Photo Flash: Director Walid Chaya Invites Industry Pros to Actors Connection Camp, Including VIP Jen Rudin

Actors Connection Performing Arts Camp is back for a final week of intensive summer events for young performers. Director Walid Chaya created the program to jump-start emerging careers for actors through events and master classes with a dozen New York TV, film, commercial and theatre pros.

This week's confirmed VIP's include:

Jen Rudin, Jen Rudin Casting

Gayle Seay, Wojick|Seay Casting

Lisa Fischoff, Broadcasters NY

Michelle Cutolo, Brette Goldstein Casting

Barry Shapiro, Herman & Lipson Casting

Gina Manfredi, DDO Talent Agency

Alice Skiba, AboutFace Talent Agency

Toni Braun, CESD Talent Agency

Maria Wilson, Maria Wilson Photo Studios

Mike Cerisano, Reproductions Video Services

Nala Hamilton, Starring in Disney's "The Lion King" on Broadway

Felicia Finley, Starring in "Broadway Under The Stars" Gala Celebration & More

These special guests work hands-on with Actors Connection's up-and-coming performers and provide feedback on the performances with professional advice. One of the most anticipated events was with Jen Rudin, award-winning casting director who began her thirty-year career in show business as a child actor at age eight.

Yesterday, Rudin visited the camp for a special master class followed by a signing for her book "Confessions of a Casting Director," a great read for both beginners and seasoned actors. The book is packed with up-to-the-minute expert advice and insider tips on preparing for every type of audition: musical theater, television and film to voiceovers, animated movies, and even web series.

During the week at camp Kids & Teens explore scripts featuring different TV & film styles and receive adjustments from casting directors, including Jen Rudin. She shared tips and tricks from her book with the young performers at camp and also a special encouragement, "You just have to be you. I'm always more interested in actors who have more going on. Kids that are reading, playing sports, riding bikes...because if you don't have anything going on in your life beside your acting, I'm going to want to know what about you makes you a real person and influences your acting."

As a casting executive at the Walt Disney Company, Rudin conducted extensive talent searches all over the United States, identifying and hiring actors who went on to star on Broadway in "The Lion King," "Mary Poppins" and "The Little Mermaid" and in beloved Disney movies like "The Incredibles," "The Princess and the Frog," "Chicken Little" and "Brother Bear." Her company, Jen Rudin Casting, casts projects in New York and Los Angeles.

In addition to meeting industry professionals at camp, participants leave with important actor "tools", including a weeklong of intensive on-camera training, a high-quality scene filmed for their demo reel by Reproductions NY and a complimentary headshot by NY Photographer Maria Wilson.

"It's been a transformative week for our actors. Our camp will return July and August 2018 to New York City, and potentially to Los Angeles next summer featuring LA industry guests," says Director Chaya. Scholarship programs are available for participant's ages 7-16. For more information and updates please email kids@actorsconnection.com.

Actors Connection has announced its fall season of on-camera events for Kids & Teens in New York City including a class production of "Beauty and the Beast" this September and Pre-Pilot Season Weekend in October. Learn more about these programs and more at actorsconnection.com/kids or call (212) 776-4900.

Director Walid Chaya invites Casting Director Jen Rudin for a master class and book signing for Rudin's book, Confessions of a Casting Director.

All eyes on Jen Rudin with Actors Connection Kids & Teens from Performing Arts Camp!

Jen Rudin, Casting Director & Author of Confessions of a Casting Director shares advice on navigating the industry and audition room.

Campers meet-and-greet with Jen Rudin, Casting Director, plus autograph signing.

Actors Connection Performing Arts Camp instructors Jazelle Foster and Shoshana Canali celebrate Confessions of a Casting Director with Jen Rudin, author and casting pro.

Lots of smiles at Actors Connection Performing Arts Camp this August 2017 featuring a special event with Casting Director Jen Rudin.