Darby is an exceptional role model for young people. I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with her since she was 14, and I feel incredibly fortunate to now have her as a teacher at my school. Over the years, she has worked tirelessly and accomplished so much. She truly embodies what’s possible when someone pursues their dreams with dedication, discipline, and heart.

Alan Dysert
Founder, Owner, and Artistic Director
The Actors School

Darby Cappillino is a multifaceted performer, musician, and content creator with a strong presence across film, television, theater, and digital media. She has appeared in feature films including I’m Not Ashamed (Pure Flix Entertainment), It’s Christmas Again (Mapelle Films), The Observance (Beyond Casual Media), and The Legend of Van Dorn.

Her television work includes roles on Mother Goose Club Playhouse and ESPN’s Where Wolf: The Search for ChiefsAholic.

On stage, Darby has brought beloved characters to life such as Gabriella Montez in High School Musical and Anna Maria in Godspell.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University and trained for many years at The Actor’s School under Alan Dysert, along with receiving personal coaching from Victoria Jackson of Saturday Night Live.

In addition to her acting career, Darby is an accomplished songwriter and recording artist, having held a publishing deal with Universal Music Group from 2020 to 2023. She is also a skilled musician, playing ukulele, piano, and guitar, and works as a voice-over artist.

With a significant digital footprint, Darby connects with a wide audience as a social media influencer, amassing over 35,000 followers on Instagram, 100,000 on TikTok, and more than 460,000 subscribers across her YouTube channels.

TO REGISTER: Text or call Alan Dysert at 615-500-7661
Email Alan at: AlanDysert@iCloud.com
If you have any questions about this class, please feel free to reach out to me. Text or email would be best.

Darby is an exceptional role model for young people. I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with her since she was 14, and I feel incredibly fortunate to now have her as a teacher at my school. Over the years, she has worked tirelessly and accomplished so much. She truly embodies what’s possible when someone pursues their dreams with dedication, discipline, and heart.

Alan Dysert
Founder, Owner, and Artistic Director
The Actors School

Darby Cappillino is a multifaceted performer, musician, and content creator with a strong presence across film, television, theater, and digital media. She has appeared in feature films including I’m Not Ashamed (Pure Flix Entertainment), It’s Christmas Again (Mapelle Films), The Observance (Beyond Casual Media), and The Legend of Van Dorn.

Her television work includes roles on Mother Goose Club Playhouse and ESPN’s Where Wolf: The Search for ChiefsAholic.

On stage, Darby has brought beloved characters to life such as Gabriella Montez in High School Musical and Anna Maria in Godspell.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University and trained for many years at The Actor’s School under Alan Dysert, along with receiving personal coaching from Victoria Jackson of Saturday Night Live.

In addition to her acting career, Darby is an accomplished songwriter and recording artist, having held a publishing deal with Universal Music Group from 2020 to 2023. She is also a skilled musician, playing ukulele, piano, and guitar, and works as a voice-over artist.

With a significant digital footprint, Darby connects with a wide audience as a social media influencer, amassing over 35,000 followers on Instagram, 100,000 on TikTok, and more than 460,000 subscribers across her YouTube channels.

TO REGISTER: Text or call Alan Dysert at 615-500-7661
Email Alan at: AlanDysert@iCloud.com
If you have any questions about this class, please feel free to reach out to me. Text or email would be best.

6:30 – 9:30 | $89.00

Technology is changing the way Film/TV industry professionals handle auditions and casting. With the advances in technology, actors are often asked to self-tape their own auditions and submit the video auditions to their agent or casting director without ever stepping foot into a casting office. This is great because it allows actors to audition for roles around the country, however, this brings with it the added stress of handling all the technical aspect of filming your audition. Knowing the basics required to successfully film, edit, and submit your video audition will not only save you time and frustration, but will also help represent you in a more professional manner.

This workshop will focus on the technical aspect of filming your video auditions. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on expensive equipment to create great results. The camera is only as good as the person operating it. We will focus on the basics of what is required to successfully complete a video audition taping from start to finish. This workshop will cover the step-by-step process from setup to sending the final product to an agent or casting director. This includes proper Setup, operating your camera, lighting, editing terminology and techniques, and submitting the audition via the Internet.

