Free Acting Lesson: How To Cold Read?

In many auditions, you won't get your lines until you walk in the room. Know how to handle these situations with Brad's tips.
Check out our The Heller Approach Acting Lessons playlist to watch free online acting lessons about Styles of Entertainment, Believability, Scene Study, Emotions, Comedy, Drama, Cold Read/Audition Technique, and other.
To learn more about Brad Heller, The Heller Approach Acting Technique, acting lesson's specials, and acting lesson's prices, please go to our 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 at thehellerapproach.com​
or call us at 𝟯𝟮𝟯-𝟵𝟲𝟮-𝟴𝟬𝟳𝟳 (office) 𝟯𝟭𝟬-𝟱𝟬𝟯-𝟴𝟮𝟲𝟮 (cell/text)
To stay up-to-date with the latest news of The Heller Approach Acting Studio, follow us on:
𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 - / thehellerapp​. .
𝗧𝘄𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 - / hellerapproach​
𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 - / thehellerapproach​
#acting​ #coldreadingauditions​ #learnacting​ #howtobecomeanactor​ #actingschool​ #hollywood​ #actor​ #actress​ #thehellerapproach
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: The Heller Approach is a one of a kind Non-Method acting technique suitable for all levels, from the beginner looking for an effective approach to start an acting career to the seasoned professional actor who finds acting no longer enjoyable, complex, mentally draining, and confusing. The Heller Approach Acting Studio, located in Hollywood, CA, founded by an actor, director, and acting teacher, Brad Heller, is currently rated as one of the top acting schools in Los Angeles. We teach students at our theater in Hollywood and also on Zoom to students all over the globe. The Heller Approach provides you a simple structure and a fun way to learn acting, completely effective, without needing to indulge in “The Method” type personal experiences that can be extremely exhausting and traumatic. Furthermore, this acting technique will help you learn how to analyze a scene and create the most believable, entertaining characters in a way that is conducive to the fast-paced entertainment industry.
The Heller Approach is an acting technique taught exclusively by Brad Heller, who coached actors for 5 years at UCLA before opening his own studio in 1995. Heller's teachings are based on the works of his former teacher and mentor, Don Richardson, an original member of the legendary Group Theatre, which was the nucleus of acting in the United States. Richardson’s fellow students were Sanford Meisner, Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg, and Uta Hagen. Don was one of the students from the Group Theatre who said, "The Method is NOT what acting is about.” Don's acting technique became a rescue for Brad Heller because despite having a degree in theater from one of the world’s finest theater programs, Boston University School of Theater Arts, and trying multiple acting techniques, Brad could not enjoy the process of acting. Combining Don Richardson’s acting technique with the knowledge of anxiety from Dr. Eda Gorbis, as well lessons from his mentor Academy Award winner Seth Winston, and more, the Heller Approach has become trusted by thousands of students globally.

[@southaucklandpolynesia]

Why did i spend $300 dollars for someone to tell me this? It's here, free. Maan...

[@notsurex]

taking a class looks good on your resume

[@jep1437]

You can put classes that you took, on your resume?

[@welcometofalsettolannddd2924]

yes

[@christinam2805]

you can put this youtube on your resume!

[@Kalbel1818]

Lion Levi Films and the casting director actually gave me this advice at my first audition for free

[@keeperofwhatyouseek]

7 years late but thank you for this video

[@maryammohamed8896]

😂😂😂😭😭😭 8 years late but still worth it

[@OzzyBlazeGaming]

@@maryammohamed8896 9 years late but.... still great 😀

[@Blu3b3rrymuffinn]

⁠@@OzzyBlazeGaming 10 Years late but still works!

[@linoseiler5525]

11 years but its stil a masterpeace

[@arundhatidev9048]

11 years late but thank you 😂❤

[@shakeandbreak2938]

There are quite a few kooky acting channels on KZbin here, and I have to say, I am so glad to have found your classes first. Straight, direct and to the point with no fluff, or over the top acting tips. I really appreciate all of your help and techniques. Everything you say makes complete sense and I now feel that I am completely understanding of what is needed from within me, to become a great actor. Thank you again, I know classes aren't cheap. I am a floral designer that has worked very hard over the years through different apprenticeships, and I am always hesitant on giving my knowledge and understanding of design concepts away for free.

