Casting Seminars



Are you an aspiring actor? Want to know the inside scoop on how to make it in the Arts & Entertainment biz? This informational session will answer all your questions - from the pros who know!

Casting Director Jessica Kelly, who is currently casting "The Blacklist ," NBC's largest hit show of this season (starring James Spader ), and actor Brendan Dooling (The CW 's "The Carrie Diaries "), will be part of a panel will share auditioning techniques and trade secrets that have been obtained from years of professional experience. Jessica & Brendan began their careers at the Gateway Acting School, and Jessica also assisted school director & founder Robin Joy Allan in the Gateway casting department.

The seminar will include a "Town Hall" style Q&A, which will be followed by an opportunity for performers to meet Jessica and submit a headshot and/or resume for future consideration.

The Panelists

Robin Joy Allan is the director and founder of the Gateway Acting School, and has cast & directed numerous theatrical shows for the Gateway. During her time in Hollywood, she cast several feature films and television shows, including "When Harry Met Sally ," "Lord of the Flies " and "Parenthood ," and "Ghost ".

Brendan Dooling stars as Walt Reynolds in the CW's The Carrie Diaries, a Sex in the City spinoff series, alongside AnnaSophia Robb . Dooling’s television credits including “Unforgettable ,” “As the World Turns ” and the television movie “An Elf’s Story: The Elf on the Shelf .” He also appeared in the feature films “Charlie, Trevor and a Girl Savannah” and can be scene in the upcoming “Untitled Drake Doremus Project.” He is a Gateway Acting School alumn, and has also has graced the stage in “The Full Monty ,” “Holiday Spectacular ,” “The King and I” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Jessica Kelly, a New York-based casting director, is currently working on NBC’s hit new show, “The Blacklist,” starring James Spader, as well as the upcoming Adam Sandler film “Men, Women and Children.” Previous credits include "Precious ," “Young Adult ,” “The Wolverine ,” “Labor Day ,” “The English Teacher ,” "Pan Am ,” and “The Carrie Diaries .”


  James Spader & Jamie Jackson from the series premiere of NBC's The Blacklist, cast by panelist Jessica Kelly. Gateway regulars will recognize Jamie, who starred in our productions of Sweeney Todd and Phantom .  
  Jessica recently cast the pilot of "The Carrie Diaries" on the CW. Pictured is Gateway Acting School alum, and Casting Seminar panelist, Brendan Dooling, who plays Walt Reynolds in the series.  

Topics Covered

 
Headshots
  		 
Agents
  		 
Casting Directors
 
 
Managers
  		 
When to turn Professional
  		 
Training
 
 
Colleges
  		 
Auditioning
  		 
Where/When to Audition
 
 
Student Films
  		 
Indie Projects
  		 
Legitimate Modeling Agencies
 
 
NYC vs. LA
  		 
Perseverance
  		 
Open Calls
 
 
... and more!


REQUIREMENTS FOR PERFORMER PARTICIPANTS

At the end of the seminar, you will be able to meet our panelists. You can also bring your current picture and resume to submit to Jessica, to be on file for future consideration. If you are without a headshot, you can bring a recent picture of yourself. Your resume should include any performance experience  training, skills,  height/ weight/ hair color/ eye color listed, and for the under 18s, date of birth.