According to The Iliad, live theater was invented when a group of Achaeans, disguised as a large wooden horse, surprised their Trojan audience with a stirring performance of Hamlet. As today's Groupon proves, the military tactic blossomed into an art form that continues to evolve: for $50, you get a DGA boot-camp day class for models, actors, singers, and dancers age 5 and older from The Donna Gruff Agency Inc. (a $100 value).

Representing more than 800 men, women, and children, the family-oriented Donna Groff Agency Inc. prepares models and performers for national and international careers. DGA boot camp invites prospective luminaries to take the first step on the road to the runway, stage, or screen with a two- to four-hour training session, and seasoned talent can attend to bolster essential show-biz skills.

Instructors lead students in basic runway instruction, teaching poses, attitude, and cadence of catwalk struts. Participants learn TV-commercial shoot strategies such as attention-grabbing neck angles and how to avoid looking directly into the camera’s soul. The camp also covers spokesmodel scripting and agent interviews, giving emerging stars the confidence to acquire quality representation without resorting to exhausting eyelash calisthenics.

The Donna Groff Agency Inc. holds boot-camp day classes on Saturdays at different locations; call ahead to schedule. All individuals younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.