TOPICS THAT WILL BE COVERED:

Setup
Lighting (Natural, 2-point/3-point lighting) Key, Fill, and Back light, Color Temperature (3,2K or 5,6K)
Camera placement
Actor Placement
Off camera Actor(Reader) Placement
Backdrop/background
Framing

Camera Settings
Modes: Auto and Manual
White balance/Color Temperature (3,2K or 5,6K)
Aperture(F/Stop)
Auto focus and Manual focus
ISO
File format – common compression formats: .MOV, .MP4, . AVI, etc
Resolution – standards HD, SD, 480, 720, 1080p
Working with the internal mic on your camera
Optional external mic.

Post-Production
Editing software
Importing
Editing
Common editing terms

Submitting via the Internet
Email
WeTransfer
HighTail (formally YouSendIt)

Purchasing Equipment
Camera
Lights
Backdrop
Editing software

ABOUT JOSHUA JOHNSON
Joshua Johnson is a videographer, photographer, sound engineer, and actor. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science: Audio Production/Engineering with a minor in Mass Communications from MTSU’s highly respected Recording Industry Program (RIM). In 2008, he started Capture Productions Photography. It was not long after entering the world of professional photography that Joshua decided to branch out and include videography as a part of his profession. As a videographer/editor, Joshua’s work includes shooting/editing web series, product promo videos, demo reels, video auditions, and he is currently finishing up post-production on a film titled “The Senator”, a film written and directed by Alan Dysert.

To make a reservation, call or text 615-500-7661 or email Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com

Ages: 10+
Cost: $69

Hear what Talent Trek looks for in new talent. You will also have the opportunity to read for Robin Daugherty in the class.

Robin Daugherty, an independent Talent Scout for the Talent Trek Agency, is instrumental in finding new talent for the agency’s “Acting and New Faces Division”. Robin is also a well established actor at Talent Trek.

Over the years, Robin has taped thousands of auditions for the agency, so he knows exactly how your auditions need to look and sound.

Talent Trek Agency is a full service SAG/AFTRA agency with four offices in the Southeast. Founded in 1983, Talent Trek is co-owned by Charlotte Dennison and Juanell Walker, who operate the Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Asheville, NC offices.

The Nashville office is managed by Evelyn Foster, the Head Agent, and Robin Daugherty is the Assistant and Talent Scout.

Talent Trek Agency has worked as a team player with Casting Directors, Producers, actors and models for nearly four decades. Talent Trek is a leading choice for reliability, and for providing the best principal performers in the business.

PARTIAL LIST OF CLIENT CREDITS

FEATURES: Avenger: Endgame, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Wild Rose, Dark Waters, The Blind Side, All Saints, Stoker, Logan Lucky, The Identical, The Last Castle, The Green Mile, Get on Up, The Longest Ride, Boulevard, Warrior Road, 11 Seconds, A Pure Country Gift, How to Eat Fried Worms, Big Momma’s House II, Talladega Nights, Big Fish, Cold Mountain, Crackerjack, Chasing Ghosts, The Blind Side, Halloween II, Two Weeks, Walk the Line, Blacksnake Moan, Runaway Jury, Elizabethtown, Castaway, 28 Days, A Walk to Remember, and many others.

TELEVISION: The Walking Dead, House of Cards, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Legacies, Stranger Things, The Oval, Nashville, Still the King, Queen Sugar, Mr. Mercedes, Dynasty, Macgyver, Ozark, The Resident, Quarry, Your Worst Nightmare, Born Again Virgin, Powers, Sleepy Hollow, Constantine, Under The Dome, Revolution, Rectify, Banshee, Devious Maids, Army Wives, CSI: New Orleans, Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, Unsolved Mysteries, Sins and Secrets, Snapped, and many, many others…

COMMERCIALS: Coca Cola, DenTek, Hard Rock Café, Stone Mountain,, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Smithfield Meats, Biltmore House, Expedia, Sensa, Belk’s, Verizon, Alabama Power, Alltel, American Express, Dollywood, Chevrolet, Toyota, Nissan, Dr. Pepper, ESPN, Food City, etc.

