The Audition Is The Job

Paul Schackman acting on the set of Chicago Fire

Self Tapes. As our industry continues to evolve, this has never been more true. Overwhelmingly, most auditions are self taped. Do you have a way to make your self taped auditions look and sound good? We’ve all seen self tapes that look like they were done on a sound stage with Hollywood lighting and sound… but the work was not professional. If you can’t do the work you’ve wasted your money. If you’re lucky you’ll have more than 24 hours to prep. Sometimes though it’s the next day.

Do you have a process to bring your work to life? How does your work stand out? Will that process be there for you if you get hired. These are the tools I give you in my classes and with my coaching. Not just how to act, but how to prepare for an audition and bring that confidence to set

Beware Of Gurus

“Today, I see acting teachers exploiting the insecurity of young actors and taking their hard earned dollars under the guise of sharing some secret process all the stars use. It makes me sad and angry. As in any art form, there is no right way. Anyone who tells you that will take more than your money. There is however a wrong way. Any way that doesn’t get you to where you need to be is the wrong way. Overwhelmingly, most great actors have trained, and they have trained hard. Most can’t put a finger on how they get from point A to point B. They may be able to talk about how they prepare, but once the curtain goes up or the director yells action they are no longer thinking about how to do it. The great ones let go and become awash in imagination, emotion and instinct.”

This is what I teach. How to let go. How to trust your training and your talent. How to truthfully take responsibility for every line, and every moment between them.

Private Coaching Online / In Person

Premier Acting Coaching from a working Hollywood actor with over 15 years of teaching and coaching experience.

Audition Preparation

Given almost all auditions are self taped or online with quick turnarounds, effective preparation is key. Most actors make the same mistakes falling into the same traps. My coaching goal is to help you stop acting and start working with a simple and powerful technique.

Role Preparation

Ok, you got the job. Congratulations! Now what? Is your process leaving you feeling stuck, or over prepared and stale. My coaching process works with you where you’re at and gives you a practical way to help you knock it out of the park… Every time.

Beginning Acting and Consultation

Have you always wanted to take the leap and follow your acting passion? Are you just overwhelmed by where to start. Let’s talk. My one on one actor coaching sessions offer a safe and playful way to stay grounded, giving you a clearer idea of what steps to take as an actor creatively and professionally.

NASHVILLE – “The Trouble with the Truth” ABC Television Network. (ABC/Mark Levine)
JESSY SCHRAM, MARK COLLIE, PAUL SCHACKMAN, CONNIE BRITTON, CHARLES ESTEN

Testimonials

“Paul pushes connection with your material and the other actors and is the antithesis of the guru teachers we actors overpay on a regular basis. Paul is a great working actor with a ton of knowledge and insight to pass on and I highly recommend his him.“

John Briddell, Actor (Doom Patrol, The Falcon And The Winter Soldier)

“The most important tool in any type of training is finding an environment that allows you to feel safe and confident. Paul allows you to stretch, maintain, and grow your acting muscles as an individual.“

J Anthony Pena, Actor (Big Sky, The Oath)

“What Paul teaches is instinct and how to be truthful in a moment and in a scene. Paul will help guide you to get out of your head and be really available for anything that comes your way in a scene.”

Sara Isaacson, Casting Director (Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Law And Order: True Crime)

Classes & Coaching

Ongoing Classes

Tuesday and Wednesday 7:30-10pm

Zoom Classes, Small Groups, One On One Instruction, Each Student Works.

$250 Monthly