Acting

Thanks Jackie Letkowski . Yes a good reminder to write them out as I say them. Will try the recording as well

I will say this Alexandra Stevens if you tell yourself that you have anxiety and learning lines is not your strong suit, then that's true. I would reframe what you tell yourself about line learning first of all. And I agree with Jackie Letkowski writing them down is a good idea. Physically, by hand. Write the line before yours, then write your line. Then cover up your lines as you go down the page and read the line before yours, and cover your line to see if you know it.

Suzanne Bronson thanks for this grounded and no-nonsense advice. And you are right to challenge me on my 'negative thinking' about my memory. I will change that! :)

Alexandra Stevens, the fact that you’re trying different approaches shows how dedicated you are to giving your best performance, and that’s already a huge strength.

Everyone’s brain works differently, so sometimes it’s about combining methods. One technique that helped me when I did theater as a kid was recording the other characters’ lines and leaving space to speak mine aloud, then I play it back. It mimics the rhythm of a real scene and helps with retention and pacing. It was something my mom would help me do so that I could rehearse outside of rehearsals.

Ashley Renee Smith thanks for your words of encouragement! That is also a good tip about recording. The app I used did that but this method doesn't cost anything so will give it a go.

Matthew Gross ooh, so disappointing and frustrating i imagine? I wonder why they changed their minds?

It definitely can be frustrating when our plans fall apart, but it is never a waste of time. Keep on making tapes of yourself and by this you'll perfect your craft. While you're waiting sharpen your iron and keep on investing in you. Remember that you are always worth it! If you have some free time, check out my page. J who is acting coach and a screenwriter and does great classes virtually. jweeksentertainment.com . You'll get there, but only if you never give up.

Alexandra Stevens The decision is likely financial.

Matthew Gross, it’s such a real and frustrating part of the process that doesn’t get talked about enough. You showed up, did the work, and put your best into that self-tape, and even though the outcome changed beyond your control, none of that effort was wasted.

Every audition sharpens your skills, builds your discipline, and keeps you present in the craft. It’s disappointing when logistics override talent, but your attitude; “Oh well… I did my best”, is exactly the kind of mindset that will carry you through the ups and downs of this industry.

Adam Hammudeh thanks for this, It's a useful reminder as I start to think of getting new headshots in the next few months. I smiled when I read no props and wondered if some actors do actually show up with a police uniform for example? When I looked for a photographer last time I felt a bit overwhelmed by all the options. It's so important to get right. I will bear in mind the tips you gave on how to narrow down the selection.

You wouldn't believe how many actors show up with a full bag of props. And in some way, it is cute because it shows the level of involvement, but there is a very big difference between a beauty shoot and an acting headshot session. Authenticity is the biggest value, and propos can take it out from the portrait, no matter how cool it looks. I am very happy you found my article helpful!

Really good article. Do people ever try and dress how they think they would look for the roll they are going for? Do u know if that improves their chances? I think from say a director trying to picture what they’re getting it’s moving the production faster.. from your standpoint, Does stuff like that work, or does it just make them look weird?

Hey David, great question. I always try to avoid situations like that. I can’t speak for other photographers, but in my case, I provide a consultation before the session even begins. I'm also putting together a short questionnaire for my clients, where I ask about casting types, outfit preferences, and more.

After a brief conversation, I usually have a clear sense of the direction I want to take the session. The most important thing is to choose neutral clothing that you also feel comfortable in.

My job is to create portraits that reflect your acting range—images that highlight your strengths without boxing you into a specific cliché.

Adam Hammudeh, thank you so much for sharing this! Headshots can feel overwhelming for a lot of actors, especially those just getting started or updating their look after a long gap, and your article breaks down the process in such a clear, actionable way.

I really appreciate that you focus not just on the technical side, but on preparation and mindset, how to show up as your best, most authentic self.

Hi Hyrum, so glad you are enjoying the videos. You should be on my special mailing list at: howtoactandmodel.com so you can receive really helpful industry information from me.

