Actors Connection

I have some pros and cons about AC. I’ve read many things people have said about having to pay to get in front of agents/​managers/​Casting directors and I agree to an extent. Your talent should get you in front of these people naturally, or you get a recommendation, or even if you perform at a showcase.
If you sign up, you should know there is no guarantee that you will sign… with anyone. You need to be realistic about your chances.
I signed up for the unlimited seminars with agents, it’s not cheap ($ 250). You get to take 1 seminar per day, and 2 in some cases. You are put in front of actual industry people, not fakers. My suggestion if you take this route is to research the agent before signing up for the seminar. This way, you don’t waste your time. If you have any chance of freelancing, or signing it will be with an agency who doesn’t already have a ton of ppl who look like you. Be selective, not random… it will help if you are.
The seminars allow you to perform sides, or a monologue, depending on the seminar you chose. Pick sides or a monologue you are familiar with.
I had a very good experience with AC. I got a meeting with 2 talent agents, and am freelancing with one of them now.
Why am I giving 4 stars? I think a couple of the casting directors could be a little more professional with their critique of actors performances.
I did a cold read with another actor, and after the casting agent critiqued both of us at the same time. I would have preferred a private critique. The same. then told me he didn’t like my read, and that if the other actor taught a class that I should take it, because I could learn alot from him!!!
Also, it is very driven by looks… in my opinion (I could be wrong). They will either like, or hate your headshot. If you have self esteem issues, leave em at the door. I’m not cocky, but I’m confident and open to CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. You should be too, if you go.
AC worked for me, would I do it again? I’m not sure I would do the month long one, I would probably just pick 1 or 2 seminars I was really interested in meeting the agent. You save money that way. Definitely research agent and see whom they rep, and if they are getting their clients work or not.

I’ve been going to different events at Actors Connection for over a year now, and I have nothing but good things to say about this place.
Clean, peaceful environment with a wonderful team running the place. They’ve been considerate, thoughtful & most importantly– unlike other places they don’t rip you off!

Okay. I decided I would start taking commercial classes and Meisner Technique classes here which started in the summer of 2014. I will start with the commercial class. I will not mention the teachers name who is also a casting director, but I thought he was often crass, and offensive with his «jokes» in class. He made a comment about my teeth,(I have a dyastema) which I thought was inappropriate on the first day of class. And toward the end of these classes, there was a whole discussion about my HAIR and how no one is wearing afros. Our headshots were held up in front of the class for everyone to judge. Ummm…excuse me? As one of the ONLY two black students in the class with my hair in its natural state, you have the audacity to criticize it? That last time I checked and watched commercials I see people of all colors and walks of life and hair textures in commercials. My entire time in the class, I had ZERO confidence, focus, or self esteem. It was difficult for me to confidently read sides, or do anything there.
I was extremely HURT because NO TEACHER should ever down your appearance or make you feel uncomfortable in such a way. I went on to take a Meisner level one class with a coach who teaches there when he can. I enjoyed his class, but by that time, I had already felt broken and beat down to the point where there was nothing left in me, and I hated taking class at actors connection.
The meisner class was fine, but it sucks to be in class with people who aren’t serious, and who don’t even show up to class. I was left sort of feeling like AC is a cattle call, and NOT a place for serious actors. They will take your money though, and feed the dream of the struggling actor… BUT…I felt like it wasn’t the place for me… AT ALL.
I’m grateful for the sub par experience simply because it helped me build a stronger backbone, it helped me accept my appearance, it helped me LOVE myself more, it helped me realize that NOT EVERYONE SHOULD TEACH AND IS A GOOD TEACHER EVEN IF YOU ARE A CASTING DIRECTOR. And most of all, this place helped me realize my actual passion for acting, AND the urgency to find a school where I felt SAFE and where the training was quality from complete professionals.
Since leaving AC, I divinely found my way to an acting conservatory that doesn’t judge me, the teachers are professional, and I am growing as an artist in the best possible way. I will be graduating in JUNE. With that said, I recommend going to a school where you feel safe. I understand other people had a great experience at AC, but I seriously doubt I will ever return. Teachers should teach and not ruin their students. PERIOD.

