Acting

This made me chuckle and may it serve as a reminder to all Actors out there that we are living in a very digital world these days, so taking the time to look up who is representing us is a smart idea. If they don't show up on IMDB then next place I would look is linked In, followed by any social medias. I am currently on the hunt for new agents in other regions & markets, and am definitely doing a deep google dive of their info before any submissions or setting up phone/zoom meetings.

Brandon Keeton, you’re absolutely not the only one who’s had a moment like this. In an industry full of faces, reps, producers, and creatives, it’s so easy to lose track, especially when so many relationships are built virtually now. That “you have no idea who I am” moment is a rite of passage at this point!

It’s a great reminder of how important face-to-face connection still is, and how much grace (and humor) we can bring into our professional missteps. Also, huge props to your agent for being both forgiving and hilarious, that sounds like a solid relationship right there.

Thanks again for opening up this conversation in the Lounge. I’m sure so many actors can relate and I hope more chime in with their own memory slip stories too!

Brandon Keeton I really appreciate your frank, honest, humble and entertaining shares. I haven't forgotten anyone's face yet that I was actually in conversation with. Although I have definitely forgotten names. I think i would feel absolutely mortified in your situation but on the other hand, if you have never actually met in-person or by video call then it's also understandable. I mean we all lead busy lives right?

Hi, Alexandra Stevens. I stay focused on the work when the spotlight by focusing on the work instead of what comes afterward (selling a script, name in the trades, etc.).

Hi Alexandra Stevens I stay focused on the work and not worry about the spotlight, because the work itself is the purpose. I love acting. Taking apart a script, building a character's bio, challenging myself, that is fun for me. Do what you love and you never work a day in your life. Acting is like manifesting, focus on the end results not the hows.

Maurice Vaughan and Maurice Vaughan your answers reinforce to me how it's all about the here-and-now process. A good reminder to me

Thanks for sharing, Alexandra Stevens!

Wow, Delores, I am so sorry to hear this. That is horrible. I just don't understand how people can do this. I am so glad you were told so at least you could demand that it be taken down.

Thank you so much for sharing your story here.

It's not a new thing Aaron Marcus as despicable as it is. Think of how many products are endorsed by celebrities that aren't really endorsed by celebrities. It is important to be vigilant, may be set up a google alert for your name. As AI gets better and better, the deep fakes are going to get better and better. Dr. Phil had a few episodes where he went after the scammers that were impersonating him, HILARIOUS.

That is pretty scary. Thank you for sharing this.

That is really bad,so sorry for that.why will people keep fake profile

Hi Williams, not sure what you meant when you said "why will people keep fake profile?"

Hope you get the job too, Matthew Gross! Sorry you went through that, but at least something useful came from the experience. Motivation for the role.

Good luck Matthew Gross . HOpe you get it too!

Ashley Renee Smith I haven't been in this situation yet but I really like what you have shared. I really enjoy hearing actors talking about their work in such detail and with so much work on the backstory. I also like the openness with. which they share which areas of their own lives resonated with the story. I was also curious when Jessica Biel talked about knowing how to stay safe and that was what allowed her to explore the unravelling process of her character. I found myself wondering what that safety work would look like. Will research.....

I just watched your video, Dris Abdel-Rahim. I like it. The music fits perfectly. It's a great idea for actors to make their own projects and write their own roles. Your face wasn't shown a lot in the video. Maybe show it more in the next one you make.

Dris Abdel-Rahim I admire you taking full responsibility for your dream and artistic passions by making and starring in this short film. I feel excited by those such as yourself that are making time for passion projects. What was the creative process like?

Thanks Matthew Gross for informing us about the current state of Hollywood. Whilst it's not great to hear about the unrest, I love this aspect of Stage 32 which brings the rest of the world closer to me via people such as yourself who I feel i 'know' a little even though we have never met outside of this space

Ashley Renee Smith I like what RB says. It reminds me of the concept of neuroplasticity: that the more we do something the more we strengthen the neural pathway (for example of putting ourselves out there) and the easier it becomes to do. So each time it feels awkward or uncomfortable we can remind ourselves of that fact. That even if we didn't 'win ' we are strengthening the neural pathway that puts us in a position to 'win' one day.