Good Video. Gotta Trust in Yourself. You got the bug, don’t give up, ever. It’s a small network of people, you’ll get there if u just keep trying and maybe create what you feel is the roll you are dreaming of and send it to a screen writer to really create it then make your own film if u have too.

You would make a good Waldo movie as the main, w glasses and the whole costume, where u are in the background somewhere in each scene and each is a timed amount long w it like easy to harder.. to impossible.. and you are somewhere in there and it’s all kinds of things going on as the plot , while it opens, they give up a lot. . But it starts as they are looking for their uncle Waldo .. but the idea is yell out and point when u see him first time and second time stay quiet and laugh when they see it.

Aaron Marcus i like what you say. Especially that you appreciate that what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. Like you i think that being hugely stressed about money would likely negatively impact my performance. I have come to the acting game late and there is no way i could even consider it at this point with two kids without another profession to pay the bills

Hey David, if you have a script and the blessings of SAG-AFTRA, I am always interested in working on new types of projects. Thanks so much.

I hear you, Alexandra. It doesn't have to be all or nothing with acting or any industry. Being able to pay bills takes so much stress out of your life. And, actors don't get more "points" if they don't have another source of income. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas and suggestions.

Thank you, Alexandra. Any reason why you haven't pursued commercial modeling? There are a lot of categories I can see you being cast in. To answer your question. I try to bring back the emotion and they scale it sometimes. Bring it up, down or add a different but similar experience so that I can show a wide variety of looks.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and insights here.

Hi Aaron Marcus no particular reason why i hadn't considered commercial modelling. To be honest probably because I didn't even think it was a thing. Not even sure how I would get started with that. Do you need to be in a big city like London or LA to have the best opportunities. I"m a bit curious now. I'm guessing you have posted You Tube videos on this topic and your book too of cours.

Don’t feel bad. Most people are unfamiliar with commercial print work. You will find jobs virtually everywhere. Big cities and small.

You would be cast as the professional, highly educated

person. Doctor, lawyer therapist, teacher, yoga instructor, mom and in many other roles. Yes, my book, How to Become a Successful Actor and Model walks you through the process. You want to learn how to prepare and create the right types of commercial photos and not the generic ones most people get.

You can market yourself and or have a local agent submit your photos for work

And, you are also correct, I do have videos on my YouTube Channel sharing information about commercial modeling work

If you ever have a specific question, always feel free to reach out

Aaron Marcus thanks so much for this great advice. Hmmm......i'm interested. As soon as things quieten down a bit I might look into it and will then check our your videos.

Let me know if you ever have a question.

Alexandra Stevens That quote from Jenny Slate is such a powerful reflection of how art and life are constantly in conversation with each other. After losing my mom, I was completely depleted. I found myself questioning everything, including whether I had the strength or desire to keep creating. I honestly considered walking away from creative work altogether. But hitting that wall forced me to get painfully honest with myself and with my grief. I had to face what I truly wanted and what I was afraid of.

That moment of reckoning opened the door to something unexpected: the book I’ve been working on for the past year. It’s a story I wouldn’t have been ready to tell before, but now it’s one I feel deeply connected to.

Sometimes those “kismet” moments don’t feel magical at first; they feel like loss. But with time and reflection, they can become a kind of invitation.

Ashley Renee Smith thanks for this vulnerable sharing. I feel touched. I think it is very wise to reflect that kismet moments do not always feel magical. I can relate, to the grief as well. I feel uplifted hearing about your book. Curious to know more about it when the time is right for you

For me, this doesn't pertain to acting specifically, but it does in a roundabout way, Alexandra Stevens. I tried snow skiing for the first time. My wife and I ran a lodge up in the mountains of New Mexico and I had never gone skiing so we thought we'd try it. The host did not give me detachable skis typically given to a newbie so on the way down, I hit a rock and came tumbling down the mountain. I still remember the crunching sound of my ankles. I still remember what the pain felt like.

