Improv is such a vital skill and tool when it comes to performing. Are you looking to sharpen yours when it comes to commercials? Join us for a panel discussion covering how to improve those skills, how to apply them to auditions and performances and how to discern which classes/programs are the best fit for you. This 45-minute panel will feature actors Paul Mabon, Bill Parks, Milana Vayntrub and educator Jonathan Runyon. It will be followed by a 20-minute audience Q&A. Moderated by Laura Linda Bradley.
BIOS:
Paul Mabon
Paul Mabon is an actor and poet with over 20 years’ experience. His television and movie credits include ‘The Upshaws,’' The Pitt,' 'Unstable,' ‘Criminal Minds,’ ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine,’ ‘Young Sheldon,’ ‘Def Poetry Jam’ and ‘Verses and Flow (2X).’ Paul has done commercial work for Little Caesars, Walmart, Toyota, Dish Network and Sirius XM to name a few. Currently, Paul plays the character ‘Alan’ in the Progressive Insurance commercial franchise and is a proud Lifetime member of The Actors Studio.
Jonathan Runyon
Jonathan Runyon is a seasoned actor with two decades of professional experience, having appeared in over 40 commercials along with a variety of TV and film credits. Recently, he guest-starred in the first season of Paramount Plus's 'Landman.' Beyond his acting career, Jonathan has spent more than 10 years as a commercial casting session director and instructor. His classes emphasize key components of successful commercial auditions, with a particular focus on the effective use of improvisation.
Milana Vayntrub
Milana Vayntrub is an Uzbekistan born, American writer, performer and director. Most recently, Milana portrayed antagonistic prosecutor Pam Bozanich in Season 2 of Ryan Murphy’s 'Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story' for Netflix. She also starred in 'Bad Shabbos,' which debuted at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. She directed and starred in comedic short film 'Pickled Herring,' which made its world premiere at Indy Shorts in 2023. Up next, she will appear alongside Ryan Gosling in Amazon MGM Studios’ 'Project Hail Mary,' directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
Previously, Milana starred in the indie feature 'Werewolves Within' opposite Sam Richardson for director Josh Ruben, as well as Quibi's 'Die Hart' opposite Kevin Hart and John Travolta. Additionally, Milana is recognized for her roles on NBC's 'This Is Us,' Paul Feig's 'Outer Space' as well as 'Silicon Valley' (HBO), 'Californication' (Showtime), 'Love' (Netflix), 'House of Lies' (Showtime), 'Ghostbusters' (Fox) and "A Futile & Stupid Gesture' (Netflix) among others.
Outside film and television, Milana famously played "Lily" in a long running campaign for AT&T. Most notably, Milana released a documentary entitled 'Can't Do Nothing: Refugees in Lesbos' focusing on the refugee crisis. The documentary has since turned into the #CantDoNothing movement and is responsible for building schools and medical centers in refugee camps worldwide.
From top left clockwise: Paul Mabon, Bill Parks, Jonathan Runyon & Milana Vayntrub (photo courtesy of Sela Shiloni)
