Frequently Asked Questions Answered

How do I know if I'm good enough / ready for STAR?

If you're a talented beginner, Shine's unique training can help you start strong with fewer time-intensive, disheartening, and costly mistakes.

If you're a working performer wanting bigger opportunities, you're definitely ready.

There's no guesswork about your readiness because STAR is by audition only. The coaching process is highly personal, and most STAR Members go on to participate in our curated Shine Virtual Showcases, which are presented to our highly respected VIP contacts.

We want to ensure you're a good fit for STAR, and that your goals align with what we offer.

Regardless of whether you're accepted into STAR (this time, bc some reapply and make it later:), we'll provide you with written feedback as to where we see you now. Since the audition is free, you have nothing to lose. Book your audition here now if you haven't already! Please review the package and tuition information here before booking.

What is the audition process like?

Auditions are free, take approximately 10-15 minutes. They're done live on a one-on-one Zoom call with a Shine coach.

After you book an audition, you'll be redirected to an audition information page with details about how to prepare. You'll also receive an email confirmation. If you don't see it, check your spam box.

In Shine, we strongly believe in "talent cross-training." Models, dancers, and singers must be open to and interested in acting and will be asked to perform a short monologue or TV commercial script, in addition to their other talents. (No need to memorize.) Acting is the cornerstone of becoming an outstanding model, singer, or dancer.

If you pass the audition, you'll receive a phone call. We'll give you honest feedback, and you can join STAR.

My life is busy. Can I fit STAR in?

I believe, "If you want to get something done, ask a busy person." In other words, busy people know how to work, prioritize, and SUCCEED! Success breeds success, and motion creates momentum.

If you research your favorite stars (or any stars), you'll discover they're high achievers in many areas. They're BUSY, and they're thriving.

Here's the bottom line: Where's your heart? What's your calling? You're wise to prioritize what's important to you. It's not about busyness. It's about priorities.

Set an example for those who look up to you. Pursuing your dreams gives them the courage to pursue their dreams, too.

Practically, the pre-recorded video content in the course and self-study assignments will require around 1-2 hours per week, depending on how quickly you want to complete them. You can do them at any time of day.

You also have weekly opportunities for live, virtual coaching. Your package includes a set number of live sessions, and within that number, you can attend as many as you'd like!

Most STAR Members complete the coursework within 2 to 4 months; however, you have up to 6 months to complete the interactive parts of STAR, which include the live coaching elements. You set the pace. (You have access to your course materials indefinitely.)

Honestly, if you don't have time for STAR, then you DON'T have time to be a professional, auditioning performer. Auditions take time.

Clear space! Make room for your dreams, and STAR will fit. What's great is that if you fit STAR in, then you can leave that space open for auditions afterwards. :)

What if I'm already a working performer and/or have representation?

Expert branding, marketability refinement, and professionalism checks almost always prove to be the missing link when you're not signed or booking as well as you hope.

Today's media market, as well as the signing, casting, and booking processes, are dependent on factors that most talent coaches don't begin to understand. You may need a fresh look, a savvy perspective, and/or new marketing materials.

I worry I'm too new to invest in this. Am I ready?

The industry loves new faces. Every VIP wants to be "the one" to introduce a new star! That's also why veteran talent "re-invent" themselves. Another GREAT thing about being a new talent is that you don't have to "unlearn" bad habits. STAR is a great way for a newcomer to come in ready to compete with established professionals who have a savvy polish.

Advice: What you need to ask yourself isn't, "Am I ready?" If you ask that, you'll never be. Instead, ask yourself, "Am I committed?" If acting is your dream, follow it wholeheartedly.

How do I know I can trust Shine?

You can judge a tree by its fruit. A company by its history or success. I'm 69. STAR is the modern evolution of my last company's (AMTC) amazing 36 years in business, working with thousands of talented performers and many top VIPs (recent list here) who trust us to present well-prepared, awesome talent. If you're new, you may not be familiar with all these names, but you can look them up to learn who they represent and which projects and companies they collaborate with.

In terms of Shine's success stories, judge for yourself. For a partial list of working Grads, visit shine.us now.

We're also happy to share the contact information of recent Shine Grads so you can chat with them directly (after you audition and are accepted).

How does the STAR compare to other talent training programs or showcases?

99.9% of 4-year university programs (price tag $200,000+) do NOT have effective methods to get their grads placed and working successfully in the REAL world as professional performers.

In fact, we've had many recent grads of TOP theater programs come to us saying, "I have no idea what to do next. How do I get an agent and actually do this?" What we teach in STAR is unprecedented, PRACTICAL, and business-oriented: the perfect complement to talent training.

Also, Acting schools are inconsistent in quality. They often have teachers who haven't worked in the industry at all, or not in recent years. If you're fortunate enough to find one with modern training, they sometimes have showcases as their finale. However, even if you receive an offer, you're still not equipped to thrive, long-term. You aren't given a system to follow with effective business and marketing strategies. And should you take the first offer you receive? Sometimes, not! We've consistently seen our Grads get better offers after STAR.

Shine is different from other stand-alone talent events (which can cost up to $10,000, excluding additional expenses) because bad or outdated advice is often given, leading to mediocre or zero results, which can harm your chances of success. We learn straight from our upper-tier VIPs what their top talent does and teach it to you!

Today, "virtual" is the name of the game in the entertainment industry. VIPs love it, as evidenced by the massive shift to self-submissions, auditions, and callbacks. It isn't going away. Why?

Virtual auditions and callbacks enable reps and casting directors to see more qualified performers more efficiently and cost-effectively.

This is where Shine shines! We teach you how to win now by walking you through and refining each part of the self-submission process with you.

The cold truth you may not know about Talent Agencies (that most don't want to admit)...

They DON'T have time to teach you most of what you need to know to succeed. They're busier than ever. And someone else would LOVE to take your spot if you don't figure out what it takes to keep them impressed.

The agency doesn't lose much if you give up. But you do!