Totally agree on this. In this case it is a not too difficult to restructure the brain, bad habits, often learned in childhood, and practised your whole life, can be 'unlearned,' and replaced by good, positive habits. Abd Believe it or not. The distructive behavior can be replaced by 'BUILDING' behavior in a few months; but only if you practice every day and, when you catch yourself on a 'negative' thought, out loud tell yourself 'WHY IT IS,' and what you 'SHOULD' think. Not only bumb think out loud, also people who want to 'grow'. (And about the bums, they don't speak out loud because they lost their mind, it's the opposite; they do it because they do not want to 'loose' their mind - a clever unconsciously created coping meganism)

Furthermore, work on several projects at 'the same time, ' but only with utter focus on one.

When you're temporary stuck on that project, you start to work on an other; this way you never get the time to worry; switch, switch, switch, always keep your mind busy. When you start to feel overworked, go on a 2 week holiday and come back vitalized, ready for new insights concerning your projects. At least, that's what works for me.

Rutger Oosterhoff I like what you say, i think i'm at the 'go on a two week holiday' stage :) There is a lot to be said for the 'fertile void'

Thank you for sharing Ryan OL this is interesting about the different accents. At the American Academy of Dramatic Arts they taught us standard stage speech. We all had to listen to our regional way of speaking and tune our ear to the sounds so we can change them. I did a play where the audience thought we had accents because we were all using standard stage.

Alexandra Stevens, that idea definitely circulated in the industry for a long time, especially in certain markets. But it’s shifted quite a bit over the years. Extra work today can actually be a great way to gain on-set experience, build connections, and observe how productions function, especially if you’re newer to the industry or transitioning between mediums.

Of course, it’s important to be strategic. If your long-term goal is lead roles, you don’t want to get locked into background casting exclusively, but using it as a stepping stone or occasional opportunity can open more doors than it closes. And in some cases, extras have been upgraded on set just because they were in the right place at the right time and brought the right energy.

I was performing a comedy act when I contacted my local casting company and signed up to do background work in 2006. At the time, I was studying to transform my act from entertainment venues to theatrical venues. My training is extensive (built on a BA), and I've performed thousands of shows for as many as 3000-person audiences. But this means nothing when it comes to marketing as an actor. My third booking was as a stand-in, which was a great experience, but I was treated very poorly in the two following stand-in jobs. I eventually got my dream tour gig. A few years later, after I returned, I was on the set of Castle Rock, pulled from 200 extras to stand front and center for the camera. Then, on a film set, I was placed in a key position, and improvised precise and nuanced movements. My physical theater training has drawn attention. I have yet to be offered a role, but I had my first silent moment opposite a celebrity last year.

You are noticed. The job is two-fold: Don't make decisions for them. Be patient and be available. And, be prepared, understand the context, and do your solitary work. When you have your chance, your training, or lack thereof, will be known.

I've enjoyed my extra work. I mostly keep to myself and watch. It's funny that you can learn what not to do more than what you can do. Problems that arise on set that cause delays can easily be avoided in the future to your production. Learn all that is learnable. Be careful what information you share or getting too friendly with others. They may try and also sabotage your reputation so that you're not invited back and you will have not the time nor the opportunity to defend yourself.

Ashley Renee Smith your answer inspires me to look into extra work then as soon as my schedule is a bit freer

Daniel Forlano, I love this!! You’re absolutely right that presence, preparation, and patience are the unsung skills in this industry. What you said here- “Don’t make decisions for them. Be patient and be available”, is such a valuable reminder. It speaks directly to the balance between artistry and professional adaptability. It’s also a great example of how important it is to keep showing up, stay ready, and trust that the work will speak when the moment arrives.

Hmm.......i'm playing a role right now in The Quiet House by Gareth Farr. The topic resonates for me and it's one i'm very familiar with so it's easy for me to connect with. It's about a couple who are going through a struggle and there is a lot of raw emotion which I relish. What about you Suzanne Bronson ?

I was obsessed with Parker Posey's performance in White Lotus, Suzanne Bronson! Jordan and I have been quoting her around the apartment for weeks. Lol!