Q&A w/ Our Intern Olivia Wheeler

By Jillian Lawrence

What were the most valuable aspects of your intern experience?

I think coming from an acting standpoint and background. My  most valuable aspect of this internship was honestly gaining a lot more empathy for what you as the agents do. I used to be scared of agents before coming in here… 

*Big gaggle of laughter ensues*

Now I see you guys are really rooting for all your actors and talent. You have your bell that you ring and celebrate whenever a talent gets booked and that really made me excited to work in the future with agents.

 Also just working with talent/new talent/current talent made me definitely want to support them more and encourage them. Just learning what works in acting, what doesn’t, and what can be improved on. So, a big learning experience. 

Which aspects were the most challenging?

The most challenging aspect… was honestly I just did not want to mess anything up… Learning the ropes at first. I was kind of hesitant about that but you guys were very supportive. 

How has this internship contributed to your professional development?

Kind of going along with the first question. This has really contributed to my professional development, again, because I know the other side of working with an agency now from an actors standpoint. Also I think it has given me a lot more professionalism. I know how to talk to agents in a more technical sense… So taking away that fear of agents but also gaining more of that technical verbiage. 

What are some of your goals and aspirations moving forward? 

Awe, well I graduated this past May so almost a year ago! I studied musical theater performance and I think getting more off stage perspective from an agency makes me want to act more and perform more. I focused in college more on theater and stage performance… But after seeing you submit for commercials and seeing how Nora submits for things and Laurie with Print. I am definitely interested in all the departments now. I love that they are all very different but they all also have this great overlap. 

Working here has made me want to stay in Chicago a little longer. This is a great city. 

Any parting words?

I loved this, you guys are awesome. 

*copious amount of awes* 

You guys are so cool and I loved to work with you. I also loved the work too - it is so interesting. It has been a great time.

We are going to miss you Olivia! You have been a pleasure to work with and we can not wait to see the incredible places your career takes you! 

Best Wishes, 

The HamFam

Farewell Intern Q&A

By Jillian Lawrence

What were the most valuable aspects of your intern experience?

I think just getting to be a fly on the wall and enjoy eavesdropping on conversations. I think it was really useful to hear how you guys  interact with each other, with perspective talent, and current talent. That was really helpful. 

Using the different casting platforms. I really enjoyed watching people's submissions. Also just getting feedback about what you guys are looking for when it comes to new Talent. Because I do not have an acting background, I am more into film and production. So, that was helpful to understand what you guys are looking for better. 

Which aspects were the most challenging?

I guess maybe navigating some tricky phone calls. Getting used to the customer service aspect. Like I mentioned earlier, learning about what you guys are looking for. I feel like it took me a little while to learn how to review submissions efficiently. Since I do not have acting training. 

What are some of your goals and aspirations moving forward? 

I would love to continue working at an agency, or management company, or casting company. I really like the talent representation side of the industry. I also really enjoy screenwriting, so that is on the creative side of things that I am interested in. I would love to stay in Chicago, but I am finding that it is a bit hard- opportunity wise- as opposed to New York or LA. But that would be my ideal situation… is to stay in Chicago and find somewhere to work full-time. 

Any parting words? 

I have really enjoyed working with everyone. Genuinely, I really looked forward into coming into the office. It has also been nice getting to know some of the talent as well. Like I recognize people, ‘oh that is so and so’ and ‘this person is so nice on the phone I am happy to call them.’

We are going to miss you Tanya! You have been a pleasure to work with and we can not wait to see the incredible places your career takes you! 

Best Wishes, 

The HamFam

Industry Do's and Do Not's: #3

• DO: Move to your dream apartment across town, take a family vacation, finally cash in on your spa day gift certificate. By all means, do what you gotta / wanna do! But --
• DO NOT: Forget to tell us your location, availability, and lack thereof! Even if you're out of town for 48 hours, yep, we need to know. Even if you move to the apartment next door, we need your current address! I know we sound like stalkers...we take that as a compliment!

• DO: Pay close attention to the format we/clients request for any particular audition / callback / booking material. (MP3 does not = MP4! JPEG does not = PDF!) Many times, the various platforms we use to upload / send your materials, or particular casting directors, only accept a certain format -- there's a method to the madness!
• DO NOT: Divide up your returned materials into multiple emails, sent in formats that will need to be converted, or forget to label / rename the items. We are receiving materials from many people at once at any given time; anything you can do to keep yours organized and in line with what we requested will save everyone additional hassle and time!

• DO: Introduce us to your talented & unrepresented industry colleagues that you think would be a good fit for SH to interview for rep! Send along an intro email to the team with their materials and your recommendation and we're happy to review.
• DO NOT: Hesitate! No negatives here. We highly value and trust our talent's recommendations!

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN

Happy Juneteenth!

Happy Juneteenth, Ham Fam! 

It’s the 2nd birthday of Juneteenth as a federally recognized holiday! (Catch last year’s celebratory post here).

But did you know that Juneteenth has been celebrated since 1866? 

There is so much to learn about the significance of this day, that we thought we’d give you a run-down! Because when it boils down to it, we believe knowledge is power. Shirley’s is committed to learning, growing, and evolving to best represent you, respect you, and push the boundaries of our industry on your behalf. We still have SO much to learn! Just like most people. And we’re excited and committed to doing just that. So if you are still new to Juneteenth, a wildly important holiday for Black Americans as well as our historical heritage and progress as a country, then we are happy to share what we know and admire about this day.

