On-Camera Acting
Welcome to the most comprehensive on-camera acting program in Chicago! At Vagabond, we cover everything from auditioning to being on set, giving you the most comprehensive training possible. Our program is designed to provide you with a complete understanding of on-camera acting while incorporating our unique language and approach.
On-Camera Unit 1
This is the start to your Vagabond on camera journey. In Unit 1 you will get introduced to the Vagabond On Camera Technique. Our technique was designed to give you tangible and easily implemented tools when working with the camera. In this unit we cover commercial work and TV/Film work. For commercials we cover commercials with no lines (the hardest thing to do), one line commercials and two person commercials. Once we move to TV/Film we cover auditioning for small roles with one liners and under 5s. Here you will learn our unique approach to finding subtlety, grounding your performance, and engaging with the camera.
On-Camera Unit 2
In Unit 2 your 7-week adventure will dive deeper into the skills you acquired in Unit 1 and prepare you for more specific types of auditions with more material to memorize. When working on commercials, we cover cold reading, spokesperson, cue cards and how to correctly use “improv” in your auditions. For TV/Film we use the Vagabond On Camera Technique to move beyond small roles and start working on “Guest Star” roles. We are also the only school to offer a whole section dedicated to “SMUSHED Acting.” SMUSHED Scenes are high intensity scenes where someone is injured and are found in every episode of Chicago Fire and MED. Learn how to approach these scenes honestly without over (or under) acting.
On-Camera Unit 3
After crushing units 1 and 2, you’re ready for the most challenging unit yet. You are now ready to walk through the full process from audition, to callback, to being “on set.” The first 3 weeks you will receive commercial copy that you will take from audition to “set.” Then for the last 3 weeks you will do the same with a TV/Film scene. Throughout the process you will be challenged in new and surprising ways. We bring real life “curveballs” into the class for you to wrestle with in a safe space. Start to learn “on set” terminology and get a feel for new camera set ups that are outside of a normal audition based on camera class.
On-Camera Unit 4
Our On Camera Unit 4 is unlike anything else found in Chicago. Leave auditioning behind and let’s spend some time “on set.” Spend this class working with a scene partner in mock set scene work. Learn to adjust your performance while using multiple cameras and professional mics. Walk out knowing what is expected on a professional set and solidify the Vagabond On Camera Technique which you can use to feel confident on any set.
Vagabond On Camera Showcase
Now that you have finished the Vagabond Core On Camera Program, you are able to submit to be a part of our On Camera Showcase. You will use all of your training to build a showcase like no other in Chicago. In the Vagabond Showcase we use our pro cameras, lenses and mics to create unique/professional pieces that give casting a clear idea of your skills in both commercials and tv/film. The pieces will then be digitally shared with Agents, Casting Directors and other industry professionals.
H/RA (Headshot/Resume Approval)
H/RA stands for Headshot/Resume Approval. Want to study on camera acting but don’t want to go through our full program? You can submit to one of our H/RA Classes/Workshops. Our goal in an H/RA is to match up the right students in the class. Students should have prior experience in on camera acting before enrolling in one of these classes.
Join these classes from ANYWHERE!
There are many reason for needing an online class. Do you live outside of Chicago and are unable to attend in-person at our studio? We offer online classes for the convenience and flexibility of our students. Get our professional training from the comfort of your own home.
The On Camera Gym
Meet in person and join a Vagabond Team reader/camera operator every week to keep your On Camera muscles growing. Bring material you want to work and get those reps while working in a save and supportive environment.
This monthly membership is for those who want to want to stay sharp and train consistently - how actors work in Los Angeles - when it comes to TV/Film.
Private Coaching
Meet in person and join a Vagabond Team reader/camera operator every week to keep your On Camera muscles growing. Bring material you want to work and get those reps while working in a save and supportive environment.
This monthly membership is for those who want to want to stay sharp and train consistently - how actors work in Los Angeles - when it comes to TV/Film.
On Camera Workshops and Intensives
Workshops and intensives are great ways to get a lot of education in a shorter amount of time. At Vagabond, we have 1-2 Day workshops and Multi-Day Intensives that span a wide variety of skills. Brush up and stay ready with these industry leading classes.
The Vagabond School Conservatory
Vagabond School Conservatory is the only Acting for the Camera Conservatory program in Chicago. The VSC is specifically tailored to accelerate actors at any point in their career journey. Vagabond School also puts the “business of acting” at the core of our conservatory training by integrating professional marketing materials into your tuition package. The program concludes with both an in-person Acting Showcase and a one-of-a-kind Digital Showcase distributed to Casting Directors, Talent Agents and other industry professionals across the country.
All On Camera Training - Listed Chronologically
All our classes are deliberately small. If the class you want is full, make sure to join the waitlist! We’ll often add a new section or have last minute openings.