For over 30 years, Robin Daugherty has been taping auditions and coaching actors at talent agencies, production companies, and casting agencies, in Atlanta, New York, Minneapolis, and Nashville.

A Nashville native, Robin started acting at the age of 6, with an appearance at his uncle’s Barn Dinner Theatre. That same year, Robin was enlisted as a recurring cast member on THE ROMPER ROOM educational children’s show. At age 11, Robin became a member of the popular Tom Tichenor Marionette Troupe, and at 16, for his short, TV MIXUP, he received a Young Filmmaker’s Commendation from the Sinking Creek Film Festival, which evolved into today’s Nashville International Film Festival. Since then, Robin has worked in many areas of film, television, and theatre production.

Currently, Robin can be seen in TV commercials, music videos, the sitcom BORN AGAIN VIRGIN on TVOne , ABC’s NASHVILLE, the limited series STRANGER HEARTS, as well as the feature films CHANGING HEARTS, CHASING GHOSTS, PATERNITY LEAVE, REMEMBER THE GOAL, WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH GERALD?, and the critically acclaimed British film, WILD ROSE, alongside Oscar nominee Jessie Buckley.

Over the years, Robin has been mentored by Giancarolo Esposito, Leslie Jordan, Jason Marsden, Michelle Williams, Lucille Ball, Lily Tomlin, and Joan Rivers. Robin studied TV/Film Acting at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Vanderbilt University.

To sign up for the class please call (615) 500-7661 or send an email to: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com

• DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES FOR VOICE ACTING?

• WORK OUT AT THE MIC WITH COACHING AND PLAYBACK

• LEARN HOW THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY WORKS

• NETWORK WITH OTHER ASPIRING VOICE ACTORS

• PUMP UP YOUR CONFIDENCE AND VOICE OVER SKILLS

• STRENGTHEN YOUR MOTIVATION FOR VO SUCCESS

Call (615) 500-7661 or send an email to: email: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com

Location: 5532 Maplesong Drive, Nashville, TN 37211

AudioBooks are the ultimate long-form narration, but it takes specialized skills to pull it off. Find what it takes to become a professional audiobook narrator. Joe will help you to learn what voice acting skills you’ll need for this two and a half billion dollar business. You’ll learn how to have fun and grow your voice-over career at the same time. Joe has produced hundreds of audiobooks and narrated many of them himself. ​Learn from one of the very best our industry has to offer.

Students who have had at least one class with Joe or previous voice-over experience are preferred for this workshop.

Learn techniques that win auditions and what’s required in this long form reading industry. Joe has been producing and narrating audiobooks for over 20 years. His experience will guide you through the process and quite possibly to your first audio book project. You will record reading from your favorite books which you’ll bring to the workshop. Work with novels, self-help, fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and history. You’ll learn how to make your character stand apart from the narrator. Develop your character’s attitude! Learn how to find work within the publishing world and how to market yourself as an audiobook personality.

Joe Loesch has produced hundreds of audiobooks for authors such as, Beth Moore, Bill Hybels, Jimmy Carter, Zig Ziglar, Robert Schuller, Jon Acuff, Dave Ramsey and many others. For publishing companies such as, HarperCollins, Thomas Nelson, Pacific Press, University Press, Zondervan, Guideposts, Mission Audio, Oasis Audio, Toy Box Productions, Dalmation Press, Ideals Publications, Warner Brothers and dozens of others. Joe owns his own line of audiobooks under Readio Theatre, LLC. You can check out his line of audiobooks at NewWayToRead.com

To register please call 615-500-7661 or email: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com

As The Avenue Agency’s director and agent, Melinda Eisnaugle is booking actors in movies, tv series, commercials, print work, etc., throughout the southeastern region. The Avenue has been in business for over 15 years and has offices in Nashville and Atlanta. Creating long-standing relationships with her talent, national casting directors, producers, directors, and ad agents alike, Melinda is going to share with you what you won’t ever see as a working talent – behind the scenes of the industry!

Every talent has a question they are scared to ask, but this class will give you a safe place to get answers without judgment or embarrassment.

