Erica Palgon On-Camera Acting and Career Counseling

The best thing I can say about Erica's career coaching is it worked! I was able to move to a new agency as a result of my work with her! She is extremely supportive, positive, creative in her thinking of how to "put yourself out there", and also honest about where you are and what she thinks you need to do. Erica assessed where I was professionally, and how to make the move to get to the next level. She was able to pinpoint what aspects of my career and my choices/actions professionally I could improve and build upon. She gave great suggestions on how to improve my demo reel and resume. From her own vast experience casting and working with agents, she gave great guidance on what people in the industry I should market myself to. The business side of acting is tough. It is enormously helpful to have guidance and an objective opinion on one's career. Working with Erica is a great opportunity to take a step forward--no matter where you are in your professional life.

Crystal Bock, career counseling client
America Online commercial,
"Duane Incarnate" -Tribeca Film Festival '04, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Third Watch , Ed

Erica is one of the best I've come across in the business. Not only does she have fantastic taste, but I trust any actor in her hands. She is professional, smart and wonderful which is so hard to come by in this business.

Robyn Bluestone,
manager Myrna Jacoby Management

Erica really, truly likes actors and thoroughly enjoys what she does. And she’s good at it. She has been in the business long enough to know it upside-down, backwards and forwards. Her firsthand knowledge is absolutely invaluable to actors at any level. She has been a real guiding force for me, and instrumental in helping me make the transition to the next phase of my career. I can’t remember how I ever got by in this town before knowing her.

Eva Kaminsky, actor

Working with Erica turned my work around 180 degrees.
By finding a great filmic monologue she gave me a calling card I felt was close to the vest and showed off my strengths- from working with her on camera with audition sides and the monologue I really got to feel out my frame and space, learn what was enough within those parameters, and get comfortable taking risks in an auditionlike arena, where a potential job wasn't at stake.
By going through the business and breaking it down, office by office, she demystified the whole shebang which made my search for an agent and management much less intimidating-- PLUS...she helped hook me up with the amazing manager I work with now. My confidence has grown immensely, as well as my skill, and I feel happy and at home in this crazy biz! Thank you ever so much Erica!
xo

Sandriel Frank, career counseling client

Erica has a great facility for grasping an actor's attributes, and navigating that potential. Her extensive knowledge and insight into the business has been extremely helpful in guiding me toward my best career approach. She's helped create a clearer understanding of the business, and opened my eyes to opportunities available. Truly enlightening and inspiring!

Mary Fassino, career counseling client

Erica is awesome! She's a working Casting Director, so she knows what she's talking about and is unabashed about sharing all of her knowledge! You will get a positive, safe environ to work (and play!) and some very practical skills to take directly into your next on-camera audition. You'd be crazy NOT to study with this woman...CRAZY, I tell ya!

Mark DeLaBarre, actor

We are making an incredible film, in large part to Erica Palgon's efforts. I am producing Morgan J Freeman's ("Hurricane Streets", "Desert Blue") new film with Mark Webber, Antonio Ortiz, Brendan Sexton III and Rosie Perez starring. Erica's deadication made all our dreams come true.

Jamin O'Brien
Just Like the Son, LLC
Producer/UPM

Erica’s jovial and laid-back nature helped to create an environment in which I felt truly comfortable being “myself.” Her insight and encouragement allowed for each actor to bring out his/her personality while exploring the vast array of commercial copy she provided for the class.

MELANIE SYLVAN
4 week commercial class student

Meeting with Erica helped me tremendously! She was insightful and covered so many things- we practiced interviewing and she gave me some great pointers. She pointed out some things I could improve on with my resume. We created a plan together and I left the meeting, feeling empowered and excited about my acting career again!

ELAINE WILLIAMS
career counseling client

Erica is wonderful! There's not many other ways to say it! Before working with her, I was going in so many different directions with no plans or goals. Upon meeting with me, Erica quickly designed a strategic path for me to follow, and provided me with realistic goals and expectations that were within reach with a little hard work. She was able to see who I was and where I'd fit during our first session! Erica guided me to the right schools, classes and photographers as well as provided some moral support when I needed it. I think it great to get guidance in this business, but to receive it from a seasoned casting agent is priceless!

