HIGHWAY’S WORKSHOP SERIES

LOCATION: MELBOURNE @ HIGHWAY CASTING

EXPANSION: ADDITIONAL AUSTRALIAN LOCATIONS TBA

With the rise of self-taped auditions, many actors now face their first live audition only at recalls, increasing performance anxiety and unfamiliarity with in-person auditions. These workshops aim to bridge that gap by offering a hands-on, immersive experience in casting. Actors will receive personalised direction, feedback, and ample time for Q&A, building skills and confidence in front of the camera.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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WHAT TO EXPECT 〰️


TAILORED CLASSES

Classes are designed for different age brackets and experience levels, ensuring that all participants gain relevant, targeted guidance in a supportive and engaging environment. The workshop structure may also adapt to meet specific or overriding requests from participants, allowing flexibility to address unique needs. Enjoy personalised attention and feedback in intimate class sizes, allowing ample opportunity to ask questions - something often limited in real audition scenarios.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Master Audition Techniques: Understand what casting directors are looking for in auditions and learn how to adapt your approach for success.

  • Camera Confidence: Gain practical experience working with the camera, allowing you to present your best self in every on-screen opportunity.

  • Direct Feedback: Receive constructive, personalised feedback from casting professionals, helping you adjust and improve in real-time.

  • Industry Insights: Understand the different casting process for TV, TVC and film, with actionable tips that provide a competitive edge.

  • Scene Performance & Playback: Perform a scene, take direction, and review playback to refine your performance and adjust to casting room demands.

  • Improvisation Techniques: Develop your ability to improvise within scenes, adding authenticity and flexibility to your performance.

  • Cold reads: This workshop also includes practice with cold reads, equipping you with techniques to approach unfamiliar scripts with confidence and adaptability, a crucial skill for both first auditions and callbacks.

  • Combatting Nerves: Learn strategies for staying grounded and focused in high-pressure audition settings.

  • Q&A Session: Gain insider knowledge and ask direct questions about the casting process.

COURSE OUTCOMES

  • Increased Confidence: Leave equipped with tools to build self-assurance in every audition.

  • Enhanced industry understanding: including but not limited to, a greater understanding of audition protocols and the symbiotic relationship between casting professionals and actors and casting directors and agents. 

  • Connection with Scene Partners: Learn to effectively engage and connect with scene partners for more natural interactions.

  • Effective Preparation: Discover how to approach each casting with thorough preparation, empowering you to feel ready and in control.

  • Sustained Empowerment: Gain confidence that lasts beyond the workshop, giving you a solid foundation for future auditions.

Preparation

Participants will be sent a scene prior to the workshop.

Who Can Attend?

This workshop is open to all aspiring actors and seasoned performers.

Courses designed for 8-12yrs, 13-18yrs & 18yrs+

If you fall outside any age range please contact us for further discussion.

Accessibility requirements - please contact us for further discussion

HOW TO ENROL


See below course options & application link. Spaces are limited! Apply now to ensure you don’t miss out.

YOUR CASTING TEAM

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YOUR CASTING TEAM 〰️

SARAH ALEKNA (COMPANY DIRECTOR, CASTING DIRECTOR)

With over 20 years of experience, Sarah leads the innovative team at Highway Casting, a top-tier casting company she founded nearly a decade ago.

Her passion for casting lies in its creative process, collaboration, and bringing out the best in performance. Sarah's extensive background includes working with some of the industry's most respected professionals, and she's committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in all her projects.

A proud member of the CGA, Sarah loves sharing her insights with actors and emerging professionals, helping them elevate their craft and succeed in the industry.

"Sarah wouldn’t cast herself in any other role."

Check out Sarah’s interview with worldwide leading casting platform Casting Networks -> HERE.

ANNABEL CLAYTON (CASTING DIRECTOR, HEAD OF WEB-SERIES CASTING)

Drawing from a background in production, Annabel Clayton moved into casting in 2018.

