The Approach
Practical.
Specific.
Real.
Acting is not one-size-fits-all. It's about figuring out what works for you — so you can have your best audition. We practice with others, seeing what works and what doesn't.
Be Yourself
The most castable version of you is you. Authentic reads as real. Real books jobs.
Process Over Outcome
Stop trying to figure out what they want. Focus on what's in your control - your preparation, your presence, your confidence. The rest isn't up to you.
Learn by Doing
We get in the room. We do the thing. We watch each other. Every insight comes from real work happening in real time — not from a lecture. We don't want you to just hear it. We want you to try it, so you can feel it.
Safe to Experiment
It's a workshop, not a showcase. The environment is safe enough to try things, take risks, and find what works — which is how you get better. Everyone is rooting for you.
Real Insider Knowledge
I run sessions. I see your auditions from the other side of the camera — I hear what casting directors are saying, and see what the callback decision-making process looks like. I also see what directors and ad agency folks are saying. You get all of it.
Build Confidence Together
We pay attention to what is working so you can create more of it. You leave every session knowing something new about yourself.
Joy Lofton
Joy Lofton.
Two Perspectives.
Acting and Casting.
Sharing everything I wish I knew
when I started out.
80+
National Commercials
25
years experience
I'll share resources and information from 25 years of experience on both sides of the camera. I've acted in over 80 national commercials, and I am currently auditioning — so I know exactly what it feels like to be doing that self-tape or in that room.
I am a Session Director for multiple casting directors. On a given day, 60 to 200 actors audition — and I'm there through the whole process, from first call to callback to selects to booking. I collaborate with the casting directors to set up the action of the audition, so I can teach you how to prep for your in-person and self-tape auditions.
My goal is to get you comfortable being yourself in the room, to "feel that click," and to build your presence in the room by preparing you for what to expect. We focus on what you can control, versus what you can't. We work hard and have fun. We learn from each other.
Your questions
answered by
Commercial Casting Directors.
When you take a class, you'll receive an invitation to our panel, where different casting directors will give you real answers on what they look for when casting commercials. Meet our Oct. 14th Panel Guests Below.
The panel
Shane Liem
SHANE. A Casting Company
Shane Liem is a casting director and photographer whose career in casting spans more than three decades. A graduate of film school and a photographer at heart, Shane brings a strong visual sensibility and deep understanding of storytelling to every project—an approach shaped by both cinema and still imagery. After film school, Shane spent over six years working on studio feature films alongside legendary casting director Michael Chinich, primarily on films with acclaimed director and producer Ivan Reitman. That foundation eventually led her into the world of commercial casting. Since 1991, Shane has built a career rooted in instinct, observation, and a genuine love of people. In 2004, she founded SHANE. a casting company, where she continues to collaborate with talented, kind, and inspiring people across commercial, film, and creative projects. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: kindness matters, and great work happens when good people come together.
Shane Springer
SHANE. A Casting Company
Shane Springer, also referred to as “Boy Shane” in our office, is a Los Angeles-based casting director beginning his career in 2013. Born and raised just outside of the city known for entertainment, and having sworn to not go into “the biz”, it’s siren song was just too strong. After studying marketing, he discovered his real passion was people — and it turns out, you can build a pretty good career blending the two. Over the years, he's worked on numerous Super Bowl commercials, award-winning spots, and campaigns that have genuinely worked their way into the cultural conversation. Boy Shane has cast some of the most recognizable campaigns in advertising, including the beloved Dr. Rick Progressive campaign since it’s inception — an ensemble of characters trying to avoid “turning into their parents”. Some other notable campaigns have been Southwest Airlines “Wanna Get Away”, and the memorable Discover Card spots where callers and agents are uncanny doppelgängers — a fun bit of casting magic that fooled most viewers into thinking it was one actor playing both roles. In addition, he has extensive experience casting spokespeople for major brands, including most recently Sonic Drive-In, Tampax, Sparkling Ice, and more. His specialties include comedy, beauty, and kids — though every project brings something new to the table, which is honestly what makes the job so fun. He has a true passion for finding the right performer for the role, and helping them deliver their best work. His approach is rooted in collaboration. He loves working closely with directors and creatives to understand not just who they're looking for, but why — and he's known for making the process feel a lot less like work and a lot more like fun.
