Whenever a new actor in town asks me how to get started, I give them ITA's number and tell them of the importance of attending cold reading workshops. I attend workshops and have for the past five years.

At workshops, I listened to the instructors evaluate headshots, explaining what works and what doesn't, evaluate resumes, explain how to manage imaginary props and people during the audition process, discuss appropriate and inappropriate physical behavior during an audition and numerous other aspects of the audition process that have provided me and other attendees invaluable information and instruction. More often than not, the instructors make some actors do a scene two or three times over while giving direction.

I have over several years appeared on over 30 television shows, both comedic and dramatic. I credit the training, NOT THE CONTACTS, I received from workshops for much of my success today. When I came to L.A. 6 years ago, I was completely naïve as to the level of professionalism required here. Though I had worked in Chicago in minor projects, I was totally unprepared for the L.A. acting scene. Through the workshops, which I did extensively through my first year, I learned a great deal about how to successfully maneuver the Hollywood maze. My level of professionalism increased and my success increased with it.

I am at a point in my career where I can read for any role that I am appropriate for just by asking for an audition, yet I still attend at least one workshop a month. Workshops are the only venues where I can practice my audition skills and get the kind of feedback and corrections I need. In the past when I stopped attending workshops, several casting directors called my agents about my auditions being less than they had expected. Workshops are where I work out. They are my gym.

The industry guests experience is what makes workshops so valuable. Who better to learn from than the people doing the work.

ITA is a great, comfortable place to meet, hone your cold reading skills, and develop relationships with both actors and industry. It's also a great opportunity to keep that "audition muscle" in shape.