New York Film + TVÂ Casting Director Showcase
2-Week Class Featuring Bess Fifer, Harley Kaplan and Briana DunlayÂ
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Get ready to train with three powerhouse New York casting directors in a rare acting workshop that takes you inside the casting room as you explore what it takes to stand out as an actor.
Bess Fifer brings Award-Winning credits including Apple TV+’s SEVERANCE and Netflix’s IT’S BRUNO! Harley Kaplan, co-founder of Powers/Kaplan Casting, has worked on acclaimed films including Cannes-recognized BLUE RUIN, along with classics like BOYS DON’T CRY, THE CIDER HOUSE RULES, and HBO’s famous SEX AND THE CITY. Briana Dunlay brings credits including HBO’s THE WHITE LOTUS, SURVIVAL OF THE THICKEST, FX’s WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, HUSTLERS, BROS, JESSICA JONES, IRON FIST, and many more, with her work earning Artios Award recognition.
You'll be guided the entire way by working film and television writer and director Misha Calvert, who founded Vermilion. She will offer you practical technique adjustments so that by week two, you are coached and ready to show your best work!
Space is limited. Tuesdays November 10th in Zoom+ 17th from 7:00-9:30 PM EST - $295
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Class Description & Format
Tuesday Nov 10th (Zoom) Tuesday Nov 17th (in-person NYC) 7:00-9:30 PM ESTÂ - $295
Your Guests Panel
We’re pulling the best of the best for this with legendary casting Directors Bess Fifer, Harley Kaplan, and Briana Dunlay. They’re responsible for some of the biggest shows of our generation, including SEVERANCE, THE WHITE LOTUS, and the unforgettable SEX AND THE CITY. This is your chance to learn from these three top Casting Directors in a warm and supportive environment will also showcasing your best on-camera work with individualized coaching on your scene! They're also incredibly nice people!
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Week 1
For your first class, you’ll be assigned a scene to present in class with Misha coaching you one-on-one as she gets to know your acting technique and craft. This is a critical prep week to help you do your best work for Bess, Harley, and Briana in Week 2. You’ll receive feedback on your scene from Misha and get a recording of your work after class. You’ll also get a chance to ask Misha questions in a live Q&A, including some basic career strategy on how to get called in and increase your bookings!
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Week 2
In Week 2, you’ll pair up to do the same scene again. Bess, Harley, and Briana will offer feedback on your work and review your headshot and resume. Misha and the 3 CDs will then team up for a final Q&A to answer all questions about all things acting, auditioning, and show business. Then, you’ll be invited to network with your fellow students and the rest of the Vermilion community! You will also receive a recording of all of your work over the past two sessions for future use.
For more information, email [email protected].
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Misha Calvert
Director and Coach
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Misha is an award-winning writer, director, and showrunner based in New York. Her latest short film FAULT premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2026. She has created five digital series, including two that sold to networks: STRUT (2018 Tribeca Film Festival) which campaigned for an Emmy in 2022, and ALL HAIL BETH (BRIC TV).
Upcoming work includes the psychological thriller THE ROUTINE, starring Raye and Sawyer Spielberg; and CANDY, a musical short created in partnership with singer-songwriter Kate Eberstadt. She is the recipient of the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant, a 2024 finalist for the Bechdel Residency, and she teaches at Sundance Collab.Â
Misha’s creative mission is to make big, bold works of art that protect and empower those who need it most, including humans and our precious planet. She is the founder of Vermilion, a coaching company which provides support, mentorship, and education for actors, artists and multi-hyphenates.Â
www.mishacalvert.com
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What Makes Vermilion Classes Different.
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The team at Vermilion goes above and beyond to not only create a fun experience for every actor who works with us, but to try to make sure each class sets you up for results. We are proud to report success stories of actors being called in by the guests we work with after each and every class. We prioritize community amongst our artists, so that you walk away having (hopefully) made a few new friends. This combination of down-to-earth relatability alongside rigorous craft and professionalism sets our classes apart in New York City. We aim to make each class not just a learning experience, but an investment in your future.
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