Stephanie McCandless, a Baton Rouge resident who’s dabbled in acting, found herself in a predicament when auditioning for roles.
McCandless said casting directors often request actors to submit tapes of themselves as an initial audition. But she had no means of doing so and nowhere to go.
To solve the problem, she developed the Film Actor’s Studio, which will open May 1.
The studio, located on Jamestown Avenue, will offer audition services and a rehearsal studio. The Film Actor’s Studio allows actors to tape and edit their auditions while employing background lighting, sounds and backdrops.
McCandless said the rehearsal studio will be a space for casual practice or for acting instructors to reserve for classes.
The studio includes resources like a digital camera, “optimum sound and lighting,” multiple large screen monitors and seating for 12.
“There’s a need [for a service like this] in the acting community,” McCandless said.
McCandless said no locations in the Baton Rouge area offer similar services.
“There’s a booming film industry in Baton Rouge, and we haven’t caught up to that yet,” she said of the resources available to actors in the area.
McCandless said local actors will be the studio’s main clientele, but she hopes to extend services to aspiring film stars outside the area.
According to the Film Actor’s Studio website, a half-hour audition taping session ranges in price from $30 to $40, depending on the number of sessions booked. An hour-long rehearsal room taping session ranges from $30 to $45.
 
 
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Contact Emily Herrington at [email protected]