I’ve been attending the seminars and classes here on and off for over 10 years and I cannot rave enough about the place.
It’s not for everyone. Be prepared and professional and don’t whine about what the Guest that night says — if they give you feedback, take it to heart or at least listen to what they have to say — that’s what you’re paying for — expertise and advice, not to get cast. You will be seen as you sign up so if your class is at 6:30, be prepared to stay at least two hours.
I have been called in by agents and casting directors and I freelance commercially with an agent I met at AC. Can’t recommend it enough.

Been coming here for years and even when I come back home to NY to visit, I try to make sure I attend at least one workshop. The set up kind of sucks as you «go» in front of the CD or manager/​agent per your sign up, not per how you arrive at the class which sucks big. The interns who work there are NOT the most helpful when they are supposed to mail you a scene in advance. You may or may not get the scene. Really irresponsible. The location is OK, but not the best if you’re driving to the city and in the congested area near the theatre district. The guards in the buliding make you sign in, so make sure you spare a few moments for that. The worst thing about this place… the bathrooms. They are tight, smelly and dirty. It badly needs a window and circulation. I only gave them four stars because of the quality of CD or agents you can meet. Otherwise, they are grossly overpriced.

I was introduced to Actors Connection several months ago and my life and career have been irrevocably and joyfully changed! So, to say I am a raving fan is a mild understatement. In my professional and personal opinion Actors Connection offers the finest quality of training and exposure to high quality industry professionals available to aspiring and veteran talent alike. I also adore their new youth program and my children and I have each benefited in specific ways from the people we have met, the training we have received, and in general the way we have been treated.
Regardless of age, aspirations or attributes — rest assured you will find a cornucopia of opportunity and support at Actors Connection to feed and foster your inner thespian!

This is my first class at the Actor’s Connection. It is a commercial class with Barry
Shapiro. Let me just say that Barry is awesome! I love him! He keeps the class fun and gives his honest opinion on how you are doing. He really holds your feet to the fire.
I would definitely recommend you taking this class if you want to explore the world of commercials!

I’m learning more and getting better at what I love to do which is to be a well rounded actor. There are many competitors that offer classes and seminars but honestly Actor’s Connection is and has always been my favorite place to train.

I have been attending seminars at Actors Connection since 2005 and have tested other companies. I still think Actors Connection gives you the best bang for your buck. I actually get to spend time with the agents and casting directors. Actors Connection is also very open to feedback on improving their program. I have formed relationships, booked jobs, and been called in direct by industry guests because of Actors Connection. They really know how to jump start and maintain your career.

The entertainment industry is a harsh place with no room for crybabies. Just being seen can be an impossible task. Actor’s Connection is a fantastic way to have actual face time with the agents, managers and casting people that can get you where you want to go. Additionally, they are much more fiscally reasonable than every other studio in New York. The desk staff is quick and first-​rate. On incredibly hot days this summer they have chilled towels at the desk so you don’t walk into your interview all sweaty-​faced! An owner is often there to answer questions in person.
I have gone there for about 15 years, on and off. In that time, I have been called in by more casting people than I can count, gained several agents, a manager, and recently traded up to a better manager!
Ready to quit whining and get serious about your career? This is the place.

I’m a comedian and actor based in New York. Industry seminars around town can be quite expensive, but Actors’ Connection has prices that are extremely reasonable. Plus, you’re seeing the same industry that you see at other, more expensive places. Also, they have some serious heavy hitters in the industry that hold seminars.
I have been represented by a number of agents that I met there. Also, I went to a print seminar with five print agents, and already one of them has signed me on and is sending me out on print auditions. If you saw what I look like, trust me, you would be as shocked as I am that I could do print, so if I can, then anybody can!
The management at Actors’ Connection are extremely nice, down-​to-​earth people and easy to work with if you have any issues whatsoever. The place is very clean and extremely professionally run. They also have free computers with which you can surf the Internet.
I forgot to mention, a friend of mine took the commercial class with Barry Shapiro and recommends him highly — she’s been booked on a number of SAG national commercials and she’s making a mint, so that’s good enough for me — I’m taking his class shortly.
I would most enthusiastically recommend Actors’ Connection for anybody who wants to get a foot in the door in acting and/​or commercial print, as well as for more experienced folks who want to meet more industry.

