Aspiring New Mexico actors: this is your chance to sharpen your skills and prepare for Day Player opportunities and more within film and television. The Acting for the Camera Series brings you face-to-face with industry professionals and gives you hands-on practice in front of the camera.
Must be a New Mexico Resident
Must be able to attend October 25th, 2025 - all-day event in Albuquerque (exact time and location will be shared with those accepted to the program)
During the Acting for the Camera Series, you will:
Hear directly from New Mexico casting directors and talent agents in a live panel discussion
Learn self-taping best practices through a dynamic presentation
Put your skills into action with guided, hands-on self-taping practice
Deadline to apply: October 13th, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Meet the Instructors
Hank Rogerson
Hank Rogerson, SAG AFTRA, has acted in film, TV and theatre for over 30 years. He trained in Meisner in Los Angeles, and has acted in numerous TV and films as well as theater and improv shows. In TV he has worked on such shows as "Pulse", “Breaking Bad”, “Outer Range”, and "Obliterated". His film work has included “Sicario”, “14 Cameras”, and “Flamin' Hot”. Hank is also an award-winning director and producer whose work has shown at Sundance, AFI and Edinburgh film festivals.
He has taught acting at The University of New Mexico, Santa Fe University of Art & Design and The New Mexico School for the Arts.
Rachel de la Torre
Rachel de la Torre is a multi-ethnic SAG-AFTRA actress with extensive industry experience, bringing three decades of professional insight to her powerful, alluring and adventurous character portrayals in film and television. She is acclaimed for captivating roles such as Cecelia Dram in Meow Wolf Las Vegas, Georgia O’Keeffe in Looking for Mr. Stieglitz, and Paula in Eddington, where she appeared alongside Pedro Pascal, Joaquin Phoenix, and Luke Grimes. Her upcoming work includes The Great I Am and her Southwest-based comedy Blankton.
A Theatre graduate of Western Washington University, Rachel’s classical training and renowned stage roles—including The Witch in Into the Woods, Hero in Much Ado About Nothing, Wang in The Good Personal of Szechwan and Carol in Laughter on the 23rd Floor—forge a robust foundation for both her dynamic film and television work and her teaching. She leverages this expertise, alongside her proven command as a dance instructor, choreographer, and producer for NDI-NM's 500-youth performances, to teach compelling on-camera self-tape techniques that meet the rigorous demands of today's industry.
Rachel’s intellectual, adventurous, and compassionate nature has driven her to fearlessly explore the human condition across diverse opportunities and continents. From a four-month motorcycle trip across South America to modeling for iconic photographers and designers—including Joe McNally, Max Vadukul, Michael Clark, Karen Kuehn, Anna Trzebinski, Orlando Dugi, Loren Aragon, and Himikalas Pamela Baker—Rachel brings a keen, insider's understanding of the visual presentation, camera angles, and lighting necessary for successful self-tapes.
Actively involved in both her art and community, from her work as a wildland and aircraft rescue firefighter, beekeeper, NVC and outdoor survival youth educator, to her recent training in horse safety and stunts, and as an advocate protecting the water, natural resources, and heritage of the Old West, Rachel brings a wealth of specialized experience. Her profound passion and curiosity deeply infuse her performances and teaching with unmistakable endurance, integrity, and authenticity, culminating in compelling artistry for every role and every lesson.
Meet the PanelistsJennifer Schwalenberg
Jennifer Schwalenberg is a New Mexico Casting Director based in Santa Fe.
She began her casting career in Los Angeles in 1995 working on hundreds of national commercials, including numerous Super Bowl campaigns.
After moving to Santa Fe, her geographic dream, she was hired by the New Mexico Film Office to create a Native American casting database to showcase the state’s tribal members. Jennifer later became Deputy Director and devoted her time championing the state and assisting producers throughout production and the incentive process.
She went back to her love of casting in 2013 and joined the Midthunder casting team for six years.
Jennifer opened Casting by Jen in 2019, with highlights including local casting on four seasons of Dark Winds, The Night Driver, Lone Wolf, Olmo, Rez Ball, and “street casting” for The Curse.
She is a Member of the Casting Society of America, Television Academy, and Governor’s Council on Film & Media Industries.
Jennifer is passionate about animal welfare and her three large rescue dogs are often seen in her virtual casting sessions.
https://www.castingbyjen.com/
Tina Presley Borek
Tina Presley Borek – our influence lies in our relationships
Tina is widely recognized as a top SAG-AFTRA franchised talent agent throughout the Southwest. As founder of Presley Talent, she represents both name and emerging artists across film, television, and streaming, connecting artists with Hollywood’s biggest studios and networks.
With nearly 20 years of industry experience and clients recently starring in The Low Down, HIM, The Smashing Machine, Ransom Canyon, Pluribus, Dark Winds, Matlock, Night Driver, Joseph, The Unexpecteds, The Lost Bus, Yellowstone, Pulse, Poker Face (and more), Tina has earned a reputation for strategic insight, unmatched industry connections, and relentless advocacy.
Under her leadership, Presley Talent is the premier agency driving the Southwest’s rise as a hub for top-tier talent.
https://www.presleytalent.com/
Marie A.K. McMaster
Award winning New Mexico Casting Director Marie A. K. McMaster, CSA discovered her love of film when she read lines with the actors she was nannying for on Martha’s Vineyard at the age of 16. It became a career when she worked on the production Off the Map (Sam Elliott, Joan Allen, Campbell Scott) in 2002. She has worked as Associate Casting Director and Casting Director for countless film and television productions that call New Mexico home, including Stranger Things, Better Call Saul, Obliterated, Waco and soon to be released Pluribus and Trap House.
Marie is a passionate advocate for the New Mexico film community, teaching actors and mentoring upcoming talent through workshops, classes, and her involvement in the community. She often gives back by hosting audition workshops and Q&A's with all proceeds going to various organizations and charities. Marie believes that supporting and encouraging each other is an integral part of what makes NM film great and unique, and she lives her favorite saying–“When you do better, we all do better”–by striving to help actors become their best selves, and at the same time, the best assets for productions filming in New Mexico.
Marie is a native of Taos, NM, and graduated from UNM in 2003. She lives in Albuquerque with her incredible husband and two amazing, brilliant children, and their menagerie of cats and dogs.
http://mcmastercasting.com/
Carissa Mitchell
Carissa Mitchell is a veteran talent agent and founder of Mitchell & Associates Talent, a SAG-AFTRA franchised boutique agency representing actors in film and television. With offices in Los Angeles, New Mexico, and the Southeast, the agency is known for its hands-on approach and strong industry relationships.
Carissa is recognized for her sharp instincts, strategic career development, and unwavering advocacy for her clients. Over the past decade, she has built a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and results across all levels of the industry.
Committed to inclusion and mentorship, Carissa continues to champion meaningful representation both on and off screen.
https://www.mitchelltalent.com/