Tori Silvera
Bad Girls Casting
Tori Silvera is the owner and founder of Bad Girls Casting and Silver Layne Studios. Since launching her companies, she has brought more than 26 years of experience to the entertainment industry. Throughout her career, she has cast thousands of actors and talent for commercials, feature films, television, music videos, and digital media. Her impressive credits include casting projects for acclaimed filmmakers Jared Hess and Danny Boyle. She is known for her eye for talent, expertise, and ability to build lasting industry relationships. Along the process she always has fun and makes sure to fit in a killer lunch. Lots of times, home cooked in the office by best friends and colleges. Tori has established Bad Girls Casting and Silver Layne Studios as respected names in casting. In addition to her casting work, Tori made history as the first casting director to serve on the AICP committee since its inception. She also served as the AICP Category Host for Performance, overseeing all judges in the Performance category, and has served as a judge in the Performance category.
Invitation included with every class enrollment · Held periodically throughout the year
Classes
Find your level.
Level 1
Commercial-curious but don't know where to begin? Perfect. We'll start with an overview of the commercial casting process, get you familiar with various in-person audition and self-tape scenarios, and cover headshot prep, getting an agent, and making your online casting profiles. No experience required. Just bring yourself.
All sessions include on-camera work with real-time adjustments and feedback. You'll leave with an optional link to watch your work if you choose.
Mondays 7:15–10:15pm
August 3, 10, 24, 31
+ Panel: October 14, 7:15–9:15pm (subject to change)
$350
4-week session
Level 2
You're already auditioning, or you've taken Level 1 and want to keep practicing and improving. We'll work on pace, different genres, self-tapes, making sell lines sound natural, giving variation in your takes, and what to expect in callbacks. You'll learn how to show your range in the room.
All sessions include on-camera work with real-time adjustments and feedback. You'll leave with an optional link to watch your work if you choose.
Wednesdays 7:15–10:15pm
September 2, 9, 16, 23
+ Panel: October 14, 7:15–9:15pm (subject to change)
$350
4-week session
Weekend Intensive
Level 1
The entire four-week class curriculum packed into two six-hour days.
All sessions include on-camera work with real-time adjustments and feedback. You'll leave with an optional link to watch your work if you choose.
October 3 + 4
10am–1pm · Lunch · 2pm–5pm
+ Panel: October 14, 7:15–9:15pm (subject to change)
$350
Weekend · 2 days
Weekend Intensive
Level 2
The entire four-week class curriculum packed into two six-hour days.
All sessions include on-camera work with real-time adjustments and feedback. You'll leave with an optional link to watch your work if you choose.
October 10 + 11
10am–1pm · Lunch · 2pm–5pm
+ Panel: October 14, 7:15–9:15pm (subject to change)
$350
Weekend · 2 days
Coaching & Self-Tapes
Work with Joy to bring your audition to life — in person or virtually, scene work and self-taping available.
Rates are $25 for 30 minutes, $50 for an hour.
Email AuditionLabLA@gmail.com to set up an appointment.
Please Note:
Makeup classes may not be available. Check dates carefully and plan accordingly.
Prefer to pay with Venmo or Zelle? Email AuditionLabLA@gmail.com
the studio
Where the work happens.
Classes meet at Silver Layne Studios in Hollywood — a professional casting facility where the work actually happens. Training in a real studio environment can help you feel more comfortable in the space.
Silver Layne Studios · Hollywood, CA
@silverlaynestudios
What Students Say
Real students.
Real results.
"Several callbacks, four avails, and I booked a dual on-camera/VO spot this month. I felt the momentum actually building. I don't know that I would have been able to do any of it without Joy's affirmation that I'm on the right path."
Scott A.M.
Actor & Dialect Coach
"I just booked two commercials. Shoot the first one tomorrow."
Julia P.
Actor
"Joy is like an Olympian's coach — firsthand knowledge and the ability to communicate her wisdom. She is sincere, generous, funny, quirky and earnest in her love for helping actors book the gigs."
Jeffry S.
Actor
"It's a no B.S., here's how to approach auditions like a pro — but done in an encouraging way. Joy has a gift as a teacher. She creates a space safe enough to try new things and be okay with it not being perfect. I am a better actor because of this."
Andy S.
Actor
"Joy creates a really fun, safe and supportive environment for everyone to learn from each other. Always take a breath before every take. Simple, but it works. I have noticed such a difference in all my auditions."
Remigio O.
Actor
"I've been in the business for 25 years and I still learned a bunch of new things. Both perspectives — actor and casting. There's nothing else like it."
— Tiffany B. · Actor, 25 years in the industry
Get Started
Ready to feel
the click?
Everyone gets camera time. Everyone gets feedback. Everyone gets better. We'd love to have you.
Not sure which class is right for you? Tell us where you are and we'll point you in the right direction.