Acting

Thanks for sharing the article, Juliana Philippi. Catherine O'Hara was an incredible actress! My favorite role she played is Kate McCallister in Home Alone.

Maurice Vaughan She was magnificent, and always played big, true, and with enormous heart. I love her in "Best in Show", and more recently she was in "The Studio", and she was AMAZING. But, "Beetlejuice" will aways be my favorite of hers. Epic.

Thanks for sharing this Juliana. I agree with you on her in THE STUDIO. I wonder how they are going to bridge that storyline gap since she was such a big part of last season.

Amanda Toney Right? She was brilliant, and just phenomenal in "The Studio", and it will be interesting to see how the writer's work without her now. I'm just glad she was a part of season 1, it is amazing!

Thanks for sharing the interview, Pat Alexander. Ethan Hawke is an incredible actor! One of the things he said in the interview that stood out is "My relationship with my work is one where I wouldn’t want to take a year off because I wouldn’t know what to do." That's how I feel with writing. I'm ready to jump into a new project when I finish one. I know taking breaks is good for my body and mind though

Great tips, Aaron Marcus! Thanks for sharing them.

You are very welcome

Amanda Toney Exactly, totally agree. Being in abundance, brings abundance : )

Yes! That's so awesome that you found a way to recalibrate before you shoot. So many actors take a long time figuring that one out. I'm teaching a small group of actors about that this week, because it's not about chasing a booking. It's about building the version of you who can stay grounded, patient and ready long enough to receive the work when it finally shows up for you. Magical medicine indeed.

Treisa Gary Exactly!!! That hits it right on the head, "Building the version of you who can stay grounded, patient and ready long enough to receive..." That's exactly what I am consciously living, breathing and welcoming in my body and energetic self. The work shows, but we must be ready, open, and vibrate with it. Thank you Treisa for sharing this!!!! And I am so happy you are helping actors in this essential part of our journey.

It's my pleasure Juliana. And thank you for sharing your experience so openly. What you're describing really is the foundation, and it's honestly one of the hardest parts of the work. Your awareness and the sharing of your journey helps other actors more than you might realize. Keep going and feel free to reach out to me if you need anything.

Treisa Gary Heart heart heart emoji, thank you ; ) And I will!!!

Absolutely agree Juliana Philippi. All its many, many, many, mucho mas iterations. And letting it go!

What a beautiful question to sit with heading into the weekend. For me, it depends on the situation entirely. If it's an audition, I like to adhere to Bryan Cranston's advice: "It's not an audition, it's a performance." When I think of auditioning that way, I'm not waiting afterwards to find out if I got the part because I already had the part for those few minutes in the room. That mindset also keeps me from holding back at 70% or 80% because I "don't have the role yet." So my shaking it off is simply knowing the performance is complete, and if they want a repeat, wonderful, but the job was the doing. Now after a few days on set, the shaking off looks different and messier. I still get those "oh god I hope I didn't suck" feelings despite working at this for over 20 years. But I recently learned Judi Dench feels that way after every film, so I figure I'm in good company. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone, and be gentle with yourselves when the vibrations linger.

Joshua Young Thank you, infinitely, for this marvelous share Joshua! I totally get that, it's an audition, but an audition is actually the job. You got it, flaunt it, lol. I've been working like this more recently, really giving it that freedom, to fully be, and be confident, enjoy, and trust when I submit it, or the callback is over, that's it. On set and stage, so different, it tends to linger, since it was you, a part of you you discovered, someone else, that you became, and lived, so naturally, some space and time are needed. I spend time in nature, around water, take long showers, meditate, nap, breathe. But, something I've been doing , about a year ago, I thank the moment. I give thanks after I finish the audition, the callback, the shoot, the play...thank the story, thank myself, thank the character, and give it my love, as me, as I imagine her, the story, leaving me. Have a wonderful weekend, and kindness, compassion, and tenderness as we grow ; )

Whew, shaking it off is truly a skill in itself, right? ;-)

Treisa Gary You know it really is?! I always feel like a jolt of the emotions, right after finishing the audition, like the final breaths of the character I just lived flowing through me, I give myself grace and the woman I just became, love and breath. But letting it go, being present, honoring it, and coming back to me, is super important.

This is amazing! I cannot wait until I can get to play one of those types of characters one day! My Christmas was well spent with family and friends, and last minute I got accepted for a lead role in a short film—which for someone just getting into the acting industry like me—is such an exciting step! I’m curious to know, what was the first speaking role you ever did? And how did you like it? Happy New Years!! :)

My Christmas was really good :3. My dad cooked "töltött káposzta" (it's a Hungarian Christmas food, it's meat stuffed in cabbage. Btw, I don't like this food, I didn't eat from it), and my dad's girlfriend visited us. On the 24th, my dad cooked "halászlé" with catfish (it's a Hungarian Christmas food, it's a little bit of spicy fish soup. It's my favorite food! <3), and I traveled to the Hungarian capital city Budapest (btw, I go to school for there), because of my dad's girlfriend accidentally left her gift for her son with us. She drove me home because the trains were running late (she didn't stayed at us). We trimed the Christmas tree, and my mother came over (my parents are divorced, me and my little bro live with our dad), and we received our presents. I got a lavalier microphone set with two mics, and a biographical book by an autistic woman (I'm also an autistic). On the 25th, we visited grandma, my lil bro and I got 5000 HUF/person (=15 USD/person) from her. On the 26th, my dad's girlfriend visited us, and we also got presents from her :)

