SYNOPSIS

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or are brand new to the Union, it is always important to understand what kind of behavior is expected from an actor. Talent and skill are only half of the equation, while things like manners, etiquette, and overall professionalism are equally critical factors to establishing and maintaining a successful career. What are some basic protocols and behaviors expected from an actor, whether it be at a meeting, on set, or at an audition? Hear from industry professionals who work directly with performers to understand what exactly makes an actor professional.

PANELIST BIOS

Anya Adams, director BLACK-ISH, THE MAYOR
Formerly from the non-profit arena, Anya Adams worked with the groundbreaking company live show, Up With People, for six years before she made the jump to the film industry. Adams relocated to Los Angeles when she was accepted into the DGA trainee program. After becoming a full-fledged member of the DGA, she continued to work as a First Assistant Director on numerous features and TV shows for the last 15 years. The most notable are THE PRACTICE, SCRUBS, COMMUNITY, THE WEST WING, CSI MIAMI, BODY OF PROOF, and THE MINDY PROJECT. 

Her feature projects include GOSPEL HILL, starring Sam Jackson, Danny Glover and Angela Bassett, as well as the suspense feature THE LODGER, which stars Alfred Molina, Hope Davis and Shane West. Adams was the 1st AD on ABC’s BLACK-ISH, where she then directed her first episode. Anya continued on to direct an episode of THE MAYOR, FRESH OFF THE BOAT, SPEECHLESS, and a block of YOUTH & CONSEQUENCES. Anya also spent time shadowing Patrick Michael King on CBS’s TWO BROKE GIRLS.  

Anya also recently directed her first short film, LEMONADE MAFIA, starring Marsai Martin, Yvette Nicole Brown, Ava Acres and Emily Proctor.

Jolene Kay, audition session runner
Jolene has worked for several years as a respected session director in commercial casting, allowing her a unique perspective. You may see her in audition rooms at House Casting, Beth Holmes, Exclusive, 200 South, etc. She brings her experience as both an actor and someone who works side-by-side with casting directors to her multi-faceted role in the industry.

She has also been active in the entertainment business for more than a decade as an actor, with credits in film, television, and commercials.  Some of her credits include Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, House of Lies, Star Trek, Colony, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, Rizzoli & Isles, and Flaked.  Her commercial credits include Nissan, Toyota, Home Depot, Dr. Scholls, Naked Juice, Coca-Cola, Best Buy, Farmers Insurance, American Airlines and more.

Diane Robin, actor
Diane Robin was born in the Fairfax district, Los Angeles, and began her training in high school, with a scholarship to the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute. At that time she was the youngest person to have been accepted into the adult program. Three months after she got her first agent, she was cast as a series regular in Angie with Donna Pescow and Robert Hays playing the role of DiDi, the New York waitress with a heart of gold.

She has gone on to appear in over 100 television and film productions, having had the pleasure to work with Academy Award winning actors such as Holly Hunter, Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges, and the incredible Miguel Ferrer, Penelope Ann Miller and Peter Weller to name a few. Some of the legendary directors Diane’s worked with include Paul Verhoeven Robocop, Terry Gilliam The Fisher King, Peter Hyams The Relic, Chris Columbus Adventures In Babysitting, and Allison Anders Grace of My Heart. She has guest starred on numerous TV shows including NCIS, Desperate Housewives, Malcolm in the Middle, Family Guy, Wilfred and Party of Five. She’s also costarred in many Hallmark and Lifetime movies such as Grave Misconduct, McBride, Mystery Woman and Annie’s Point. She was recently seen in Authors Anonymous with Kaley Cuoco, Holiday Breakup with Katie Leclerc, and in the Indie Award winning comedy Dating Daisy playing one of her all-time favorite roles, the pushy endearing mother, Eleanor.

She has several projects coming out this year, one of them opposite everyone’s favorite Bad Seed, Academy Award nominee Patty McCormack.

Jennifer York, commercial talent agent, DPN Talent
As a native Angeleno, Jennifer York began her career in commercial casting at an early age and continued to work in casting up through her years at Loyola Marymount.  Upon graduation, she realized that talent representation was more her passion and quickly began to establish herself as a commercial talent agent here in Los Angeles.

Moderator - Dennis Baker, The Business Program Director

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