As the Academy year drew to a close, the theatre department held its first ever agent showcase. In college and conservatory acting programs, such showcases are considered an important final step for theatre students and can be an important part of establishing a career. It gives students a chance to network and demonstrate their talents in front of agents and other industry professionals.
David Montee, director of the theatre program was pleased by the enthusiasm and support for the showcase. “The students, faculty and visiting theatre professionals were all extremely excited about this new Senior Showcase program,” said Montee. “For our students, this is yet another taste of what the ‘real world’ of professional theatre and acting will be like. Four years from now, when they perform in their senior showcase in college, it won’t be a totally new experience. And it’s also a great way to learn about networking.”
To make the experience as helpful and realistic as possible, Montee invited three experienced casting professionals: Chris Nichols (IAA 92-93) from Kerin-Goldberg Associates in New York City; Gerry Koch from the Gage Group in Los Angeles (a father of a recent Academy theatre alumna) and Kevin Emrick (IAA 00-03,) the director of creative development from Stuart Thompson Productions in New York City.
“I was really impressed with the students’ business savvy and their level of preparedness,” said Emrick. “Chris, Gerry and I each gave feedback after the performances and the students took it all to heart. They showed willingness and ability to incorporate it into their work in the future.”
Emrick also stressed the value of the experience as a networking opportunity. “This is meant to be the beginning of a conversation involving agents and casting directors,” said Emrick. “It gives industry professionals like us a chance to meet these actors; and it gives them a chance to meet us, learn how to network and become comfortable with this type of interaction. It’s an incredibly valuable experience.”