Description
The general theater audition can often feel just outside of our grasp as actors.
Part formal, part informal, it can be tough to navigate the nuances and necessities of creating rapport with the creative team, while also holding deep circumstances and characters just under the surface. In this workshop, we will gain a better understanding of the actor’s job at a general audition and what professional preparation looks and feels like. We will learn what is our responsibility and what is out of our hands; cultivating ownership and authenticity in what can sometimes feel like a one-sided arrangement.
Through exercises, and mock auditions, we will discuss and explore clothing and image, material choice, entering and leaving the room, introductions, transitions and closings, and interview questions. Understanding the overarching goal of the general audition and what is expected of the professional, gives the power back to the actor. Through discussion, participation and observation the student will move away from fear and anxiety into a place of confidence and professionalism so we can do what we are meant to do in the first place … act. If time allows, participants may also have the opportunity to receive coaching on their chosen material. Please prepare one contemporary monologue, no longer than 90 seconds, as if for a professional, general audition. Please no Shakespeare or musical theater material. Participants should arrive at the workshop dressed as if they are attending a professional audition. A copy of their headshot and resume should be provided along with a hard copy of their chosen monologue.
Attendance Policy
In order to get the most out of your work with us, our students should make showing up to every class on time a priority.
We understand that things do come up so if you know you're going to miss a class, please give your instructor as advance notice as possible. This will help them get you caught up and not throw off the rest of the group. Scheduling a make-up class is possible but not guaranteed.
Students enrolled in our Meisner Acting Program can only advance to the next level if they've attended at least 6 of their 8 sessions. If a student misses more than 2 sessions, they will need to retake the level in order to advance in the program.
Cancellation Policy
Student Cancellation
If a student is withdrawing from a workshop more than 7 days prior to the day of the workshop, the tuition will be kept on file for a future class or workshop for a calendar year.
If a student withdraws from a workshop less than 7 days prior to the day of the workshop, the tuition is non-refundable or transferable.
We appreciate you respecting this policy for the best experience for our instructors and students!
Please reach out at 773-217-9565 if you have any questions.
Studio Cancellation
Occasionally we'll have to cancel a workshop due to low enrollment. We're sorry if that happens to you! If we have to cancel a workshop you've signed up for, we will give you at least 48 hours notice and promptly start your refund process.
In the event that class is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control (including but not limited to extreme weather and pandemic related shutdowns), a make-up will be scheduled as soon as it's safe for our students and instructors to be together safely at the studio.
In some cases classes may transfer to an online platform. If a student is unable to attend the rescheduled class due to circumstances beyond our control (including but not limited to extreme weather and pandemic related shutdowns) that student will receive credit on their account for the value of missed classes.
Space is limited!
See "spots left" above. Enroll now before the class is full!
About the Teacher
Emily is an actor, educator and director with two decades of experience in the Midwest market. She holds a BFA in Acting from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University (NIU). She is a certified yoga instructor at the 200-hour level, and certified in Mental Health First Aid. Emily has worked regionally on many stages, including: Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Next Act Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, and Allentown Shakespeare in the Park. Emily has also appeared on television in a national commercial for Batteries/Bulbs Plus, and regional commercials for Mills Fleet Farm, Sanford Brown University, and Walgreens. She once appeared as a featured dancer on an episode of the CW's Gossip Girl and that may or may not be her favorite credit on her resume. Emily is a proud member of Actor's Equity Association. You can see Emily in Renaissance Theaterworks' upcoming production of Barefoot in the Park, opening March 21, 2026.
As an educator, Emily has worked most recently as an Instructor at Northern Illinois University and UW Parkside. Emily's work in the studio engages her students in the wonderous study of themselves and the world around them, opening their minds, bodies and souls to the irrationality of the human spirit and the depths of their own experience. In their shared study of process Emily and her students grow with empathy, curiosity and tenacity, leading us all forward as actors, artists and human beings.
Class Details
- Day
- Saturday
- Time
- 9:00AM - 12:00PM
- Dates
- October 4, 2025
- Location
- 4001 N Ravenswood Ave Unit 401-E
- Instructors
- Emily Vitrano
- Class Size
- 12
- Age
- This is an adult acting class ages 18+
- Cost
- $0