Compost's "Get you Sh!t Together" Workout Group

Hi guys!

For those of you that need to know if all this shit you've been learning in classes over the past few months is working.

or

For those of you who are working actors and just need a place to stretch that voiceover muscle and have someone fine tune your technique to make sure you're on track at your auditions at home or at your agent's booth.

Come to Compost Productions on for the Compost "Get your sh!t together" Workout Group!

The evening is NOT a class, but a Workout Group Hosted by (and SOMETIMES Directed by) Bill Holmes "The Voiceover Doctor". The workout groups give you the opportunity to work with Bill or one of our various invited special guest directors.You'll never know who the director will be until you show up! (Much like the director you would be working with in an actual job or audition)

The night will work like this:

You show up with scripts that you'd like to work on or auditions you may have for the next day. If you don't have scripts we will provide them for you. (Just scripts not auditions). The Director will ask you to enter the VO booth and audition. You will be directed as if this were an actual audition. You will do a second, maybe a third take. Then you will get out of the booth refreshed and revitalized ready to go off and start auditioning again on your own! The director will then holler "NEXT!" and someone else will get in the booth and so on and so forth. We will try to run you through as many scripts as possible within a three hour period. Afterwards Bill may suggest that we all have a margarita at Don Cuco's in Burbank. (Not mandatory but highly encouraged).

The cost for the evening's festivities (Excluding margarita's at Don Cuco's) is a mere $35. The group will be limited to 10 people. We must have at least 8 people in order to make it happen. (So let's get this shit going people!)

The next "Get your Sh!t Together!" Workout Group will be October 28th beginning at 7:30pm (that's this coming Thursday!) Don't hesitate. Sign up now!!

And keep checking your email for the next scheduled "Get your Shit Together" Workout Group Night! (The week nights may change so keep an eye out for the emails)

Any questions? Give us a call!

Sincerely,

Bill Holmes

The Voiceover Doctor

COMPOST'S NEW AUDITION CHALLENGE!!!!

Compost Productions introduces The Audition Challenge!

Inspired by the real life world of voiceover, Compost Productions is putting a twist on the normally stressful audition process. The Audition Challenge is an auditioning exercise to help actors learn to let loosen up and relax during the audition process, while also getting a feel for what the client is actually hearing and looking for.

The Audition Challenge takes The Voiceover Doctor's teachings of self direction and analyzation and puts it to the test as well as allowing you to get to know your fellow actors and a surprise guest (THIS MONTH's GUEST A REAL CASTING DIRECTOR!)

Here's how it works:

Everyone shows up to the Compost Productions studio for a mock audition. You will find your name on a list along with a script for you to audition for. You will then prepare for the audition as you normally would prepare at any audition.

When your name is called you will go into the studio with the doctor and he will direct the audition. You will be given the opportunity to do 2 to 3 takes and the best take will be kept.

You will then go back out to the lobby to enjoy a nice slice of pizza and a cold beer/soda and mingle with the other participants (this is a great way to meet new friends and complain about the business. Trade stories about who's agent sucks and who's doesn't. Just like a real audition) After everyone has had a chance to give their best audition and the pizza and beer are gone we will assemble in the studio and listen to all the auditions for that night.

Everyone gets a chance to hear what their audition sounds like compared to everyone else's audition. (You'll be surprised by the variety of voices and the wide range that a client gets to hear)

3 winners will be chosen and awarded prizes! "Competitors Vote", "Dr.'s Pick" and the big one "Client's Choice" (Guest Judge)

This workout is designed to show people how random winning the job can be. You'll notice that it usually comes down to a matter of opinion. Hopefully this evening will result in people being much more relaxed when they go in to a real audition situation knowing that they made strong choices and that all they need to do is have a good time. (In the booth and in the lobby).

Auditioning should be a good time! As a voiceover actor you get to do what you love everyday! If you loosen up and do what you do, you will understand how easy this can be, if you let it.

Nine times out of ten they are looking for you to just be YOU! (We want a "real person", casual, conversational.)

