The Actor’s Key West

OMG, I am a casting director workshop convert! For the longest time I avoided doing workshops. I’ve heard the horror stories that they are a waste of money or you’re paired up with random (untalented) actors for crappy scenes blah blah blah.
I then met an actor on a commercial who said she does them — but only here (which peaked my curiosity). She explained how you pick your scene and you perform it one on one with the CD. You’re in the room alone with just the reader and the CD — and that’s it. Some will give you a written evaluation, some don’t. So I tried one.
I’m kind of hooked now. You get so much attention, you get to ask any question you want and I finally get to meet and perform for a lot of the CD’s I’ve always wanted to audition for! Their perspective of you is really important to know. You’ll never get any feedback on an audition — but you will here. I’ve gotten to know the style and taste of different CD’s — and they’ll even tell you about what they like for their shows (or films). Like really broad comedy, straight comedy, intensity etc etc. And if you’re a pro, you’ll need to know the difference.
This is kind of my new training ground. I have been using these classes not only to meet CD’s but also get research on their shows, the casting process, their style etc etc.
Pros: Everything I just said.
Cons: The website has A LOT of information. Read as much as you can and if you have questions ask the desk person and tell them you’re new. Make sure and bring plenty of copies of your sides and make sure they are approved. They have a specific protocol so you have to be prepared. You can’t just show up to a workshop if you’re free or bored. Did I say be prepared? The CD’s they get are the real deal — and the CD’s are some of the top and they are very sharp, very intuitive people. Make the most of it. Those really aren’t cons, more like words of advice.
I hope this place helps you as much as it has helped me. Break a leg actors! xoxo :)

Here’s the problem: It’s not Actors Key per se, they do have a well-​run, organized workshop space. Instead, it’s the whole racket of paid-​for opportunities to have casting directors and agents see your work. Some of these casting directors actually had the audacity to say,“I don’t see plays.” in the Q & A session. I’m sorry. Isn’t that your job?
I was hesitant to go the paid workshop route, but my agent insisted it was the only way to get to meet new casting people. I met, I auditioned, and I uniformly got 4s and 5s on their rating sheets (5s being the highest). What I didn’t get was a single audition from these meetings. I was told you need to see the same casting people several times before that happens (several times means several more dollars). Can’t blame Actor’s Key, they are just a cog in the wheel of a larger money-​making scheme. If casting directors were truly interested in meeting some new talent, they would have general interviews in their offices like in the olden days (during the time that they reserved to make a few bucks at places like Actors Key). This isn’t bitterness, I realize the industry has changed significantly. But unless you’re a teenager or in your early 20’s and look like Brad Pitt or Gwyneth Paltrow, spend your money on the lottery. Your chances of winning are fairly equal.

Two clean spaces, very professional with helpful staff. I would caution that if you have problems using their online services there is no phone number where you can get personal aid and that is incredibly, incredibly vexing.
Once you get to the space it is relaxed, open and always very clean which is a nice change of pace from many locations in Los Angeles. I’d recommend checking it out, but beward the website.

Love this place! Outside of the fact that it is on the westside (yes!!!), it’s really my favorite place to go to meet the best casting directors, agents and managers around. The staff is super professional and the format is the best. The Q&A sessions with the industry people are always super helpful and I love that I can bring in scenes that showcase me the best to read in a one on one setting. I highly recommend! Most of my auditions are because of the casting directors I’ve met through Actors Key West.