DASH GHAHARY
career counseling client and
4 week commercial class student

Erica really cares about the success of her clients and goes out of her way to get them any information or help they need. When I needed advice regarding a voice-over demo, Erica not only came to our meeting armed with lots of great information from people in the business, but after our meeting she continued to research the best websites and follow up with any additional details I needed.

SUSAN DRUMM
career counseling client

Before Erica Palgon entered my life, I had intense FOC - fear of camera. Since working with Erica, I have grown to love the camera and let it into my heart and expose my talents. Consequently, I have even experienced glimmers of freedom and joy in front of that previously excoriated machine and now have continual confidence in my abilities. She also has brought me in for auditions and that rocks too. Do yourself a favor and get the undivided attention from the Emperess of Cool and Camera. We LOVE ERICA PALGON!

FIELDING EDLOW
career counseling client

Erica makes this class so enjoyable! She's not sitting there "teaching" us. She tells us what she sees as a casting director and exactly what would make us stand out as good auditioners. Her comments and critiques of our on-camera exercises have made me feel more confident in my auditions since her class.

ARIELLE JACOBS
4 week commercial class student

Erica is so much fun to audition for. She gives great direction and adjustments, and because she is so warm and friendly, i never get nervous. She gives excellent carrer advice and knows the business inside and out.

TARA SANDS
actress

Meeting Erica has been pivotal to my professional growth and career opportunities. With her ongoing sincerity and enthusiasm, she has taught me the valuable, but often overlooked, essentials in business interactions. Her generous investment in my own success is unique in this business. She's been instrumental to my most lucrative bookings. But most importantly, she is a true and compassionate person. I feel so lucky to have found her.

LISA TEREZAKIS
actress

Palgon....take me away!
Erica Palgon is sure to make things work for you ... her many years in the industry, with experience in commercials, to independent film make her an ideal teacher to help you get the work which you deserve.

JACK MENASHE
talent agent at Independent Artists Agency

From acting, to auditioning, to the business side of things. This is the A to Z of commercial acting classes.

DON DiPAOLA
4 week commercial class student

Erica Palgon has helped me tremendously in improving my work and in shaping my confidence as an actor in all media. She is one of the most genuine and supportive people I have met in this business. She has an incredible talent for coaching, working with you to pinpoint where you need help and exactly how to make it better. Erica has helped me improve the quality of my auditions, increase the number of jobs I book, and my knowledge about the business; but even more important, she has made me feel confident and strong in my work and myself.

Darcy Miller, career counseling client

I've known Erica Palgon for a number of years, and she is terrific. She is wonderful in casting sessions with talent, managing to bring out exactly
what I'm looking for in the actors so I can get a really good sense of who to bring back. She's hit the streets for me a number of times and found "real people" (non-actors) who did an amazing job and, in some cases, have gone on to be in other commercials and film projects. And recently she has run virtual callback sessions for me from NYC which were super successful for me, the agency and the project. She works crazy hard, is an asset and also is funny, which is important for those loooong sessions that seem to go on for days. She's never let me down and I will keep using her as long as she keeps doing what she does!
xox

Pam Thomas, commercial director
Oil of Olay, Tropicana, AMEX, Crest,
Milk, Cingular Wireless

Meeting with Erica was quite possibly one of the best career choices I have made. She took the time to listen and really figure out my strengths to develop the most successful plan of action for me in the NY acting market . The combination of her knowledge and compassion picked up my spirits and put me in the right direction. After meeting with her, my career has steadily improved and I am very excited about the accomplishments I have made. She believes every actor is unique and can contribute to this business in their own way. Erica just helps you to find it and go after it!

Diana Masi, career counseling client,
member of the comedy group "Gay Christ
Figures in Cinema", role in upcoming independent "Dani and Simone", Foxwoods casino commercial

I met Erica last fall. She watched my work and introduced me to an excellent production company who booked me for two of their films. She's called me in for commercial auditions, one for which I was called back and met "Junebug" director Phil Morrison. Erica has welcomed me into the office as an audition reader and an actor. She's taken my work to a professional level that I wasn't expecting. She's awesome.

