to advance your acting career. If you think you have what it takes and are ready for your big break, then this master class is for you! Other topics to be covered in this full-day actor showcase are:

• Landing More Roles
• Owning the Room
• Branding Your Image
• Career Advancement
• Casting Secrets
• Business of Acting
• Actor Marketing Tips
• Plus much more…

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Marissa Richmond– CASTING DIRECTOR, Owner of “Marissa Richmond Casting”

Marissa Richmond is currently the casting director on the CTV/ION/CBS series Flashpoint. She was the casting director for the CTV pilot Stay With Me, and did casting for all 3 seasons of the highly acclaimed series Durham County, as well as the anthology series Bliss, both produced by Back Alley Films. Recent highlights of the past year include casting the Heroic Film Company series How to be Indie, the Cookie Jar Pilots Mudpit, as well as the Family Channel series Debra! She was thrilled when the Gemini Awards honoured her with nominations in 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011 for Best Achievement in Casting for Durham County and Flashpoint respectively. She won the Gemini Award in 2011 for Season 3 of Durham County. Her featured work includes Love, Sex & Eating the Bones, Show Me, and 19 Months. Marissa was also the casting director on the MOW’s After the Harvest, Lucky Girl, Scorn, and Murder Most Likely. Other previous casting projects include the dramatic series Due South, the hip hop dramatic series Drop the Beat, and the critically acclaimed award winning series Straight Up. Marissa has just completed her eleventh season as Casting Director-in-Residence at the Canadian Film Centre.

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“North Hollywood Casting Project”
Actor Showcase with BET Casting Director Alpha Tyler

How would you like to meet and perform for the casting director of BET’s hit shows The Game and Let’s Stay Together? Now is your chance to do just that! This is an opportunity for seasoned actors to perform for a top U.S. casting director. The goal of this actor showcase is to introduce Canadian actors to one of the biggest casting directors in the entertainment industry. Preference will be given to actors who have a Greencard, Work VISA, dual citizenship, or have papers to work in the U.S. Alpha will begin the showcase with an introduction on her casting experience, as well as tips on what she looks for when auditioning an actor for a TV or film role. You will then get exclusive one-on-one time with Alpha to showcase your talent and receive honest feedback on your performances. This is a coveted performance opportunity that could take your career to another level (please note that this is NOT a paid audition). If you think you have what it takes and are ready for your big break, then do not miss this showcase. You will also learn secrets on how to:

• Get more acting work
• Advance your career in Canada and abroad
• Create more opportunities and get more international exposure
• Effectively market yourself and other self-promotional tips
• Attract the attention of more American casting directors & other industry professionals

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Alpha Tyler– CASTING DIRECTOR, Owner of “Alpha Tyler Casting”

Alpha Tyler began her career in casting as a theatre major at California State University Northridge, 20 minutes north of Los Angeles, California. Upon graduation in 1995, after interning on Martin and on the feature film Titanic, she got her first job as a casting assistant. As an assistant, Alpha worked at Warner Bros, Paramount, DreamWorks and for many independent casting directors. Her biggest thrill was in New York as the casting assistant on the Spike Lee movie He Got Game with Denzel Washington. In 2006, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia and became the Casting Director at Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) for 4 1/2 years. She cast over 300 episodes of House of Payne, Meet the Browns and For Better or Worse combined. She also cast 8 feature films while at TPS including Why Did I Get Married, For Colored Girls and Good Deeds. After TPS, she cast a GMC made for television movie called Raising Izzie, which premiered at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami back in June 2012. Alpha is currently under contract with BET to cast The Game, Let’s Stay Together, Being Mary Jane with Gabrielle Union, Second Generation Wayans and many more to come. _________________________________

“Actors & Online Marketing”
A Guide to Mastering Social Media for Your Acting Career

Ever wonder how some actors “blow up” on Facebook and Twitter, increasing their exposure to industry players and building a devoted following of fans? They use social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, and other social technology the same way that savvy marketers do. Now you can too, in a few quick and easy steps! Join Amanda Parker, CEO of the social media management company Aha Moment Media, as she demonstrates how to market yourself on social media efficiently. Get advice on how to get online access to industry power players without having to spend money on a publicist or mass mailings. Bring your laptop if you have one. You will learn strategies to utilizing social media to become an internet sensation. This interactive workshop is a step-by-step guide to increasing your online visibility. If you want to learn the secrets to using social media to bring more opportunities to your acting career, then this workshop is for you! Topics to be covered are:

• Putting your content online and getting paid
• Using the internet to get more auditions & acting work
• Promoting your play, film, internet shows & other projects online
• Tips to using social media to launch and advance your career in the U.S.
• Advice on where to find the industry experts online & what to say to them
• Secrets to increasing traffic to your website & other social networking sites
• Attracting more attention from agents, casting directors, producers & key industry players
• Additional social media tips that can help turn contacts into connections…..and much more

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ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKER

Amanda Parker is a driven and versatile business leader who holds an Entrepreneurship Bachelor of Commerce degree from Ryerson University. She founded her first startup, CT Media, as a second-year university student and has since sold the business. She has driven development, sales, marketing and PR efforts for startups, SME’s, and large-scale organizations, including Ryerson University, RBC, HomeSav, and Speechbobble. Amanda has a proven record for execution, project management, and innovative thought-leadership that she employs to drive both of her businesses Aha Moment Media and Innohub. She was a keynote speaker at this year’s Winter ACTRA Conference. She enjoys using her industry knowledge to show actors how to create online exposure to top agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals. Any novice or seasoned actor could benefit from Amanda’s experience and social media expertise. Her techniques and strategies will help you to get the most of your social media presence. Follow her on twitter: @uncannymandy or @AhaMomentInc.

If you would like Talent Unleashed to organize a workshop for the students in your acting program/school, or for the actors at your agency, just let us know. Group rates are available. Send a message to: francine@talentunleashed.ca  for more details.

*Disclaimer: Talent Unleashed is NOT a talent or employment agency. It is also NOT an acting school or casting office. The company does NOT promise or secure employment, jobs, auditions, or bookings for actors. Additionally, taking a workshop with an industry expert or using a service provided by the company is NOT a guarantee of future employment. Workshops and services provided by Talent Unleashed are solely to help actors to increase their chances of succeeding in the entertainment industry. Starting an acting career is not an easy endeavour to pursue. As an actor, it is your responsibility to do all that you can to succeed in the entertainment industry. With hard work, determination, and motivation from your mentors, you can achieve your acting dreams.