Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Gateway to Entertainment Success in Minnesota
D&A Talent has been dedicated to scouting, developing, and marketing actors, models, and singers since 2007. Our mission is to provide aspiring talent with the tools, training, and industry connections needed to succeed in the competitive entertainment field. With over 40 years of combined experience, our award-winning coaches and industry professionals offer personalized guidance, from foundational skills to advanced audition techniques. We maintain strong partnerships with top national and local agencies, ensuring our talent gains exposure to casting directors, agents, and managers.Our comprehensive approach includes headshot preparation, portfolio development, and on-set training, empowering talent to navigate the industry with confidence. By focusing on both skill development and strategic marketing, we help talent of all agesfrom children to seasoned professionalsachieve their career goals. Our success is reflected in the numerous accolades earned by our talent and the trust placed in us by parents and industry professionals alike.
Services
Acting Coaching
Modeling Workshops
Talent Placement
Audition Preparation
Voice Over Training
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 18+ years of experience in talent development and industry networking.
- Our award-winning coaches provide personalized acting, modeling, and audition training.
- We partner with top national agencies like IMG and Next Model Management.
- Comprehensive marketing support includes headshots, portfolio development, and audition evaluations.
- Proven track record placing talent in film, TV, commercials, and national print campaigns.
What people say
Award-winning coaches
Successful talent placements
Confidence-building programs
Industry connections
Personalized guidance
Services
Acting Coaching
Our acting coaching develops foundational to advanced skills through self-taping, cold reading, and on-camera techniques. Students learn audition strategies, character development, and scene study to excel in film, television, and commercial roles. With personalized feedback from industry veterans, talent gain confidence and proficiency in navigating casting processes.
Modeling Workshops
Modeling workshops cover high fashion, commercial print, and runway techniques with expert instruction on posing, walk, and portfolio creation. Participants receive guidance on agency submissions and industry etiquette, preparing them for success in local and national markets through practical skill-building exercises.
Talent Placement
We connect talent with top agencies like IMG and Next Model Management through in-house auditions and industry networking. Our placement services include headshot evaluation, resume building, and strategic marketing to enhance visibility for film, TV, and commercial opportunities.
Audition Preparation
Specialized training focuses on monologue selection, commercial script analysis, and cold reading techniques to optimize audition performance. Students practice under simulated casting conditions with feedback to refine delivery and boost confidence for real-world scenarios.
Voice Over Training
Our voice over program teaches studio techniques, character voice development, and recording best practices using professional-grade equipment. Talent learn to deliver compelling performances for animation, commercials, and audiobook projects through hands-on sessions with experienced instructors.
People
Connie Steckling-Heideman
Founder
With over 40 years in the entertainment industry, Connie founded D&A Talent in 2007 after a successful career as a full-figure model with agencies like Elite Model Management. She has mentored hundreds of talent, leveraging her industry connections to create pathways for emerging actors and models.
Heather McCracken-Iverson
Head of Scouting
Heather brings 18 years of experience in talent development, holding a child development certificate and associates degree in elementary education. She specializes in children's acting coaching and has placed talent in Disney, network television, and national commercials while managing D&A's scouting operations.
Questions
What services does D&A Talent offer?
We provide acting, modeling, and singing coaching, audition preparation, talent placement with agencies, and industry networking opportunities.
How do I audition for D&A Talent?
Submit your information through our website or attend one of our open auditions. Selected candidates will be contacted for callbacks.
What age groups do you work with?
We train talent aged 3+ including children, teens, and adults, with specialized programs for different experience levels.
Do you guarantee talent placements?
While we can't guarantee bookings, our proven track record shows consistent success in placing talent with top agencies and projects.
Are your coaches industry professionals?
Yes, our team includes award-winning coaches with decades of experience in acting, modeling, and entertainment industry standards.