The Audition Challenge supports the vo doc's teachings that clients usually don't know what they want until they hear it! If you go into the booth with strong choices and some flexibility. Chances are you'll walk out of the booth satisfied with what you did. After that, it's just a matter of deciding where you want to go have lunch!

Give us a call and take the challenge. We look forward to hearing from you.

To sign up:

Go to compostproductions.com. Find the "payments" button at the top of the home page. Find the poster of The Audition Challenge and directly underneath that poster is the payment button. Click on the payment button. Pay the money. That secures your spot in the class. See you on August 30th.

Sincerely,

Bill Holmes

The Voiceover Doctor

COMPOST SUGGESTS...

Actors Improv Studio's Fall 2010 Commercial Improv Class! We are pleased to announce our next 4-week Commercial Improv Class, starting Saturday, September 11th. This intensive, informative workshop teaches the art of using improvisation as it relates specifically and practically to commercial auditioning. Booking commercials is about making great choices. Improvising helps you make great choices. What people say: Thanks again for your fun and inspiring class. I had a blast, and learned so much about the tools of improvisation. D.B. THANK YOU so much for the incredible experience while taking your commercial class. Every moment was beneficial. T.W. I feel so fortunate to have been able to take this class. It really taught me SO MUCH about how to remove the fear and commit to whatever it is your doing. I feel so much more confident about everything! T.L. I really enjoyed the Saturday commercial classes; they helped me loosen up. When the next series comes up I plan on being back. C.T. Second City Alum and founder of Actors Improv Studio, Bill Applebaum, teaches improv techniques that have helped him book dozens of national commercials. Quick Links Visit our website Actors Improv Studio Founder Bill Applebaum Our Commercial Improv Class focuses on: 1) Using improvisation to make bad copy sound good. 2) Improvising commercial auditions. 3) Improvising your slate. 4) Adapting to changes at the callback. 5) Improvising with someone who can't. 6) Improvising the "stupid questions" audition. 7) How to be totally prepared for whatever the casting director throws at you at the audition. Class size is limited. DATE: Saturdays September 11, 2010 - October 2, 2010 TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. LOCATION: Actors Improv Studio See our discount below! Actors Improv Studio 10707 Magnolia Blvd North Hollywood CA 91601 818-790-3413 email: actorsimprovstudio@earthlink.net Save 15% All current or former members of Actors Improv Studio areentitled to a 15% discount. Not a member of Actors Improv Studio? Sign up before August 27th for the Commercial Improv Class andreceive a 15% discount off the normal fee of $200.00. At only $170.00 this is a terrific deal! Discount Offer Expires: 8-27-2010

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Hey ALL!

I would like to take this opportunity to highly recommend Leanne Koehnen at VO-A-GO GO for all your audition needs. Besides me, (the Voiceover Doctor), Leanne Koehnen is the best voiceover director in the business. We started out directing voiceover sessions together at the Voicecaster in Burbank CA. Whenever I had an audition for myself at the Voicecaster I would always ask Leanne to direct me. 75% of the time I would book the job when she directed me in the audition. She has a great knack for guiding you through whatever script you might have in front of you. So if your not able to make it into Compost Productions for a Voiceover exam with the Doctor, give Leanne Koehnen a call over at VO-A-GO GO!! You won't regret it.

Break a leg!

Bill Holmes

The Voiceover Doctor

The Voiceover Doctor is Heading to the "Windy City" to teach a weekend workshop!

Bill Holmes “The Voiceover Doctor” travels around the country teaching intensive seminars. Bill started his career in Chicago and is happy to be returning to share his knowledge and diagnose what ails you in the audition process. He’ll evaluate your problems and give you the medicine you need for a speedy recovery.

Get the medicine to get the job!

The workshop is a 2 day weekend intensive, July 24th & 25th, 10:00am - 6:00pm with an hour break for students to go grab some lunch. It's two days packed with everything you need for a successful commercial voiceover career, including, but not limited to, technique, commercial copy, what advertisers look for, demos and much more. Two full days with Bill Holmes "The Voiceover Doctor" just costs $550.

You must pay in advance to secure your spot in the workshop. So ... SIGN UP NOW!