[@thehellerapproach]

Hi Philip, Thank you for your kind words and support to the channel! We're so happy you found The Heller Approach, and we appreciate your feedback. Follow us on social media for more acting tips, and a look inside the studio instagram.com/thehellerapproach/ Also, should you decide to start training, check out our website for information on classes, cost, and more. We also offer online acting lessons which have been very effective for many of Brad Heller's students around the world. We look forward to hearing from you and furthering your acting career. www.thehellerapproach.com Cheers! - Admissions

[@AJTSanchez]

Great tips! I will definitely have to remember these during my next audition!

[@thehellerapproach]

AJ Sanchez , Thank you for your support to the channel! Wish you the best on your audition, and stay tuned for more videos!

[@thereed1100]

I auditioned the other day for a play, in our local theatre. "The Wizard Of Oz" I auditioned 4, 2 different parts lol.. Completely diff. Dorothy and, the wicked witch! Baha

[@lynnpr8523]

Im 15 and i live in Texas, Fort worth and I want to become an actress and im starting to see your videos and its a big help. I haven't really act but ill join some theater and hopefully with your videos it will get me far enough. Take you for your videos 👍🏽👍🏽it's a great help.

[@user-zg8rp8uw6p]

Same follow me on Instagram @officialjalonclark

[@BodegaMouse]

I sort of do this when I'm reading a book or something on my own time, haha

[@thehellerapproach]

Max Filpo great way to practice! Keep it up.

[@BodegaMouse]

Damn, man. I really wish I lived in LA so I could take some real lessons from you guys. But I'm in NY, which isn't bad either of course lol. I'm about to make a major decision at 25 years old and switch to the Visual and Performing Arts major at my school....It's nerve-racking, but acting has always been calling me. Wish me luck.

[@ayycardinal6802]

Late but good luck!

[@NinersGuy04]

Ignore the first guy! Morgan Freeman started at 57 yrs old!

[@curiosasono3032]

I'm curious, have you taken an acting career or not?

[@titusboudreaux]

so how has it been now?

[@kaitlyn4260]

Super late, but man, I'm in Texas. I would imagine lots of acting chances there.

[@thehellerapproach]

Eric, that is so Awesome! Congrats!!! You completely made my day. Thank you for your feed back. I am so happy that you were able to apply the cold reading technique. It works everytime. If you are ever in LA stop by our class and say hello. Thanks again, for watching and I'm glad it was able to make a difference for you...All the Best to You =)

[@thehellerapproach]

...many blessings. Happy to share it with you.

[@savannahmondrush]

Thank you so much Brad. I know what it feels like to do some cold reading when I go to the auditions for a musical or a play!

[@xXxSoMelodyxXx]

Oh my gosh! You are absolutely amazing! The way you explain it and show examples is so much easier than other KZbin videos! Thank you again so very much this helped a lot!

[@thehellerapproach]

Always here for you, Thanks for watching!

[@thehellerapproach]

Thank you, for watching and posting!

[@nikkijenkins3415]

Now I know what cold reading is. Thanks!

[@xxSvenxx1]

I'm speechless. Seriously, I never felt as enlightened as I am right now. Thank you!

[@missbaylee2000]

This is great! Thank you SO much for posting this!

[@romeov9893]

Great advice man. I totally see the comparison in the video with the difference on the cold reading and how much better you look by doing what you say to do!

[@filmactorgordwelke]

I just love your approach, I really like the way you have cut out all the bs and put across information that literally anyone can manifest within themselves! Thanks, Gordon King Welke

[@patriciarosario5779]

thanks so much!!! I love you for teaching us!! awesome info!!! I think im ready!

[@thehellerapproach]

You are very welcome and thank you for the compliment. Keep watching and keep getting better because you too are the MAN!!

[@letitiaab]

C'est tout simplement MAGNIFIQUE. I Like it. Thank you

[@Rosannasfriend]

This is great. The exercise at the end actually isn’t as easy as you would think it is, lol.