🔥 Rapid Fire! 🔥
_________

• Juneteenth was established as a day of celebration in Galveston, Texas

• It’s been a Texas state holiday since 1980

• It is also called Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day

• This holiday celebrates the freedom from slavery for ALL Black Americans — which did not occur until 1866, years following the Emancipation Proclamation

• It is typically celebrated with parties, jubilees, guest speakers, prayer, picnics and family gatherings, rodeos, fishing, barbecuing, and baseball

• “Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.”
  Source: Juneteenth.com
  

We are thrilled to witness this piece of progress further penetrate the mainstream consciousness. The freedom and liberty of all is certainly something to celebrate, and our country’s history must not be shied away from: only from knowing our history can we measure our progress. And while there is MUCH to be done, today is an indication that we are slowly moving in the right direction. 

To those celebrating, we hope you have a beautiful and joyous Juneteenth! 

-SH

IMAGE: han.del eugene; DIBBLE

author: lara freeman-erbin

WHM: More Body Diversity, Please!

Time to talk more about our favorite word: representation! (No pun intended, tehe).

There are a lot of super important conversations happening, thankfully, about race and the immense disparity between white women and BIPOC women on screen and stage. But there’s another category we’d like to bring attention to: bodies! 

There is no denying the entertainment industry’s fascination (eh, obsession) with beauty and bodies. The history of TV & Film alone displays a standard, particularly for women, of physicality: smaller = better. And this standard has dictated the media we consume, limiting our exposure to such a small scope of human experience and representation. Obviously, not every woman looks like Kiera Knightly or Halle Berry. (Just like not every man looks like Michael B Jordan or Jason Momoa). But when these are the vast majority of mass depictions of femininity we see, and are praised by the masses, of course the rest of society is sucked into a set of standards. Kate Winslet, who of course iconically depicted Rose in Titanic, spoke about her experience being body-shamed during her Oscar whirlwind: “It was almost laughable how shocking, how critical, how straight-up cruel tabloid journalists were to me. They would comment on my size, they’d estimate what I weighed, they’d print the supposed diet I was on. It was critical and horrible and so upsetting to read.” 

Flashback: I think the first time I saw an actress who didn’t conform to the “ideal body” we are conditioned to aspire to achieve was Raven-Symoné in That’s So Raven. As an adolescent watching Disney Channel (with its picture perfect houses and Stepford Wives families) seeing someone who actually looked relatable was huge. As an adult, the first that comes to mind is Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids — who also inspired my temporary four-pack from cackling. As far as characters go, no complaints here. Raven and Megan still have my heart. But something I realized is that as curvier women, they were both cast in quirky comedic roles. Coincidence? Maybe. But why does it seem like so often all of the roles other than the “funny girl” go to women of a particular size?

We want to see ALL women! Women of all shapes and sizes, with curves and dimples, stretch marks and wrinkles. We want to see different-abled bodies. We want the stories and narratives with diverse characters to not be rooted in their physicality — how many times do we have to watch the “fat girl struggles with anorexia” storyline? How about instead: girl, who happens to be a size 12, conquers the world like the badass she is? Just spitballing; I’m an agent, not a screenwriter. Like Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan has said about body diversity on screen: “Actors are just playing human beings, and human beings look like a million different things. There's not just one type of person, so I don't see why there should be just one type of actor on screen, either."

So here’s our food for thought. Women are multi-faceted, multi-talented, and VASTLY more diverse and unique than they get credit, or screen time, for. So while we’re on the topic of women’s empowerment and progress this Women’s History Month, let’s make this aspect of representation and diversity part of the conversation! No more telling women to lose weight to play a role, please. Last I checked, 10 pounds does not an actress make. But grit, depth, raw talent? Those can be found in all bodies. Just take a look at our roster ;)

Much love, ladies.

image source: TOPVECTORS

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN

Women's History Month: 2021 Leads We Loved

Happy Women’s History Month!

We’re kicking March off with some humble praise for some of our favorite female TV & Film leads of 2021. An unintentional and satisfying realization when creating our list was the diversity and range of these projects — the phenomenal women below tackled comedy, suspense, tragedy, mystery, biography, fantasy, and all of the juicy and intimate layers in between. It simply goes to show how multi-faceted and wildly talented women are when given the same opportunities to shine. Say it with us: MORE OF THIS, PLEASE!

Reservation Dogs

I Care A Lot

Squid Game

Spencer

The Sex Lives of College Girls

Mare of Easttown

Cruella

Respect

The Witcher

The Chair

Ted Lasso

Moxie

If we missed an amazing performance, please drop us a line! ‘Cause there’s no way this list covers all of the magic that happened in 2021. Nope, not even close.

Cheers, Fam!

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN

BHM: Diversity On The Stage

One of the pillars of Black History Month in our industry is the recognition, discussion, and strategizing regarding the lacking representation of all of our diverse and exceptional talent. It seems, however, that so many of these conversations are limited to those who appear on screen – our fellow TV & Film actors. While this topic is certainly not to be overlooked – there are huge strides to be made on screen – it sometimes feels as though we’re leaving our beloved Theatre actors out of the conversation. What about the importance (and lack) of representation of Blackness on & behind the stage?

To get some perspective, let's look at some statistics. 

• A survey of the 2018/19 Theatre for Young Audiences season found that POC playwrights comprised only 20% of the shows 

• POC directors accounted for 15% of the same 2018/19 TYA season

• Only 37% of the stage actors during the 2018/19 season were POC
  Source: Broadway World / Nicole Rosky & TYAUSA.org

• During the 2018/19 season in New York City, White actors appeared in 58.6% percent of all roles on NYC stages (both Broadway and Off-Broadway)

• 93.8% of Broadway directors were White during this season

• 78.7% of Off-Broadway directors were White during this season
  Source: Playbill / Ryan McPhee 

Numbers and figures can help put things into tangible perspective, right? Sometimes it’s hard to conceptualize the true lack of diversity if you’re not working behind the scenes, in the audience, seeing the casting breakdowns, waiting in audition lobbies. Often we likely don’t even fully realize how large the chasm really is. Numbers help make things more black & white (no pun intended). There simply is no denying the stats.

