by FilmInk Staff
Are you ready to take your acting journey to the next stage — or simply curious about how to break into the industry? Join us for an exclusive, hands-on workshop with professional actor Karen Cobban, who brings years of industry experience both in front of the camera and behind the audition door, and Miriam Spry from iSpry Agency, who will explain what an Agent does and what she expects from Actors and Extras.
This fun and practical session is designed for aspiring actors and extras at every stage of their career — from complete beginners to working performers who want to sharpen their edge.
Miriam and Karen will share real-world insights on:
✨ Breaking In: Discover the many entry points into professional acting.
⚡ The Realities: Expectations and pitfalls
Who’s Who: Understanding the role of agents and casting directors.
Your Toolkit: What makes a strong headshot, showreel, and online presence.
In the Room & Online: From live auditions to self-taping—what works and what doesn’t.
Ask Me Anything: An open Q&A to get your burning questions answered.
Whether you’re looking for practical know-how, industry tips, or just a confidence boost, this workshop promises to be informative, energising, and fun.
When: Saturday, 25th October (10:00am – 2:00pm AEDT) | Where: Gerringong Town Hall, 106 Fern St, Gerringong NSW 2534, Australia | Cost: Free for Screen Illawarra members. $15 for non-members. This is a catered event. Please email info@screenillawarra.com if you have allergies or requirements (religious or health). Parking: The main street in Gerringong (Fern Street) has restricted parking only on Saturdays. Belinda St (perpendicular to Fern St) is a good option for unrestricted parking.
Miriam Spry has had 23 years experience as an agent in the Sydney film and television industry. She has an established Regional Division looking after projects beyond the big cities and works from the South Coast, NSW. She has built up and maintained a professional reputation with the top Australian casting directors, production companies, TV networks and advertising agencies. Miriam is known for providing ‘above and beyond’ personal service, setting clear expectations and delivering on a promise, always with a smile. She has kept iSpry as a commission-only agency, and continues to work in accordance with Australian Equity & Entertainment Act minimum standards.
iSpry has provided talent in the Illawarra region over the years for many TV Shows, Films and Commercials including ‘The Correspondent’ (Feature Film), ‘One Night’ (Paramount+), ‘Last Days of the Space Age’ (Disney+), ‘Anyone But You’ (Feature Film), ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ (Feature Film), ‘Return to Paradise’ (TV Series), ‘Place To Be’ (Feature Film), ‘Beast In Me’, Australian Seafood TVC, and many more. Miriam is excited to support the growing Film and TV industry in the Illawarra area.
Karen Cobban has been working professionally in film and theatre for over twenty years. She has trained at AADA and The Actor’s Centre, as well as Voiceover at AFTRS.
Karen has appeared as a lead and featured artist in numerous commercials, short films, corporate videos, including a number of television guest roles.
She has appeared in numerous theatrical productions; the most recent being ‘Invisible’ (Kaz Productions), which won a People’s Choice Award | Short & Sweet Illawarra (2022).
Karen won Best Actress for her role as Kylie Metcalfe in ‘Mr & Mrs Metcalfe enjoy the music of Elton John’ by Frank Leggett, directed by Felicity Nichol (Short & Sweet Sydney 2010). She also performed and toured in ‘The Tapstar Show’ – a joint EGTC / Shoalhaven Council production (2006 – 2012), ‘Theatre in a Wheelbarrow’ productions for the Wollongong Botanic Garden’s Education Unit (2010/2011), as well as script development workshops and performance reads for Merrigong Theatre Company.
Karen also performs as a corporate role-player for a variety of organisations within Australia. As a playwright, Karen has written a number of plays. These include a number of children’s plays. Other works include ‘96 Candles’, ‘Invisible’, ‘Between Two Worlds’, along with her current work in progress, ‘Speedbumps, Obstacles and the Odd Greek Tragedy’. Karen most recently recorded ‘96 Candles’ as a podcast play, which is now available on Spotify, Audible and Apple.