I am torn about my AC experience.
It is definitely a «pay to play» as someone prior mentioned. That is why actors go to the seminars. My concern is that I think this is why the agents go to the seminars as well. At least most of them.
We have three minutes to do both the commercial copy and talk to the agents/​casting directors and it is done is such a rushed fashion I felt like cattle and in most cases like the guest of the night was humoring people as opposed to really being serious about finding talent.
I am an actor in multiple unions, have decent credits on my resume (but not enough!) and lots of training. I definitely did not just fall off the turnip truck but I sensed from many of the guests that their expectation is that we did. This creates an uphill battle from the get go.
I definitely think it is up to us to show them otherwise but when there is a total of three minutes it can be tough. And this is something we are paying for. I think that’s the rub.
Last week a guest was very late. Before she got in the moderator for the evening said as soon as the guest arrived we would need to leave the room to go in the waiting area as a new class needed to be in the room at 7:30 when we were supposed to leave it (the seminar was to start at 7 so they scheduled the room back to back at ½ hr intervals). Someone raised their hand and asked if we would have more than 3 minutes with the guest as we did not get the Q & A. The moderator said no and that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. The person who had raised her hand pointed out that the Q & A is part of the service AC is selling when they sell the seminars. The AC person essentially said tough luck and sort of laughed. To be fair I think the laugh was a nervous laugh but it is safe to say the attitude was not– what can we do to make up for this part of the evening that people paid for. And while guests have every right to be late what we are paying for literally is to meet with and talk to them. That is literally what we bought so it seemed a fair question that my fellow attendee asked.
There is an overall feeling that we should feel lucky we are getting the chance to meet these industry professionals and we should sort of expect the shuttle from room to room I see others have written about on here, the long wait times and the short time to speak to guests and hey if they don’t show for the Q&A just be happy you got to be there at all.
So all in all it is not really a pleasant experience. It is hard to forget that you are paying to meet people as the way it is set up again feels so much like cattle and the industry folk for the most part don’t seem to be expecting quality.
On the upside you are buying that three minutes and three minutes with a casting director is probably better than none.

I’ve been going to AC on and off for several years, though not since I got an agent there a few years back. That won’t happen for everyone, but as one reviewer pointed out, it’s a numbers game. Be smart and map out your strategy: Decide exactly what kind of agent you’re looking for, do your research, and compile a list of those agents that meet your criteria; get ahold of AC’s monthly schedule and start targeting. I probably saw 30+ agents — some several times — before finally breaking through. It may not take you as long. It may take you longer — there’s no way to tell.
I too hate the idea of ‘pay to play’, but unless you can lure an agent to your showcase, viable options for exposing them to your work are few. Just resolve to put up a strong, well-​honed piece, have an ultrasharp P&R or demo, and accept the fact that a) some agents and CDs are showing up for the $ and have no interest in taking on anyone new; b) you’ll inevitably run up against a guest who’s a jerk, so remember the actor’s credo, and don’t take it personally; c) the odds are you won’t hear anything back from the guest regardless of how well you perform. On the other hand, a) the vast majority of the guests are extremely nice, professional, and genuinely helpful; b) getting these folks to see your stuff — if the stuff is good — can’t help but work in your favor, especially if you follow up; c) taking these seminars on a constant basis is a superb way to hone your audition skills and perfect material; and d) you might just be EXACTLY what they’re looking for — but they’ll never know it unless you put yourself in front of them. Remember, too, that so much depends on timing. Feel like you knocked it out of the park, but still didn’t hear from the agent? Wait 6 – 12 months and go after them again.
I’ve never taken one of the classes there, so I can’t speak to their quality or effectiveness.
Drop by to get more info on exactly how they operate, rates, etc., and talk with some of the actors who’ve taken classes and/​or seminars — it’s essential if you’re considering committing your valuable time and money. If you go ahead — good luck!

