Service Description

Professional-grade on-camera training - tailored specifically to kiddos. Whether you are just starting out on camera, or working in the industry, this class will strengthen your confidence on-camera, and give you the tools you need to nail on-camera auditions, build your actor toolkit and grow in a joyful, supportive environment. Emma will ask parents to fill out a form about their kiddo's previous experience, then tailor their materials to their skill level. Each week students will get on their feet and get hands-on experience on-camera, performing actual scenes from film, television, and commercial that have been written specifically for kids. Week 1 & 2: Camera Technique - Know your angles and use the frame to your advantage Find freedom of movement and tell a story without dialogue. Week 3: Commercials - Nail commercial auditions: the breakdown, slate, taking direction, callbacks, and MOS. Week 4 & 5: TV & Film Auditions - How genre informs performance, breaking down the script. • The camera picks it all up: find authenticity and truth through listening and reacting • Make the audition yours: You bring a unique perspective & the power of you is always enough Week 7 & 8: Showcase - Rehearsal before class culminates in a Showcase for the Compass Casting team! Who is Emma Knott? Emma ‘s Recent acting work includes: • Lead role in Line Cooks Feature Film, a mockumentary style comedy directed by John Mossman • Lead role in Raffle Feature Film, a dark comedy Martin Kazubowski, dir. of Early Bird on Amazon Prime & Apple TV (coming in 2026) • Lead role in Cul De Sac Feature film, a dramatic thriller by Ted Barnes, dir. Nick Volkers • Writer, producer, and performer in The Sunshine Bus Improv Comedy at The Annoyance Theatre • Commercial work for various clients including Chicago Cubs, Johnsonville & Home Chef • Leading roles at Equity Theatre Houses including: Wendla (Hearing & Guitarist) in Spring Awakening, Poppy Norton-Taylor in Noises Off, and Ali in MAMMA MIA! Emma has worked with kids for over 10 years, having taught visual and performing arts classes for kids in Mount Prospect, IL at The Studio and Miss Carole’s Stories and Songs Theatre Camp. She has worked as a nanny with Nanny Harmony in Chicago, and as a Substitute Teacher in Chicago Public Schools. Emma is passionate about helping kids find their own passions and allowing them the space and encouragement they need to grow!