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Adult
Mon, May 5, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025
6:30pm - 8:00pm CDT
Class Experience
Are you taking care of business...every day? Yes, talent is important. However, many actors don't take the time to understand the business side of Show Business. Your talent might be hidden behind messy casting sites, mediocre headshots and distracting self-tapes. Do you have a good relationship with your agent? What are effective ways to get in front of casting before you have an agent?
In this comprehensive bootcamp, our industry experts will guide you through establishing your professional presence online and teach you how to create compelling profiles that catch industry attention. You'll learn the crucial dos and don'ts of competitive headshots. We'll tackle the big questions about SAG-AFTRA membership, helping you understand when and how to join the union, and what membership means for your career. We will also make sure you have the knowledge on how to create an at home self-tape set up that will make you stand out to casting directors.
Our featured talent agent will share insider knowledge about securing and maintaining agency representation in Chicago, while our casting director will reveal how to successfully navigate the casting process in our unique market.
Led by working industry professionals, this bootcamp provides the practical knowledge you need to launch and sustain your acting career in Chicago. Whether you're new to the city or looking to level up your existing career, you'll gain the tools and connections necessary to thrive in Chicago's dynamic entertainment industry.
Sample Class Format
- Week 1: Understanding the Chicago Market (on-camera, theatre, voiceover, improv)
- Week 2: Polishing Your Casting Sites
- Week 3: Headshot Preperation
- Week 4: SAG-AFTRA
- Week 5: Self-Tapes
- Week 6: Talent Agent
- Week 7: Casting Director
Other Things To Know
All classes have a 30% non-refundable deposit that may be credited toward a future class if Cancellation Notice is given 48hours BEFORE the start of class. The full price of the class is forfeited if proper notice is not given.FULL POLICY
Covid-19 Precautions
Safety of our community is our top priority. We follow the guidelines of our local governement when deciding how to run our classes. We reserve the right to adjust class structure as needed.
How To Participate
Attend class via Zoom video
This class will be hosted on Zoom video conferencing platform. You will receive an email 30 minutes before class starts with a link to the class and access instructions. We recommend you make sure your device is up to date and meets all system requirements before class.
Reviews for Vagabond School of the Arts
4.9 out of 5
Based on 442 provider ratings
Kyle P.
Apr 14, 2025
Loved:
I love Heidi's class. She's an excellent actress and acting coach and works hard to ensure every student performs their best while being super supportive. I've learned a lot and highly recommend her class.
Film & TV Intensive with Heidi Johanningmeier
Location: Vagabond School of The Arts | Instructor: Heidi Johanningmeier
Nancy C.
Apr 14, 2025
Loved:
I really enjoyed this workshop! It was interesting to watch the auditions and hear the adjustments from both coaches. And then having “callbacks” on the second day and incorporating what we learned to make our auditions better. Both coaches had positive constructive criticism and were very encouraging to everyone. It was a very positive environment and a very complete training experience. I feel like I am already a better actor for attending this workshop. Thank you! Sincerely, Nancy Cole
Improvements:
Can’t think of any improvements, the set up was very professional and the videotaped auditions all looked and sounded good!
Self-Tape Audition Bootcamp
Location: Vagabond School of The Arts | Instructor: Marika Engelhardt, Patrick Mulvey
Bettylynn K.
Apr 7, 2025
Loved:
I absolutely loved this class and the opportunity to hear the questions from the participants and answers plus more from Shelby Cherniat. It was an awesome online opportunity provided by Vagabond Through this class, I have a better understanding of the casting process both in LA and locally.
Improvements:
The only improvement I would like is to have more online opportunities from Vagabond
LA Casting Talkback - Shelby Cherniet
Location: ONLINE CLASS
Elaine H.
Apr 1, 2025
Loved:
Having a working professional share real and practical techniques for On Camera opportunities. The class size worked very well for questions and working through the exercises. I also love the multiple options of class days and times.
On Camera Unit 2
Location: Vagabond School of The Arts | Instructor: Ed Kross
Kimberly H.
Mar 31, 2025
Loved:
Small class, instant feedback, and great atmosphere! Ed is very personable and answers questions. He has great insight regarding how the industry works. Also, I truly appreciate how he shares his knowledge and experiences regarding how he became an actor.
Improvements:
I can't think of anything
On Camera Unit 2
Location: Vagabond School of The Arts | Instructor: Ed Kross
About Vagabond School of the Arts
Vagabond is more than a school; it's a community. The environment that we have cultivated at Vagabond is one of constant encouragement and support. We believe it's not enough to simply take the classes aimed at helping you better your craft, one must also be engaging with their fellow community. Our Professional Adult Classes set up our students for a professional career as an actor. We have kids classes that engage students whether they want to explore and grow or take a professional path. Check out our two locations: Chicago and Elmhurst, IL.
