Melissa Skoff Cold Reading & Audition Classes

04/01/2026

To all the talented actors in Los Angeles:
Having been in the entertainment business my entire career, I still cannot process how our government officials have let so much production slip away into other states and countries.
We have such wonderfully talented and experienced actors, directors, producers, and production staff- in all areas, and way too many are finding it hard to find solid production work.
Now politicians are talking about tax incentives -- if other states/countries can do it, then why don't we? Hollywood is the hub of the industry and it's slipped away for a long time. Years ago I would be told 'if we make it here we want you to cast the show, but not if we go to Canada (or wherever).
This wasn't acceptable then, nor is it now. When production is ramped up everyone benefits including job seekers, restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners, etc. etc.
It's inexcusable that this issue has grown so large. Politicians talk about $$, well production on a large scale can bring in $$$$$$
It's really exasperating!

02/20/2026

Well, it's a new year and hopefully work will be picking up and plentiful! Always keep in mind that you are your salesperson and in order to make the most impactful impression, be sure to follow instructions when submitting for roles online, or in person too.
First, your slate is very important. I recently met a tween actress who had submitted herself already but her dad asked me to look at her slate and audition reel. It was horrible. Her slate asked her to state her height and location. She did not. She began to sing on the slate--why?? I told her dad that a slate must follow the exact instructions provided. That what they submitted would turn casting away from viewing her reel--which was also scary. There was a man (coach?) from her kids' class reading with her. Her hair completely covered her face, and then she buried her face in his arms. Why?? I was shocked to see the reel.
I'm preaching to the choir here but please be sure that when you submit an audition that you follow all instructions on the slate as well as your actual audition. It's always challenging since you can't ask questions or receive direction, but Talent does pay off!
As a veteran Casting Director and Coach, I can help you create online auditions that can get you the job! My rates are very reasonable and your classes are dedicated solely to you.
Feel free to reach out if you want assistance in elevating your auditions.
Good luck to you all!

Melissa Skoff

Professional Cold Reading Classes from Casting Director Melissa Skoff who has cast over 100 Movies and T.V. Shows. Professional Online Acting Classes, Cold Reading Classes for Working Actors and Actors who should be working.

02/02/2026

There's an art to creating a great audition. It's a skill set that working actors adhere to and even if you don't book that particular audition, you certainly won't be forgotten! I know this first hand as veteran Casting Director and Acting Coach. I call it putting extra icing on the cake. A tweak here or there, or a better understanding of the character and/or situation can and will make all the difference in creating an audition that will be noticed. I know how to make that happen. My classes are currently all one on one Private Coaching. My rates are very reasonable because I want actors to be able to continue and I want to help launch the careers of up and coming actors and help embellish the work of more established actors. I have just a few spaces open. Check out my website at melissaskoffacting.com
I've been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous actors.
Let's make 2026 a productive year!

Professional Cold Reading Classes from Casting Director Melissa Skoff who has cast over 100 Movies and T.V. Shows. Professional Online Acting Classes, Cold Reading Classes for Working Actors and Actors who should be working.

08/19/2025

How often do you get an audition and how many of them do you actually book? I've run Casting offices at Warner Bros. TV and at Fox Broadcasting's TV Movie Night. Plus having cast 150+ features & TV shows and 100's of episodes I know what gets the job. All my classes are currently taught as One on One Privates online. My rates are reasonable and you can use your audition as a class--no need to pay extra. Check out my Website at melissaskoffacting.com And also check the Testimonials there and on Google and Yelp.
I have just a few spaces available. Let me help you realize your dream!

06/06/2025

My new Website is up and running! Check it out at melissaskoffacting.com
I specialize in creating consistently excellent Cold Readings and Audition Techniques which are the most important skills needed in an environment where Auditions are almost entirely conducted online!
Let me teach you the skill set that works ! My rates are very reasonable and missed classes can be made up!

05/17/2025

How successful are your auditions? Now that they are almost entirely self taped auditions, you are deprived of being able to ask questions, receive direction from the Casting Director, and left to wonder if your tape was even viewed.
There is a skill set to be used for auditions. As a veteran Casting Director and Acting Coach with a background in acting, I know what that skill set really is. And I love teaching actors how to use it! I've actually cast 1,000's of actors throughout my career. Sometimes in pre reads, other times in producers' sessions, and in my classes.
I keep my classes very reasonably priced because I want to help launch the careers of today's emerging and working actors, and because I want you to be able to afford to continue if you so choose. All my classes are taught as Private Coaching online sessions. I teach them all myself and you receive a dedicated hour each session that is tailored for you! The website is being updated and should be up and running very soon. The current website is still posted at melissaskoffacting.com
If you want to fine tune your audition and Cold Reading skills, please contact my office. And always remember that especially in today's market your Cold Reading Skills are what's needed to make you a Working Actor! Good luck to you all!

05/06/2025

I'm working with two wonderful actors on an upcoming film they will be starring in. It's a very good inde script, and a fantastic opportunity for both actors. I love that they are getting this terrific
opportunity and it's great fun coaching them! It's a horror film with lots of emotion and creepiness. We're having a great time working on it -- and that includes laughs and giggles too!

04/29/2025

The website is being updated! We will let you know when it's up and running. My classes continue -- all currently taught as One on One Private Coaching ONLINE, and my rates are still Very Reasonable! I want to make classes affordable--as I always want to allow actors to be able to afford to continue. Classes are purchased by the month and a month is always 4 classes. Each session is all about you and your strengths and weaknesses.
Having cast over 150 films and TV projects plus 100's of episodes, and having coached actors for more than 35 years, I can show you how to 'put more icing on your cake' -- to make your auditions stand out in a way to help get you work. There's a skill set to creating consistently excellent auditions and I've taught many actors how to make that work!!
melissaskoffacting.com or [email protected]

11/18/2023

The strike is over! There should be lots of opportunities--and lots of available actors vying for those roles. Your auditions must be excellent--not just 'good'. Cold reading and auditioning skills are essential in getting the job. As a veteran casting director and coach and former Warner Bros. and Fox Broadcasting Talent and Casting Executive, I can show you how to create consistently excellent auditions that will help get you to the top. For info, check my Website at melissaskoffacting.com Currently all classes are conducted as one on one Private Coaching online. I have a reputation for giving the most and charging the least.

11/13/2023