So I’ve been contacted by someone from Actor’s Connection who says that they now email you your on-​camera work, which is a welcome improvement. However, I still think to maximize your experience, you should at least be able to see your classmates’ work as well, in order to compare your own and review what works best or not.
That said, I haven’t been back, and my assessment of the place is the summary of years of going. I can’t say I’ll never go back, the experience isn’t that bad, but I’m in no hurry…

A great place to meet industry folk! Of course, they can’t promise that someone will hire you, but this is a great place to showcase your talent. Through classes, you will get tips on how to improve your auditions or learn how to adapt your acting technique for the camera, but it’s not an acting school as such. Actor’s Connection doesn’t espouse any particular acting technique. The feedback you get will differ according to the guest and his or her preferences. (Remember even casting directors and agents are human individuals with their own biases and predilections.) Actor’s Connection is there mainly as a conduit for you to make connections (hence the name) with people actively working in the entertainment industry — the people who can put you in a position to get the job.
I resisted participating in «pay to audition» type places for a long time, feeling like it was «wrong» but finally decided, «Hey — if it gets me in front of the right people, it’s worth the investment — why not take advantage of the resources available to me?»
Staff will offer guidance on what classes, seminars and intensives might be right for you and your situation if you ask. Actor’s Connection offers programs for new actors, one to jump start your career, and a program that will take you to LA to make connections there. Many other options are available as well, including one night seminars, one night intensives and classes that span several weeks. The seminars and one night intensives are a great way to invest in your career without spending a lot of moola. They even offer specials and free seminars taught by both outside guests and people from within Actor’s Connection.
They get some great guests — casting directors from the big networks, independent casting directors, agents from well established agencies, agents starting new agencies. I’ve met guests who were incredibly inspiring, some who were just middle of the road and, a few times, guests who could have been gentler and more supportive. (Of course Actor’s Connection can’t control the personalities of individuals in our industry.) Opportunities to learn from other actors, casting directors and agents about how the business really works abound.
Actor’s Connection recently started using digital cameras to tape on-​camera work. Then, they send you a copy of your scene via email so that you can view it in the comfort of your home with all the pressure off — a great way to reinforce the feedback you were given on the day. (It can be so much easier to take it in and learn from what you did when you aren’t actively trying to impress the casting director or agent!)
No one can give you the magic pill that will turn you into an overnight success. But Actor’s Connection can help give you a push in the right direction. And it’s all about developing relationships with the right people! You can be the best actor on earth, but if no one sees your work, you aren’t going to work…

I have been going to Actors Connection (AC) for years. I have had some success, in that it helped meet some commercial agents that I have been freelancing with. However, what I get most from AC is the connections I make with industry professionals. You have to keep in touch after meeting them, because you never know when they might call. I was called in for Guiding Light a year after meeting the Associate Casting Director for that show! I was called in for a film audition several months after meeting two CDs at AC. Granted, there will be some industry guests who you will click with, and others who won’t be interested at all, and that’s just the nature of the business.
What I like most about AC is their seminar format. Not every place has a 20-​minute Q&A period. This is unique to AC, and extremely helpful. It is your opportunity to take notes on a particular agent or CD to use for the future. You can learn about their pet peeves and preferences prior to auditioning for them, and really get a sense of their personalities.
So, overall, I highly recommend going there, and at least try it out. It’s extremely important, though, to research the guests prior to meeting with them. I think it’s better to really target who you want to meet based on your personal goals and experience in order to get the most out of it!

