Audition Skills for Film & TV

Audition Skills for Film & TV is a dynamic, hands-on master class led by award-winning director, writer, producer, and CSA casting director Elaine Del Valle.

Drawing on decades of experience in front of the camera, behind the scenes, and at the casting table, Elaine guides actors through the essential techniques that lead to authentic, confident, and bookable on-camera performances.

This class will empower you to:

• Make compelling first impressions in auditions
• Break down sides quickly and effectively
• Deliver truthful, grounded performances under pressure
• Understand what casting directors and producers look for
• Identify the unique qualities you bring to every role

What’s Included:

• HOT SEAT Coaching: Selected participants will perform a scene (sides) and receive individualized feedback from Elaine.
• Industry Insights: Elaine will share real-world advice from her work across studio, network, and independent productions.
• Q&A Session: An open forum to ask questions about auditions, self-tapes, the casting process, and building a sustainable career.

Whether you’re auditioning for independent films, television series, or streaming platforms, this master class will equip you with the tools and confidence to stand out.

HOT SEAT Participants:

There will be a unique opportunity for up to 6 actors to be coached one-on-one using sides from Elaine’s upcoming feature film Brownsville Bred.

Selection Process:

• HOT SEAT spots will be assigned to HOLA members with a completed HOLA profile at the time of registration.
• After registration closes, Elaine will review all eligible submissions and select the actors based on their headshots and the available roles in the material.

If not selected to the HOT SEAT, you will still have the opportunity to observe all coaching sessions and participate in the Q&A.

General Information and Requirements:

• Date & Time: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 2:30–5:30 PM
• Location: The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center, Studio 309
  (107 Suffolk St, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10002)
• The class will be conducted in English.
• Please do not register if you cannot attend the full session.
• No one will be admitted once the class has begun.
• There will be a Q&A section at the end.

About Elaine Del Valle:

About HOLA Master Classes series:

HOLA Master Classes present exclusive opportunities for participants to learn from seasoned industry professionals in theater, film, television, streaming media, and voice-overs. Each immersive session delves into the nuances of the craft, guided by the expertise of distinguished instructors who have made their mark across stages, screens, and professional recording environments worldwide. Through focused instruction and practical exercises, aspiring talents hone their skills, receiving personalized feedback and insights that fuel their artistic growth.

HOLA Master Classes take place once a month and are offered at an affordable rate for the broader community—and they’re completely free for HOLA members.

HOLA y sus clases magistrales:

Las HOLA Master Classes presentan oportunidades exclusivas para que los participantes aprendan de profesionales experimentados en teatro, cine, televisión, medios de streaming y locución. Cada sesión inmersiva profundiza en los matices de cada disciplina, guiada por la experiencia de distinguidos instructores que han dejado su huella en escenarios, pantallas y entornos de grabación profesionales de todo el mundo. A través de instrucción enfocada y ejercicios prácticos, los talentos en ascenso perfeccionan sus habilidades, recibiendo retroalimentación personalizada y conocimientos que impulsan su crecimiento artístico.

Estas clases magistrales se realizan una vez al mes y se ofrecen a un precio asequible para la comunidad en general, además de ser completamente gratuitas para los miembros de HOLA.

Cancellation Policy:

• This complimentary offer for HOLA members is subject to limited availability. We ask that you register only if you can attend the entire event.
• In the event that you need to cancel your reservation, we kindly ask for your prompt notification with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice. Please send an email to inform us of your cancellation at education@holaofficial.org.
• Failure to provide timely notice or being a no-show will result in a 3-month restriction from participating in HOLA programming, starting from the event date.
• To register for events during the restriction period, a $35 penalty fee will be required to waive the restriction.

Política de cancelación:

• Esta oferta gratuita para los miembros de HOLA cuenta con plazas limitadas, por lo que les pedimos amablemente que se inscriban únicamente si están seguros de poder asistir al evento completo.
• Si necesitan cancelar, les solicitamos que nos notifiquen con al menos 24 horas de antelación enviando un correo electrónico a education@holaofficial.org
• La falta de notificación para cancelar dentro del plazo especificado o la inasistencia resultará en una restricción de 3 meses para participar en las actividades de HOLA.
• Si desea registrarse en eventos durante su período de restricción, tendrá que pagar una tarifa de penalización de $35 para evitar la restricción.

This program is made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, as well as by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the Miranda Family Fund, Radio Drama Network, and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund for their private contributions to our 2024-2025 programming, fostering Hispanic and Latin artists who enrich our culture.