in-person self-tapes and audition coach
(adults and young performers)
off-camera reader
teleprompter
professional audio
professional lighting and
final edit
line memorization assistance
auditions
… i gotchu.
smashburn studio is located in west ridge, chicago
online self-tapes and audition coaching
(adults and young performers)
off-camera reader
audio and visual settings check
last looks
available anywhere
demo and sizzle reels for artists, athletes, theatrical productions, corporate and private organizations
filming, as needed
footage procurement
footage editing
feedback and final edit
reels
etcetera
sides and monologue procurement and editing for speeches and generals auditions
one-off and ongoing coaching and strategy
(re: new to the business, new to Chicago, agents, etc.)headshot and resume evaluation and editing
financial, business and management coaching for artists
ask me anything
“KILLER coach. As in, she will help you slay your auditions, even the ones you’re pretty sure you don’t want to do…maybe especially those. One-stop shopping and her prices cannot be beat. The perfect combo of industry savvy and just good direction. You’re welcome.”
— Stephanie Diaz
actor, puppeteer
“I wanna testify from years of experience coaching with Marika…CALL SMASHBURN!”
— J. Nicole Brooks
actor, director, playwright
“Kid, you’re better’n Jesus.”
— Tony Fitzpatrick
actor, artist, poet
“Marika is more useful than a Swiss army knife. Investing in yourself is essential for growth in any endeavor and her talent, experience and insight are a great asset to help you level up. Marika adds value, whether you are a pro or just starting out.”
— Wayne T. Carr
actor, educator
“Marika immediately puts me at ease by handling the ‘tech’ side so I can focus on being an actor. Keen insights, guiding me through intention and tactics to create a more nuanced audition. I always feel that I leave taping sessions as if I’d had a mini acting class.”
— Paul Brian Fagen
actor
“It went GREAT!!! I don’t even care about booking it—I made strong choices, I made them laugh, I felt relaxed and I had FUN! Thank you for all your invaluable guidance and encouragement.”
— Elizabeth Levy
actor
“You’re the best. I feel so much more like myself when I do this work and it is unbelievably helpful to have the encouragement.”
— Sarah Giovannetti
actor, musician
“Marika has a rare, innate ability to focus your work towards the truth. Her deep understanding of character and story, along with unique empathy, make her one of the best audition coaches I’ve ever had.”
— Adam Bartley
actor
“This is terrific! You brought out of him what I couldn’t.”
— Parent of Young Performer
“Her ability to draw out [an actors’] natural instincts…and direction leaves space for creativity and personal choice that makes each audition YOURS.”
— Collin Quinn Rice
actor, photographer
recent bookings by self-tape and coaching clients
… and many, many commercials
sliding scale for independent artists and a set, flat fee for teaching institutions and larger organizations
$80 - $100 per hour is typical for independent artist coaching; flat booking fee for sizzle reels and financial coaching
per-session price breaks available with regularly scheduled, ongoing coaching