There are so many things to say about places like these that I’m not sure where to start. The reason why this place is not getting 5 stars is because as an actor, I wish I didn’t have to pay to meet casting directors and agents. I have always received very positive feedback and though I do learn something every now and then, I am paying with the understanding that I am just paying to meet someone. I try to meet directors, CDs, and agents in every other way I can, but there are some people who just won’t see you unless you do it in this kind of venue.
HOWEVER. Of the places like these, I think Actors Connection has a great space and is much cheaper than some other places like One on One, where they claim to give you 10 minutes but often I see them knock at around 4 – 5 minutes. There is a lounge where you can sit, free computers where you can check your email, an enormous collection of commercial copy, and I never feel too crowded when sitting with other actors in the rooms for Q and As. Other places have a no time limit policy, but then if you are last on the list, you end up waiting there for hours when really, what else does the CD or agent need to know that can’t be accomplished with a monologue and 2 – 3 minutes of chatting? Actors Connection has also recently upgraded their taping systems so that they can email you anything you do on tape, so you can keep it in case you ever need to send someone a sample tape of you (which, when the time comes, will be very, very handy).
Tony, the owner, is incredibly friendly. He has always been kind and thorough when I’ve asked him for advice on different managers and agents who have approached me, and who better to ask?
Yes, it sucks to pay to meet people. Yes, sometimes it seems like nothing will come of it. But if you can’t handle rejection then acting is probably not the best career choice. Also, I know people who have gotten agents, managers, or got cast in something through AC and if anything, it keeps your auditioning skills sharp. Of the places like these, I would definitely recommend this one.

Generally I don’t type reviews but lurk UNLESS I really feel strongly about the place (positive or negative). I understand the reviewer who had a bad experience with AC. I know those things more often than not happen… but they happen at ALL of the seminars/​meet and great places… mainly because we are in Show Business. «Business» being the key word and many casting directors and agents just don’t have time to baby or coddle actors. We are professionals and if you are in NYC and LA acting scene then they expect us to just «know». I know that sounds harsh but it’s true.
Full disclosure, I was a host at AC at one time. I started as a client, and tired of paying to meet with industry and thought a better way was to work as a host. Then life got in the way (as well as work) and I left the program. However, I still go to AC as well as a few other places. I find the staff to be friendly, helpful as they possibly can be. They cannot be held responsible if you think the guest is too harsh, rude, or downright mean. BUT if you have a problem you can speak with the staff or email Tony or Christopher and tell them your experience. If enough folks speak up then they no longer invite the guest. No one wants this to be a bad experience on ANY side: the actors want to work, the industry wants to discover the next new «it person» and AC wants happy actors and word of mouth.
I am not a thin blond Barbie, nor I am in my 20’s or anything like a leading lady… I am a «character» actress that usually no one knows what to do with me. And in all honest my seminars were usually more miss than hit… but then I figured out it’s a numbers game. I made a conscious decision to do at least two seminars a week and always on the same night. I was always tired by the second one, BUT those are the ones I started to get real feedback from. I tried this for about 2 months and in that time I was called in and booked an independent film with Eve Bataglia, as well as signed with Stuart Talent for Voice-​overs. It wasn’t easy and I had to do the research. Before you choose a seminar, check the call page and see what this person is working on at the moment, or the agents do a monthly breakdown that lists what «SPECIFICALLY» they are looking for… AC doesn’t list this info but they shouldn’t have to because there is another resource that does this already. I think of AC as a host for a party… they are just linking the two people together but it’s up to the individual actor to do the research to see if this would even be a viable fit.
True, some of these things seem like a waste of time BUT if you are talented or have what they are looking for… then BOOM you have real shot. Also, it depends on who you go to see… I use my Facebook, twitter, and backstage accounts all the time to find out. who is really looking for new talent, what they like, what jobs are available etc. I consider Actors Connection to be a very valuable resource when stragizing my acting career. As far as «acting school»…I have never seen it referred as a «school» but rather seminars and some classes… however the teachers usually aren’t directly affiliated with actors connection but working actors, directors and writers… which again I say… do your own research. Sure it’s time consuming but as they say «Show BUSINESS».
Good luck and I say definitely try to reach out to some of the higher ups at AC. I bet my SAG card the staff will bend over backwards to at least move you in the right direction. Knowledge is power.