So where do we go from here? Clearly, the TV & Film industry is not the only entertainment sector lacking in diversity and visibility. And there are amazing activists and resources with ideas to change that. 

A BIPOC collective called We See You, White American Theatre (WSYWAT) published a 29-page collaborative set of demands to restructure and equitize the theater industry in the US. In their own words, WSYWAT is a “multi-generational, multi-disciplinary, early career, emerging and established artists, theater managers, executives, students, administrators, dramaturges and producers, to address the scope and pervasiveness of anti-Blackness and racism in the American theater.” In their first statement, which can be read in full here, they write: “We have watched you exploit us, shame us, diminish us, and exclude us.” It is a wildly powerful message that speaks to the hurt that underlies the discrimination and inequality that permeates the Theatre industry. 

As allies, it can sometimes feel challenging to know “where to begin.” As agencies and agents, we want the best for our talent. We want them to shine on every stage, in every story, and to be competitive, heard, seen. And while it should NOT be the job of People of Color to right the wrongs that plague our culture, it’s also important to listen and learn from the perspective of those who directly face the challenges we aim to rectify.

That said, among the pages of WSYWAT’s rally cry, here is a small selection of points that stuck out that we wanted to underline in a show of support:

• Theater leaders should have term limits. Those who have served more than 20 years (that includes the heads of many New York nonprofit theaters) should view it as “an act of service to resign.”

• Invest in BIPOC leaders. Provide Gap Training for future leaders of color. While participating in this training, embrace peer mentorship instead of paternalistic impulses around mentorship. 

• Productions should provide on-site counseling for those working on shows that deal with “racialized experiences, and most especially racialized trauma.”

• Ongoing mandatory EDI and Anti-Racism Training must be implemented for executive leadership, boards and staff.

• We demand the end of black face, brown face, yellow face, red face and crip face casting, full stop. 

• We demand the decentralization of whiteness as a ‘default’ in acting, design, directing, management, movement, speech, voice and writing classes. 

The above are a scratch on the surface of what must and can be done to abolish Theatrical inequity. This is the Theatre world we want to see! To honor Black History Month, we humbly ask you to read the full document that was so thoughtfully and groundbreakingly composed by the 300+ members of We See You, White American Theatre. At the very least, we can all do our part to be educated and aware – if you’ve made it this far, we very much appreciate it. 

Cheers, Fam.

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN

BHM: Lara's Reco'd Reading

Hey all! Back for another list of reading suggestions — Black History Month style!

Here are some of my favorite 2021 reads written by Black authors. I strongly believe that every creative industry has an impact on one another. Think about how many films, TV shows, and theatre productions are adapted from books! Some of the most prolific stories we see on screen and on stage began on or were inspired by the pages of a novel. (Hamilton, anyone?) The more we support, consume, and spread the love for Black artists in all realms, the more representation we can inspire and demand.

That said, if you feel so inclined, I encourage giving these authors some love this month and beyond!

Uncomfortable Conversations With A Black Man

Emmanuel Acho

A Great Read For: Diving into topics and questions surrounding race that seem intimidating to approach. Thought-provoking and reflective.

The
Vanishing
Half

Brit Bennett

A Great Read For: Coming-of-age meets mystery. A complicated web of family, love, identity, and race.

Fun Fact: Being adapted by HBO into a TV series!

Teaching My Mother How To Give Birth

Warsan Shire

A Great Read For: Poetry lovers! An exploration of multi-cultural identity and sifting thru generational memories.

Such A Fun Age

Kiley Reid

A Great Read For: A super contemporary, multi-faceted story about race, stereotypes, and what it means to be an ally.

Fun Fact: Currently in the early stages of being adapted into a film!

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Zora Neale Hurston

A Great Read For: A super unique writing style and a peek into history. A story about love, family, community.

Fun Fact: Adapted into a 2005 film starring Halle Berry!

PS: I am forever craving reading recommendations — you know where to find me!

x, Lara

author: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN

Black History Month: Honorable Mentions of Excellence!

Happy Black History Month, Fam!

We want to kick off this important month of reflection and conversation with a celebration. While diverse, inclusive, and complex representation throughout our industry is an ongoing pursuit, 2021 graced us with some prime examples of the Black excellence that underrepresented and marginalized performers have always been capable of, given the platform and opportunity to shine. We are starting this year’s BHM by spotlighting some of our personal favorite performances by Black actors last year!

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LUPIN

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THE LAST OG

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CANDYMAN

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COLIN IN BLACK & WHITE

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HIGH ON THE HOG

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DEAR WHITE PEOPLE

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LOVECRAFT COUNTRY

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SELLING TAMPA

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WATCHMEN

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PASSING

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POWER BOOK II

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THE CHI

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POSE

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INSECURE

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JUDAS & THE BLACK MESSIAH

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THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

See something new? Give it a watch & tell us what you think!
Did we miss a ‘21 gem? We’re all ears, spread the love!

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN

Hispanic Heritage Month: Lara's Reco’d Reading

We hope all of our wonderful talent, their families, & loved ones—and anyone else who celebrated, reflected, and commemorated—had a lovely Mes de la Herencia Hispana: Hispanic Heritage Month!

