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Lesson Preparation

Lesson Title: Cold-reads, Headshots, Resumes & Portfolios
Objective: Students will demonstrate an ability to prepare and complete a callback audition by discussing the process and participating in two cold read.
Materials Needed:

Variety of headshots and resumes, teacher's audition portfolio (including songs and monologues, 6-8 contrasting from different time periods, cold reading cuts

Lesson Directions

Anticipatory Set/Hook:

At each table have several examples of headshots and different resumes.

 

Ask students which headshot they like at each table? Which headshot looks most professional? Which one would get the job just by their picture alone?

Instruction:

Step 1: Discuss what makes a good headshot.  Eyes have a story to tell. Friendly and welcoming makes you feel like you want to work with them. Professional and one that really looks like the person vs. a ton of makeover make-up or glamour shot, etc.

Step 2: Ask them similar questions about the resumes. Give them advice about creating a resume:

  • Attract and pulls focus to name
  • Lists projects you have done (stress importance of honest)
  • Typed and looks professional
  • What you have done is not as important as how you present it
  • Take pride in what you’ve done and make it sound important and worthwhile
  • Believe in your own worth and present it with pride
  • Headshot and resume is a reflection of your dedication

You can also caution students against “bad” resumes. Go over what they look like and sound like so that students know what to avoid.

 

Step 3: Show them your portfolio full of songs and monologues. Discuss what is important to have in your book and the best way to organize it all. Include the following:

  • Songs-contrasting styles and time periods
  • Monologues- keep material short usually 1-2 minutes,
    • Contrasting

Drama classical

                        Comedy classical

                        Drama contemporary

                        Comedy contemporary

                        TV and film

  • Extra resumes and headshots

 

Step 4: Transition. Tell everyone they had a great audition and ask them if they would come to callbacks?  Then…Welcome everyone to callbacks and pass out sides for a cold read. Give everyone a few minutes to read over them and then allow students to all experience a cold read. (Before cold readings are performed, have students pull out their journal and write “Cold Read” at the top of their page. Instruct them to divide the page in half with do’s on one side and don’ts on the other.

 

Step 5: Begin the cold read and have students record what they see and observe.

 

Step 6: After everyone has had a chance to cold read, discuss some key points that will help them succeed in a cold read. Include the following:

  • Show as many contrasting choices and show them who you are and how you are right for the role
  • Read the play and be familiar with its characters before you go if you can
  • When you first get a script read it over several times and get familiar with it
  • Try and figure out who the characters are and what they want, their relationship and what’s happening
  • Directable to take direction- continue what you were doing and add what they are saying on top
  • Auditor’s perception—they called you back and want you to be right for the role
  • Tell a story with material, take a journey, make big and bold choices
  • Be yourself and show as many charming sides as possible

 

Step 7: Let students go again and do a different cold read to practice it again. Have students continue their lists of do’s and don’ts.

 

Closure: Talk about the process of acceptance or rejection and how to take it if you don’t make it. Inform students that here at school, getting a part does not always depend on talent - the director (you as the teacher) also sees how they behave in class and will cast on work ethic as well.

 

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