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Maranatha to Offer an Industry Audition Workshop on August 1

Want to learn the ins and out of auditioning for theater, film, and/or television? Then this free audition workshop is for you!

Maranatha High School is hosting a complimentary online audition workshop, presented via Zoom, for current MHS students, prospective students, and alumni on August 1 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. The workshop will offer participants a crash course in audition technique/etiquette, headshots, resumes, audition prep, finding material, and will provide professional feedback. Participants will also talk about music, finding the right keys, character types, and how to dress for auditions. As a bonus, the first five people to sign up will be able to participate firsthand. They will 'workshop' material and receive coaching from Mr. Taylor Wesselman, Maranatha's Theatre instructor, and two industry professionals, Shelley Carling and Dan Amerman. Both previously worked with our Drama 1 students this past semester. Mr. Amerman was present for the students' final scene performances, and Ms. Carling taught an Improv/Sketch Comedy intensive on Zoom alongside Mr. Wesselman. We are thrilled to welcome them back. 
 
The first 30 minutes of the workshop will provide 'core' information, include introductions of the guest speakers, and explain how auditions will be conducted at Maranatha beginning this year. Participants may then stay and observe the five "volunteers" as they are coached in a Master Class-style format. If you are interested in being one of the five who will participate and interact live with the coaches, please email Mr. Wesselman at t_wesselman@mhs-hs.org to reserve a spot, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. All others are welcome to attend the webinar as an audience member. CLICK HERE for access.

MEET THE GUEST SPEAKERS
 
Shelley Carling: A native of Utah, Shelley grew up on stage performing musical theater. She taught acting and film classes before moving to New York City to attend The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. After graduation, she spent the next few years performing in regional theaters around the country before eventually going back to school in NYC to study screenwriting at The New School University.
 
On a weekend trip to Los Angeles, Shelley landed an internship at Ambush Entertainment (now known as The Film Arcade) working in development, reading her favorite writers not-yet produced scripts.
 
While at Ambush, she ventured across the street to The Groundlings and ended up studying and performing improv and sketch there for the next 5 years. Eventually, Shelley found herself making the jump to stand-up comedy. You can find her performing jokes at venues all over Los Angeles and San Francisco.
 
Dan Amerman: Dan is an actor who has been on TV shows such as The OfficeArrested Development, and Glee. He also acted in the movie Face 2 Face (streaming on Netflix), does the voice of Ezreal in the video game League of Legends, and has worked on stage in numerous plays and musicals, readings, and new works under the direction of Mr. Wesselman. Dan also writes short fiction and is finishing up post-production on a debut short film he wrote and directed.
 
*The first 5 participants to sign up for the workshop will be emailed separately with instructions about what to prepare and provided further details about how the workshop will be conducted. 
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