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How to Cold Read at an Audition: Read This First

The Heller Approach Acting Studio

197,605 views

Most actors struggle to evoke real emotion and that’s where performances break.

In this acting lesson, Brad Heller explains how actors can create emotional truth without forcing it, using practical techniques that build connection and believable performances.

In this video, you’ll learn:
• How to evoke emotion in acting
• Why forcing emotion does not work
• How to build emotional connection
• How to create truthful performances

Watch next:
How to Stay Present in a Scene
How to Stay Present in the Scene as an Act...

Train with Brad Heller:
https://thehellerapproach.com

Get the free acting guide:
https://tinyurl.com/uxwc9897

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:22 The problem with emotion
01:17 What needs to change
03:14 Breakthrough moment
04:20 The exercise
05:33 Scene example
06:30 Notes & feedback

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About The Heller Approach:
The Heller Approach is a practical acting technique that helps actors create believable performances without relying on forced emotion or personal recall. It focuses on building consistent tools through repetition and real-time connection.

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20 Comments

@thehellerapproach Creator 4 months ago (edited) Pinned

Cold reads can feel overwhelming — but your first approach makes all the difference.
Watch this next:
Audition & Self Tape Tips Playlist
[Add playlist link after creating]
What do you struggle with most during cold reads?

@keeperofwhatyouseek 7 years ago

7 years late but thank you for this video

@NewEnglandViews 7 years ago

The guy on the right was following your principle.

@BodegaMouse 11 years ago

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

@shakeandbreak2938 9 years ago

There are quite a few kooky acting channels on YouTube 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.

@AJTSanchez 11 years ago

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

@thereed1100 12 years ago

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

@thehellerapproach Creator 13 years ago

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 =)

@542pixie1 9 years ago

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

@Rosannasfriend 3 years ago

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

@nikkijenkins3415 8 years ago

Now I know what cold reading is. Thanks!

@BodegaMouse 11 years ago

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.

@lynnpr8523 6 years ago

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.

@gwendolynnowlan2427 4 years ago

the guy in the glasses could have sounded like he cared more when he asked the guy not to smoke.

@OneGoodVoice 1 year ago

12 years late! but thank you for this video

@LJGVideosandVlogs 7 years ago

Acting is hard to do, but if you put work in it, it could change your life,

@xxSvenxx1 13 years ago

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

@xXxSoMelodyxXx 13 years ago

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

@valerierose3276 9 years ago

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

@purplecupcake26 13 years ago

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.