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Actor Camera Craft: The Art of Auditions

• Expertly craft your audition.

• Transform your auditions through a diagnostic approach, where structure makes for pure freedom.

• Understand how to modify your instrument to the camera so that your work has the most impact.

• Tailor choices to work within the most crucial playing space you will encounter - the on-camera audition close-up.

"Gary is a kick ass, committed, focused, caring, experienced, and savvy teacher who knows what he's talking about & communicates it with precision & in a simple, understandable manner. Two thumbs up for real!" - Stephen Adly Guirgis (Actor/Playwright Pulitzer Prize winner for Between Riverside and Crazy, The Mother Fucker with the Hat, HBO's The Get Down, Birdman, Russian Doll, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty)

“This is the man to go to for insight and confidence about working on camera in the audition room, and on set. I have known Gary Perez for many years and he is a true talent himself, a patient and insightful man, and has all of the experience that you want to know about! Study with him!" - Heidi Marshall (Director, Casting Director, Private Coach)

About This Class

Not Your Typical Acting Class

The Actor Camera Craft intensive is not an acting class.

It is a specialized on-camera audition class for committed actors looking to refine their audition skills.

Why Actors Come Back

• Sharpens their audition craft
• Take creative risks in a safe space
• Propels and accelerates their careers

Unique Methodology

The approach and methodology offered have been developed from years of experience in acting and coaching. The course equips you with dynamic, creative, and reliable audition tools.

How It Works

1. Preparation: Receive audition sides and submit your best self-tape by the deadline, with the aim of booking the role. In this four-session intensive, we're all about elevating our game—your best effort is the only prerequisite.
   
2. Class Review: We dissect and discuss each self-tape, honing your technique for a standout audition.
   
3. Playback & Analysis: Understand your craft and instrument through playback, moment-by-moment.
   

Your Takeaways

• Master control of your instrument
• Excel in storytelling and self-direction
  
• Understand scene and frame dynamics
  
• Create compelling opening moments
  
• Learn the power of eye contact and stillness
  
• Optimize your home setup for self-tapes and Zoom auditions
  

Zero scene partners. Zero excuses.

Just you, on camera, leveling-up your audition game.

Why This Class:

Transform Your Audition Experience

Taught by a Pro, For the Pros

Learn from someone "in the trenches," auditioning and coaching successful actors. This isn't just theory; it's hands-on expertise.

An efficient and effective approach.

This alternative methodology streamlines your audition prep, making it convenient and impactful.

Understand Your Playing Space

• Tailor your entire instrument and personal artistic energy output to fit the audition playing space.
  
• Whether it's a 1500-seat theater or a close-up shot, learn to adapt, calibrate, and modify your instrument and performance for optimal impact.
  

An actor would never play a 1500-seat house as they would a 99-seat black box

Master the Close-Up

• Elevate your audition game by focusing on the nuances of the close-up.
  
• Learn techniques that will make you stand out and secure more roles.
  

The Audition Mindset

• Auditions are not just acting; they require a unique skill set.
  
• Despite its challenges, we must find joy within the audition process to maintain a positive attitude and make each audition count.
  

Auditions are more than just acting

Practical Skills for Real-world Success

• Learn to insinuate edits, filling in the missing elements in auditions.
  
• Understand how to keep the audience engaged from moment to moment.
  

Why It Matters

• Mastering your audition technique can be a game-changer for your career.
  
• A positive approach to auditions can lead to both artistic and financial rewards.
  

My Journey: Co-Founder, Accomplished Actor, and Creator of Actor Camera Craft

The LAB Legacy

I Co-founded LAByrinth Theater Company with some of the very best creative and talented artists, creating a universe for artistic growth. LAB remains my creative anchor and community.

Discovering a Specialized Skill

While actively being a member of LAB and working as an actor, I found myself drawn to the intricacies of the audition process for personal reasons. My knack for pinpointing crucial audition details led fellow actors to seek my guidance.

Mock Auditions - Time to Play

The Real Deal: Mock Auditions

I initiated mock auditions as close to the real thing as possible. That became more than practice; it evolved into a diagnostic tool providing immediate, actionable feedback to actors, allowing for a sense of freedom within a structure.

Cutting Through the Noise

My Secret Sauce?

I speak "Actor." No fluff, no BS—just straight-to-the-point advice that gets to the heart of your performance challenges.

