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Finding the positive

Finding the positive

Positivity Oh boy, this is a hard one. You've entered a career where waiting is the job; waiting in the waiting room, waiting for an audition, waiting for an answer. And the truth is, actors rarely hear "no," that's an old rumor. Most of the time actors hear nothing at all. So, with all of the waiting & not hearing, how on earth do you stay upbeat and positive? Most actors act because they have to. There's an undeniable need to create art that won't be filled by any other

Words words words

Words words words

"There are so many words!" It's my favorite thing actors say. Part of me is consistantly amused by this comment and the other part of me always wants to ask, "what did you think was going to happen?" This time of year is tough, tons of auditions, very little prep time and expections are at an all time high. As the auditioner, it is your job to memorize lines but how do you get words into your body that feel false? I recommend being completely off book whenever possible. (I kn

Move your ass (meaningfully)

Move your ass (meaningfully)

It's a (silly) joke in theatre school. The rules of acting: Who am I talking to What do I want Where am I What's in my way What do I do when I get what I want What are the surroundings WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HANDS?? It's true. It's the actor's quandry - what to do with your hands. This is never more important than when working on a film or on TV. Also imperative in stage work however when taped, every small gesture can look exaggerated. An actor must learn to move meaningfully

A Different Take

A Different Take

Casting will often see hundreds of actors for one role. A smart actor will go in prepared. However, with good writing, actors sometimes make very similar choices due to inherent script beats. How do you set your audition apart? If you're the 100th person to walk in, the 100th person to have read the same material, what makes the producers really look up & pay attention? I think it's important to find unexpected moments in a scene. A unique choice does not mean a broad or over

The self tape

The self tape

It is no longer a requirement to be in the city, the state, or even the country of your audition anymore. In fact, I've done numerous worldwide searches for roles, receiving tapes from every possible destination on the globe. While actors will still fly out for tests, and possibly a few months during our beloved pilot season, it is now the norm that for every role, self tapes will be involved. Casting does watch them. Our job, as casting directors, is to know actors. Meet n

Audition, Audition, Audition

Audition, Audition, Audition

An actor's job is auditioning. Work is the bonus! Over the years I've heard actors say "I'm not a good auditioner," which I understand. It's a false situation, acting opposite yourself (essentially) in a foreign environment not related to your character or his/her situaiton. However, in order to get to the next level, you must master the art of auditioning. How? I believe in audition practice. Go on as many auditions as possible. Student film? Sure? Short? Why not! That way,

Why not me??

Why not me??

We've all had this experience: When watching a TV show or a Movie we roll our eyes at an actor and ask "How in the world did THEY get this part?" From an actor's perspective I'm sure you're also thinking "I could do it way better" or if you originally auditioned for the part: "I did do it way better!" Everyone watches with this critical eye. But the answer to "how" is not a simple one. To land a role on a TV show or in a movie as a non-star is a long and difficult process wit

The Waiting Room

The Waiting Room

The waiting room can be an incredibly intimidating place. Other actors, reading for the same role, all sitting together & waiting. Sometimes, the waiting (especially during pilot season) can be long. Very long. Instead of frustration, here are some ways to "work" the long wait to your advantage. 1) Stay in your moment before. Yes, it's tempting to chat with other actors about how frustrating pilot season is, or what you had for breakfast, but when your name is called you need

The Details

The Details

Typically, on any given day, casting will more than a few actors. From an outside perspective it may seem that we are waiting for that one great audition to come along and from a simple standpoint, Yes we are. But it's a bit trickier. All day, we watch good auditions. Some great! But a lot of what we see (good enough) will not book the job. What is the secret sauce for the AMAZING audition? One answer is specificity. Actors who are clear and decisive in their choices make for

The Smartest Actor

The Smartest Actor

True - there is no hard and fast rules for creating a great audition. Many people approach it in many different ways. However, there is one universal you should bring with you whenever you audition: BE THE SMARTEST ACTOR IN THE ROOM. Not the know-it-all actor, or the most self-satisfied actor - the smartest. I cannot tell you how important this is. During pilot season, a lot is asked of actors: Multiple auditions in single day, 10 pages of sides that become 2 when you walk i

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Featured Posts

Control

Control

Finding the positive

Finding the positive

Words words words

Words words words

A Different Take

A Different Take

Audition, Audition, Audition

Audition, Audition, Audition

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