John Miller, actor

Actors looking for an really enjoyable and supportive class need look no fu rther. Erica Palgon is a warm and personable teacher that actually makes learning fun. Add to that she really knows her stuff. You'd be hard pressed to find a better teacher anywhere.

Glenn Alterman, actor and author
" An Actor's Guide- Making It In New York City" and "Promoting Your Acting Career"

There'd be no Boone without Erica!

Morgan J. Freeman, director
" Just Like the Son", "Desert Blue", "Hurricane Streets"

I was totally lost as an actor in NYC. After meeting with Erica, I had a focused plan. She gave me the confidence to pursue what I needed to do to become a successful, working actor. She is really a great mentor.

MARK SARIAN
career counseling client

National Spots: Blockbuster, Wendy's, Slimfast, Guest role in upcoming Ethan Hawke film, "One Last Thing"

Erica's knowledge of the industry as a casting director along with her fun and spirited personality combine to make her classes both beneficial and enjoyable.

BONNIE SHUMOFSKY
talent agent, Abrams Artists

I started working with Erica already having representation and feeling pretty good about the auditions that I was getting. What Erica has helped me do is to really remember why I wanted to do this in the first place--she has helped me regain both the confidence and the sense of humor that I think I accidentally lost along the way. She invests in each and every actor she meets with, much the same way that she does in her casting sessions. She's the real deal!

MOLLY PEARSON
career counseling client

Erica, in less than 2 minutes after I met her, had figured out the holes in my resume and in my training, and what I needed to add to the resume. She took a genuine interest in my career which makes me want to work harder. Each time I come back to another session I've had more success. Erica supported me by coming to see my show and from there gave me much encouragement. I'm so excited to have Erica as part of my support group for my career.

CAREY MACALEER
career counseling client

Trying to break into "the business" can often be overwhelming and frustrating--without a clear road to success. Erica's knowledge of how the industry works has provided me with focus and has put me on a path to success--giving me my best shot at becoming a working performer.

JONATHAN WANICUR
career counseling client

Erica's commercial class is fantastic...her love and excitement for her work is so evident in all that she does. She answers all of your questions, gives you the facts, timesaving tips, and honest feedback. The best part though, is that she makes you feel comfortable almost immediately...I have taken a lot of classes and I have to say that I felt more comfortable by the end of her 1st class than I do weeks into some others classes I have taken. Ultimately, if you are not at ease ... you can't work effectively...so this was a big part of the learning process.

ELIZABETH CORREIA
4 week commercial class student

This class is great for the actor who is just getting started in commercials. It arms you with tons of helpful information, and helps build that confidence you will need when you start going to your auditions!

SCOTT LASKA
4 week commercial class student

Erica is masterful when it comes to bringing out the best in you.

KEN PARK
Ken Park Management

Erica is one of the most down to earth casting directors I know. Her knowledge of the business of acting coupled with her sincere care for the actor's process make learning from and working with her fun as well as educational.

ANDREW APPEL
Actor's Connection employee

Erica has been THE most supportive person of my potential. At our first meeting, she identified my type and my best assets to stand out from others like me.
Calling me in for parts that I am right for, she even gives vital positive preparation and feedback DURING the audition sessions. Thanks to her I got a
callback for "Lowe's Home Improvement" and booked a part in the feature film " Red Door."
"It's amazing what you guys do to yourselves," she told me once. And she's right. Her willingness to help actors lead more successful and creative lives is genuinely warm and completely disarming.

AX NORMAN
actor

Erica Palgon is one of the most thoughtful and generous people I have met in New York City. She is always positive and has the ability to give accurate feedback in a productive way. She will tell you the truth with tact and with years of casting experience behind her. Effortlessly, and just because of the kind of person she is, she breaks the invisible barrier between performer and agent and gives actors a deep respect for those who work to find us opportunities.

JEN NAILS
actress and teacher at People's Improv Theater

The class is great. Overall the class lets a person into the world of commericals, with a guide.

