MUSICAL THEATRE AUDITION WORKSHOP WITH BENTON WHITLEY AND JIMMY SMAGULA

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Posted: 2/3/10 at 4:30pm

Work.
Broadway Veteran Jimmy Smagula and Broadway Casting Assistant Benton Whitley Audition Technique Workshop

Actor Jimmy Smagula and Casting Assistant Benton Whitley have teamed up to bring you the "best of both worlds" in an Audition Workshop that is sure to help you get the job!

Whats the industry saying about our class?

"Smagula and Whitley lead an insightful, engaging class which provides actors with the tools and advice that help them to have successful auditions." -Craig Burns, Casting Director, Telsey and Co.

"Benton and Jimmy brought me back to the basics, giving me the path back to being a true professional in the approach to my audition, all while providing a safe and open enviorment that fostered fantastic creativity in my work. I can not reccomend this class highly enough. If you want to work on your craft, and I mean truly work, not just stand in the room while someone strokes your ego... this is the class for you."--Kevin Greene, Original Broadway Company, Tale of Two Cities.

"Even though I have worked on Broadway, that credit doesn't guarantee future work. Benton and Jimmy create a safe but honest atmosphere to really let your guard down and work not only on new material but also the unconscious signals we are sending when we audition. I've been telling all my friends and I will tell you too- you need to take this class. I dare you not to learn more about yourself personally and professionally while taking this class. Work!" ---Zakiya Young, Original Broadway Company, The Little Mermaid.

"Auditioning used to be a mystery and I was always focusing on the wrong things. But Benton and Jimmy have taught me what to focus on so that I can command the room!" ---Anthony Johnson, National tour, Hairspray.

You can expect to learn and work on:
--Creating a book that is diverse and covers all the bases
--Every aspect of the audition, from the first 10 seconds in the room, to leaving the room having satisfied and impressed everyone behind the table
--Knowing your "type" and what is appropriate to sing for which auditions
--Taking direction and making strong choices on the spot
--32 and 16 bar auditions
--The business of auditioning. Agents, pictures and resumes, who casts what shows and how do you get seen!

You will have the opportunity to work and have a question and answer session with a "Broadway star", someone known for making a mark on Broadway and who works at only the highest level.

Your final class will be a real audition where we will bring in a top casting director, musical director and agent. This will put you in a high pressure situation and you will truly be able to use the tools we have given you during the previous classes. You will get feedback from everyone in the room on this day and will have your picture and resume passed along to them as well.

Our past guests include:
Craig Burns of Telsey and Co.
Diane Riley of Harden Curtis Agency
Jesse Vargas, Musical Director
Kevin Chamberlin, Actor and 2 time TONY award Nominee
Deborah Abramson, Musical Director
Elizabeth Stanley, Actress, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, COMPANY and CRY BABY
Jen Namoff, Talent Manager
Jen Bender, Resident Director "The Lion King" on Broadway
Orfeh, Actress and TONY award Nominee

$400, 6 classes total, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 PM to 9:30 PM.
First class February 16th. Midtown West location to be announced. A $100 non-refundable deposit is due by February 12th to hold your spot, and will be applied towards the total fee.

Email [e-mail] to reserve your spot today.

Having worked at Laura Stanczyk Casting, Benton Whitley knows what producers and directors are looking for, and why actors get jobs. He has many hours "behind the table", having worked on projects like the recent Broadway revival of RAGTIME.

Jimmy Smagula has appeared on Broadway in the Original Broadway Companies of The Full Monty, Man of La Mancha, and To be or Not To Be at Manhattan Theater Club. Most recently on Broadway, Jimmy played "Chef Louis" in The Little Mermaid. He also appeared in last summers "Encores! Summer Series" production of Damn Yankees in the role of "Rocky." Jimmy has nearly 20 years of auditioning experience and has worked with musical theater's best directors. His history in the musical theater business will surely be invaluable to helping you get the job.

Special guests for February to be announced SOON!
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