introducing
“what’s next!:
A Special THREE-part Event!”
ZBS INVITES ALL CLIENTS AND GUESTS OF DDO Artists Agency and
Casting Professional Steven Tylor O’Connor
TO ATTEND
“what’s Next!: A Special THREE-part event!“ including:
• An exclusive Panel Discussion moderated by Zak Barnett between Alicia Beekman from DDO Artists Agency and Casting Professional Steven Tylor O’Connor, focused on visioning for “What’s Next!” in the industry.
• A ZBS Sample Class taught by ZBS owner and Master Teacher, Zak Barnett.
ZBS Panel Event: “WHAT’s NEXT!”
The panel will be an enlightening conversation moderated by Zak Barnett between Alicia Beekman from DDO Artists Agency and Casting Professional Steven Tylor O’Connor.
This two-part special event is a continuation of ZBS’ “What’s Next!” series— a dynamic response to the roller coaster of challenges the industry has faced, from the upheavals of recent fires, the pandemic, and industry strikes to AI. In this series, we’re not just asking “What’s Next?”; we’re creating a think tank around the answer. This series is your ticket to innovation, offering a fresh approach to navigating and evolving in our fast-paced industry. This is an opportunity to redefine that industry together.
ZBS SAMPLE CLASS
Also, a very special Enrollment offer will be announced in this class! You don’t want to miss out!
DETAILS:
When: Thursday, Oct 9
Panel & Sample Class Timings: 4:30 – 7:30 PM PT
Where: Online via Zoom
Notes:
- Please be prepared to stay for the entirety of the event.
- No late admissions will be allowed to enter.
- Space is limited so we ask that you take your confirmation to heart and confirm only if you plan on attending.
- If you confirm and there’s an emergency, please email info@zakbarnett.com as soon as possible so we can let the ZBS staff and your rep know that you won’t be attending. Thank you and we’re excited to welcome you to “What’s Next!”.
FILL out the form below to register!
Meet the Panelists:
Zak is widely regarded in the industry for cultivating a generation of breakout stars. His clients, past and present, range from Broadway to Hollywood to Bollywood, from critically acclaimed up-and-comers to breakout stars and icons.
Currently, Zak has over 250 students working as series regulars on major television shows, as well as hundreds of others working as guest stars, co-stars, and major roles in both studio and independent films. Among his students and clients, past and present, are numerous NAACP, SAG, People’s Choice, Golden Globe, and Emmy winners. He also consults for directors, productions, and networks, to ensure both individual actors and entire casts rise to the occasion of their best performance possible.
Alicia Beekman is a youth and young adult on-camera theatrical and voiceover agent at DDO Artists Agency/DDO Kids. A Bay Area native, Alicia has worked with talent in LA for 12 years and currently has young actors as series regulars on Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Netflix, Apple Plus, Hulu, and more. Alicia is passionate about representation within the industry and that the actors playing the roles we see and hear should authentically represent all people in the real world! Outside of entertainment, Alicia loves to travel the world and has visited 66 countries so far!
Steven Tylor O’Connor is a two-time Emmy and multiple Artios Award winning Casting Professional at Aufiero/Horn Casting, winning an Emmy in 2023 for “Best Foot Forward” (Apple+) and in 2021 for “The Healing Powers of Dude” (Netflix). Steven has also been honored by Casting Society (CSA) with the Associate Spotlight Award in 2019 and won an Artios Award in 2024 for his indie film “Summoning Sylvia” and in 2020 for Disney’s “Andi Mack”. Steven has been recognized three additional times with Artios nominations. Steven also won Casting Associate of the Year at the Heller Awards in 2024.
Steven sits on the Board of Directors for Casting Society and serves in Executive Leadership as their Treasurer / VP of Finance.
I’ve worked with him for four years. He’s passionate about what he does, and it makes us passionate. We’re a family. ZBS is a community…a second home
Whenever I get a script I always ask myself, WWZD—What would Zak Do?
During the camera tests and throughout rehearsals and filming on my Netflix series, “Julie and the Phantoms”, Zak’s work with our young actors provided them with the tools that enabled them to accomplish outstanding work. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he was a magician
Zak speaks the language of the soul and is able to stir his actors on the deepest levels of artistic and personal transformation.
His connection to his students is unlike anything I’ve seen…the work is incredibly brave
Zak Barnett taught me to love my craft. Before I came to the studio I loved acting and I knew it was all I wanted to do, but I didn’t know why. I found myself in a place where I was giving good auditions, but I wasn’t feeling fulfilled. Going through his classes allowed me to find my own wants and meld them into one. I learned to love the art of acting and find joy in making something special, something only I could create.
He’s made a lot of impact and a lot of change… I cannot recommend him enough!