Actors Connection

Actors Connection is a prominent workshop and networking studio founded in 1991 that has served the acting community for over 30 years as a bridge between working actors and the industry gatekeepers who control access to professional opportunities. With locations in New York City, Los Angeles, and Atlanta — the three primary production hubs in the United States — Actors Connection provides actors with direct access to casting directors, talent agents, managers, and other industry professionals through an extensive schedule of over 200 seminars, classes, and events per month. The studio's longevity and reputation have made it one of the most recognized names in the actor networking and workshop space, with a track record of connecting talent with opportunities that has sustained its position through three decades of industry evolution.

The core of Actors Connection's programming consists of industry workshops where actors perform scenes, monologues, or cold reads in front of working casting directors, agents, and managers who provide feedback and, importantly, become familiar with the actors' work. These sessions serve a dual purpose: they provide genuine educational value through professional feedback on performance and audition technique, while simultaneously creating networking opportunities that can lead directly to audition invitations, representation meetings, and professional relationships. The workshops are led by professionals who are actively working in the industry, meaning the feedback reflects current casting trends, client preferences, and market demands rather than outdated or theoretical approaches.

Getting started with Actors Connection is accessible and affordable, with individual workshops priced from approximately $35, making it one of the more budget-friendly entry points for actors seeking direct industry exposure. The studio also offers membership packages that provide discounted access to multiple workshops and additional benefits for actors who attend regularly. New members can browse the monthly calendar of events, which lists the specific casting director, agent, or industry professional leading each session, allowing actors to strategically select workshops based on which professionals work in their type, genre, or market segment. Registration is handled through the Actors Connection website, with sessions filling on a first-come basis for popular industry guests.

Actors Connection's signature program, the AC Fast Track, is a personalized three-month intensive designed for actors who want structured guidance in navigating the industry landscape. The Fast Track program assigns each participant a personal career advisor who helps develop a customized plan addressing headshots, reels, training gaps, marketing strategy, and industry networking priorities. This mentorship-style approach provides the individualized guidance that generic workshops cannot offer, helping actors identify and address the specific obstacles preventing them from advancing to the next level of their career. The program is particularly valuable for actors relocating to a major market, transitioning between markets, or returning to the industry after a hiatus.

Actors Connection attracts actors at virtually every career stage, from newcomers who have never met a casting director to working professionals seeking to expand their industry network and stay visible to the casting community. The studio's multi-city presence across NYC, LA, and Atlanta serves actors in all three major US production markets, and the diversity of programming means there are relevant sessions for actors pursuing film, television, theater, commercials, voiceover, and new media. The affordable pricing structure makes it accessible to actors who are still building their careers and cannot afford premium coaching, while the quality of industry guests and the networking opportunities attract experienced professionals who understand the value of staying connected to the casting community.

Actors Connection's pricing structure is designed for accessibility, with individual workshops starting at approximately $35 and membership options available for actors who attend multiple sessions per month. Membership packages provide per-workshop discounts and may include additional benefits such as priority registration for popular sessions, access to member-only events, and discounts on headshot photography and other professional services. The AC Fast Track program is priced separately as a premium offering that includes personalized mentorship over three months. Compared to private coaching sessions that typically range from $150 to $400 per hour, the workshop format provides industry exposure and professional feedback at a fraction of the cost, making it one of the most efficient investments an actor can make in career networking.

Actors Connection is an excellent choice for actors in NYC, LA, or Atlanta who want to build and maintain direct relationships with the casting directors, agents, and managers who control access to professional opportunities. If you are new to the industry and have never met a casting director, starting with Actors Connection workshops provides affordable, low-pressure exposure that helps you understand how the industry evaluates talent. If you are a working actor who wants to stay visible to the casting community and expand your network of industry relationships, the breadth of Actors Connection's monthly programming provides consistent opportunities to connect with new professionals. The AC Fast Track program is particularly recommended for actors who feel stuck in their careers and need personalized strategic guidance to identify and address the specific factors limiting their advancement.

Before attending your first workshop, ensure your headshot is current and professional, your resume is accurate and well-formatted, and you have prepared material that showcases your strengths — first impressions with industry professionals are difficult to redo, so presenting yourself at your best from the start maximizes the networking value of each session. Research each industry guest before attending their workshop to understand their current projects, casting preferences, and professional background, as this preparation allows you to select material that aligns with their work and demonstrates that you have done your homework. Attend workshops consistently rather than sporadically, as building recognition with industry professionals requires repeated positive impressions over time rather than a single memorable encounter. Follow up professionally after workshops where you received positive feedback or felt a genuine connection with the industry guest, as timely, professional follow-up converts a workshop meeting into an ongoing professional relationship. Use Actors Connection as one component of a comprehensive career strategy that also includes ongoing craft training, self-tape practice, and proactive submission to casting opportunities through your agent or self-submission platforms.