In 2019, she established the web series department at Highway Casting, driven by a commitment to diverse and innovative content. Her work as casting director includes TikTok series Love Songs and Scattered, which have each amassed more than 5 million views worldwide.

In the commercial sphere, Clayton has worked on TVCs for brands such as Nintendo, ANZ, Mastercard, Coles and Target.

Clayton is a proud member of the Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) and currently sits on the Executive Committee. She has been nominated for several CGA Awards, including achievement in casting for web series Celebration Nation in 2022.

Annabel was nominated as a 2024 Rising Star Casting Director in IF Magazine.

GEORGIA RICKARDS (CASTING ASSOCIATE)

Georgia has over 5 years of casting experience across television, film, advertising and web series. With her extensive background in both TV and advertising, she offers a distinctive perspective on the casting process in various mediums.As a proud member of the Casting Guild of Australia, Georgia is dedicated to supporting actors on their performance journeys. In these customised courses, Georgia is excited to share her insights and tips with the next generation of talent!

 

THE COURSES

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THE COURSES 〰️

 

SESSION DETAILS:
Location: Highway Casting - Level 1, 9 Toorak Rd, South Yarra

6th November (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)
or
20th November 2024 (SPOTS LEFT!)

(1 day only workshop) 6 hours
12pm-6pm
$380

APPLY HERE

SESSION DETAILS:
Location: Highway Casting - Level 1, 9 Toorak Rd, South Yarra

11th November + 12th November
or
25th November + 26th November

(2 day workshop) 2.5 hours per day
4pm-6.30pm

$360

APPLY HERE

SESSION DETAILS:
Location: Highway Casting - Level 1, 9 Toorak Rd, South Yarra

8th November
or
22nd November

(1 day only workshop) 3 hours

2pm - 4.30pm

4.30pm - 5.00pm - Parents Q&A


$290

APPLY HERE

 

WHAT THEY SAY

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WHAT THEY SAY 〰️

EMILY JOY (Actor, Acting Coach) - Human Error, Fisk, Metro Sexual, The Housemate

"Sarah welcomed me into my first ever audition at Highway by saying 'thank you so much for coming in'. She also commented on a clip from my showreel. I was blown away by her attention to detail. 

Sarah is incredible at casting and also great at assembling her team - Annabel & Georgia are the future of our industry. Like Sarah, they care passionately about actors and telling stories. Who better to learn from?! Take advantage of their insights and thank me later."

MAX MILLER (Director - Haven’t You Done Well Productions) - Aunty Donna’s Big ol House of Fun (Netflix), Aunty Donna’s Coffee Cafe (ABC iView)

“Having worked with the totally awesome team at Highway on many projects over the years, I can very confidently say that the insight being offered in this workshop will be extremely valuable to any actor wanting to understand the casting process. Highway are the best in the business who absolutely know all the ins and outs of the casting world and as a bonus, are very awesome people too. Also, they have a cool neon in their window."


MELISSA QUINN (Agent - Centrestage Agency)

”My experience working with Highway Casting has been nothing short of fantastic. As an agent at Centrestage Agency in Melbourne, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Sarah, Annabel, and Georgia, who are not only incredibly professional but also so warm and approachable. They make the entire casting process lots of fun and are always committed to finding the best talent for the project. Their genuine care, attention to detail, and great communication have made all projects that we work with them on, very enjoyable and successful.”

ROSE FLANAGAN (Actor) - Human Error, Class of 07’, Safe Home, Better Man, Ja’ime: Private School Girl

Walking through the vibrant doors of Highway Casting always feels like a warm embrace. Sarah and Annabel's kindness, passion and optimism are contagious, and their depth of industry knowledge, which they generously offer actors, is widely regarded for good reason.

Their beautiful energy, insightful guidance and words of encouragement always leaves me excited about the industry, instilled with self belief, and well-equipped to take on any challenges ahead.

Sarah and Annabel's genuine respect, engagement, and support of the actor’s journey makes Highway Casting the perfect place to grow, connect, and feel truly inspired to take that next step on your path.”

SEE YOU SOON!

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SEE YOU SOON! 〰️