Get a friend to sign up and receive a discount!!! But hurry because space is limited!

PLUS... Receive a FREE Voiceover Doctor T-shirt for attending!!

COMPOST SUGGESTS BOB BERGEN's Workshop in CHICAGO!!!

Hi gang! Our good friend Bob Bergen (Porky Pig amongst others) is bringing his advanced animation voice-over workshop to Chicago the weekend of September 11/12. This is indeed an advanced level workshop, NOT for beginners! This 2 day workshop takes students through the process of auditioning, booking, and recording an animated cartoon. Here's a review/article on the workshop: http://www.toonzone.net/blog/blogs/139/voice-actor-for-a-weekend-top-5-more-lessons-from-bob-bergens-advanced-class/ Price of the workshop is $625.00 Book by July 21 and get 10% off! Remaining balance due by August 2 For bookings or questions contact Marian Massaro at marian@marianmassaro.com or (917) 842-5395 *Note: This workshop has already been offered to past Chicago students. The class is already half filled, so if you are interested act fast! Enrollment is limited!! And if you've taken my Chicago technique class before and have not been contacted by Marian please let her know you've studied with me. If you have any questions for me please don't hesitate to ask!

COMPOST SUGGESTS....

Actors Improv Studio's Improv for Teens Class is filling up! Don't let your teen miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn how to Improvise and have a great time doing it! Improvisation stimulates the imagination, strengthens acting choices and most importantly, students have a lot of FUN doing it! Second City Alum and Actors Improv Studio instructor, Samantha Albert teaches our Improv for Teens class. "Sam" says, "I truly believe there is something magical about helping performers fall in love with improvisation the way I did many years ago!" Students learn improv in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment. Improv builds communication skills while boosting self-confidence and stage awareness. Sam Albert Actors Improv Studio Instructor Bill Applebaum Actors Improv Studio Founder This class will teach teens: How to harness and use creative energy The key improv skills needed to book jobs How to think on their feet Great communication skills How to trust their creative choices Great stage presence Class size is limited. Ages 13 - 18 DATE: Saturdays July 17, 2010 - August 21, 2010 TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. LOCATION: Actors Improv Studio COST: Only $270 for 6 weeks! Actors Improv Studio 10707 Magnolia Blvd North Hollywood CA 91601 818-790-3413 email: actorsimprovstudio@earthlink.net

SCENE STUDY CLASS BONDING!!!

A three hour class just isn't enough time to spend with the "Funny" Mr. Holmes and the "Magical" Mr. Colella! After class everyone goes out for food, fun and more laughs!

Want to join the Fun?! Give us a call (818) 567-1489 to sign up for the next round of Scene Study Classes!

COMPOST SHOUT OUT!!!

A BIG COMPOST SHOUT OUT TO STEPHEN CROSS!!!!

YOU'RE A COCKY SON OF A BITCH!!!!

NEW CLASS AT COMPOST!!!!

Hey everybody,

Yet another opportunity from Compost Productions. (This one's a bit cheaper though) John Colella and I have decided put together a one day event. (A half a day actually)

Many people have requested that we put together a cold reading class so here it is. Trying to keep the cost down for you. No drinks but plenty of scripts to be had.

Come on in and hone your auditioning skills with a couple of the best directors in town.

Hope to see you there.

Bill Holmes

VOICEOVER DOC's STUDENT BOOKS IT!

CONGRATS!!! Congratulations to Phoebe Zimmermann for becoming one of the new voices of Toyota!! Phoebe, you really make that shit sound good! The Compost Crew is so proud!

Check out Phoebe's Toyota commercial!!

Margaritas, Mojitos and Microphones!!

Compost Productions is proud to announce the new line up for the next Margaritas, Mojitos and Microphones Workout, May 14th, 2010 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.

Guest Directors:

Bradford Bricken, Los Angeles, VO Agent extraordinaire (Special

Artists Agency)

Mari Weiss, Veteran Voiceover Artist and Acting Coaching

Next Audition Workout Class Starts up May 3rd!!

Margaritas, Mojitos and Microphones!!! Friday March 26th!!

