2023 Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute

Actor Information

What to expect as a paid actor in our program...

We are so glad that you will be joining us this summer in Fairfax, VA! Our Institute will hold two sessions this summer- one in June and one in July. Each session will bring 150 active criminal defense lawyers, at various stages of their careers, together for a 2-week intensive and immersive trial skills program. 

We count on our actors to help make the simulation as true to life as possible by portraying the clients and witnesses in four main case file problems. There are no lines to memorize and you will be expected to improvise based on the information provided to you in the memos and case files found on this site. 

We focus on these four cases: 

  • State vs. Evonne Meeks
  • State vs. Lorenzo Benito
  • USA vs. Donald MacCarthy
  • State vs. Michael Kittles

Please familiarize yourself with all of the cases and have a general understanding of the facts in each case and the perspective of each character in each case. 

You will be performing in small groups of 10-12 attorneys at a time. There may be an opportunity to perform in front of the entire group if you are asked to be in a demonstration. We will discuss that with actors as needed.

Having true to life actors that understand the skills we are working on is an essential element to the success of the program.  We work on a fairly tight schedule so arrival on time for each session (and a commitment to stay to the end of each day) is important. It is also necessary for you to be prepared  for each session.

Location: Hilton Fairfax, 12777 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax, VA 22o33
Pay: $250 per day;one time prep fee of $150 paid in your first check
Lunch: One hour paid and lunch is provided

Casting Decisions and Schedules

July 17th- Client Interview Day
9am-4:30pm

Role: Evonne Meeks
Kathy Wargo
Dena Blue
Sue Evans
Esther Schwarzbauer
Kristen Briscoe

Role: Lorenzo Benito
Jack McGowan
Lee Raney
Max Kleckner
Forrest Malone

Role: Donald MacCarthy
Matt Sparacino
Daniel Carter
Ryan Wick
Keith Richards

Role: Michael Kittles
Keith Crosby
Justin Harmon
Ronald Benson-El
Hugh Kelly

July 20th- Voir Dire (Jury Day)

10am-4:30pm

You do not need to read or understand anything – just show up as though you have been called for jury duty in real life.

Anne Polsky
Toni Maschler
Susan Snyder
Matt Sparacino
May Eyob
Wain Jenkins
Roberta Malone
Forrest Malone
Margo Schlossberg

Friday July 21st- Cross-Examination Day One

9am-4:00pm

 

Kathy Wargo
Justin Harmon
Dena Blue
Ronald Benson-El
Sue Evans
Anne Polsky
Keith Richards
Taunya Ferguson

Nancy Fancher
Chris Wargo
Kristen Briscoe
Keith Crosby
Daniel Carter
May Eyob
Lee Raney
Ryan Wick
Esther Schwarzbauer

July 25th- Impeachment Day

9am-3:30pm

 

Kathy Wargo
Justin Harmon
Dena Blue
Ronald Benson-El
Anne Polsky
Max Kleckner
Toni Maschler
Keith Richards
Taunya Ferguson

Nancy Fancher
Chris Wargo
Keith Crosby
May Eyob
Lee Raney
Ryan Wick
Wain Jenkins
Forrest Malone

July 26th- Cross-Examination Day Two

9am-4:15pm

 

Kathy Wargo
Justin Harmon
Dena Blue
Ronald Benson-El
Anne Polsky
Sue Evans
Toni Maschler
Keith Richards
Taunya Ferguson

Nancy Fancher
Chris Wargo
Kristen Briscoe
Keith Crosby
Daniel Carter
May Eyob
Ryan Wick
Esther Schwarzbauer

July 27th- Direct Exam Day

8:30am- 3pm

Role: Evonne Meeks
Kathy Wargo
Dena Blue
Sue Evans
Esther Schwarzbauer
Anne Polsky

Role: Lorenzo Benito
Lee Raney
Max Kleckner
Forrest Malone

Role: Donald MacCarthy
Chris Wargo
Daniel Carter
Ryan Wick
Keith Richards

Role: Michael Kittles
Keith Crosby
Justin Harmon
Ronald Benson-El
Hugh Kelly