The Proof is in the Bookings 🎬

Success Stories 🎬

I've coached for years, and the actors who adopt my methods are booking roles. Each success story reaffirms the effectiveness of my approach.

The One-Size-Fits-All Audition Approach

My methods are universally applicable whether you're auditioning for film, TV, stage, or even a gig. As a consistently working actor, I bring firsthand experience and insights to the coaching process.

What Sets Me Apart

I've navigated the complexities of auditions, acting, and coaching. I understand what elevates an audition from good to great and have the tools to help you get there.

Gary’s Bio

From Harlem to Hollywood to Broadway and Beyond

Born in the towering high-rises of Harlem's Lincoln Projects, Gary's artistic journey began early. A move to the Bronx led him to a specialized program for artistically gifted children, where he found his desire to be in the arts was born. From there he went on to major in Ballet at the High School of Performing Arts (the “Fame” school).

However, a fateful decision to skip class and attend a Broadway matinée of "Equus," starring Leonard Nimoy, changed the course of his life. The live theater experience was transformative, and Gary knew he had found his life's calling.

Today, Gary is an award-winning actor celebrated for his television, film, and stage work.

He is a Co-Founder of the esteemed LAByrinth Theater Company, established alongside luminaries like John Ortiz, David Deblinger, Paul Calderon, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. The company has become an integral part of the theater landscape.

In theater, Gary's career is a rich tapestry of collaborations with Pulitzer Prize-winning writers such as John Patrick Shanley, Nilo Cruz, Lynn Nottage, and Stephen Adly Guirgis. His performances have been directed by industry giants like Anna D. Shapiro, Tony Taccone, and Jo Bonny. He has graced stages from Steppenwolf to Yale Rep to The Public Theater, earning a prestigious David Hogue Award and a JEFF Award nomination for his role as Cousin Julio in "The Mother Fucker with the Hat." Most recently, he appeared on Broadway in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Between Riverside and Crazy," now nominated for a 2023 Tony Award for Best Play.

Still of BETWEEN RIVERSIDE & CRAZY Broadway Helen Hayes Theater

Gary Perez (L) and Stephen McKinley Henderson.

On the small screen, Gary has recently wrapped a recurring guest role on "Fatal Attraction," playing Joshua Jackson's defense attorney. His television credits are extensive, recurring roles on "Law & Order," "The Blacklist," "13 Reasons Why," "The Sopranos," and Ava DuVernay's "When They See Us," among others.

In film, Gary's versatility is evident. His filmography includes award-winning productions like "Side Streets" and "Illegal Tender," as well as critically acclaimed indie films like "Chapter & Verse" and "Life After You," the latter earning him a Best Actor nomination at the Madrid International Film Festival.

1 ON 1

Coaching

Testimonials

"Before working with Gary, my auditions were always inconsistent. Once I began to understand and put in to practice the tools and empowerment he offers actors, my work has gone way beyond the audition room. I now know how to craft and execute solid performances not only for auditions but when I'm on the job! "

- Victor Rasuk (Reasonable Doubt, The Baker and the Beauty - Series Lead, The Edge of Sleep, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Fifty Shades of Grey - Lead, Colony - Guest Star Recurring, Godzilla - Supporting, Stalker - Series Regular, How to Make it in America - Series Lead, Che, Stop Loss, Lords of Dogtown - Lead)

"Gary's class was such an amazing investment in my career. I learned how to modify what I know about acting on stage and Gary showed me how to "reframe" my work to fit on the small and large screen. He is able to break down his audition techniques for his students so simply, and his ability to pinpoint your own strengths and weaknesses on screen is amazing. He basically helps you learn how to shine on screen, even if you already know how to do it onstage. Since working with Gary, I booked roles in two films and a few guest stars, and I just wrapped production on a pilot for Fox."

​- Stephanie Beatriz (In The Heights, Encanto, Brooklyn Nine Nine - Series Regular, Danger & Eggs Guest Star Recurring, Bob's Burgers Guest Star Recurring, Modern Family - Guest Star, Southland - Guest Star, The Closer - Guest Star)

"Even after years of working and auditioning, Gary's on-camera class has elevated my standards for my own work. He really shows you how to tailor your audition to the camera without losing any of the richness of your work. He shows you the power in stillness, in making specific choices on every beat, and how to craft a very interesting audition."