[@GemmaLouiseDoyle]

Great tutorial, thank you!

[@gargaritaladybug6997]

You're a great coach!!

[@itsnotfairmate]

Sending a Big thank you all the way from ENGLAND buddy. You are amazing!! Thanks for sharing your lessons learned with us and helping us sharpen our talents with great tools, thoughts and tutorials. You the man.

[@HondaImpossible]

Thank you so much!!!

[@valerierose3276]

Thank you for the help! I have a cold read on Wednesday and I'm confident I'll do my best 😊

[@thehellerapproach]

Hi there, Thank you for your kind words and support to the channel! Hope your audition went well! If you decide to further your training, take a look at our website www.thehellerapproach.com Brad Heller offers group classes, online Skype lessons, as well as private coaching. You may also attend a free audit at our studio in Burbank, if you live close by. We look forward to hearing from you! For more acting tips be sure to follow us on social media. instagram.com/thehellerapproach/ Best, Admissions

[@marseetirvengadum1825]

Great thank you!!!

[@StoobyToons]

Gotta say, Brad, I just stumbled on your videos today and have been blown away by these great tips. I'm an animator and an amateur actor/director and have spent most of my life just observing how professionals do it, grasping at anything I could find along the way. I feel like a b i g door has opened up for me already just by watching the last several videos this afternoon and I look forward to seeing more and more from you. Thank you so much! :):)

[@cutebharbie7042]

Its been 9yrs since u commented..Are u still in the movie industry

[@levanceland]

Holy crap! They looked so good! Such helpful information!!!! Thank you :)

[@loaded8588]

Excellent thank you :)

[@alsaxon]

Thanks so much!

[@isandroepalanga8628]

Thanks for you advices,good bless you

[@sunnymathews2657]

Great lesson, thank you!!

[@thehellerapproach]

Hello, Thank you for your support to the channel For more information about the school, check out our website. www.thehellerapproach.com Also, for Weekly Acting Tips, follow us on Instagram instagram.com/thehellerapproach/ Cheers! - Admissions

[@bozzykinz]

This is amazing!1 Thank you!! I have decided to take the leap and take some acting lessons.... your videos will help a lot!! thank you from Liverpool England!! x

[@MegaKarume]

Those 2 guys at the end of the videos are so good...you are doing a wonderful work Brad...I hope I'll be one day your student...Thank you so much...

[@purplecupcake26]

i had some acting teachers in the past that i didbt understand, they just could not get throw tovme. this teacher i fully understand and could connect with.

[@cielgris4441]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@dancerSPHiNX]

Great video! Glad to sub👌

[@elina_mj]

This is so true. Will try that :)

[@Bridging_the_Political_Divide]

As always, such great, practical advice from a true Pro. Listen to Heller, and sky's the limit!

[@thehellerapproach]

Thank you! Glad you found this video helpful!

[@dragmagical]

Gratz with 4000 subs ;) go on with your videos it really helps

[@theecharleshines]

This video was life changing. It's really going to help with auditions!

[@thehellerapproach]

Thank you for your kind words and support to the channel! For more information about the school, please visit www.thehellerapproach.com Also, be sure to follow us on social media. We post weekly acting tips/vidoes! instagram.com/thehellerapproach/ Best, Admissions

[@TEAMNHL]

I love your videos, thanks so much for making them!

[@thehellerapproach]

Bat man Thank you for watching, glad they were helpfulbrad

[@lilchips]

So true!

[@Smash88]

Amazing tips

[@r.a.m.4287]

Bleeeeping awesome

[@Dontbotherme11111]

That was brilliant

[@MrMurysa]

Oh my god, let me go to sleep, I can't stop watching you :) Thank you.

[@sabinaray1485]

Thank you!!!

[@thehellerapproach]

I hope you found these tips helpful Sabina, (and everyone else!).

[@byjosephj]

Great video! I needed this.

