A Breakthrough Global Career Initiative
Featuring Exclusive Masterclasses with Los Angeles–based acting coach Lisa Robertson (Alexis Bledel, The Handmaid’s Tale; Josh Heuston, Dune Prophecy, Dangerous Animals; Costa D’angelo, Tell Me Lies) and casting director Lauren Grey (Your Honor, Tell Me Lies, Cruel Intentions).
About the Program
Australians in Film (AiF) is delighted to announce the return of ON THE RISE – ACTORS EDITION, powered by the Golden Globe Foundation — a unique professional development initiative designed to support the next generation of Australian acting talent on the global stage.
This expanded program offers access to high-level educational masterclasses led by leading U.S. acting coaches and casting directors, alongside an optional talent-spotlight opportunity for actors seeking industry exposure.
What’s new for ON THE RISE 2026?
- Two in-depth masterclasses (previously one)
- A new “masterclasses-only” registration option, allowing participants to access the educational content without submitting an acting reel
- All new panel of Talent Manager judges from Untitled Entertainment, Entertainment 360, Burbidge Artists Entertainment, Range Media Partners, and Mainstay Entertainment
Exclusive Masterclasses
Masterclass #1 will be led by Los Angeles–based acting coach Lisa Robertson (Alexis Bledel, The Handmaid’s Tale; Josh Heuston, Dune Prophecy, Dangerous Animals; Costa D’angelo, Tell Me Lies), presenting on Self Tape Best Practices in the U.S. Designed to help Australian actors level up their self-tapes for the U.S. market, renown acting coach Lisa Robertson breaks down what American casting directors respond to, how to make authentic choices on camera, and why a consistent American accent is non-negotiable. From performance tweaks to common self-tape mistakes, Lisa has practical tools to make your work feel confident, competitive, and U.S.-ready.
Masterclass #2 features an in-depth conversation with casting director Lauren Grey (Your Honor, Tell Me Lies, Cruel Intentions), exploring casting Australian actors in U.S. productions and how to navigate the U.S. acting landscape.
Optional Reel Submission & Rare Breakthrough Opportunity
ON THE RISE – ACTOR’S EDITION offers Australian actors not currently signed in the U.S. a rare opportunity to place their work directly in front of leading U.S. talent managers. Up to 100 applicants may submit a reel for review by representatives from Untitled Entertainment, Entertainment 360, Burbidge Artists Entertainment, Range Media Partners, and Mainstay Entertainment, with one standout participant awarded:
- 30-minute one-on-one general Zoom meeting with casting director Lauren Grey
- A spotlight feature on AiF’s social channels and website
- Unparalleled international exposure and industry recognition
Every applicant also gains access to the exclusive masterclasses—delivering invaluable insight, access, and a front-row view into what it takes to break into the highly competitive U.S. acting market.
About Lisa Robertson – Acting Coach | Lisa Robertson Studio
Lisa Robertson has coached a slate of cutting-edge performances, including Alexis Bledel's Emmy award-winning role in The Handmaid’s Tale (HULU). Recent credits include Josh Heuston’s breakout turns in Dune Prophecy (HBO) and feature Dangerous Animals; Costa D’angelo for Tell Me Lies and currently his series co-lead in NETFLIX new (untitled) Hockey Drama; Thomas Doherty for upcoming Paradise (HULU); proudly, Ashleigh Cummings for Long Bright River opp. Amanda Seyfried; Hoa Xuande’s Spirit Award nominated lead in The Sympathizer (HBO); British Independent Film Award (BIFA) win for Nathan Stewart-Jarret’s Femme (won jointly with George Mackay); also with Nathan, Down Cemetary Road (HBO) opp. Emma Thompson; US Critics Choice and AACTA noms for Alyla Browne, Furiosa; also, her title role in The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart; and Logan Browning's NAACP nom as series lead in Dear White People (NETFLIX).
In her now 20+ year career, other favorites projects include, Eddie Izzard for The Riches, Oceans 13, Valkyrie: Jennifer Beals for The L Word: Generation Q, Warrior (HBO); Munich: rendition, (Chopard Award breakout performance, Cannes); multiple roles for the Twilight Saga; The Pacific; The Stoning of Soraya m (title role); Boss; Brotherhood; The Bridge; Post Grad (Alexis Bledel) to name a few.
As a writer/director Lisa was selected for the prestigious AFI Directing Workshop for Women. Her short film, Commerce, qualified for Academy Award consideration.
