Audition Coaching
"Ellie is a highly perceptive individual who possesses a deep understanding of the nuances involved in acting and the dynamics of the scenes that actors find themselves in. In addition to this, Ellie has a remarkable ability to tune in to the needs and requirements of actors, and to identify the elements that will help them bring out their best performance.
In the context of assisting with auditions Mason Street Warehouse, Ellie has proven to be an invaluable asset. Their keen insight and sensitivity allow them to identify the appropriate and interesting choices that actors make during an audition. This ability to recognize talent and potential is crucial when assisting with the casting process, as it ensures that the final selection of actors is what’s best for the show.”
My experience as a professional director, casting director, actor, singer, dancer, and intimacy professional allows me to bring various perspectives and approaches to a coaching room.
I focus on audition coaching through a holistic lens when working with clients. This creates the space for actors and singers to build the skills to share their work in the room authentically, balanced with nourishing practices that serve the artist in the process.
Why work with me?
I started offering my services as a coach in response to the overwhelming number of actors and dancers in theatre, musical theatre, and TV who would share with me how much they hated auditions. That they didn’t like the songs they would bring in, they never felt confident in their reads, and they would get through auditions with the goal being to get it over with as soon as possible.
So, I started offering sessions with folks to build and create audition experiences that serve the story they are telling and provide creative teams an honest representation of their skill while also providing the actors and singers a nourishing and fulfilling experience.
How do I work?
This work requires us to use our bodies, voices, and emotional capacity to create and connect. It is essential to start by recognizing and honoring how inherently human and intimate this work can be and then build the tools and audition work from there.
I show up for you with a holistic approach that is actor-centered. This creates space for honest conversation and compassionate practices.
When we start by discussing an actor's relationship with their art, body, voice, etc., it gives us a truer and more meaningful connection to what that actor could be bringing into an audition room. This informs the songs, monologues, and sides selected while harnessing each person's uniqueness in their work.
A few last details you should know-
Art should be accessible. This is my core value and essential to share when discussing monetary compensation.
In 2004 I started working professionally in regional theatres and opera companies and then moved to NY in 2014. Not having access or financial means to go a traditional route I had to learn by experience throughout my career. This means my background in education is eclectic and foundational in a variety of practices.
For this reason, I offer my sessions with a suggested rate and a “pay-what-you-want” rate. (the only exceptions are when a studio rental and/or accompanist is required, there is a minimum to cover that cost), I also offer sessions both in-person and virtually.
My goal is to hold the space, provide the insight, build the routines and dig into the work with you so that you are prepared to walk into any audition room and share your art on your terms in honesty and authenticity.
Services:
-Consultation-
Virtually or over the phone. This session is to meet each other in our artistry and create a curated plan for our sessions.
-Virtual Coaching Sessions-
If the session is for a specific audition/submission or callback, 60-minute session is suggested to include time to prep the materials and then film.
-In-Person Coaching Session-
This can range from prepping your musical theatre book to digging into the material provided by casting for a submission request and everything in between.
RATES:
Rates: 30minute-$50 60minute-$75
(The pay-what-you-want* rate is available, just note the amount that aligns in your correspondence)
*In-person sessions where a studio rental is required will have a $25.00 minimum
*Sessions that require a pianist will have a minimum to cover the cost of the pianist’s session time which will vary based on time and availability requirements.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Ellie has empowered me to feel more confident with my acting and singing choices going into the room. They have shown me what it *actually* means to have contrasting cuts at an audition. Because of Ellie, I’ve never felt more comfortable auditioning as the person I am TODAY! They have helped turn this dancer first into a more well-rounded multi-faceted performer.” -Mariel Harris (she/her)
"I've had the pleasure of working with Ellie Frances through many different lenses, as a director, choreographer, and audition coach. Ellie is an open-minded, queer-friendly coach who creates a safe environment for artists to learn, grow, and prosper in their craft. They took the time to understand who I was as an artist and brought me out of my comfort zone, while safely exploring a challenging curriculum. Their expertise as a working actor has been a tremendous asset to me, and anyone who is learning to navigate the world as a professional actor. Ellie Frances is not only an amazing human being, but also a phenomenal coach. I would recommend them to anyone!" - Fatima Bawah (they/she)
“I'm going to just put this out there: There are not many yt people I trust in the wholeness of my Black artistic scope. As a person of color, you find you're not always heard, nor is there room to push back & give the truth of your personal experience, artistic approaches & fundamentals in a process. I've had a career that's led me down many paths but beings met with the experience and creative prowess of Ellie Frances, I've found both a creative partner & leader who I'd trust with any aspect of my career. That said: Hire Ellie They will make you better.” - Darius Colquitt (he/him)