Caryn West's Space For Actors

10/22/2024

THE SHORTCUTS to shoot within 48 hr submission deadlines are creating some very bad habits: nothing behind the lines, a lack of earned beat changes or subtextual moments, obvious and result-oriented characterizations as described in the character breakdown, a lack of spontaneity and a scene with no arc. I address this "shortcutting" effect to a result in class now.
Nobody likes working this fast but there are some ways to counteract an underdeveloped taping. And there are some very effective, simple ways in about 20 minutes to drop into a deeper place before jumping in front of your camera and hitting that record button. Let me share those needful adjustments with you in this next Self Tape Audition Intensive.

Nov 3 Intensive's enrollment savings offer ends tomorrow night Oct 22
MORE AT: https://conta.cc/4fge3f1

Email from Caryn's Space for Actors CSFA Audition Intensive enrollment savings offer ends Oct 22 11:59pm CLASSES COACHING BOOK CARYN ABOUT THE SHORTCUTS to shoot within 48 hr submission deadlines are

09/26/2024

VIDEO and info at https://conta.cc/4gDLTvP
Plus: Fall Audition Intensives start Oct 5

Plus: Fall Audition Intensives start Oct 5! CLASSES COACHING BOOK CARYN ABOUT Click on the new TV/Theatrical audition rules Those rules, my recommendations above and many others are in my upcoming Au

07/18/2024

Congrats to “Lessons in Chemistry’s” 2024 Emmy nomination for BEST LIMITED SERIES. Such a classy show . I am so grateful to the hair, makeup, props and costume departments for so expertly turning me into the recurring part of the benign horror Mrs Mudford is in the book! And to director Millicent Shelton letting me improv so much with 14 fun younger actors.

07/14/2024

https://conta.cc/462U682
The Results are in and all findings viewable at
https://www.auditionsarework.org/polling-data to scroll through!

A big thank you to all 543 who participated in the survey; including 491 SAG-AFTRA actors who weighed in from 23 of the 25 union Locals.

Our hope is that your feedback will provide important insight for our community and help to improve our audition and contract experiences, performer protections, industry relationships, and business expenditures in the future.

REMINDER: The grace period prohibiting claims against violations of the news Self-Tape & Auditions Rules in the 2023 SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Agreement ended on 6/11/24. If you experience, or have experienced contract violations after that date it is important to file a claim with SAG-AFTRA.

Auditions Are Work is proud to have sponsored this effort and hopes to do so every year to offer a verifiable voice to our collective experiences , successes and dissatifactions.
( Hope to hear from you again next year around May 2025! )
https://conta.cc/462U682

See your answers online now! The Results are in and all findings viewable at https://www.auditionsarework.org/polling-data to scroll through! A big thank you to all 543 who participated in the survey;

06/25/2024

https://conta.cc/3VGA6mC

PURPOSE: Let your voices be heard!
It is important to document your experience navigating the entertainment industry in the wake of so many new changes to your contract and to identify areas where additional protections are needed.

All data collected is anonymous and we took steps so you don't need to sign into your Google account to participate.

Many folks within and without the union, including the media, are now interested in how this poll highlights how you are doing currently.

This poll is an independent effort to gather data from you as a performer working, auditioning, and self taping under the 2023 2023 SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Agreement-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Agreement and the new Audition and Self Tape Guidelines.

Your input is crucial to identify how to best protect all of us in the casting process, in your relationships with Agents/Managers, and from exploitation from online casting platforms.

The Poll values your input whether you are a Sag-Aftra member, pre-member, or nonmember Performer.

Final results will be be published online July 1!

( it takes 10 minutes)
Access the Poll on the Yellow button! https://tinyurl.com/2024PerformerPoll
Be sure to hit SUBMIT at the very bottom of the survey.
Thank you for your time, input and support!

Complete the Poll, and see results online July 1 is closing June 30! PURPOSE: Let your voices be heard! It is important to document your experience navigating the entertainment industry in the wake o

06/05/2024

Fill out the Performer Check In Poll NOW! ( https://tinyurl.com/2024PerformerPoll ) and come discuss results at the June 5 Solidarity Zoom! More info and Zoom link at: https://conta.cc/4e5i2v1

Complete the Poll, and see results on Wed night Zoom! SOLIDARITY.US 6.5 - WED June 5, 2024 @ 6:30p PT / 9:30p ET Hosted by Shaan Sharma, Katrina Sherwood, & Miki Yamash*ta IMPORTANT: Before the meetin

05/18/2024

https://tinyurl.com/2024PerformerPoll
This poll is an independent effort to gather data from you as a performer working, auditioning, and self taping under the 2023 SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Agreement and the new Audition and Self Tape Guidelines.

This is a Phase 1 poll covering 12/5/23 - 6/10/24, only (the six-month grace period sunsetting old contract terms).

Your input is crucial for identifying how to best protect all of us in the casting process, in your relationships with Agents/Managers, and from exploitation from online casting platforms.

Your responses will provide a quantitative statement on the value of your labor, give insights into the true individual costs of the casting process, and show how effective existing guidelines have been protecting you so far.