About Lauren Grey – Casting Director
Lauren Grey is an American casting director with more than two decades of experience in film and television, known for her work on a wide range of critically acclaimed and popular projects. She has built a strong reputation in the entertainment industry for her keen eye for talent, thoughtful casting choices, and collaborations with notable filmmakers and showrunners.
Lauren’s career in casting spans both television and feature films. In television, she has worked on high-profile series such as Your Honor (SHOWTIME), Swagger (APPLE TV+), The Mysterious Benedict Society (DISNEY+), and the acclaimed comedy This Fool (HULU). She has also been involved with other TV productions including 61st Street, Ash vs Evil Dead, Corporate, and more. In addition to her television work, Lauren has casting credits in feature films and has contributed to additional casting on projects such as Song to Song and Knight of Cups early in her career. Her film credits also include titles like City of Lies, Nancy, and The Strangers: Prey at Night.
Over the course of her career, she has collaborated with a diverse range of directors and creatives, including respected names such as Sam Raimi, Gus Van Sant, Lena Waithe, James Bobin, Thomas Schlamme, and Terrence Malick. Lauren frequently shapes ensemble casts of new series — and continues to work on ongoing and upcoming projects, including recent work on Tell Me Lies (HULU), and the Cruel Intentions reboot for Amazon Prime Video.
Program Details
Applications and Registration Open:
Thursday, January 29 at 3:00 p.m. PST (in the U.S.) / Friday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m. AEDT (in Australia)
Applications and Registration Close:
Wednesday, February 18 at 3:00 p.m. PST (in the U.S.) / Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m. AEDT (in Australia) or when 100 submissions have been reached
Masterclass 1:
Lisa Robertson - Thursday, February 19 at 3:00 p.m. PST (in the U.S.) / Friday, February 20 at 10:00 a.m AEDT (in Australia)
Masterclass 2:
Lauren Grey - Wednesday, March 25 at 4:00 p.m. PDT (in the U.S.) / Thursday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m. AEDT (in Australia)
Capacity:
100 submissions accepted - first in, best dressed!
Capacity for both Masterclasses (NO REEL) - None.
Eligibility for Reel submission only:
Must be an Australian citizen over 18 at the time of application
Can have Australian representation
Must NOT already have U.S. representation
Cannot have a lead or series regular in a U.S. production
Submission Requirements:
You’ll need: a 2-minute maximum acting reel, headshots, and credits
You’ll receive a link to create a free account on AiF’s application platform upon registration completion.
Fees:
Reel submission + masterclasses - $150 USD
Masterclasses ONLY - $75 USD
The Judging Panel:
For those who submit a reel, your work will be reviewed by an elite panel of representatives from top U.S. talent management companies like Untitled Entertainment, Entertainment 360, Burbidge Artists Entertainment, Range Media Partners, and Mainstay Entertainment. Every submission will be viewed by all judges.
The Prize:
30-minute general meeting with a leading U.S. casting director
Feature on AiF website and social channels
Announcement of the winner the week of March 23, 2026
Register
100 REEL APPLICATIONS CAP REACHED.
SUBMISSIONS NOW CLOSED.
Best of luck to all applicants. The selected winner will be announced the week of March 23, 2026.
Masterclasses are still open and we’re adding more industry voices.
Don’t miss the chance to learn directly from the best.
Australians in Film is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Australian screen talent at every stage of their careers. Proceeds from this and all AiF programs are fully reinvested into the development and delivery of our initiatives, including education, mentorship, and industry access—creating meaningful pathways for Australian creatives to build sustainable international careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
ELIGIBILITY
I’m not an Australian citizen, can I still apply?
Sorry, only legal Australian citizens are allowed to apply for this program
I’m an Australian citizen, but I don’t live in Australia. Is that ok?
Yes, you can live anywhere in the world as long as you are an Australian citizen.
I’m not a professional actor but I’d like to be, can I apply?
Professional schooling or training is not a requirement, but you should have a high level of working knowledge of the acting profession with practical performance experience on stage or screen.
I have representation in Australia, does that disqualify me?
Not at all. We are seeking individuals who are not represented in the U.S.
I have had representation in the U.S. in the past, am I still eligible?
Yes- you can’t have U.S. representation at the time of submission.
APPLYING
Is Submittable the only way to apply?
Yes- it’s a free and easy platform to upload your information to.
Does my reel have to be in an American accent?