- Mozhan Marno (Fleishman is in Trouble, The Affair, The Blacklist - Series Regular, Madame Secretary - Guest Star Recurring, House of Cards - Guest Star Recurring, The Stoning of Soraya M - Lead; Yale School of Drama)

"All I can say is..." I'm Bookin"!! Honestly, I don't know how I booked anything before, with the things that I have learned from Gary. I am more calm, more cool and definitely more confident when I go into the audition room."

- Deidrie Henry (The Handmaid's Tale - Guest Star Recurring, FBI: International - Guest Star, The Rookie - Guest Star, Game of Silence - Series Regular (Pilot/Series), Colony - Guest Star, Beyond the Lights - Supporting, Criminal Minds - Guest Star, Justified - Guest Star Recurring, CSI - Guest Star, Twisted - Guest Star, Touch - Guest Star, Harry's Law - Guest Star, NCIS - Guest Star)

“Nothing clips an actor's wings more in an audition situation than a vague and lazy understanding of how to prepare for it. Gary Perez's brilliant on-camera class empowers actors with practical and effective ways to prepare to take charge of that time in the audition room. Gary teaches how to attack the material, use the camera to best advantage, and make those moments in the audition room your time to act, win the room, and book jobs."

- Dan Donohue (Animal Kingdom - Guest Star, For All Mankind - Guest Star Recurring, Damnation - Series Regular, The Last Tycoon - Guest Star Recurring, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Guest Star, Chicago PD - Guest Star, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Guest Star Recurring, Longmire - Guest Star Recurring, Aquarius - Guest Star, Fear the Walking Dead - Guest Star, Rush Hour - Guest Star, Brooklyn Nine Nine - Guest Star, Shameless - Guest Star, Water & Power - Supporting, Return to Zero - Supporting; O.S.F. Company Member)

I have been a working actor for over 20 years and Gary Perez has helped me re-invent the way I work. I now have the passion and love for the camera and for working in television and film that I reserved for the stage. He produces solid results."

- Eileen Galindo (Why Women Kill - Guest Star Recurring, This is Us - Guest star, All Rise - Guest Star, N.C.I.S. - Guest Star, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters - Guest Star Recurring, Citizen - Guest Lead (Pilot), Recovery Road - Recurring Guest Star, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend - Guest Star, Hello My Name is Frank - Supporting, 24 - Guest Star, Luck - Guest Star)

"Gary runs a solid, enormously beneficial class. In addition to offering a complete approach and methodology to auditions, he uses his years of experience on tv and film to add polish and professionalism to your auditions. For me, it was a pleasure to have a coach who understands Latinos on T.V. and acting. A truly empowering class."

​- Gabriel Sloyer (Griselda - Series Regular, Inventing Anna - Guest Star Recurring, The Equalizer - Guest Star Recurring, Blue Bloods - Guest Star, Narcos - Guest Star Recurring, Bull - Guest Star, Power - Guest Star Recurring, Limitless - Guest Star, The Blacklist - Guest Star, Jessica Jones - Guest Star; Yale School of Drama)

"GAME CHANGER" - that's the first thing I tell people about Gary's class. It truly transformed my confidence in auditions and on set. His process allows you to be a master technician while maintaining your inner actor and artist. He keeps it simple yet profound - so for those out there with M.F.A.s and long theatre resumes, you'll be surprised to know that you don't have to work so damn hard. Gary's love for filmmaking and storytelling is deeply inspiring. Since working with Gary, I've completed 2 great recurring arcs on N.B.C. and Netflix."

- Jules Wilcox (The L Word: Generation Q - Guest Star, The Servant - Guest Star Recurring, F.B.I.: Most Wanted - Guest Star Recurring, Dirty John - Guest Star, Bloodline - Recurring Guest Star, Chicago PD - Recurring Guest Star; MFA Theatre UCLA, Winner of Best Actress Mammoth Film Festival '20)

"Gary is a master. I can't speak highly enough about this class. He will give you the muscles and a wealth of practical know-how that you will bring to everything you work on in T.V. and film. The class helped me to move from "understanding" the size and power of the playing space the camera affords to feeling it in my bones. He is also rad. I would retake it!"