Compost Productions is proud to announce the new line up for the next Margaritas, Mojitos and Microphones Workout, March 26th, 2010 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.

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Guest Directors:

Jeff Jones, Los Angeles, VO Agent extraordinaire (Vox, Inc.)

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Bill Holmes (The Voiceover Doctor), Acting Coach extraordinaire,

Compost Productions

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The evening will focus primarily on commercial copy. Bill & Jeff will be directing you as well as giving you tips on what to do and what not to do during the audition process.

This is your opportunity to meet and be directed by two guys with a wealth of information to share with you about the audition process, all while enjoying a nice cool Margarita or Mojito to help take the edge off.

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It's up to you to give us a call or email us and reserve your seat at the bar... I mean your spot in the class!

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Come, have a drink, meet an agent and maybe learn a thing or two!

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The "doctor" is looking forward to diagnosing your problems!

Privates with the Voiceover Doctor at Voice 2010! Sign Up NOW!!!

Bill Holmes will be hosting a panel featuring Bob Bergen and Joyce Castellanos at the VOICE 2010 Convention this summer in Los Angeles. If you are planning to come to the convention this summer, Bill we be offering private sessions for a small fee to those interested. If you are interested in taking advantage of the opportunity to work with Bill please let us know by May 20th, 2010 so that we can schedule you in. Everyone here at Compost Productions hopes that you're having a productive year!

Have Your Graphic Design Work Done by Our Graphic Designer, BART FLYNN!!

Privates with Bill at VOICE 2010. Sign up Now!

Bill Holmes will be hosting a panel featuring Bob Bergen, Joyce Castellanos, and Robbie Rist at the VOICE 2010 Convention this summer in Los Angeles. If you are planning to come to the convention this summer, Bill we be offering private sessions for a small fee to those interested. If you are interested in taking advantage of the opportunity to work with Bill please let us know by May 20th, 2010 so that we can schedule you in. Everyone here at Compost Productions hopes that you're having a productive year so far!

Scene Study 2010

The New Year brings new opportunities here at Compost Productions. Scene Study teachers Bill Holmes and John Colella are starting a brand new Advanced Scene Study Class. This class is not geared towards beginners. The eight-week course will give students the opportunity to work in depth on two separate scenes with two different partners. Through rehearsals with your partners and extensive feedback from the teachers, you will learn how to develop characters in a safe and creative environment. In addition, the class covers techniques that will help you learn how to work in a collaborative setting with directors. The next round starts Wednesday, January 27th at 7:00pm. The class will be separated into two, four-week sections, with one scene every four weeks. The full eight-week course costs $350. Not interested in the full eight weeks? You can sign up for just four weeks for only $200. For more information give us a call at (818) 567-1489 or email us at composthq@gmail.com.

Richard Horvitz Workshops

Our friend and esteemed VO talent/coach Richard Horvitz is starting up his classes for 2010! Richard will be teaching weekly classes here in Los Angeles, including a new class - a Weekly Play Date Group. This class is designed to accommodate those of you who may not be able to commit to his six week course or those of you visiting from out of town. In addition, Richard will be traveling across the country this year and teaching in Dallas, Chicago, Orlando, and New York. For details on Richard's L.A. classes, the Weekly Play Date Group, or his Weekend Workshops across the country, please email his assistant, Michelle Dunphy, at richardhorvitzclasses@gmail.com

Bill Holmes' Audition Workout Class 2010

Start off the New Year right and get on your way to a successful voiceover career. Bill is starting up his Audition Workout Class for January. The class teaches you how to discover your weaknesses and fix then so you can start booking jobs. Bill's goal is to get you out of the class and on with your career. The Class is four consecutive weeks long and the next one starts Monday, January 11th at 7:30pm. Space is limited to 6-7 people per class and enrollment is on a first come first serve basis. Don't miss out on your chance to work with the Voiceover Doctor! Email me at composthq@gmail.com or call me at (818) 567-1489 for bookings and information. Or, click here to check out our website.

Bill and Bob's Video Cast

Bill and Bob Bergen ("Porky Pig") talk about physicalizing and voice over. Click here to check out the Video Cast.