I was out of commission for 3-4 months and our daughter was 3 months old at the time. So my job was to take care of her 24-7 for those months. She sat on my lap day after day (I know every Blues Clues song there is) which meant we bonded over that time. That bonding foundation has lasted ever since.

She's 23 and still comes to dad to tell me about her day, who said what and everything in between. We share likes (comics and heroes) and all things creative. And now, all she wants is to be involved in acting and I'm writing work that she can star in (hopefully). This has taken years to manifest but it's starting to feel more and more like we'll be working together at some point.

Aww Leonardo Ramirez this warms my heart to heart to hear about the close and loving connection you have with your daughter. I could definitely see why you interpret this as a fated event. And to think that have that creative talent in common and that she might star your work, definitely sounds like the two of you were meant to be

I hope so Alexandra Stevens. I want her to have her full freedom to go wherever her heart takes her but I do think it would be fun.

Suzanne Bronson I appreciate your point of view especially as you have lots of industry experience. Hmmm....I wonder who the 'higher up' was

Well then Geoff -I believe the term is "peacocking" ha ha Clearly someone feeling insecure.

Geoff Hall I thought Milly Alcock was incredible in House of the Dragon. She brought so much depth and nuance to young Rhaenyra. Honestly, I was gutted when they time-jumped. Her performance was one of the most compelling parts of those early episodes.

It’s disheartening to hear how early doubt was placed on her shoulders. That kind of pressure, especially from someone in a high position, can shake even the most experienced actor’s confidence.

Ashley Renee Smith that’s good to hear, Ashley, about her stunning performance. I’m glad to hear that it didn’t seem to knock her confidence. Here’s to her resilience in the face of criticism.

Hi, geoff i had this whilst writing regeneration projects for areas that wish to bring jobs to their regions etc, I call it criticl analytsis on how one grows.

Hi, Justin Elijah. Stage 32 has Acting Education (www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Acting). You could watch them piece by piece when you have time.

Stage 32 also has Acting Blogs (www.stage32.com/blog/tags/acting-9).

And Stage 32 has a Job Board you could search for acting jobs that fit your schedule (www.stage32.com/find-jobs). Maybe on your day(s) off. The Job Boad is updated regularly.

There are a lot of gig jobs you can do, food delivery, catering, day labor, etc. Aaron Marcus has a YouTube channel and has posted in this lounge listing things you can do. I encourage you Justin Elijah to take some webinars and to scroll throw previous posts in this lounge.

Justin Elijah this is a difficult one to answer and I trust that you will make the right decision about whether to ditch the job or not. I think the resources and ideas already shared are helpful. I read of many brave-hearted individuals who go 'all in' with no Plan B. I understand this adds lots of fuel to your fire and gives you 110% drive to try and make it work. I think that is easier to do when you are young like you are so could be a good moment to try. On the other hand, going all-in and ditching the job can bring with it a lot of fear and anxiety so it all depends on what type of person you are and how much of that you can handle without it affecting your acting motivation, resilience and motivation. Personally I'm glad I have my non-acting job to fall back on which gives me security.

Hey Justin Elijah This is such a relatable crossroads that so many creatives face - the tension between financial security and career advancement. Your instinct that it might be time to take calculated risks shows you're thinking strategically about your long-term goals.

Before making the leap, consider these factors:

- Do you have 6-12 months of living expenses saved?

- Are there any freelance opportunities in your current field that could provide flexible income?

- Could you negotiate part-time or remote work with your current employer first?

- What specific classes/networking events are you missing that feel essential?

Alternative income streams that offer flexibility:

- Freelance work in your existing skill set

- Teaching/tutoring (often evening/weekend work)

- Gig economy work (driving, delivery) that you can schedule around opportunities

- Remote consulting in your area of expertise

- Part-time work in film/entertainment adjacent fields

Middle-ground approaches to consider:

- Taking unpaid leave for important opportunities

- Shifting to contract work in your current field

- Building your network through online classes and virtual events first

- Weekend workshops and evening networking events

The key question is: Are the opportunities you're missing truly essential for advancement, or could you build momentum through more flexible options first?