- Michael Braun (The Tender Bar - Supporting, The Sinner - Guest Star Recurring, The Affair - Guest Star Recurring, The Blacklist - Guest Star, The Night Of - Guest Star, High Maintenance - Guest Star, Blue Bloods - Guest Star, The Good Wife - Guest Star, Nurse Jackie - Guest Star; Yale School of Drama)

"Despite my Juilliard training, I felt ill-prepared for the on-camera audition. Getting the part and doing the part require very different skills. Gary's class showed me how to approach audition sides, use the camera to my advantage, and how I am to take control of my on-camera audition. I highly recommend Gary's class for any working actor who wants to keep sharpening their auditioning skills."

- Jo-Mei (Crashing - Guest Star, Niki - Guest Star Recurring, Bones - Guest Star, I Didn‘t Come Here to Make Love, Paradise Regained, A Bread Factory, The Good Wife - Guest Star; Juilliard School of Drama)

"I had taken many other on camera classes and had always felt like I really wasn't learning much so I was a little skeptical about Gary's class... Boy was I wrong. Gary taught me an approach to the art of on camera auditioning that is so practical and so exciting that I immediately booked a gig after class ended. Thanks Gary!”

- Frank Pando (The Equalizer - Guest Star Recurring, When They See Us - Guest Star Recurring, Katy Keene - Guest Star Recurring, Chicago Fire - Guest Star, Limitless - Guest Star, Blind Spot - Guest Star, Blue Bloods - Guest Star, The Blacklist - Guest Star, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - Guest Star)

"Gary helped me go from dreading the feeling after an on-camera audition to looking forward to the audition, knowing I can prepare something solid. I will definitely take his class again. It's great to have an actor who can back up what he is talking about by showing the class right then and there."

- Bryce Pinkham (Helluva Boss - Guest Star Recurring, Proven Innocent - Guest Star Recurring, Mercy Street - Series Regular, The Get Down - Guest Star, Wallflower - Recurring Guest Star, The Good Wife - Guest Star, Person of Interest - Guest Star, Ghost - Broadway, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson - Broadway; Yale School of Drama)

"Gary Perez is truly a GAME CHANGER. He arms his students with a whole new set of tools for on-camera auditioning, that brings the work to an entirely new level. His attention to such technical details takes the mystery out of auditioning and puts full focus on the actor's complete control over the process. His emphasis on thoroughly rehearsing these details and on properly structuring the scene frees the artist and their instrument to bring their A-GAME every single time… Plus he's just an awesome guy, with an abundance of experience to draw from and excellent "war stories" to share. BLESS YOU, GP!!"

- Julie Lauren (Hit and Run - Guest Star Recurring, Chicago Justice - Guest Star, Limitless - Guest Star, Law & Order S.V.U. - Guest Star, The Good Wife - Guest Star, Royal Pains - Guest Star Recurring)

"Gary is a consummate professional and a top notch on-camera acting teacher. His simple techniques and smart ideas will propel your own imagination and allow you to be your best in the audition room AND on set."

– Armando Riesco (National Treasure: Edge of History - Guest Star Recurring, Bull - Guest Star Recurring, Queen of the South - Guest Star Recurring, The Chi - Series Regular, Sneaky Pete - Guest Star, Elementary - Guest Star, Blue Bloods - Guest Star, Che - Supporting, World Trade Center - Supporting, Garden State – Supporting; Northwestern University)

More Testimonials

"After taking Gary's (fantastic) class, I was put on hold and then booked the next two auditions I had. His technique is different from anyone I've worked with, and I now use the tools I learned in Gary's class for every audition, and, later, on set. He has a gift of knowing how to take the work you've done and then help you structure and adjust it to fit in that tiny frame. I feel so much more in control of and confident in my on-camera work, and the feedback I and my agents have received is incredibly positive. I'm so grateful to have worked with this awesome teacher!"

- Scott Drummond (East New York - Guest Star, The End Game - Guest Star, FBI: Most Wanted - Guest Star, The Good Fight - Guest Star, House of Cards - Guest Star, Sisters - Supporting, Boardwalk Empire - Guest Star, Unforgettable - Guest Star, Divorce - Guest Star; UCSD)

"After spending several years as a series regular on a T.V. show, I found myself in a rut when I was thrust back into the world of auditioning. I was racked with self-doubt and confidence issues and couldn't figure out how to overcome them. When I worked with Gary, he immediately pinpointed some of the most troubling obstacles standing in my way. He offered articulate and smart suggestions on how to deal with them. Gary is special because he is able to incorporate the discerning eye of a director with the reliability of a fellow actor; he just GETS it. Together, we turned some of my most complicated auditions into working scenes that I felt really proud of. Working with Gary makes me feel like I have a secret weapon to help me navigate the world of auditioning.