The poll is organized into three sections: 1) TV/Theatrical Casting Process 2) Casting Platforms and Industry Access. 3) State of The Industry.

All data collected is anonymous and we took new steps so you don't need to sign into your Google account to participate.

It should only take you about 10 minutes to complete. Your input is important if you are working or auditioning for projects covered by SAG-AFTRA contracts. (Respondents will lose their progress if their browser closes or refreshes, so try to fill out all in one dedicated session)

This Poll values your input whether you are a Sag-Aftra member, pre-member, or nonmember Performer. “Zero” (0) or “not applicable” (N/A) are valid responses where applicable.

Be sure to hit SUBMIT when completed. Phase 1 deadline to complete the poll is June 30, 2024.
https://tinyurl.com/2024PerformerPoll

Survey of practices under the new TV/Theatrical contract Performer Check-in Poll PURPOSE: It is important to document your experience navigating the entertainment industry in the wake of so many new

05/02/2024

AAW Office Hours Thursday May 2 4pmPT / 7pm ET
www.auditionpaymeeting.org
NEW POLL: On Auditioning Practices & Discussion that include the another Casting Website class action suit.
info at: https://conta.cc/3wiNeWA

NEW POLL: On Auditioning Practices & the another Casting Website class action suit AAW Office Hours May 2 Thursday, 4-6pmPT / 7-9pmET OFFICE HOURS : Join us for a 2024 Check-In, discuss breaking news

04/17/2024

BREAKING NEWS: Yesterday brought news of a class action lawsuit against Casting Networks due to their exploitative pricing. All are invited to our Thurs April 18 4pmPT / 7pmET Zoom at www.auditionpaymeeting.org for a 2024 Check-In, to learn more about the Performer Community Polling Initiative we are launching this month to empirically collect data to gauge how things are going for performers in 2024. And we’ll also be discussing this breaking development and how we can join the conversation. https://conta.cc/3Uwovrj

Breaking News, 2024 Goals and a Community check in . . AAW Office Hours Thursday, April 18 4-6pmPT / 7-9pmET OFFICE HOURS IS BACK! Join us for a 2024 Check-In and to learn more about the Performer Com

04/15/2024

https://conta.cc/3VUBDrd
OFFICE HOURS IS BACK! Join us for a 2024 Check-In and to learn more about the Performer Community Polling Initiative we are launching this month to empirically collect data to gauging how things are going for performers in 2024.

AAW Office Hours is a safe space for members of the entertainment community - performers, reps, casting professionals, directors, producers, etc. - to engage in informed, respectful discussion about issues that affect us all including (but not limited to) new contract provisions and self tape guidelines, Audition Pay, casting platform price gouging, exploitation in the casting process, and how to get involved with and support entertainment labor unions.

The AAW Team will be on hand to answer questions, educate and provide resources, and facilitate discussion.

Auditions Are Work is a grassroots organizing group of SAG-AFTRA members. Our goal is to advocate for the value of the labor performers do while auditioning and self taping and for the enforcement of the Audition Pay provision in the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Contract. Our mission is to educate our fellow union members on our contracts, advocate for the rights of SAG-AFTRA members to shape them, and build performer power.
AAW has been covered in The New Yorker, Jacobin, Indiewire, NPR’s Airtalk, Vulture, and The Hollywood Reporter.

2024 goals and community check in AAW Office Hours Thursday, April 18 4-6pmPT / 7-9pmET OFFICE HOURS IS BACK! Join us for a 2024 Check-In and to learn more about the Performer Community Polling Initia

04/02/2024

Booked during our last Audition Intensive. Congrats to Tim!
TIM WAGNER can be seen on Law & Order/NBC on Thurs, April 11th at 8:00 pm.

"I highly recommend Caryn’s Audition Intensive class for all actors. Whether you are just starting out or have a ton of experience, this class will get you working in new ways. She quickly covers all the technical basics for producing a high-level product for the self-tape age we are now living in, including detailed recommendations on equipment, lighting, sound, framing, and editing. But the real value in this class shines through with her thoughtful direction and skillful, moment-to-moment coaching, allowing the actor to quickly find his or her best work. You will learn a clear, and repeatable process to identify the genre and tone of the script, how to approach the scene, and how you fit into the overall story. The results demonstrated in our 4-week session were highly integrated auditions that are exciting to watch. Thanks Caryn West!"

New Session April 11-May 3 EARLY ENROLL and SAVE:
https://conta.cc/43LszqE

New Session April 11 - May 3 early enroll savings! CLASSES COACHING BOOK CARYN ABOUT Booked during our last Audition Intensive. Congrats again! TIM WAGNER can be seen on Law & Order/NBC on Thurs, Ap

02/09/2024

Get back on the bike, kick off the rust!
Many new Self Taping guidelines and Zoom alternatives in the 2023 Theatrical /TV Contract to know (and to help your agents to know) And more frequent Zoom Live auditions to be sharp for.
At Caryn's Space for Actors: the AUDITION INTENSIVE Feb 21- March 13, ever evolving: Caryn’s newest 2024 handouts, and practice enough to offer up your best work on tape, Zoom or in the room!
(SagAftra, Alumni and Strike Captain member discounts still offered.)

