TFTV recently welcomed back to campus acclaimed casting director and alum Eyde Belasco (’91) for a hands-on audition workshop that gave students direct exposure to professional film and television casting practices.
Belasco’s extensive casting career includes work on Sorry to Bother You, (500) Days of Summer, Like Crazy, Pariah, and Half Nelson, as well as television series such as I Love Dick and the Peabody Award-winning Transparent. She is a three-time Emmy nominee and Artios Award winner, with a body of work that has helped shape contemporary independent film and television casting.
Belasco’s workshop, initiated by Professor of Practice Kevin Black and supported by the Hanson FilmTV Endowment, focused on current industry audition standards. Belasco began with a forum on contemporary film and television audition processes, and students then participated in a series of mock film and television auditions. Belasco read with the students herself and shared individualized, detailed feedback with each of them.
Students from across TFTV attended the workshop, excited to gain both practical training and a broader industry perspective.
Scarlett Manzo, a sophomore double majoring in Live and Screened Performance and Art History, said, “I had an amazing time learning from Eyde Belasco. I especially valued reading with her and getting notes from her, simulating a professional audition context. I can’t wait to apply all that I learned from her to my auditions, actor reel, resume, and overall work. I am very grateful we got this opportunity as students!”
Naima Boushaki, senior in Live and Screened Performance and Business Administration, reflected on the professional rigor of the experience. “Working with Edye Belasco was an incredibly valuable experience. She created an encouraging environment while still challenging me to rise to a professional standard.”
Kassondra Sala, another senior in Live and Screened Performance, highlighted the hands-on nature of the session. “I had the best time learning from Eyde and felt like I did some of my best work in the workshop!”
Myles Han, a graduate student in Communication/Marketing, noted Belasco’s workshop gave him “insights into what it takes to be in the industry, not just as an actor, but in other roles as well.”
The workshop reflected TFTV’s continued emphasis on professional engagement and experiential learning, connecting students with established industry practitioners and offering insight into the expectations of contemporary casting environments.