- Jasika Nicole (The Good Doctor - Guest Star Recurring, Danger & Eggs Guest Star Recurring, Underground - Series Regular, Checked Out - Series Regular (Pilot), Fringe - Series Regular, Scandal - Guest Star Recurring, Take the Lead - Supporting)

“I love working with Gary. He's an easygoing, lighthearted and perceptive teacher. He takes his work seriously and seriously loves what he does. He has tons of practical tips and advice about directing and crafting auditions. And he's a terrific actor. I trust his eye, and I trust his judgment."

- Jennifer Ikeda (Blue Bloods - Guest Star Recurring, Dash & Lily - Guest Star Recurring, New Amsterdam - Guest Star, Tell Me a Story - Guest Star Recurring, Blind Spot Guest Star Recurring, Madam Secretary - Guest Star, Elementary - Guest Star, Person of Interest - Guest Star, Top Girls -Broadway; Juilliard School of Drama)

"The skills I acquired in Gary's class are an essential part of my actor's tool box. I learned to take the most overlooked details of a scene and utilizing specific techniques incorporate those details to "excite the frame." Gary is clear, direct, concise and gets down to the technical nuts and bolts of story telling for the camera. He is great at helping each student overcome specific roadblocks. His enthusiasm to share his knowledge leaves you feeling empowered and excited about being an actor. I must say his class was a total eye opener!"

- Shirley Rumierk (East New York - Guest Star, The Equalizer - Guest Star, Manifest - Guest Star Recurring, Chicago PD - Guest Star, Teenage Bounty Hunters - Series Regular, Power - Guest Star, Blue Bloods - Guest Star, Rise - Guest Star, Bronx Warrants - Series Regular, The Good Wife - Guest Star, Ugly Betty - Guest Star; Harvard University)

“Gary has fundamentally changed the way I audition for the camera. My work has undoubtedly improved as a direct result of his training. He will empower you and give you the tools to do your best work. I cannot recommend his class more highly!”

- Caroline Kaplan (FBI: Most Wanted - Guest Star, The Plot Against America - Guest Star Recurring, Divorce - Guest Star, Orange is the New Black - Guest Star, NCIS: New Orleans - Guest Star, Proof - Series Regular, Bull - Guest Star)

PODCAST

Coming Soon ‘24

Welcome to "The No BLLSHT SHT Podcast with Gary Perez: An Actor's Take," where the spotlight is on actors themselves.

I'm Gary Perez, a veteran actor of stage and screen, co-founder of the LAByrinth Theater Company, and founder of Actor Camera Craft.

This podcast offers a chill yet enlightening conversation about how actors navigate their craft and the industry. We'll delve into the why, the how, and the what keeps them going—covering everything from their initial spark to their ongoing motivation and how they stay grounded.

Expect candid conversations about their experiences in the biz and how they kept moving forward through the tough times.

I'll be chatting with a unique mix of friends, my actor fam, and some of my favorite people in my actor community.

This is the go-to spot for actors seeking straight talk without the BS, focusing on those committed to both their craft and the journey of the acting world and the entertainment business.

Each episode is to be posted on The No BLLSH*T SH*T PODCAST YouTube Channel - Produced by Erick Betancourt - So be sure to click the link below and subscribe.

Also in the Works For ‘24

A New Book

More to come...

contact ACC

For Class info or private coaching

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Tripod

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Arnarkok Metal Phone Tripod Mount

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LG 43" UQ9000 Series Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV

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RALENO 19.5W LED Video Soft Light

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Light Stand,

Black - 6'

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Kate Collapsible Backdrop Pop-Up

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Anker PowerConf C200 2K Webcam

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Blue Yeti USB

Microphone

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USB Adapter for

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Handheld Fan

Mini Fan

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Blue Masking Tape

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Wireless Camera Remote Shutter for Smartphones

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ActorCameraCraft MUG

11 oz

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