Anyone done the Showbiz Expo?

[Polka Dot2]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:43am

Right now I'm signed up for their basic free package which includes the chance to supposedly audition for casting directors of a ton of Broadway shows. But I'm not enrolled in any of the workshops that you have to pay extra for.

Has anyone gone to this in the past? Is it worth it? I'm worried that the entire thing's a scam to try and get money out of people who just want to audition.

[Vespertine1228]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 2:19pm

I briefly went to the one earlier this year. A few words of advice from that experience:

1. Arrive early. It took forever to get in. I went like at 2 or 3 just to check it out for an hour and it took an hour to get in.

2. Don't pay for anything. They have a whole bunch of add ons that they try to sell you (reserved places in workshops, listing in their directory, etc.) You don't need any of them. Last time I paid for the directory and for a reserved spot in one seminar. It was $20 I didn't need to spend.

3. Be prepared for tons of people trying to sell you things. Everything from basics like acting classes, headshot photographers, etc. to more bizarre things like protein drinks, churches, and more. It was a bit like the tent section of your county fair where people demonstrate weird products. I've always enjoyed that part of the fair, so I'm a bit biased.

4. As for the audition, it's one of the people from Telsey, which can never hurt, although the spots fill up ultra-quickly from my understanding.

5. Good workshops that are definitely worth going to.

Overall, I don't know how much of a networking experience it is without add ons, and even then I'm wary. But just going for free should be fun in you're in the right state of mind. I'm thinking about going again.

[JacobHall]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 5:03pm

So I agree and disagree with vespertine.
I went to the show last year and it was actually a great opportunity. granted, the line sucked but i called them and they said they changed their registration company so it should go relatively quick to get in. also, vespertine is right, the workshops are great - i went to 3 last year and all fo them were good. and of course, auditioned foor telsey which was really cool since i had never been able to audition for a broadway show before. it was a good experience for me. over all, i loved it and am really excited about sunday. in case any of you are wondering what we are talking about the info is at theshowbizexpo.com