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

We sincerely hope our industry commits and continues to spearhead social progress by uplifting marginalized creators, funding subversive projects, and encouraging the consumption of stories that represent diversity, inclusion, and the many underrepresented perspectives and cultures of those around us. In book-worm fashion: to commemorate 2021’s Hispanic Heritage Month and the beautiful stories that already exist, here are some of my recent reads by Hispanic authors that I wholeheartedly recommend:

Mexican Gothic

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

A Great Read For: Mystery-seekers and solvers and anyone who wants a story to devour.

Fun Fact: Milojo Productions has acquired the rights to develop a TV adaptation, set to premiere on Hulu.

Bless Me, Ultima

Rudolfo Anaya

A Great Read For: A dose of magic, family, heartbreak, and hope.

Fun Fact: The book was adapted in 2013 as a film directed by Carl Franklin and starring Luke Ganalon and Míriam Colón.

Furia

Yamile Saied Méndez

A Great Read For: A coming-of-age story for anyone needing a dose of next generation feminism. And soccer lovers!

I hope you enjoy any or all of these authors’ stories, and if you have a suggested
read by a Hispanic author: you know where to find me!
x, Lara

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN

Indigenous Peoples' Day

Today and annually we acknowledge Indigenous Peoples’ Day!
This holiday is in blatant opposition to, and now permanent replacement of, what has historically been a day of recognition for colonist Christopher Columbus. 

We occupy a unique space as Talent Agents; we are privileged to be able to witness and partake in the complex creation of storytelling and media. Over the years, to our elation, there have been more and more pivotal conversations and reflections taking place surrounding the perspectives, implications, and ideologies that are in the forefront of our industry, dictating and shaping the projects, roles, and stories that our agency and talent are a part of. We witness, partake in, and actively generate conversations surrounding the need for diversity of representation in all realms: on screen, off screen, behind the camera, in research rooms, in writer’s rooms. Despite the hopeful progress we continue to see, as a country and collective consciousness the real work starts with honesty, reflection, and reparation. It is our firm belief that:

• Christopher Columbus did not “discover” America, he pillaged it • 
• The Native inhabitants of this country were not “modernized”, they were dehumanized •
• Native customs and traditions were not “refined”, they were systematically squandered •

These histories and realities continue to bleed into various aspects of modern society, including our own industry. We lack Native storytelling not only in general, but also from the minds and perspectives of Native storytellers. We lack Native talent occupying not only space, but complex, leading, normalized spaces. We lack cultural understanding of the vast differences and idiosyncrasies of the numerous Native populations in our media. 

Your fellow agents at SH continue to learn about what we ourselves lack. We are continuously striving for progress, and are grateful for open dialogues and discussions. We hope by being transparent about our own beliefs and ideologies, we can make some measure of impact on the industry we love, but that must continue to put in the work and strive for equity and inclusion -- ourselves included.

Thank you for continuing to learn and work alongside us. And to all of those celebrating, we wish you a beautiful Indigenous People’s Day.

- Shirley Hamilton Talent

Below you will find a selection of organizations specifically catered to
Native equity, empowerment, healing, and opportunity:

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• Native American Agriculture Fund •
NAAF is the largest philanthropic organization devoted solely to Native American farming and ranching.

• NDN Collective •
NDN Collective is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power.

• Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples •
Dedicated to Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination and the sovereignty of Native nations.

• Native Women Lead •
Our mission is to revolutionize systems and inspire innovation by investing in Native Women in business.

• I-Collective •
I-Collective strives to highlight historical Indigenous contributions and promote our community’s resilience and innovations.

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN

Industry Do's and Do Not's: #2

We’re back with more more FYI’s to keep in your back pocket!

• DO: Request semi-annual and/or annual meetings with us. We will delight in discussing your progress throughout the previous year, offer constructive criticism, notate your goals for the next, and strategize on how to achieve those goals.
• DO NOT: Rush your own progress or goals by desiring career evaluation, submission statistics, or audition data from us on a weekly or monthly basis. We understand you’re anxious to track your professional development. Keep in mind that there is only so much relevant or meaningful feedback we can offer you within a certain time frame, and the more time you commit to your craft the more substance we have to review with you. If we have something specific to discuss with you, we won’t hesitate to do so!

• DO: Consolidate your emails within distinct and organized threads separated by subject or project.
• DO NOT: Start a new email thread or respond in a separate email if we already have an active conversation on said topic brewing. This is how things get lost in translation, misinterpreted, or confused – we need all of the context to best work together on a question, problem, or solution. (And, we can respond much faster if conversations are fluid and organized, so we aren’t spending our time searching our inbox’s!)

• DO: Always bring a hard copy of your headshot and resume (in the proper format) to an in-person audition or callback, even if you think you won’t need it.
• DO NOT: Rely on the Casting Office to provide you with the things you should have brought with you. Don’t forget your sides, HS/R, a bottle of water, a hair brush, a phone charger, etc. Whatever you need to do your best work is your responsibility to remember – it is no one’s job to provide it for you. Keep a check list!

• DO: Read the descriptions, notes, and instructions for auditions and callbacks thoroughly and carefully before you jump in. Follow the audition formatting as requested, know the character as well as you can, and understand the context of the project you are participating in.
• DO NOT: Skim the technical notes, pass over the formatting instructions, or assume you innately know what the client is looking for -- these specific submission requirements and creative requests come directly from Casting and Creative, not us! Forfeiting attention to detail could make or break your chances for the role when compared to someone who took the extra time to be thorough and do their homework. Just read it over one more time before you proceed! It can only help you to focus on the details.

And with that: keep killin’ it, Ham Fam!