Brittany Christine a road trip sounds cool! My dream is to travel to the USA one day, and I really would like to go to California! (as a future writer-director, this is not a hard dream, there a lot of film festivals in America, and I want to work there too haha). Oh yeah, and if I will work in the U. S., you can starring in my film :) I'm interested in writing "crazy" characters :)

Maurice Vaughan Which movie did you watch? Until now, my lil bro and I watched Home Alone 1-2 every Christmas, but this Christmas we won't. He watched it with his class before 1-2 weeks, and I didn't care either. Oh yeah, and what sports did you play/watch during Christmas? I ask it because of my favorite sports are baseball and softball, and I know they're a very popular in USA lol

I watched Fatman and NFL, Imola Orbán. I love Home Alone 1-2. I'm writing a Home Alone type short script (Christmas Horror).

Congratulations! Happy New year! Wishing you the very best in your journey ahead !

Congratulations on your leading role--so dope. Cheers to more in 2026!

for me it's about the circumstance and I also try to study that character ( the emotions, dialogue, storyline and character motivation)

You asked "when you read a script, what’s the first thing you look for to find your way in to the character?" Overwhelmingly it is the dialogue the induces me to "feel" the character. Strong dialogue is so powerful.

I'm 20+ years into this journey, and having worn so many hats, I like to first get inside YOUR head as the writer. I want to see the world you were trying to build when you sat alone at that laptop.

Then I have a deceptively simple task of finding a piece of my own humanity that would add something to your world. I'm not trying to "put on a mask", but instead figure out which part of me to reveal through your words.

Sometimes it will feel in complete support of your original vision, and sometimes it means I'll be challenging your idea of the character.

And to your bonus question, I don't have a short answer. Instead, I would say enroll in an acting class and see actors "in the wild" LOL.

Imagine yourself as the character. Don't frame it as what they would do; frame it as what you would do.

Yes! Same language--different accents. It's so true...I love that.

Must-watch video for actors, writers, directors, and others, Ashley Renée Smith! "Small physical choices matter. Eye movement, jaw tension, posture, breath, stillness, or the lack of it can communicate volumes." I do that in my scripts, but I can do it more. Thanks for sharing the video!

This is really interesting, and lends insight into an actor's mind and they choices they make when they act along ensemble. I remember RB talking in the office about some choices he made in the film he just acted in that helped shape some of the characters around them and elevated the comedy in the story. Very powerful stuff. We actually have a really cool webinar that covers some of this stuff: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/actor-heal-thyself-take-comma...

I agree Ashley, this was a great video for actors. I loved all the contrast in this film. So exciting. Couldn't take my eyes off anyone! Ha! So, to address your question: when the other character in your audition scene isn't defined, you just have to do what's best for your character by working that audition technique to the bone. I recently worked with Nic Cage in a period piece, and I didn't have a clue what he was going to do, but I knew what I had to do for my character. It worked out great, my character was a total contrast from his. Technique is so essential.

Thanks for sharing the tips, Amanda Toney. I can use them as a screenwriter and for my characters. Finding joy in the process makes it easier to outline and finish a script.

Love this, Amanda Toney

The cast of Bridgerton has some genuinely grounded advice for actors: make bold choices even if you're unsure, find joy in the process rather than obsessing over outcomes, and stop trying to change yourself to fit what you think the industry wants. If anyone wants to dive deeper into building that kind of confidence and honing your craft, check out Stage 32's webinar on acting technique, audition prep, and navigating the business side of performance: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/acting-this-proven-method-jus...

Believe in yourself and enjoy the process is right!!

Nice article! As an actor and a coach, I would suggest getting an Audition Technique under your belt...you'd cover all of those suggestions by doing so. A good one will keep you connected to your work and help you make good choices for yourself every time!

I've questioned myself when I finished outlining a script and before I started pitching, Juliana Philippi. I' thought I needed to do more work on the outline or pitch material. Sometimes I do, but sometimes it's just wanting them to be perfect. It made me miss opportunities.

Maurice Vaughan Totally, totally get that and feel that on pitching especially, which is similar to our auditions as actors. We can get in our heads, so so easily, and psyche ourselves out, and question what we are doing in the first place. Be in the moment, trust you got this, and what really helps, another point her: the outcome? It is not in your control. What they think, how they feel, what they are looking for....not in your control. What is in our control? How we feel, and if we feel good, and flow, and open up from our heart, and trust ourselves...that's it. The rest? Let it go.

You're right, Juliana Philippi. I'll keep that in mind before I pitch. Thanks.

Sounds good.

Cool post Aaron! I read this a few weeks ago and thought it was pretty interesting: https://www.digitaljournal.com/entertainment/tim-stein-talks-about-actin...

So glad you liked it. And, thanks for sharing the article. Amanda, are you still involved with workshops? I thought I would reach out once more to talk with someone about partnering and doing a workshop together. Thanks again for the share.

Aaron Marcus Fantastic post! And yes, verticals are coming in hot, are great mediums to grow in and learn , but always make sure you dive into who's producing, sometimes they are very much like "churn and burn" situations, always do your due diligence.

That is a great point, Juliana. That holds true for any project, especially if it is a student, low budget or independent project. Actors need to do some research to make sure people involved are really in. the business and are professional. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful thoughts here.