SCENE STUDY 8 weeks ) Feb 22- April 11, 8 weeks $80 or pay-what-you will class so we can get back to physical and vocal warm ups, improv, dancing, risktaking, fun playing off partners, and growth. Self tape isolation and Zoom has atrophied us : reclaim our dormant craft & expand skills with room for failure. It is vital as we move forward this year. Free studio rehearsal time! (12 slots by application/invitation only)
MORE on all offerings and SIGN UP: https://conta.cc/3SBBJkl

Get back on the bike dont get rusty! CLASSES COACHING BOOK CARYN ABOUT Get back on the bike, don't stay rusty! Many Self Taping guidelines and Zoom alternatives in the 2023 Theatrical /TV Contract to

02/07/2024

Just because its raining & snowing , don't get get rusty!
Many Self Taping guidelines and Zoom alternatives in the 2023 Theatrical /TV Contract to know (and to help your agents to know as well) And more frequent Zoom Live auditions to be sharp for.
The AUDITION INTENSIVE, ever evolving: Feb 21 - March 13 come get Caryn’s newest 2024 handouts, your Tech set up evaluated, equipment tips, and rehearsal reminders, and practice enough to offer up your best work on tape, Zoom or in the room!
(SagAftra, Alumni and Strike Captain member discounts still offered.)

SCENE STUDY 8 weeks (Process, not results ) Feb 22- April 11 $80 or pay-what-you will class so we can get back to physical and vocal warm ups, improv, dancing, risktaking, fun playing off partners, and growth. Self tape isolation and Zoom has atrophied us : reclaim our dormant craft & expand skills with room for failure. It is vital as we move forward this year. Free studio rehearsal time( 12 slots by application/invitation only) More below
MORE at : https://conta.cc/3UrCKhl

Early Enroll savings and Union and Alumni rates CLASSES COACHING BOOK CARYN ABOUT Just because its raining & snowing , don't get get rusty! Many Self Taping guidelines and Zoom alternatives in the 20

02/06/2024

See for more info on this new rule

01/09/2024

Just got this great insurance supplement info from devoted actor advocate Kevin West ( no we are not related but love the guy anyway) and may be very helpful to alot of you!:
" As you may know, I’ve given a lot of my life to the well-being of the acting community, as Founder of The Actors’ Network (1991-2013) plus and my union committee service from 2017-present. The state of insurance is a BS sh*t-storm, simple as that.

BOTH union actors and non-actors across the U.S. face a glaring and rising cost crisis. After 17 months pushing through SAG-AFTRA bureaucracy to achieve a 20% union discount, I’m sort of begging you to review this and, if nothing else, FORWARD it to someone who can use it!

I was one of the 44-person contract Negotiating Committee members. During those negotiations, one of our peers - committed su***de. That makes the 11th in my life, 9-actors, 2-personal friends.

While it was a long road I found the best SUPPLEMENTAL health benefit company - VURV (compared to lots of BS) and achieved placement on the SAG-AFTRA national Discount Program. VURV far exceeds such outfits as, GoodR/X, etc.. They provide Vision, Dental, Alternative and R/X. BUT, their MENTAL HEALTH benefit is like no other, providing up to EIGHT tele-therapy sessions, PER issue @ $0 Co-pay.

VURV is comprehensive and outstanding! For UNION members it's only $31.20 per mo. (20% off). Hell, I know people paying $80-100 per mental health sessions WITH major medical coverage. NUTS! Even if you’re non-union or not even an actor, it’s only $39 per mo. Additionally, if you’re an EMPLOYER, with 10+ employees VURV will take 10% off so it’s only $35 per employee.

No, this type of coverage isn’t ‘Major Medical’ so be clear on that - however, SO many Americans between 18-45 have “no coverage” and 87% of SAG-AFTRA members do not annually qualify. VURV provides a TON of benefits plus mental health help. If you have any questions, just ask me, and if a business owner wants to engage with the CEO I am happy to help coordinate that…for SURE!

Wishing you my very best for a great ’24.
Cheers,
Kevin E. "
HOW TO SIGN UP below.
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UNION ACTORS click here, LOGIN, and save 20%:
SAG-AFTRA (only $31.20 per month)

Employers, individuals & non-union actors CLICK now!
(Only $39 per mo. or $35 w/10+ employees)

VURV Benefits Overview (partial description)
Uniquely brilliant & changing the face of non-major health benefits!

With VURV health there is no waiting, Use Immediately & Available Nationwide
Pay-as-you-Go Health Care / Use With or Without Insurance

Mental Health: Up to (8) sessions per issue, $0 Co-pay

Telemedicine: $0 Telemedicine Visits

Dental: 20-50% off all Dental Procedures, checkups and cleanings on one of the largest Dental Networks in America.

Vision: The largest vision network in America, save up to $480 a year on frames, lenses and exams.

Prescriptions: Compare live prescription prices at your favorite pharmacies and save up to 80%

Alternative Health: 25% savings on Chiro, Massage, Acupuncture, Physical Therapy & more.