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN

Industry Do's and Do Not's: #1

There’s always more to learn in our industry, and we’re here to help! Let’s start with some basics.

IMAGES BY: Caitlin Watkins / FROM: BACKSTAGE

• DO: Within your financial means, keep your headshots up to date and as authentic to your appearance and identity as possible.
• DO NOT: Show up to an audition with a physical appearance that in no way resembles your headshot. Keep us up to date, send us a selfie – make sure casting knows what to expect.

• DO: Read every single email from us in its entirety before responding or confirming, paying special attention to dates, times, and special requirements.
• DO NOT: Confirm an audition or callback date/time before double checking your calendar and making absolute sure you are able to attend. Everyone makes mistakes – if you make one, correct it with us ASAP.

• DO: Show up to every audition or callback you have scheduled on time or early.
• DO NOT: Call the Casting office or wait to inform us if you are running late. If you see that time is not on your side, let us know ASAP what your new ETA will be. We’ll take it from there.

• DO: Submit all audition materials or files we’ve requested from you before the deadline that you’ve received from us.
• DO NOT: Submit audition materials or files after deadline without notifying us that you will be tardy. We will always try to be flexible for your benefit, but sometimes it’s out of our control and a hard deadline is a hard deadline.

Stay tuned for more industry insights to come!

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN

Agent Spotlight: Meet & Greet With Clayton

Enjoy getting to know our newest team member Clayton Joyner!

Q: What is a skill you acquired from Casting that you think will serve you in Talent Representation?

A: Because I've been on the other side for so long, the process has been completely demystified for me! I know about all of the hard work that is happening on the other end, and I have an understanding of how all the parts are moving together. Also, it's much easier to operate without fear when you realize that everyone in this business is just another human being like the rest of us. I've also learned that being bold (and professional) can pay off in big ways. I have seen countless auditions and really know what can set someone apart in the eyes of the casting directors and producers. I'm excited to take knowledge and use it to become an even better advocate for our actors.

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Q: What excites you most about the transition from your Casting background into Talent Rep?

A: I'm most excited about being able to take all of my casting connections and insight that I've gained, and use it to help Shirley's actors reach new heights. My favorite part of casting was always getting to work with actors and thinking outside the box for certain roles. As an agent, I get to do that all day every day.

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Q: What is a tip/trick every actor should apply when they are in the room with a CD?

A: This sounds so basic, but always be prepared and don't ever make an excuse. If you're late, own it. Don't walk into the room tripping over your excuses about traffic, parking, your printer, etc. Thank everyone for their patience, apologize sincerely and quickly and then get to the work! I feel like every tip I have is something that should be obvious, but you'd be very surprised how many people make the simple mistakes. Don't be a jerk and show up prepared. Sometimes it really is that easy!

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Q: What is your favorite Theatre production, or one you’d love to work on? And in general, what draws you to the world of theatre?

A: I don't trust anyone who doesn't say Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. As a shy kid, theatre and music allowed me to be another person for a while. That sounds very cliche, but it's true! Those warm fuzzy feelings never go away!

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🔥 RAPID FIRE! 🔥

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Q: Favorite salty snack & sweet treat?
A: The best sweet treat in the world is a very particular chocolate dipped cookie from Foxtrot market. I have dreams about it. And I am a salt queen, so I'll take anything with heaps of salt on it.

Q: Your Patronus?
A: Panther

Q: Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall?
A: FALL FOREVER.

Q: If you weren’t in Chicago, where would you be?
A: Los Angeles or London!

Q: Something we might be surprised to know about you?!
A: I never learned how to ride a bicycle, I was almost a back-up singer for Lady Gaga, I've performed at the Apollo Theatre, I'm a proud Slytherin, my best friend is my dog, and I'm a Star Wars fanatic.

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN & CLAYTON JOYNER

Juneteenth: A Pivotal Moment

Dear Ham Fam,

On such a historic occasion as this, we wanted to commemorate the overdue yet glorious decision of our country’s government and leadership to finally thrust Juneteenth into the limelight it deserves. Congratulations to everyone for whom this is so special! We are beyond thrilled to witness this piece of progress.

There is no denying that the founding and development of our country has a very complicated and often egregious history -- the repercussions of which we still see systematically ingrained into our lives today. The celebration and recognition of Juneteenth as a pivotal moment in US history is dually a recognition of the wrongdoings and inhumanities of our past, from which we cannot continue to hide, deny, or repress. There is SO much work to be done. We are grateful to celebrate moments like this, which hopefully prove that, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
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We are your allies now and always. To all celebrating this weekend, we wish you the most joyous and special Juneteenth.  For anyone lacking the deeply important knowledge on this holiday, we offer this description from Melina Abdullah of Black Lives Matter:

“Juneteenth is a commemoration of the date that Major General Gordon Granger delivered General Orders Number 3 to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. The Order gave instructions to Black folks to “remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages.” It was the liberatory spirits of our Ancestors that took this opening to demand full freedom for Black people. Nobody gave it to us. This is the tradition of Juneteenth.”

IMAGE PULLED FROM GLADSTONE.ORG; ARTIST UNKNOWN

Love and congratulations to all!
Sincerely, SH

author: lara freeman-erbin

Agent Spotlight: Industry Insight With Lara

Enjoy an industry insight Q&A with our Lara Freeman-Erbin!

Q: What do you look for in a prospective Voice Actor?