[@thehellerapproach]

Thank you, for your feedback! We are happy to hear that this video was helpful. 🙂

[@thehellerapproach]

Thank you, purplecupcake26. Unfortunately, most universities, colleges and teachers for the most part don't know what they are teaching or the technique they are teaching does not work. Regardless, you understand now and found someone to connect with. We are here for you...all the best to you...and thank you for posting. = )

[@Bubz-jz7ct]

Thank you so much. Ive always had trouble finding what it is i could do with my life. These lessons are gold from where i am at the moment, (searching for an acting school) Art was too boring, boxing was too demanding, music was to revealing. I think i can make a career out of acting, and watching as many of your videos will be beneficial to my goal. My main weakness is ability to memorize a script over night. I hope i can overcome this mental obstacle, thanks for the great advice :)

[@thehellerapproach]

Dear Robbie, I am happy to hear that you are interested in starting your acting career. Thank you for your support to my channel! Have you every thought about taking acting lessons, or any training?

[@MiguelExhale]

Good to know

[@Dontbotherme11111]

Awesome

[@alonda35]

Very helpful thank you!

[@thehellerapproach]

You're welcome, and thank you for your support to the channel. Are you currently taking any acting lessons? Brad Heller teaches twice a week in Burbank, on Tuesday night and Thursday morning, and your first time audit is free! If you would like to come by and check it out that would be great. If you do not live near the studio, or live out of state, we also offer online acting lessons via Skype webcam. This has been very effective for many of Brad's students around the world. For more information please check out our website www.thehellerapproach.com We look forward to hearing from you, and furthering your acting career!

[@matteocamarca]

THANK YOU!

[@thehellerapproach]

Thank you for watching! Make sure to subscribe for new videos posted weekly!

[@Gminc1]

Thank you, I use to act in JR High, I've always had a great joy for it. Just getting back into now, I'm currently in two plays both with lead roles, just wanted to do some home work.👌🏾👍

[@thehellerapproach]

+Gunnz Gunn, Thank you for checking out our channel and CONGRATS on booking 2 lead roles! We are glad to hear you have found Brad Heller's acting tips helpful. If you are looking to continue your training, check out our website! You can learn more about the approach, watch student testimonies, see what kind of lessons we offer, as well as cost. Stay tuned for more video's and if you have any questions - please let us know. Best of luck. www.thehellerapproach.com - Admissions

[@thehellerapproach]

Good Question!

[@seyicrown8052]

Thank you

[@Humanp9428]

Brilliant

[@kenneth6847]

Thank you for the concise instruction. You make it very simple to grasp the basics without creating complexities.My 12 year-old daughter is on her third acting class and she is supplementing her instruction with your videos.

[@thehellerapproach]

Hi Kenneth, Thank you for your very kind feedback. It's always a pleasure to hear from our audience! That's wonderful your daughter is able to learn from the channel. For more info. about the school, check out our website www.thehellerapproach.com and for weekly acting tips, follow us on Instagram instagram.com/thehellerapproach/ Cheers! -Admissions

[@truthfulrobot9295]

Good job! Awesome actors

[@thehellerapproach]

Thank you for the kind words, and support to the channel! Be sure to follow The Heller Approach across all our social media channels to stay up to date on Brad's latest acting lessons and tips! -The Heller Approach team

[@GemmaDoyleOfficial]

Excellent video! Thank you so much

[@thehellerapproach]

GemmaDoyleOfficial Thank you for watching!Brad

[@thehellerapproach]

You're Welcome!

[@dennisthemenace5084]

Thank u...

[@johncrouch1868]

Awesome information thanks.

[@thehellerapproach]

Thank you! We are glad you enjoyed it! Feel free to ask us questions related to the videos you watch on our channel, and we would be happy to answer them!

[@MODEDIOSES]

This was very helpful and fun

[@thehellerapproach]

Thank you for your support to the channel! For more information about the school, please visit www.thehellerapproach.com Also, be sure to follow us on social media. We post weekly acting tips/vidoes! instagram.com/thehellerapproach/ Best, Admissions

[@midotvadventure504]

Thank you Sir.

[@thehellerapproach]

+MidoTV Adventure , You're welcome, and thank you for support the channel. If you would like to know more about classes/lessons let us know!

