The workshop Auditioning for Feature, Commercial and Industrial Films provided students ten contact hours of coaching spread across four consecutive Saturdays:  October 10, 17, 24 & 31 in 2009. 

Each Saturday, students performed mock auditions and received coaching from professional actor and workshop instructor, Laurie Meeker (SAG/AFTRA/AEA). “This is one-on-one training, rather than a group lecture setting,” said Meeker. “Students gain effective techniques that enable them to prepare for and perform in professional film auditions.”

“Getting cast in a professional film demands a considerably different approach and preparation than stage acting, namely: the ability to present a skillful audition in 30 seconds,” said CFPCA Associate Dean, Steve Peters. “This workshop is designed to provide that training, a ‘how to’ course in auditioning for three different kinds of job opportunities in the southeast Michigan market: feature films, commercials and industrial films.”

As Michigan’s largest urban university, Wayne State is uniquely positioned to maximize opportunities with professional organizations such as Screen Actors Guild for people in Michigan’s population center to prepare for jobs in film and television.

“State tax incentives have created an unprecedented opportunity for people to gain practical experience in the TV and film industry in Michigan,” said Marcia Fishman, executive director of the Detroit and Philadelphia branches of Screen Actors Guild. “Understanding the protocol of the industry can separate the professionals from the amateurs.”

ABOUT  THE  INSTRUCTOR

As a radio and television commercial performer, Laurie Meeker has sung on over 75 "jingles" including national spots for Cadillac, Chevrolet, FTD, Mr. Turkey and White Castle. She is a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Actors’ Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild for which she served as president of the Detroit Branch from 2002 - 2008.

Laurie appeared in numerous musical theatre and opera productions, both nationally and internationally. They include MAN OF LA MANCHA starring Joan Diener, at the Zürich Opera House which was directed by Albert Marre who staged the original Broadway production. Laurie played the role of "Maria". She also played the role of "Antonia" in Michigan Opera Theatre’s production of MAN OF LA MANCHA. Other productions include THE GIFT OF THE MAGI at the Attic Theatre, THE CLUB at the Hilberry Studio Theatre, PAL JOEY at the Bonstelle Theatre, LA FORZA DEL DESTINO, PARSIFAL and DIE MEISTERSINGER VON NÜRNBERG with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, MY FAIR LADY with Michigan Opera Theatre and the Dayton Opera, and the Michigan Lyric Opera’s production of THE MIKADO in which she sang the leading role of "Yum Yum".

Laurie has toured nationally with The Prince Street Players in productions of SLEEPING BEAUTY and MOTHER GOOSE JAMBOREE as well as regionally with the Michigan Opera Theatre’s BROADWAY REVUE, HANSEL AND GRETEL and GALLANTRY.

In addition to her many stage credits, Laurie has performed for special events such as the Steinway Society’s "Gershwin Gala", the 40th Annual Convention of the American Theatre Organ Society, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s "Musical Feast" series, concerts at the Redford and Senate Theatres, and the Gershwin Centennial Celebration sponsored by Steinway and Hammell Music, held at The Somerset Collection. She has also performed at benefits for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Doorstep Shelter, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and the Grosse Pointe Historical Society, has appeared on "The Mitch Albom Show" on WJR, and performed in area clubs including The Caucus Club in Detroit.

Laurie was the soprano soloist at North Congregational Church in Farmington Hills under the direction of Dr. Harry M. Langsford, and in 2003 became the Director of Music. She holds a degree in vocal music with a major in education from Wayne State University, has done post degree work in vocal performance and studied conducting under Dr. Langsford and Dr. Joseph Labuta at WSU, as well as Dr. Jerry Blackstone and Dr. Paul Rardin at University of Michigan.