A: There are a range of elements. I’m always looking for unique voices or vocal qualities in terms of texture and tone. I’m always looking for folks with home studios, particularly equipped with patching softwares (Source Connect, ISDN/ipDTL). In general I’m most interested in those who are comfortable in their own skin and can deliver copy in a conversational, real, relatable, no-fuss manner. Advertising has shifted dramatically over the years, and the formal, sell-y, corporate reads are rarely the desired delivery. It’s great to have a range, but I’m always seeking the foundation that can effortlessly deliver the vibe of a best friend, not a sales rep. Lastly, in general, I want to see more diversity in VO. I am always looking to give a platform to and represent more BIPOC & LGBTQ+ voices, which unfortunately I think the industry still lacks.

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Q: Let’s say I want to setup a home VO recording studio for the first time, but on a budget. Where should I start?

A: No problem. The nice thing about VO gear is that there are so many options these days, you can really cater your set-up to your budget. Start with a condenser mic (these can range from $50-$250), an attachable pop filter ($10-$100), around-ear headphones ($30-$300), and scout out a cozy place in your home that you can use to isolate sound (free!). If you don’t have a closet available to “convert,” the ole quilt/comforter over your head trick is your friend. My biggest caveat is to note that even if you have a great mic set-up, it’s moot if you’re located in a space that isn’t eliminating barking dogs and honking cars.

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Q:  While on-camera and theatre submissions rely heavily on headshots, what does casting take into consideration when you submit on VO projects?

A: I’d say #1 is the quality. It’s important to remember, as a talent, the process of VO casting. Imagine sifting thru audio file after audio file -- it’s like skipping thru a music playlist until you land on the song you’re looking for. If a Casing Director is cycling thru submissions back to back, an audition with poor quality is stark and jarring -- & not in a good way! Providing a quality file puts you on a level playing field right out the gate. Then it boils down to the content of the audition. You want to make sure you can make it to “Round 2”, otherwise you’re not competing. Another super important aspect to making it thru “Round 1” is following the instructions. This industry never sleeps, and CD’s work at a very fast pace. Making/asking for corrections is time-consuming, and when they are sorting thru a pool of strong candidates, an easy first cut to make is anyone who requires extra effort that shouldn’t have to be expended to begin with. The good news is, both of these things (quality + following the instructions) are totally within your control!

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Q: What is an industry term that you think every aspiring/working VO actor should know?

A: Perpetuity. AKA “forever.” In general, we rarely work on projects with buyouts in perpetuity. You might think, hey, it’s just my voice, what’s the big deal. But not only might a project in perp. affect your ability to submit in a certain category (see Brian’s explanation on Exclusivity), it also eliminates your freedom of choice. Let’s say you record a spot talking about a chicken sandwich, and you later decide to become a vegetarian. Random example, I know, but you simply deserve to have some control over your work. In a more monetary sense, a perp. buyout eliminates any future payments corresponding to that product. Lets say you record a spot for a startup tech company, that later becomes the next Apple. You deserve compensation relative to the product and its scope.

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Q: How has the Voiceover industry changed over the last year?

A: COVID-19 had a huge impact on the VO industry, immediately and pervasively. The need for VO talent with home studios during the lockdown created a completely new market. While the VO industry had previously been incredibly democratic, in that there was a very small barrier to entry, the pandemic shifted priority dramatically. Not only did home studios become all the rage out of necessity due to closed local studios and safety precautions, but folks equipped with patching softwares were heavily sought after. This created a new standard that wasn’t nearly as previously prevalent. Softwares such as Source Connect, the most popular, require a financial commitment, so not everyone was able to match the standards that were required. It obviously was a huge benefit to those who have home studios, as their jobs were not jeopardized by the pandemic and in fact opportunities were multiplied. Since the industry has opened back up and studios are now available to book sessions, the playing field has evened out some. But there has definitely been a permanent shift and folks with broadcast-quality home studios with patching capabilities are sought out much more consistently and frequently.

AUTHOR: brian canchola, nora manz, & LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN

Agent Spotlight: Industry Insight With Nora

Enjoy an industry insight Q&A with our Nora Manz!

Q: Succeeding in TV & Film is often a major motivation for actors in our industry. What is a piece of advice you can offer for someone who has yet to “get in the room”?

A: Establishing connections takes time, and Casting Directors review hundreds (if not thousands, depending on the project) of submissions each day. Keep working on your craft and perfecting your self-tape set up; it really is just a matter of time for casting to call you in for that perfect role. Although you might not be seeing a flood of auditions, there is progress being made behind the scenes (no pun intended). Track down some scenes from your favorite TV shows/movies and put yourself on tape as practice! Another thing that will always set you apart is having up-to-date headshots with a variety of looks. Check out our Resources tab on the website for photographer recommendations!

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Q: What is something you look for on a resume when considering a talent submission?

A: I'm always looking for actors with a range of experience, skills, and training. I've found that well-rounded actors tend to succeed in the on-camera world. Dedication to your craft is appealing to agents and casting directors alike; we want to know that you are driven and excited to learn and grow. If you're not sure where to start, look into some on-camera training classes at local studios/training centers! Check out our Resources tab for recommendations.

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Q: COVID-19 had a huge impact on the TV & Film industry. What are some of the adjustments you’ve seen since productions have picked back up?

A: There's no denying the immense impact COVID-19 has had on the entertainment industry as a whole. One of the biggest adjustments in the Chicago industry has been the switch to self-tapes and virtual auditions instead of casting seeing folks in person. It’s been a big adjustment for people recording at home, and heaving to forfeit in in-room adjustments they were used to receiving. But it has also made opportunities more accessible for more people since there are less factors to navigate (commuting, etc), and has allowed casting to cast a wider net and see more folks per role.

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Q: What is an industry term that you think every aspiring/working actor should know?

