NYCDA Casting Director Panel for Conservatory Alumni

Thursday, February 6, 2025, 7pm ET / 4pm PT

In Person at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts!

Showcase to THREE NYC Casting Directors that cast for film, TV & theater and get immediate feedback on your performance so you can continue to make smarter and more powerful choices in this ever-changing career.

You'll also receive written feedback that will be given to you after the event to provide even more clarity on your work.

**THIS EVENT IS FOR NYCDA ALUMNI ONLY**

This panel includes:

- Jeffrey Dreisbach, McCorkle Casting

- Leah Shapiro, Shapiro Casting

- Lisa Donadio, Playwrights Horizons

*Please note that Guests are subject to change.

Please note that this in person showcase will be at:

NYCDA at 39 West 19th Street, 2nd floor

You will be emailed your assigned studio the morning of your event.

EVENT OVERVIEW:

This in-person event will start with a 20-30 minute Q&A with everyone in the studio.

Afterwards, you will be showcasing to the panel by appointment. Q&A is optional to attend but we recommend.

You’ll be given your appointment times in advance in EST.

Please show up at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time, and please be aware that timing issues can occur but your host will keep you updated while you are waiting.

We kindly ask that you do not request to alter your appointment time.  

***Actors Connection provides readers for all events.

Please follow the procedures listed below:

• Please update your headshot and fill out the MY INFO section of your AC account upon registration.

• The room will be open 30 minutes before the event is scheduled to start. Please arrive at least 10 MINUTES before your event begins as your host will give important information about the event at this time.

Additional Information:

Our online office hours are 9am-6pm Monday-Friday

**No recording of any kind is permitted by participants during class.**

**Actors Connection classes and programming are for ADULTS (18+). Unless it is disclosed above, with permission, some teens (14+) are allowed to take adult programming. To inquire about getting permission, please send an email to: info@actorsconnection.com**

**Please keep in mind that all programs at Actors Connection are for educational and professional development purposes. Participating in any class or event is not a promise of employment.**

Lisa Donadio

Casting for over 10 years with Alaine Alldaffer at Playwrights Horizons, Lisa's credits include: The Flick (PH and Barrow Street), Clybourne Park (B'way and PH), Heroes of the Fourth Turning, A Strange Loop, Dance Nation, The Treasurer, Familiar, Hir, The Christians, Detroit, Circle, Mirror, Transformation, Stage Kiss, Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, Rapture Blister Burn, Present Laughter with Victor Garber for The Huntington Theatre and Roundabout.

TV credits include: Knights of Prosperity aka Let's Rob Mick Jagger (ABC).

Other theaters include: Huntington Theatre, Hartford Stage, Seattle Rep, ACT in San Francisco, Berkeley Rep, Alley Theatre, Arena in DC.

Festivals include: Williamstown and Humana.

Casting Director credits include: Villa at The Play Company, Smart People, Bright Half Life, Matt and Ben, Cry It Out, The Royale for the Kitchen Theatre.

Jeffrey Dreisbach

Jeffrey Dreisbach, a seasoned Casting Director and esteemed partner at McCorkle Casting, Ltd., possesses a keen eye for identifying talent in emerging actors.

His remarkable abilities have played a pivotal role in the success of the casting company, responsible for over 100 Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, 65 feature films, and numerous television shows.

Prior to transitioning to casting, Jeff enjoyed a prolific two-decade-long career as an actor, showcasing his versatility in theatre, film, television, commercials, and voiceovers. Notably, he made his mark on Broadway with an impressive 500 performances as Lt. Kendrick in Aaron Sorkin's production of "A Few Good Men." His film credits include roles in "Splash," "Die Hard 3," and "The Thomas Crowne Affair," and he also portrayed Norman Van Buren in the NBC soap opera "Another World."

Drawing from his extensive experience on both sides of the audition process, Jeff now dedicates his expertise to helping actors navigate and advance their careers. His passion lies in assisting actors finding their confidence with auditions. He addresses technical challenges, acting choices, and reshapes the actors' perspectives on the audition process. Current offerings at Actors Connection include "Self-tape Workshops" and "Stage to Screen" classes.

Jeffrey Dreisbach extends his influence beyond workshops by hosting the popular podcast "Casting Actors Cast," boasting over 100,000 downloads. Additionally, his workbook/manual, "Conversation Pieces Out of the Studio," designed to guide actors to success in voiceovers, is a required reading in Acting BFA and MFA programs nationwide.

As an influential figure in the industry, Jeff continues to inspire and guide actors through his workshops, podcast, and educational lectures, offering you valuable insights into the world of auditions and career development.

Leah Shapiro

Leah Shapiro is a NY-based freelance Casting Associate for TV and Film.  She’s been lucky enough to work for Shayna Markowitz Casting, Ellen Lewis Casting, Laura Rosenthal Casting, Estrin/Bergstein Casting, and Betsy Fippinger Casting. 

She most recently finished working under Ellen Lewis on Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut feature film ELEANOR THE GREAT. 

Other recent FILM/TV Associate/Assistant credits include: MAESTRO (NETFLIX/AMBLIN), THE GIRL FROM PLAINVILLE (HULU), INVENTING ANNA (NETFLIX), DASH & LILY (NETFLIX),  A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN (SONY),  GOODNIGHT MOMMY (AMAZON), LANDSCAPE WITH INVISIBLE HAND (PLAN B/MGM) 

While now working primarily in TV/Film, Leah got her start in casting for theater with an internship at Telsey + Company and subsequently working with Stephanie Klapper Casting for almost two years.  She loves being able to lift up NY theater actors in TV/Film.