[@bretube9294]

This was so helpful

[@thehellerapproach]

Glad you found this helpful! Check out our Free Acting Lessons playlist for more :)

[@BK_Whateverman]

Midnight Run!!

[@eileenanglinactor]

Great advice.

[@thehellerapproach]

Glad this lesson was helpful! If you're looking for personalized instruction to take your acting to the next level, The Heller Approach is offering online classes through Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Get 20% off your first class by telling us you found us through KZbin! thehellerapproach.com/covid-19-update/ -The Heller Approach Staff

[@eileenanglinactor]

@@thehellerapproach I will check this out. Thank you!

[@shamk7682]

thanyou so much

[@francescopistone8267]

This is awesome

[@thehellerapproach]

Glad this was helpful to you, Francesco! If you want personalized instruction, The Heller Approach is currently offering a Black Friday special for new students. Get 30% off your first class, either in-person (at our Los Angeles studio) or via Skype (from anywhere in the world), by entering the code BLACKFRIDAY1201 at the link below. Offer is good through the end of November. thehellerapproach.com/contact-us/

[@ohwhatamasterpiece]

i subbed. amazing. i learned sumthing very important. thankyou! :)

[@WorldofNene]

awesome

[@NewEnglandViews]

The guy on the right was following your principle.

[@1Juansfield]

I have a cold read coming up thanks for the helpful tips!

[@thehellerapproach]

No problem! If you're looking to further improve your acting skills with personalized instruction, The Heller Approach is currently offering a special for new students. Get $30 off your first class, either in-person (at our Los Angeles studio) or via Skype (from anywhere in the world), by entering the code NEWSTUDENT0128 at the link below. Offer is good for the next three days. -The Heller Approach Staff thehellerapproach.com/contact-us/

[@TheVoiceOfJequan]

Helped me in 2020, much appreciated 💯

[@thehellerapproach]

Hey JeQuan, glad our videos have been helpful! If you're looking for personalized instruction to take your acting to the next level, The Heller Approach is offering online classes through Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Get 20% off your first class by telling us you found us through KZbin! thehellerapproach.com/covid-19-update/ -The Heller Approach Staff

[@stephenpayne1525]

wow, mind officially blow. I had it backwards. Pay attention to the speaker. then pay attention to the side as your reading. WONDERFUL!

[@thehellerapproach]

Dear +Stephen Wright Payne, Thank you for your kind works and support to the channel! We are happy to hear you found this video helpful. If you are interested in studying with Brad Heller please check out our website www.thehellerapproach.com

[@Andypandieful]

Just found you!!! THANKS!!

[@Totallysamsays]

This is awesome! Thank you so much for this. I always wanted to know the best way to do a cold read at an audition. Can you do a video on breaking down a audition sides. Also how to auditions for commercial where the they write the scene on paper.

[@thehellerapproach]

Hi Sam, Thank you for your support to the channel! So glad you found us. A big part of what Brad Heller teaches is scene analysis/ scene study. If you're ever looking for classes, we recommend that you train with Brad. We're confident that you will be able to break down sides more effectively. For more information please visit our website www.thehellerapproach.com We look forward to hearing from you and furthering your acting career! -Admissions

[@divyagauravpunkrock1205]

beautiful

[@ayycardinal6802]

Very helpful. Other than a very slight delay between lines, those actors looked like they had the lines memorized.

[@laurenbogart760]

wow! I've been watching a bunch of acting videos all day (I'm sick) and I feel you videos make the most sense. I would like to contact you and ask you questions about acting and how I can get an agent and such, because I am only 17 and I don't live anywhere near LA. Thank you, these videos were helpful. :D

[@JessT]

You're amazing

[@thehellerapproach]

Thank you for your kind words and support to the channel! For more acting tips and video's be sure to follow us on social media! instagram.com/thehellerapproach/ Best, Admissions

[@furyvideo1]

thanks for the advice ,, you learn something every day, by the way the scene these two actors were reading was the film. MIDNIGHT RUN with robert de niro and charles grodin

[@thehellerapproach]

Hey James, glad it was helpful! if you're looking to further improve your acting skills with personalized instruction, The Heller Approach is currently offering a holiday special for new students. Get $30 off your first class, either in-person (at our Los Angeles studio) or via Skype (from anywhere in the world), by entering the code NEWSTUDENT1225 at the link below. Offer is good for the next three days. :) thehellerapproach.com/contact-us/

[@542pixie1]

how am i going to act if im looking down reading?