I beg to differ with the first reviewer.
AC is a ‘pay to see’ place, but I don’t know a single person who has ever benefited from this… acting school, it’s calling itself? No, it’s a ‘pay money to meet agents and casting directors’ kind of. entity, I guess. If you’re a model type, you get treated better by these people. The rest of the time, it’s just mostly a dead end.
I stopped attending these… seminars, I guess you could call them. Something about AC feels quite off. The vibe there is an unhappy one, and actors aren’t treated with much dignity.
Merry Sugarman is one example out of quite a few guest speakers I could name whose influence was upsetting instead of enlightening. She led a scene workshop and was rather unkind. She snapped at me during my scene and demanded to know why I didn’t ask her about the sides if I had questions. That would be because she disappeared as soon as she handed out the sides – I couldn’t find her anywhere, and when I asked where she was, I was told that she’d already left for the lunch break. She’d said she’d stick around for a few minutes and answer questions. When she snapped, «Why didn’t you ASK??» I tried to explain. She interrupted me and kept ranting. She embarrassed me in front of the class. When I ended a sentence uncertainly, in a trailing off kind of manner, she barked, «I HATE when people end sentences like that!» At the end of the class, I asked her a couple of questions about my headshot. She wouldn’t look at me, nodded without listening as she packed up her stuff, and basically… sigh. I’m depressed just thinking about it. Anyway, she became another embarrassing story to tell.
She’s just one example. And many actors I know have had less than positive experiences there as well.
I’ve had a lot of unhappy experiences, I’m writing them out instead of keeping them in, and AC is not a place I’d recommend. I don’t know why I attract this stuff, I’ve been actively seeking out ways to make things better, but despite the trend, bad behavior is bad behavior.
To Eric: Your comments on my review seem to misinterpret it. I think I was pretty clear in intent. No one is «trying to feel good about themselves.» I wrote of one specific experience I had, tying it into the general feeling I get there, since I’ve taken more than one class (but I haven’t been to AC in a long time – gave up on it, obviously).
To KW – if you’re referring to my review, then I said nothing about being «babied or coddled.» Getting information and asking questions and clarifying points in a script have NOTHING to do with that.
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1÷15÷11 — More stuff, since new reviews are appearing that are specifically naming me, and telling me what I should know, how I should feel about the experience–
And all appearing at the exact same time that Tony Nation, Actors Connection’s owner, sent me a message, telling me that surely my experience couldn’t be valid, since it happened «many years ago.» One review is from a marketing guy from the company, but he’s «not paid» to write the review. Oh, well then of course he must be unbiased.
The workshop in question took place about three years ago I think. And I’ve been back twice since then – the most recent class was in 2009. And it wasn’t all that great — same format, same unsettling vibe. The workshop I named presented some of the most glaring examples of what I’ve experienced at AC, so I focused on that. The rest of the workshops didn’t go well, either, but Merri’s was particularly awful.
The problems are both specific and nonspecific to AC. Paying to see people used to be a small, unassuming thing people did, until some people started to build whole companies around it.
For those very few who might benefit, it works out, but those are very very few and far between. Meeting casting directors and agents is not a big deal if those people don’t give a crap about anything but the extra money. And most of the time, that’s the vibe I get and have gotten at places like AC.
Why, Suzanne, would I conclude that Merri Sugarman’s behavior is a good thing? Because it rules her out as not being a «fan»? The woman, everyone later agreed in the elevator, seemed emotionally unstable.
I’d rather rule someone out because, after an experience in which everyone was behaving professionally, things just didn’t quite gel for whatever reason.
Interesting that there are people writing reviews criticizing me, on the same day that the owner oh-​so nicely writes to me privately. You’re willing to be his mouthpiece for whatever reason, fine. But if you were more secure in your assessments, you wouldn’t feel the need to harp on me.
Harping on me… gee, it’s Merri Sugarman all over again.

Actors connection is the perfect place to start your acting career. The pros are you get read for and have a one on one with top agents and casting directors. Many people have gotten signed to an agency thru actors connection and lots of people get called in by casting directors to work. Even though you have to pay to meet with the top players, the seminar prices are very reasonable.