I like MonkeyFace's idea of starting threads for specific areas as a way of organizing info. The initial thread has some Toronto, some Chicago, etc. So I though I'd start a Chicago (my hometown) thread with Old Bay's excellent info on the major agencies and CDs in the area. Anyone with anything to add, do so below.
quote:
Simon Casting, P+R Casting and O'Connor casting are the three biggest casting agencies in Chicago.
Claire Simon casts mostly studio features, television/pilots and regional theater.
P+R casts mostly indie features, a few studio features and commercials.
O'Connor casts mostly commercials.
As far as talent agencies, I'm with Marisa at Paonessa Talent Agency (PTA) and she knows how to get on the phone and pitch for her talent.
There's also Innovative, Stewart and Gray Talent Group. A lot of Chicago heavy-hitters are on the roster at Stewart. Gray has a great sampling of younger talent and some seasoned vets. Innovative used to be a big voiceover company but has since expanded to film, tv, and commercials. In addition to Shirley Hamilton, Bigmouth and Lilys. Those are all the ones that I know.
--- Sr. Research Editor for Backstage/ Editor of Call Sheet
Posts: 9 | Location: Back Stage Wilshire Office | Registered: December 07, 2010
Claire Simon and some other folks-in-the-know teach at Acting Studio Chicago, you could only help yourself by taking an on-camera, scene study or commercial class there as well.
Posts: 9 | Location: Chicago, IL | Registered: July 30, 2009
The Chicago training centers that I hear mentioned over and over again are:
Second City Acting Studio Chicago The Green Room Act One Studios
My teen daughter has taken classes at the first two, and they are both fantastic. Rachael at Acting Studio Chicago was extremely helpful when I had questions about the industry. My daughter is going to try out The Green Room in June. I don't think it's possible to go wrong with any of these four.
Posts: 201 | Location: Chicago | Registered: October 23, 2011
Thanks, Chasing! I'll email Anthony and see what he's about.
As long as we are getting some basic information out there...
What do you Chicago people use to find work in and around the city? So far I am on nowcasting and actorsaccess. I also peruse craigslist. Any other suggestions?
Originally posted by jasonresno: What do you Chicago people use to find work in and around the city? So far I am on nowcasting and actorsaccess. I also peruse craigslist. Any other suggestions?
That's what I do for my kid. (She has an agent, but we also look for work on our own.) She also does all the background work we find, mostly because she loves being on set and partly because we get to meet working directors and producers that way.
Posts: 201 | Location: Chicago | Registered: October 23, 2011