Sometimes the biggest risk is staying too comfortable for too long. But sometimes it's jumping without a safety net when a more strategic approach could get you there with less financial stress.

You are always worth the investment and it's never a risk when you bet on yourself! Try not to look at the whole picture and take it step by step. There is a joy and satisfaction that you feel when you are doing what you love and it's irreplaceable.

Leonardo Ramirez I heard really good things about the last one of these

It was awesome Alexandra Stevens. It's also a great place to forge new relationships.

I don't think I have ever felt over-rehearsed. I rehearse until I know my lines like the back of hand. Sometimes, we just run lines. I haven't improvised the before and after of the scene, I do like that idea. What I was taught in acting class was, spend time building the relationships of the characters. For example, if it's a romance scene, then my scene partner and I will go on a date. Get to know each other in a one on one setting, as our characters. If the scene is me and my bff, then we'll go on a girl date. Don't even have to do our lines, just spend time together in the context of our fictional relationship. If there are characters that are related, then sit down and have a family dinner. Then run the scene.

This is such a fantastic question, Alexandra Stevens. When I would be directing scenes in school, I noticed that over-rehearsal could sometimes lead to performances that felt a little too polished and stiff, like the spontaneity had been ironed out of the moment.

Some of the actors I worked with found it helpful to shake things up during rehearsal by changing the physical space or altering their movements and blocking, walking the scene, trying different emotional temperatures, or even switching objectives mid-run to find new discoveries.

Ashley Renee Smith I think that is a good point, trying to learn something new each time about the character by for example switching objectives is a way to keep things fresh

I agree @Ashley that over rehearsed is can make it seem unnatural. While I think it's important to rehearse in the actual space, there's ways to mix it up. I would suggest also, try a different activity I.e. if your character is knitting, make tea or change your objective.

What are some tips others have?

Hi, Alexandra. No sweat, thanks! Definitely. The film is about Henry Johnson, a member of the Harlem Hellfighters, American war hero of World War 1, and the struggles he dealt with after the war, racism, etc. Psyched to see it. Thank you regarding my craft. Got into storyboarding by people/clients who saw my work either in comic/sequential art or illustration. Since I know how to draw, and have some knowledge of film plus angle shots, I was able to get into the film industry by getting referrals or working with people. You have to know how to draw, but boards don’t have to be fully completed. They can be rough/loose in rendering. Something that a director can have as a foundation for the film project, preproduction. Also, watch tons of movies and study the styles of many film directors. Know perspective, lighting and framing. Thank you for asking and have a great weekend!

Hi Rich Terdoslavich thanks for giving me more details about your craft. You talk about so humbly but i'm in awe of the skill that must go into knowing perspective, lighting etc. I also guess you need good people skills to make the connections in the first place.

Hi, Alexandra. No sweat, anytime. Happy to write about the creative process. Thanks. I always drew since I was a kid and started learning about perspective, form/structure etc., when. I was a kid in art school. Over the years, learned more and more about it and try to watch and study the visual styles film/filmmakers, and talked to people in the comic book industry about the nuts and bolts of visual storytelling. Also, look at art, comics, illustration , paintings, photos etc. Study and learn composition. Networking is important too. It took me a long time to get to talk to people, but still learning. Cold calling can be challenging, but you do the best you can. Lately, people have been contacting me for film jobs or responding to emails. It’s a good feeling and you just have to keep going. Thank you for your positive comments and have a great day!

Rich Terdoslavich yes i imagine getting to the point where people contact you and respond to emails feels great. Testament to all the hard work and stepping out of your comfort zone paying off.

Definitely. But I still email clients, still do some cold calling, even network on Stage. Some people respond and some people don’t. Try to keep going forward. As you know too, working in the arts can be challenging, but you just have to keep going. Thank you for your positive comments and all the best. Have a great day and a great week!