Schools
Oakland University theatre students take field trip to casting agents to gain audition experience
Actor Mila Govich, who recently starred in the Hollywood feature film "The Fault in Our Stars," teaches an acting course at OU.
Oakland University students meet with casting agents both on and off campus to refine their acting skills.
OU special lecturer and accomplished actor Mila Govichinstructs Acting for the Camera, a class that prepares acting students for on-camera performances. Students learn about various elements of acting, including style, practices, diction, interpretation and audition preparation.
“I am so fortunate to be able to share what I learn out there as a professional actor with my students,” Govich said. “They are so talented and so hungry to learn. Watching them grow throughout the semester is incredibly fulfilling as a teacher.”
Acting for the Camera I students receive visits from Kathy Mooney of Pound Mooney Casting, an agency that has cast actors for films including “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016), “Red Dawn” (2010) and “Gran Torino” (2009). Recently, students travelled to Productions Plus/The Talent Shop in Bingham Farms to meet with Mooney, along with other industry professionals, to get real-world experience in auditioning and advice from casting agents.
“Meeting with talent agents and casting directors is so important for students because it gives them an opportunity to be seen in an environment that isn’t rushed like an audition can be,” Mooney said. “These meetings also help students to learn how to be prepared for auditions and what is expected of them.”
The Acting for the Camera classes creates unique training for aspiring actors. Jacléne Wilk has worked with Govich in Acting for the Camera I and II, as well as received private coaching. Graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre, Wilk recently received the lead role in “Liberty’s Secret,” a movie-musical about the song and dance of politics.
“These classes opened a whole other world for me,” Wilk said. “Mila made it a well-rounded atmosphere for trying new things, and does a great job at explaining techniques and helping guide students to new abilities.”
COURSE INFO:
ST: Advanced Acting for the Camera - 44992 - THA 480 - 002 being offered this fall.
