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.