Acting

Acting

Whether you’re an actor, voice actor, casting director or anyone else related to the profession of acting, this is the place to discuss, share content and offer advice and tips on technique, audition strategies, headshots and all other topics related to the sweet science of acting

Need an extra boost of inspiration before your next audition? Check out these tips from casting directors:

Bring something different. Casting Directors sift through countless hours of auditions over the course of a day, and it’s a good idea to liven things up with a different approach if you can find...

Expand post

Need an extra boost of inspiration before your next audition? Check out these tips from casting directors:

Bring something different. Casting Directors sift through countless hours of auditions over the course of a day, and it’s a good idea to liven things up with a different approach if you can find one.

Avy Kaufman encourages it: “It is so much fun when an actor brings something that I didn’t think of and that the creative team probably didn’t think of, most likely. It’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, you just nailed it.’ the thing is, I want people to be great, so when they surprise us and do something that wows us, it’s very exciting.”

Your life experiences help. CD April Webster urged auditioning actors to “have a rich and full life. What you bring to the table are the experiences you have had. It’s what makes you unique.”

Casting directors are rooting for you.

Carmen Cuba, whose instincts for actors shaped pop culture with “Stranger Things,” wants actors to feel comfortable and at-ease in the audition room even if it’s a Zoom: “I think we are all just doing our best, and when our paths cross it is with the shared objective of success on both our parts of getting the role cast. That is all they need to know, really: that I’m definitely taking the time to be present with them because I think they have a shot at either the thing they are auditioning for or something in the future that they don’t know about.”

Kaufman feels the same way: “It means a lot to us to make it a space to feel comfortable. You can expect to be treated well. We’re sensitive to the audition process.”

#actor #audition #casting #director

When you just start your acting career and begin to navigate the unknown maze that is your options for acquiring skills as an actor, you really need all the encouragement and support you can get. This, of course, applies to your friends and family foremost because they are your trusted loved ones wh...

Expand post

If you feel as though everyone you know is negative and just plain doesn’t “get it,” then take a moment and see your choice to become an actor from your family and friends’ perspectives. An attorney, a doctor, an accountant, or another mainstream occupation is more acceptable than what they perceive a struggling artist’s life to be, schlepping from audition to audition unpaid and having to attend classes in order to hone your skill set. Your spouse probably sees your decision to be without the proper consideration for your collective future together.

One of the best ways to deal with possible negativity from your family is to try and understand that they really do have your best interests at heart, and their intentions are good.

When your parents or significant other responds to you with anything other than, “Don’t worry. You’ll book the next role,” or “Hey, can I help in any way for your next audition?” simply display that you’re being responsible and earning a living doing something while pursuing your acting career.

If they do see that you are completely immersed in this career and are busy with every opportunity in moving forward then that shows you are to be taken at your word and they should see your commitment to your craft.

Whatever the outcome of your specific relationships, always think positively and embrace the challenges and adventures as you navigate your way as an actor. This is a truly exciting and invigorating process. You can be a part of evoking emotion from strangers as they sit in front of their TVs or in an audience by making them cry, laugh, get angry, and be entertained. You can make them forget everything for just a moment. Now that is worth more than you know.

#actors #support

View all All comments

Jack Binder

6
6 people like this
4 months ago

For one, I'd approach his manager or the producer you mentioned. They will want to see your track record, or your partners with a track record. If they show any interest they might wish to see a pitch...

Expand comment

Maureen Mahon

8
8 people like this
4 months ago

Dwayne Pagnotto, I generally approach talent through their manager, rather than their agent. Managers tend to be friendlier. You just tell them that you're producing a TV series called, (whatever it's...

Richard "RB" Botto

Great advice Maureen Mahon & Jack Binder!...

Ashley Renee Smith

Maureen Mahon is absolutely right! The management company that I worked at for years had a policy of not even continuing the conversation if the financing wasn't in place because we couldn't approach...

Sam Sokolow

7
7 people like this
4 months ago

I also agree with Maureen Mahon & Jack Binder - managers are way better to approach than agents with projects at this phase - if you don't have other elements attached or financing, letting them know...

Matthew Cornwell

3
3 people like this
4 months ago

Lindbergh E Hollingsworth yes, the solution will eventually present itself. I appreciate your comments, your wisdom, and the debate it created.

Leonardo Ramirez

2
2 people like this
- Suzanne Bronson
- Maurice Vaughan
4 months ago

I'm trying to wrap my head around this Matthew Cornwell so please forgive the inexperience. But if Atlanta pays an LA actor a higher wage, what would be the pay if the actor is from a "lesser" market...

Leonardo Ramirez to clarify, Atlanta is not the one paying. These are LA-based productions who choose to fly in LA-based talent (first class), pay for nice hotels, travel to/from set, and per diem. Th...

That does help Matthew Cornwell. Thanks for taking the time to clarify. That is an awful practice.

Caroline Gray

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
4 months ago

Yeah, I hear you! ( hello from Toronto ✨)

Maurice Vaughan

Great strategy, Aaron Marcus!

Aaron Marcus

Thank you, Maurice.

2
2 people like this
- Ashley Renee Smith
- Benjamin Elliott
4 months ago

You're welcome, Aaron Marcus.

Omari Washington

Well said Aaron Marcus

Thank you, Omari. Are you currently working with an agent?

4
4 people like this
4 months ago

Invaluable advice as always, Tammy Hunt! Thank you!

Excellent advice - and inspiration, Tammy Hunt - its so valuable to know that casting directors want you to feel comfortable and confident. It's not a trap - it's an opportunity to explore your craft...

Sydney S

2
2 people like this
- Tammy Hunt
- Maurice Vaughan
4 months ago

Wonderful advice, thanks for sharing Tammy :)

Great advice!

Thats one of my all-time favs as well, Pat Alexander!

Brigitte Millar

How sad, such an amazing talent...irreplaceable

Katia Reed

He truly was a Star. RIP

It was truly a legend! R. I. P.

Meant to say he was truly a legend. R. I. P.

2
2 people like this
- Ashley Renee Smith
- Tamika Gemini Marley
4 months ago

Hi, Tamika Gemini Marley. Just wanted to let you know the body text of your post shows up in the Stage 32 app but not the web browser. I'm guessing you wrote the post in the app, so you might need to...

Tamika Gemini Marley

2
2 people like this
- Ashley Renee Smith
- Maurice Vaughan
4 months ago

Thank you

You're welcome, Tamika Gemini Marley.

Hey Tamika, checkout https://www.standingroomonly.tv/.

Jacob Hayward

Wow! Thanks for sharing this Tammy Hunt it's right on time and really touching as my Mom just recently dismissed my creative endeavors and asked "Can you make money doing that?" Thanks again! You've h...

Suzanne Bronson

5
5 people like this
4 months ago

I always got the response from my parents and teachers, "You need a back up plan." Of course my acting teachers were the opposite. "If you have a plan B than you're not 100% committed to acting and you should not do it."

I love that you're talking about this and providing some perspective, Tammy Hunt. It can be a hard road to walk and many don't have unconditional support from those around them who worry about the dif...