A: I'd say every actor, especially those interested in TV/Film, should know the difference between and progression of SAG status terms - i.e. Taft Hartley, OK-30, SAG-Eligible, Must-Join, etc. Becoming a member of SAG-AFTRA is a goal of many On-Camera actors, and a great one! But you should strategize this step of your career, and know the ins and outs. If you are unsure of what your SAG status is, or the parameters of each tier, the quickest & easiest way is to contact the Chicago SAG office, or peruse the SAG website. The more informed you are, the better!

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Q: What has been your proudest moment as Shirley’s TV & Film agent so far?

A: The corny part of me inside is screaming "every audition I get!" If I could choose all of them, honestly, I would. One moment that really stands out for me was booking one of our wonderful actors on their first TV appearance on CHICAGO MED, and now that role has been recurring throughout the past season! I feel proud everyday whether it's getting an audition, a callback, a first refusal, a booking - even the "smallest" victories for our actors are some of my proudest moments!

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN & NORA MANZ

Agent Spotlight: Industry Insight With Brian

Enjoy an industry insight Q&A with our Brian Canchola!

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Q: The Commercial industry is notorious for being fast-paced and demanding, both on the agent side and actor side. What is one of the biggest taboos that actors in this business should avoid?

A: When it comes to Commercial auditions, the devil is in the details! The fast-pace of the Commercial industry necessitates that talent, agent, and casting are all on the same page at all times. Many commercials have complex requirements and specifics, so talent should be sure to clear any potential conflicts with their agent prior to the initial audition. Bringing up issues late-in-the-game, closer to a potential booking, is a big red flag in the eyes of casting.

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Q: Commercial roles don’t always have extensive copy for character development. How should talent approach an audition with Casting if this is the case?

A: In the era of self-tapes, the best option is to provide multiple, contrasting takes! Play the copy based on your initial interpretation of the character; then play it again, spinning the character in an unexpected direction. This will help communicate to casting that you have a range of skill, allowing you to stand out.

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Q: Improvisation tends to be a helpful skill when it comes to Commercial auditions and callbacks. Are there any other skills you’ve seen come in handy, or set someone apart?

A: Being able to throw in bits of your personality always helps! It’s easy to fall into a very corporate-style read when it comes to Commercial copy. But don’t forget! You’re meant to embody the product by infusing it with relatability. Bring that personality and become best friends with your audience!

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Q: What is an industry term that you think every aspiring/working actor should know?

A: In the Commercial realm, every aspiring actor should know the term “exclusivity.” This is an extra stipulation on a commercial contract that bars the talent from booking future work in that commercial’s category for the length of the contract period. For example, if a talent booked a Papa John’s commercial with exclusivity in “Pizza Chains” for 2 years, the talent would be unable to book a Domino’s commercial (or any other Pizza Chain content) until those 2 years have passed. Be mindful of your bookings and keep track of which ones hold exclusivity!

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Q: When you first started as a Commercial agent, what surprised you the most about the industry?

A: Shifting into this position during the height of the pandemic era, it was very interesting to see how quickly and willingly the entire industry adapted to a never-before-seen circumstance! Major props to our talent who mastered self-taping, home VO recording, video editing, and a variety of other new skills during this crazy year.

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN & brian canchola

Chicago, COVID, & Commitment

If there’s one thing that working actors don’t take for granted, it’s just that: working! This crazy industry is competitive, cutthroat, and requires a commitment to the grind, grind, grind. This we knew all too well long before our comfortable reality was pulled out from under us. Many, if not all, folks in our industry felt the sudden whiplash from the halt that COVID demanded. Shirley Hamilton’s hearts ached as we witnessed theatres closing their doors, premiers cancelled, sets emptied, shoot dates pushed, auditions halted.

Across decades Chicago has continued to prove that we are a force to be reckoned with. We’ve got the goods to compete and to flourish in this industry – putting astonishing talent up on stage, on screen, in print, and in your ears! Writing and producing entertainment in our own backyard that garners accolades and fandom, with global recognition and longevity. We’ve delivered on the notion that success in our industry isn’t an East vs. West conversation; we’re smack dab in the middle of it all and our momentum is infectious. 

COVID-19 may have pressed pause on our plans, but Chicagoans (natives and transplants!) are nothing if not tenacious and determined. One incredible example of this willpower? Exhibit A (for Ashley), one of our very own:

Production of new single-cam, mockumentary style comedy series Zen Room is set to commence early March… While plenty of film production has been shuttered due to Covid-19, actress and writer Ashley Joyce (Gilmore Girls, Everyone is Doing Great) forges boldly ahead with a strong female crew. 

And tapping her hometown as ground central from writing to shooting was a clear choice: “The Chicago film and theater community is the perfect place to create something that is desperately needed these days due to lack-of productions as a result of the pandemic. One thing Covid has shown the film industry is that there are places outside of LA that are creating content. Writers’ rooms can be anywhere. We would love to create that in Chicago, where productions not only just come to shoot but they begin and end with Chicago talent from writing to editing,” notes Joyce.

[Text selection from: “Production set to begin on Zen Room…” By Reel Chicago Feb 23, 2021]

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Throw anything you’ve got at us: Chicago entertainment ain’t going anywhere. This is our official rally cry to anyone out there, on our own amazing roster and beyond, who is feeling discouraged: KEEP YOUR TALENTED CHINS UP. We’ve all felt the impact of this unprecedented time in one way or another, and one way or another we will all get thru it. There are things happening. Want proof? Exhibit B:

The owner of a sprawling former Marshall Field’s warehouse complex wants to bring a touch of Hollywood to the Northwest Side. Knickpoint Ventures, which acquired the 22-acre property at 4000 W. Diversey Ave. in 2018, is in preliminary discussions with Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration to create a film production campus that would create hundreds of jobs.

