Navigating the Acting Business


Gain the essential business knowledge and preparation needed to succeed in the competitive world of on-camera acting.

The four-week course is designed to provide you with the tools needed to manage the business side of your acting career with confidence. You’ll learn and receive personalized guidance from seasoned industry professionals who will share their experiences and how they have thrived. You’ll work on establishing your unique brand and learn effective strategies for marketing yourself with a standout résumé, headshot, reel, and other essential promotional materials.

The course explores the various facets of representation, including the critical distinctions between talent agents and managers. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, providing you with essential knowledge to navigate union rules and benefits. The course also delves into important considerations when negotiating contracts and provides you with a firm understanding of industry standards.

By the end of the course, you’ll be empowered with the know-how to make informed business decisions to support your professional acting career.

What you will learn:

✔ Develop your personal brand and create effective marketing materials, including a résumé, headshot, and reel
✔ Identify the differences between talent agents and managers, and how to effectively work with each
✔ Gain comprehensive knowledge of SAG-AFTRA, including union rules, benefits, and how to navigate its systems
✔ Confidently manage the business aspects of your acting career, from contract negotiations to industry networking

Next Session

Jan. 12 - Feb. 8, 2026

Teen and adult sections

VIEW ALL DATES

Tuition

$299

Rates increases Jan. 1

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: 18+

Expert guidance
Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist.
Learn on your own schedule
Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week, over four weeks.
Collaborate
Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes.
Real growth
Develop artistic skills and projects that are important to you in 30 days.
  • Computer or mobile device with Internet. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
  • Smartphone or camera capable of video and audio recording
  • Tripod or other method to stabilize the recording device
  • Word processing program, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word, that can create PDF files

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Interlochen Online certificateThis is one of three courses needed to complete the Acting for TV and Film: Breaking into the Industry Certificate Program.

Our online arts certificate programs are perfect for...

Adults looking to boost their creative résumé and LinkedIn profile

Teens who want to earn high school credit for their passion 

Upon completion of the program, you will receive a physical certificate and a shareable digital certificate. Certificates for students under 18 are accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS); high school-age students will also receive an official transcript to share with their current school for consideration for high school credit.

Interlochen Online's Learning Experience

World-class. Inspiring. Flexible.

Meet the Faculty

Ria Pavia

Instructor of Acting, Interlochen Online

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Email: online@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.5990 

You can also schedule an appointment.

Nail Your Next Audition

Get access to Audition Tapes That Get You Noticed, an exclusive guide developed by Interlochen Online faculty.

A girl is standing in front of a camera filming herself.