KOSTAS PARAGIOS
4 week commercial class student

She is so fun-loving and wacky in the best kind of way it was easy to be around her. She is down to earth and very likable. Thank you, Erica for making yourself available to actors.

ANGELA PAZ
4 week commercial class student



The best thing I can say about Erica's career coaching is it worked! I was able to move to a new agency as a result of my work with her! She is extremely supportive, positive, creative in her thinking of how to "put yourself out there", and also honest about where you are and what she thinks you need to do. Erica assessed where I was professionally, and how to make the move to get to the next level. She was able to pinpoint what aspects of my career and my choices/actions professionally I could improve and build upon. She gave great suggestions on how to improve my demo reel and resume. From her own vast experience casting and working with agents, she gave great guidance on what people in the industry I should market myself to. The business side of acting is tough. It is enormously helpful to have guidance and an objective opinion on one's career. Working with Erica is a great opportunity to take a step forward--no matter where you are in your professional life. Crystal Bock, career counseling client America Online commercial, "Duane Incarnate" -Tribeca Film Festival '04, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Third Watch , Ed Erica is one of the best I've come across in the business. Not only does she have fantastic taste, but I trust any actor in her hands. She is professional, smart and wonderful which is so hard to come by in this business. Robyn Bluestone, manager Myrna Jacoby Management Erica really, truly likes actors and thoroughly enjoys what she does. And she’s good at it. She has been in the business long enough to know it upside-down, backwards and forwards. Her firsthand knowledge is absolutely invaluable to actors at any level. She has been a real guiding force for me, and instrumental in helping me make the transition to the next phase of my career. I can’t remember how I ever got by in this town before knowing her. Eva Kaminsky, actor Working with Erica turned my work around 180 degrees. By finding a great filmic monologue she gave me a calling card I felt was close to the vest and showed off my strengths- from working with her on camera with audition sides and the monologue I really got to feel out my frame and space, learn what was enough within those parameters, and get comfortable taking risks in an auditionlike arena, where a potential job wasn't at stake. By going through the business and breaking it down, office by office, she demystified the whole shebang which made my search for an agent and management much less intimidating-- PLUS...she helped hook me up with the amazing manager I work with now. My confidence has grown immensely, as well as my skill, and I feel happy and at home in this crazy biz! Thank you ever so much Erica! xo Sandriel Frank, career counseling client Erica has a great facility for grasping an actor's attributes, and navigating that potential. Her extensive knowledge and insight into the business has been extremely helpful in guiding me toward my best career approach. She's helped create a clearer understanding of the business, and opened my eyes to opportunities available. Truly enlightening and inspiring! Mary Fassino, career counseling client Erica is awesome! She's a working Casting Director, so she knows what she's talking about and is unabashed about sharing all of her knowledge! You will get a positive, safe environ to work (and play!) and some very practical skills to take directly into your next on-camera audition. You'd be crazy NOT to study with this woman...CRAZY, I tell ya! Mark DeLaBarre, actor We are making an incredible film, in large part to Erica Palgon's efforts. I am producing Morgan J Freeman's ("Hurricane Streets", "Desert Blue") new film with Mark Webber, Antonio Ortiz, Brendan Sexton III and Rosie Perez starring. Erica's deadication made all our dreams come true. Jamin O'Brien Just Like the Son, LLC Producer/UPM Erica’s jovial and laid-back nature helped to create an environment in which I felt truly comfortable being “myself.” Her insight and encouragement allowed for each actor to bring out his/her personality while exploring the vast array of commercial copy she provided for the class. MELANIE SYLVAN 4 week commercial class student Meeting with Erica helped me tremendously! She was insightful and covered so many things- we practiced interviewing and she gave me some great pointers. She pointed out some things I could improve on with my resume. We created a plan together and I left the meeting, feeling empowered and excited about my acting career again! ELAINE WILLIAMS career counseling client Erica is wonderful! There's not many other ways to say it! Before working with her, I was going in so many different directions with no plans or goals. Upon meeting with me, Erica quickly designed a strategic path for me to follow, and provided me with realistic goals and expectations that were within reach with a little hard work. She was able to see who I was and where I'd fit during our first session! Erica guided