The film operation at The Fields would be a smaller version of the Cinespace Chicago Film Studios campus on the West Side, where TV shows and movies are filmed and produced. If the project moves forward, it could help the city expand film industry jobs at a time when the city faces a long economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Chicago has relevant assets and an opportunity to take advantage of this moment while positioning itself as a long-term hub for entertainment production,” the [Chicago Recovery Task Force report] said. “We possess an abundance of available industrial and warehouse buildings in the South and West sides that can be repositioned as studios.” 

[Text selection from: “Film production studio…” By Ryan Ori | Chicago Tribune Feb 5, 2021]

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In even newer news, The CW has given a straight-to-series order for THE 4400, a sci-fi cult classic re-make “expected to film in the Chicagoland area beginning in June, through the end of the year.” The series reboot is a reimagination of the original concept, in which “4400 overlooked, undervalued, or otherwise marginalized people who vanished without a trace over the last hundred years are all returned in an instant, having not aged a day and with no memory of what happened to them.”

We’ve also been neck deep in AMC’S 61st Street auditions, callbacks, and castings, which has been “ordered as a two-season television event series with eight episodes per season”, shooting right here at Cinespace, executive produced by Michael B. Jordan. The series will tell the story of the Chicago criminal justice system’s corruption thru the perspective and experiences of a high school athlete.

[Text selections from: “CW Series Chooses Chicago” By Screen Magazine | March 25, 2021
& “Michael B. Jordan’s ’61st Street’…” By Reel Chicago | March 19, 2021]

Times are hard, folks. It’s been a weird year! Take a breather if you need to, but don’t give up that Chicago momentum. There is so much to be excited about, and more to come.
Remember: Midwest Is Best!

xoxo, SH

author: lara freeman-erbin

WHM: Representation Matters

In the words of the late, great, and deeply missed Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg: “Women belong everywhere where decisions are being made.”

As we wrap up the month of March, and Women’s History Month along with it, we’d like to reflect upon progress made and to be made still. If we consider the evolution of women’s roles in entertainment throughout history, there is no denying the immense progress and diversification that has occurred. Mere decades ago the representation of women in media was summarized by heteronormative cisgender whiteness and relegated to the margins, pigeonholed into superficial and misogynistic roles, with entry into the writer’s room barricaded. In a welcome contrast, today we see leading ladies of color, stories written and told from female perspectives, roles that celebrate the multifaceted woman. We see topics of sexism and inequality discussed and challenged in mass media, and the demystification of Feminism and clarity of what it truly stands for. We see characters who represent sexual orientations and gender identifications that go beyond the standardized hetero and cis character. We are consuming stories created by previously silenced voices.

The progress made in media representation is nothing small to celebrate. In recent years we’ve seen the growing commonality of the phrase: Representation Matters. It’s such a simple concept, and yet it holds an incredible measure of meaning. Do you remember the viral photo of little Parker Curry gazing up at the portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama in awe as she recognized a woman of power and grace who looked much more like her than the previous 43 portraits? This spontaneous photo touched so many people because without saying anything, it says everything. The glimmer in a child’s eye when they recognize themselves as important enough, valid enough, to be seen and heard by others is why representation matters. Of course in 2021, we were graced with another feat. Madame Vice President Kamala Harris: the first woman, first Black woman, and the first Asian American woman to assume the role of Second-In-Command. (And you best believe that just like Parker, there were little girls gazing up at the television captivated by the vision of someone who looked like them, whose parents looked like theirs, whose name sounded familiar, in the second most powerful governmental position for the first time in history.)

F.L. Michelle Obama and V.P. Kamala Harris signify more than just politics and government: they established pillars of representation that were previously missing. They are inspiring examples of the broader conversation; they hold mirrors up to society and show the cracks. Because while the tapestry of representation is more colorful and vibrant than ever before, we still have copious barriers to break and glass ceilings to demolish in our own industry. Here are a few milestones we want to see stamped into our Women’s History:

 
- MORE LEAD ROLES FOR BIPOC WOMEN

- MORE STORIES WRITTEN, PRODUCED, DIRECTED BY WOMEN

- TRANS FEMALE LEADS AND MORE TRANS STORIES (BY TRANS PEOPLE)

- DIFFERENT-ABLED FEMALE LEADS AND STORIES (BY DIFFERENT-ABLED PEOPLE)

- MORE FEMALE LEADS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES IN MORE GENRES

- MORE ROLES FOR LGBTQ WOMEN THAT DON’T SIMPLY SENSATIONALIZE OR SEXUALIZE

- MORE FEMALE NARRATIVES & STORIES SITUATED OUTSIDE OF WESTERNIZED CULTURE

- ANIMATED ROLES FOR BIPOC WOMEN VOICED BY BIPOC WOMEN

- MORE FEMALE ROLES THAT EMPOWER & REVOLUTIONIZE

We’ve accomplished so much, and yet we still have much work to do. This list is not complete or all-encompassing by any means, and the fight for equality and progress is certainly not yet won. As the fight continues, we dedicate this Women’s History Month to those who have paved paths, those who have walked them, and those who are still fighting to lay the foundation. We will fight alongside you. May women be represented in all facets of life, of government, of media, of history.
May we strive, always, for more.

With love,
Shirley’s

IMAGE PULLED FROM: ryersonian
ARTIST: MELISSA ORO

AUTHOR: LARA FREEMAN-ERBIN