No. Just be sure it showcases your best work, in whatever accent that is!
My reel is over 2 minutes long, is that ok?
All reels, despite length submitted, will be watched until the 2:00 mark only (a few seconds over is ok)
Does my reel have to be professional screen work?
No, your reel can be anything that showcases your best work- a self tape is fine
I’m under 18 is that ok?
For this program, you will need to be 18 years and older at the time of submission.
My AiF membership has expired, can I rejoin?
AiF has moved to a new model of programming! Read about it HERE
I submitted last time, should I submit again?
Yes! We have a new panel of judges assessing reels. You might consider including new material if you have any.
TROUBLESHOOTING
I’m having trouble with my Submittable account, can you help?
Submittable is the platform we outsource to for our applications. Please contact their support for assistance.
I don’t see the link to upload my reel and information
A private link to Submittable will be emailed to you with the confirmation of payment/registration
I got a message that the submissions are full. Can I still apply?
For this program, we are limited to only 100 submissions. So get yours in early!
PROGRAM INFO AND TIMELINE
Who is judging the applications?
We have an incredible panel comprised of representatives from U.S. talent management companies who will review each application.
When will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced the week of March 23 2026
I don’t want to submit a reel, can I just attend the masterclasses?
Absolutely! Just register for the Masterclasses Only. See our Events page for the link.
Australians In Film On the Rise- Actor’s Edition #2 2026 Terms and Conditions:
Reel Submission:
- Citizenship/ Residents. On the Rise- Actor’s Edition is restricted to Australian citizens only.
- Age. Awards are granted to Applicants who are 18 years of age or over at the time of applying.
- Citizens Overseas. Applicants who are Australian citizens living overseas may be considered for the program.
- Capacity: The applications will close when a capacity of 100 registrants is reached.
- Amount of Award. The award given to the Winner is:
- One thirty-minute one-on-one zoom general meeting with Casting Director, Lauren Grey. There is no cash prize associated with this Program.
- Masterclass. As part of the application fee, all Applicants will receive and invitation to attend two one-hour Masterclasses as advertised.
- Application Form. The purpose of the application form is to enable the Judging Panel to assess the applicants in order to select the Winner. All applications must be made on the Application Form provided on the on- line platform Submittable.
- Selection. Once submitted, all applications will be acknowledged. Selection of the Winner will be via the following timetable:
(a) Application Start Date. Thursday, January 29 at 3:00 p.m. PST (in the U.S.) / Friday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m. AEDT (in Australia)
(b) Submission of Applications. Applications with supporting requested materials must be submitted online by the closing date. No grace periods will be extended.
(c) Closing Date. Applications close Thursday, February 18 at 3:00 p.m. PST (in the U.S.) / Friday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m. AEDT (in Australia) or when 100 submissions have been reached. Applications lodged or received after that date will not be considered. Applications must be completed via Australians in Film’s third party Scholarship provider website, Submittable. Faxed or mailed applications will not be accepted.
(d) Selection. The selection of the Winner of On the Rise- Actor’s Edition and the procedure undertaken are at the absolute discretion of the Judging Panel
(f) Winner. The Winner of the On The Rise- Actor’s Edition #2 program will be officially announced after Masterclass #2 on Wednesday March 25, 4:00 p.m. PDT (in the U.S.) / Thursday March 26, 10:00 a.m. AEDT (in Australia)
(g) Unsuccessful Applicants. Unsuccessful Applicants will be advised if they are not selected as the Winner via email.
Materials. All Materials submitted by Applicants for On the Rise- Actor’s Edition become the property of Australians In Film.
Privacy Statement. Your privacy is respected by Australians in Film, and personal information will be handled in a sensitive manner. Information collected on the Application will be used for the purpose of selecting the Winner, and will be provided to the Judging Panel, and Australians in Film staff. If you have privacy concerns or would like to verify information held about you, please contact info@australiansinfilm.org
Media Release and Other Publicity. All applicants agree that we may use their names, likenesses and biographies to promote On the Rise- Actor’s Edition and the work of Australians in Film and in particular the Winner’s name, likeness and biography, and the Winner of the Program will be provided to the media as part of a media and publicity releases. These details may be used to promote the Program with the media including without limitation by publication on the Australians in Film Website and on its social media platforms\
Amendments. Once submitted, the only amendments or alterations allowed by an Applicant is that they may access and update the personal information that Australians in Film holds at any time.