[@thehellerapproach]

Hello, Thank you for your support to the channel! This is a cold reading technique, meant to help actors come through in an audition that you perhaps got last minute, or when you are asked to switch roles last minute. When you have time to build a character and better prepare for a role or audition, you won't be reading, or holding your script. This cold reading technique is used weekly in a group lessons, and is a wonderful tool for our actors. We would love to answer more specific questions regarding acting. Please visit our website www.thehellerapproach.com and feel free to contact us. Cheers! - Admissions

[@542pixie1]

the audition I will be going to said prepare a monologue or a commercial or cold reading script what should I choose and can u recomend a monologue or commerical?

[@louistomlinson747]

mimic

[@blakequeenerify]

Brad i have always loved the movies youve played in. all i wana know is. When will there be a moment after 3!!!!!????????? lol

[@bobmark4162]

I completely understand the technique very well great. My only question is that is this only a technique to study or an exercise like the foundation which. I do daily. I'm sorry not being slow jus wanted to know so I can pay more attention to this when that specific 5 min 10 page audition comes around. Thanks for the videos.

[@moodyminer2871]

Thank you! I have seen every video of yours, I am a young kid and I want to be a actor, I have a friend that has been in a movie and short films and I went to her movie premier, and the writer was there, and I got lucky that the writer divided that she REALLY wants me in the movie and asks at least twice a day if I am still going to try out for the movie, I have been in allot of plays and have no experience on a movie, short film, or even commercial. This is my first time maybe being in a movie, I am going to try out tomorrow or in two days for a roll and I will be playing a person that thinks they know everything, and try's to boast allot and impress people with how smart he is, however my character is not the brightest, and I think I am doing a alright job with it, but I think I can do better, I am asking your advice on how exactly I can pull this off. I am trying to take every single tid bit of advice you say, I have they heller approach down and I know it like the back of my hand, but I just don't know my character type, I don't know what type of person I act best at. I am not sure that I will make it into the movie but I will try as hard as I can, I will just try to act like what I am acting is just like real life but not over do it. Please help me within the next day because I would then have already tried out.

[@ashishbisht2459]

Good...1...

[@ralkan169]

Awesome video, subscribed to it!! I react differently in my daily life. I am always calm.I don't get angry and I can't recall when I cried last time. However, I am funny and always make people laugh.People say that you can be a good actor. I don't know whether I can adapt to this art, I tried getting angry in front of the mirror but I think I couldn't even impress myself. Any tips for freshers like me?

[@thehellerapproach]

Dear Ravi Kant,Thank you for subscription to the channel! Acting is not performing. We want the audience to connect with us, and they cannot do that when it's not real human behavior. Brad Heller teaches his students a reliable technique, and many of them have stretched emotionally because of it. The proper foundation and training will help you a lot. Have you every thought about acting lessons? You seem very interested in the craft.

[@AngieBLoveee]

Thank you so much for helping me Monday is my first audition they said cold audition I rushed to KZbin I’m new

[@thehellerapproach]

Hope your audition went well!

[@julialefers4647]

Thanks! How can you realisic acting with script? I find that diffecelt.

[@gamecocks10118]

You are very wise! I was wondering I never had experience with acting I never audition so the thing is I don't if I have the talent or not. my passion has always been to become a singer but recently I've been wanting to act. So how is it like when you audition? And how can you overcome the nervousness or anxiety of stage fright. i always been a shy person but I don't want that getting of the way of my dreams any advice?

[@bettyseditts7404]

Same

[@Tmaynz0]

[@BretCoreysFilms]

cold reading is something I have trouble with because I've always been a slow reader Probably due to autism, but something I've been aware of at least to work on.

[@thejoerush]

This was really informative. I need to find out where you are based, would do anything for a chance to learn from you in person.