Need to tape an audition that will get you booked on the job? Now is your chance to learn how to simplify the technical so you can focus more on your craft!

Do you know what a casting director or agent is looking for when you audition?

Get the inside scoop on what catches our eye, and nail your next big audition!

Does the idea of a cold read turn your stomach? Melinda can give you a simplified process to help you take the fear out of the cold read! Learn how to quickly dissect a character to hone in on what matters most!

ABOUT MELINDA EISNAUGLE
For over 15 years, Melinda Eisnaugle has been booking and managing talent in the southeast, Los Angeles, New York, and internationally. Her journey in entertainment started as a child talent and gives her the advantage of understanding the full scope of what a talent needs in order to be successful in today’s market. Coupled with her experience as a booking agent, Melinda has insights that will give you an edge. Find out how to get on your agent’s A list to get the audition!

This workshop will also dispel myths about agents. Learn what to expect from your agency – and what your agent should be able to expect from you! Find out what an agent does day to day. Find out answers to your questions direct from the source . Position yourself to be your agent’s FIRST call and build a thriving career!

The Avenue Agency is a full-service SAG-AFTRA franchised booking agency with offices in Nashville, TN, and Atlanta, GA. The Avenue’s talent are booking projects in Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. What are talent & clients saying about working with The Avenue?

“I’m so impressed with how first class the whole experience with The Avenue is!”

“Thank you for representing great talent. You have no idea how happy I am when I get to hire one of your talent, [it makes] my job so easy . . .” -Jennifer Bonior, producer & director

“When the one in charge [on set] asks who my agency is and I say The Avenue, there is always a positive response and words of how highly they think of you.” -Kerrye Lebovitz, actress

“I just wanted to say you rock. Seriously. You have good talent and you handle your business the way it should be handled.” -Chad Kinkle, director

“I’ve been using The Avenue for over 10 years. [Melinda] knows her talent really well, which is extremely helpful when I’m casting.” -Holly Allen, Casting Director

“We want to thank you for all you do. We couldn’t ask for a better agent . . . and friend.” -Jaeson Morris, Parent of child actors

This 2-Saturday session workshop will be very comprehensive. We’ll look at commercials and commercial acting styles with lots of on-camera commercial work.

>> GET YOURSELF NOTICED! <<

Actors in the United States make more money from commercials than in all movies and television combined. This is an area where you really need to know what you are doing. Being a good actor isn’t enough. Commercials are a different game. The competition is skilled. Winging it won’t get you there.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:
·Commercial Forms ·Acting Styles in Commercials ·Character Spokesperson ·Interviews and Auditions ·Getting Booked ·One-Liners ·Voice-Over ·Relationship to the Camera ·Product Handling

THE SECOND SESSION is A PRIVATE FINAL TAPING SESSION — or students can be taped on a day that works better for them than if needed.

FIVE AGENTS, AND THREE CASTING DIRECTORS, AND THREE PRODUCERS WILL SEE THE FINAL FILM.

Call 615-500-7661 or send an email to: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com to reserve your space.

This workshop will focus on your flexibility as an actor using film and television sides.

You will be given short scenes and monologues from films and TV series and be directed to perform them in several different ways. You will have a chance to play with the material, use your creativity, and push the boundaries of what is possible in your acting. It can be easy to get stuck in one reading of the material when you prep for an audition, this class will shake things up, improve your flexibility, and show you what you are capable of. If you would like to bring in a short monologue or other material to work on you are welcome to, but there will be scripts given out in the beginning of class. This is a fun and challenging workshop for actors at any level of experience.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
– Script & Character Analysis
– Listening & Interpreting Direction
– Being Flexible
– Owning Your Choices
– Taking Bigger Risks
– Opening Up Emotionally
– Working with a Partner or Reader
– Creating Higher Stakes
– Empowering Yourself

Holly Allen is a freelance casting director and acting coach. She was the in-house Casting Director for the Nashville production company, Film House, for 13 years where she cast over a thousand commercials and industrials using mostly Nashville actors. She spent 7 years in Chicago casting for commercials, industrials, and independent film projects before moving back to Middle TN. Her indie film casting credits include: Scones, When Icarus Fell, Chasing Ghosts, Deadline, and No Regrets. 