me to the right schools, classes and photographers as well as provided some moral support when I needed it. I think it great to get guidance in this business, but to receive it from a seasoned casting agent is priceless! DASH GHAHARY career counseling client and 4 week commercial class student Erica really cares about the success of her clients and goes out of her way to get them any information or help they need. When I needed advice regarding a voice-over demo, Erica not only came to our meeting armed with lots of great information from people in the business, but after our meeting she continued to research the best websites and follow up with any additional details I needed. SUSAN DRUMM career counseling client Before Erica Palgon entered my life, I had intense FOC - fear of camera. Since working with Erica, I have grown to love the camera and let it into my heart and expose my talents. Consequently, I have even experienced glimmers of freedom and joy in front of that previously excoriated machine and now have continual confidence in my abilities. She also has brought me in for auditions and that rocks too. Do yourself a favor and get the undivided attention from the Emperess of Cool and Camera. We LOVE ERICA PALGON! FIELDING EDLOW career counseling client Erica makes this class so enjoyable! She's not sitting there "teaching" us. She tells us what she sees as a casting director and exactly what would make us stand out as good auditioners. Her comments and critiques of our on-camera exercises have made me feel more confident in my auditions since her class. ARIELLE JACOBS 4 week commercial class student Erica is so much fun to audition for. She gives great direction and adjustments, and because she is so warm and friendly, i never get nervous. She gives excellent carrer advice and knows the business inside and out. TARA SANDS actress Meeting Erica has been pivotal to my professional growth and career opportunities. With her ongoing sincerity and enthusiasm, she has taught me the valuable, but often overlooked, essentials in business interactions. Her generous investment in my own success is unique in this business. She's been instrumental to my most lucrative bookings. But most importantly, she is a true and compassionate person. I feel so lucky to have found her. LISA TEREZAKIS actress Palgon....take me away! Erica Palgon is sure to make things work for you ... her many years in the industry, with experience in commercials, to independent film make her an ideal teacher to help you get the work which you deserve. JACK MENASHE talent agent at Independent Artists Agency From acting, to auditioning, to the business side of things. This is the A to Z of commercial acting classes. DON DiPAOLA 4 week commercial class student	Erica Palgon has helped me tremendously in improving my work and in shaping my confidence as an actor in all media. She is one of the most genuine and supportive people I have met in this business. She has an incredible talent for coaching, working with you to pinpoint where you need help and exactly how to make it better. Erica has helped me improve the quality of my auditions, increase the number of jobs I book, and my knowledge about the business; but even more important, she has made me feel confident and strong in my work and myself. Darcy Miller, career counseling client I've known Erica Palgon for a number of years, and she is terrific. She is wonderful in casting sessions with talent, managing to bring out exactly what I'm looking for in the actors so I can get a really good sense of who to bring back. She's hit the streets for me a number of times and found "real people" (non-actors) who did an amazing job and, in some cases, have gone on to be in other commercials and film projects. And recently she has run virtual callback sessions for me from NYC which were super successful for me, the agency and the project. She works crazy hard, is an asset and also is funny, which is important for those loooong sessions that seem to go on for days. She's never let me down and I will keep using her as long as she keeps doing what she does! xox Pam Thomas, commercial director Oil of Olay, Tropicana, AMEX, Crest, Milk, Cingular Wireless Meeting with Erica was quite possibly one of the best career choices I have made. She took the time to listen and really figure out my strengths to develop the most successful plan of action for me in the NY acting market . The combination of her knowledge and compassion picked up my spirits and put me in the right direction. After meeting with her, my career has steadily improved and I am very excited about the accomplishments I have made. She believes every actor is unique and can contribute to this business in their own way. Erica just helps you to find it and go after it! Diana Masi, career counseling client, member of the comedy group "Gay Christ Figures in Cinema", role in upcoming independent "Dani and Simone", Foxwoods casino commercial I met Erica last fall. She watched my work and introduced me to an excellent production company who booked me for two of their films. She's called me in for commercial auditions, one for which I was called back and met "Junebug" director Phil Morrison. Erica has welcomed