THE thrill of having a Hollywood casting director in their hometown made for an exciting change for young performers Max Fatica and Shanyn Ambrose.

The Toowoomba schoolkids were among children and teenagers who travelled from Brisbane and the Gold Coast to learn from a woman who has worked on hit television shows including Glee and Supernatural.

Alex Newman will today continue a series of master class workshops which began yesterday at the Grid for children hoping to become professional actors, singers and dancers.

She is currently the associate casting director of Glee and co-casting director of Supernatural.

Max, 12, said he wanted to learn what casting directors looked for.

"It was a deeper look into what you have to do to be a successful actor and things we have to work on," Max said.

"It was very good.

"We don't normally get many things locally."

Ms Newman's advice included tips for successful auditions.

"I told them what I would expect when I saw an audition," she said.

"Everyone is really happy and interested.

"They are really appreciative of the overall opportunity."

The visit was organised by the Australian Institute for Performing Arts.

The institute's director of curriculum Marg Haynes said the workshops were moved away from the usual capital city venues because regional Australia had proven to be a rich breeding ground for performing talent.

"The talent that comes out of regional areas is phenomenal," she said.