Although she loves casting, her adoration for teaching may take the lead. She began teaching in grad school where she received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre and hasn’t stopped teaching since. She has taught at universities, colleges, independent acting schools, and in private lessons for 24 years. She has been conducting workshops for The Actor’s School for over 15 years now and loves helping actors achieve their goals!

Being a professionally trained performer herself for over 20 years, she has a vast knowledge of the technique of acting and also the challenges and obstacles that actors face in their careers. She strives to create a fun, safe environment in all her workshops where she will also challenge you and push you to grow. She encourages mistakes, taking risks, and empowers you to trust yourself and your creative instincts. This is a fantastic class to explore, experiment, do the work, and leave with more knowledge, tools, and confidence.

Each student will have the opportunity to work on-camera with detailed direction and feedback.

What Students Are Saying:

“Holly created such a warm, comfortable, and open work environment focusing on the individual needs of each student. As a result, I was able to take risks and grow immensely as an artist. Her positive energy and encouraging spirit is contagious! This class is not to be missed!” – Mary F.

“I really appreciated your positive and encouraging approach, and it’s so helpful to learn what works, and doesn’t, from a casting director.” – Rachel I.

“Your class was brilliant and has by far been my greatest learning experience. I will highly recommend your class to others.” – Janel S

“I LOVED Holly’s class on Saturday…she is the perfect combination of honesty, knowledge, and encouragement and is empowering to actors. I learned so much and can’t wait to apply the things I received from her. It’s obvious that she is genuinely passionate about teaching and helping actors reach their potential.” – Kate S.

“Thank you for your truthfulness and kind words of wisdom – it’s definitely a different breed!” – Susan J.

“Thank you for the invaluable auditioning techniques you taught us on Saturday. I have an audition on Monday and I plan to incorporate many of them. The class has already boosted my confidence ten-fold.” – Missy W.

To find out more about Holly Allen visit her website at www.hollyallenonline.com

To sign up for the class please call (615) 500-7661 or send an email to: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com

Find Your Character Voice with Award-Winning Voice Actor, Joe Loesch – Discover That Voice Within – Get Immediate Feedback – Have Fun! – Perform With Other Voice Actors – Go Home With New Voices

The Magic Behind the Mic – “It’s not just words—it’s emotion, layers, and story.” Have you ever wondered what makes a voiceover performance truly unforgettable? It’s the magic behind the mic—the skill of transforming simple lines into characters, emotions, and stories that captivate listeners. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to step fully into a character, understand the circumstances, and use your voice to create a believable, dynamic performance.

Whether it’s commercials, narration, audiobooks, or animation, the right voice can transport an audience anywhere. Join me for, “The Magic Behind the Mic” at the Indie Acting Studio. It’s hands-on, fun, and packed with insights to take your acting to the next level. Spots are limited—claim yours now! Let’s bring your voice to life!

Limited to 6 people.

Joe’s studio is NASA-technology-protected. No virus lives here! Feel Free To Breathe!

Location: Joe’s Digital Studio, 5532 Maplesong Dr. Nashville, TN 37211

JOE LOESCH is an award-winning producer, author, teacher, actor, model, and voice-over talent. Born in St. Louis, Joe moved to Los Angeles when he was twelve. He studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse under the direction of the late Agnes Morehead of Bewitched fame.

Joe was nominated ‘Spoken Word’ Producer of the Year by AFIM Indy Awards. He has won multiple Silver Microphone and Crystal Jade awards. He won the Early Childhood News Directors Choice award. His “Abraham Lincoln Logues” book with audio was voted as a top ten children’s book by Chicago Parent Magazine and is now available at Ford’s Theatre, Washington, DC.

Starring in dozens of TV commercials, Joe has endorsed Sun Sweet Prunes with Barbara Mandrell, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Toyota, Philips Magnavox, and many more. Joe and his wife, Lori, currently own and operate, Readio Theatre, LLC, an audiobook production company in Nashville, TN.

Call 615-500-7661 for more information or email Alan Dysert at Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com