me into the office as an audition reader and an actor. She's taken my work to a professional level that I wasn't expecting. She's awesome. John Miller, actor Actors looking for an really enjoyable and supportive class need look no fu rther. Erica Palgon is a warm and personable teacher that actually makes learning fun. Add to that she really knows her stuff. You'd be hard pressed to find a better teacher anywhere. Glenn Alterman, actor and author " An Actor's Guide- Making It In New York City" and "Promoting Your Acting Career" There'd be no Boone without Erica! Morgan J. Freeman, director " Just Like the Son", "Desert Blue", "Hurricane Streets" I was totally lost as an actor in NYC. After meeting with Erica, I had a focused plan. She gave me the confidence to pursue what I needed to do to become a successful, working actor. She is really a great mentor. MARK SARIAN career counseling client National Spots: Blockbuster, Wendy's, Slimfast, Guest role in upcoming Ethan Hawke film, "One Last Thing" Erica's knowledge of the industry as a casting director along with her fun and spirited personality combine to make her classes both beneficial and enjoyable. BONNIE SHUMOFSKY talent agent, Abrams Artists I started working with Erica already having representation and feeling pretty good about the auditions that I was getting. What Erica has helped me do is to really remember why I wanted to do this in the first place--she has helped me regain both the confidence and the sense of humor that I think I accidentally lost along the way. She invests in each and every actor she meets with, much the same way that she does in her casting sessions. She's the real deal! MOLLY PEARSON career counseling client Erica, in less than 2 minutes after I met her, had figured out the holes in my resume and in my training, and what I needed to add to the resume. She took a genuine interest in my career which makes me want to work harder. Each time I come back to another session I've had more success. Erica supported me by coming to see my show and from there gave me much encouragement. I'm so excited to have Erica as part of my support group for my career. CAREY MACALEER career counseling client Trying to break into "the business" can often be overwhelming and frustrating--without a clear road to success. Erica's knowledge of how the industry works has provided me with focus and has put me on a path to success--giving me my best shot at becoming a working performer. JONATHAN WANICUR career counseling client Erica's commercial class is fantastic...her love and excitement for her work is so evident in all that she does. She answers all of your questions, gives you the facts, timesaving tips, and honest feedback. The best part though, is that she makes you feel comfortable almost immediately...I have taken a lot of classes and I have to say that I felt more comfortable by the end of her 1st class than I do weeks into some others classes I have taken. Ultimately, if you are not at ease ... you can't work effectively...so this was a big part of the learning process. ELIZABETH CORREIA 4 week commercial class student This class is great for the actor who is just getting started in commercials. It arms you with tons of helpful information, and helps build that confidence you will need when you start going to your auditions! SCOTT LASKA 4 week commercial class student Erica is masterful when it comes to bringing out the best in you. KEN PARK Ken Park Management Erica is one of the most down to earth casting directors I know. Her knowledge of the business of acting coupled with her sincere care for the actor's process make learning from and working with her fun as well as educational. ANDREW APPEL Actor's Connection employee Erica has been THE most supportive person of my potential. At our first meeting, she identified my type and my best assets to stand out from others like me. Calling me in for parts that I am right for, she even gives vital positive preparation and feedback DURING the audition sessions. Thanks to her I got a callback for "Lowe's Home Improvement" and booked a part in the feature film " Red Door." "It's amazing what you guys do to yourselves," she told me once. And she's right. Her willingness to help actors lead more successful and creative lives is genuinely warm and completely disarming. AX NORMAN actor Erica Palgon is one of the most thoughtful and generous people I have met in New York City. She is always positive and has the ability to give accurate feedback in a productive way. She will tell you the truth with tact and with years of casting experience behind her. Effortlessly, and just because of the kind of person she is, she breaks the invisible barrier between performer and agent and gives actors a deep respect for those who work to find us opportunities. JEN NAILS actress and teacher at People's Improv Theater The class is great. Overall the class lets a person into the world of commericals, with a guide. KOSTAS PARAGIOS 4 week commercial class student She is so fun-loving and wacky in the best kind of way it was easy to be around her. She is down to earth and very likable. Thank you, Erica for making yourself available to actors. ANGELA PAZ 4 week commercial class student