Acting

Their relationship is heartwarming. What resonated with me is when Spike Lee talks about deciding to cast A$AP Rocky. 'human beings give off energy and as a director you need to be receptive to the energy they give off and think, 'can they play the part'. Love it!

Thanks for sharing the video, Pat Alexander. It's a fun, educational conversation! I could watch Spike Lee and Denzel Washington talk for hours. It's a must-watch video for actors, directors, and others in the industry!

Hey everyone, here’s something I want to share on this topic. I just saw this movie last week at a theater in Westwood, Los Angeles CA. Instead of watching it on Apple TV+, I decided to experience the film as intended to be seen by the filmmaker. I refuse to let the sacred space of the cinema to become an afterthought. Here’s really a cool ticket stub I received from the cinema.

Likewise Ponce Deleon Movies are better in theaters. Until I have a 70 foot TV in my house, I'll always support the movie theaters

Thank you for sharing Pat Alexander

Fantastic conversation Pat Alexander Thank you for sharing it.

Alexandra Stevens He had a real gift for bringing quiet intensity to his roles without ever overpowering the story. I also admired how much he did off-screen to support independent voices through Sundance. His impact on the industry will be felt for generations.

Robert Redford has so many good movies. I would have loved to work with him. I like the camaraderie between him and Paul Newman in BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID. Redford is one of those actors you don't catch acting.

Alexandra Stevens He was a visionary, an honest, authentic artist, whose inner and outer beauty I always admired, had such a crush on him always, and he supported and championed those coming up, those unrepresented voices, those who may have been overlooked, with his festival, now I welcome and hold dear in my heart, the Sundance Film Festival.

I don't think I understand the question Brittany Christine Do you mean how many film festivals did yo attend in one year, or how much of a oarticular film festival did you participate in? How many screenings and speaking events?

Brittany Christine i've yet to do one but it is one of my dreams to attend one.

Suzanne Bronson a film fest run as an actress is when you’re promoting a film you’re in, example: the longest I have ever done for my own projects is 3months, for others one year, but I just met a filmmaker yesterday that’s been doing his for 3 years in hopes of getting picked up by a distributor or streaming network if that makes sense :)

(P.S. Got any newbie actress tips? Sharethem below. I’m sharing virtual flowers for all advice!)

Plot twist

Will I go? Uhm, it must be a miracle. Because with my CPTSD sometimes making life feel like a script with too many plot holes, showing up is its own kind of courage. It’s not just an ingredient in my life—it’s the raw, unfiltered spice that makes the story mine. To stand on that stage, in someone else’s lines, is to belt out, like Shirley Bassey in her iconic song, This Is My Life!—every scar, every stumble, every triumph. Curtain Closed.

Congratulations on taking your first leap as an actress, Yvonne Padmos! I'm excited for you!

"Here’s the kicker: what if your flaws are the exact spark a story needs?" and "Sometimes you need that ride to see what really holds. Am I ready? Nope. Am I diving in? yeah. Because if you never step out of your bubble, you miss the best plot twist: rediscovering yourself in a stranger’s script." Great points, and you're right!

I suggest checking out the Acting Blogs (www.stage32.com/blog/tags/acting-9) and Acting Education (www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Acting).

I hope you have a great time and make connections at Marbella International Film Festiva! I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes!

Congrats, Yvonne.

I won’t be going to Marbella, but I never miss the festival in Málaga in the spring.

I acted in a feature shot in the Andalusian mountains above Marbella in July, in Gaucín. It’s in post-production now.

As a director, as well, I don’t want incredible acting. I want credible acting. In fact, it should not feel like acting; it should feel like “being”… in the moment.

And the single best way to achieve that, in my view, is to listen. When you’re in the scene, listen to your other character(s). Your next line should come from an emotional place like you’re hearing that previous line for the first time. Listen, feel, respond, listen again.

Good luck with your adventures. Maybe we meet in Andalucía pronto.

Yvonne Padmos i feel really excited for you and also hear your fear. I admire your courage and willingness to show up despite your CPTSD or perhaps because of your CPTSD. I agree our flaws can also be our spark (if we have healed enough that we can connect with inner safety). You go you! I'll be cheering from the sidelines.

Suzanne Bronson Sweet! I didn't act at all until high school. Then I won a scholarship to Morehead State University in Ky but I joined the Marine Corps instead. Worked my way back around 30 some odd years later! Lol!

Brandon Keeton so inspired and impressed by your firsts which are testament to your talent and courage. May they keep flowing!

Wow, Brandon Keeton, what a beautiful collection of milestones. It’s incredible how each “first” carries a different kind of magic, and your journey is such a great reminder of why we keep showing up for the work.

My favorite first was the moment a writer and producer I had respected since I was young thanked me for my script notes on a project we were developing. They told me my suggestions were truly helpful, and honestly, it was the best feeling in the world. That moment of being seen and valued for my creative input stayed with me.

Those firsts are the building blocks of something really meaningful.

Ashley Renee Smith Just letting someone know that they are appreciated for their efforts is one of the leadership tools one can use to keep people on the team and working. Everyone loves a little pat on the back once in a while.

So true, Brandon Keeton!

Thanks for this Ryan OL . How did you know Peter Frisch? I wasn't aware of him up till now but just researched him a little. He sounds inspiring. You mention many aspects of. his teaching you appreciated. What would you say was the biggest way he influenced your acting?

I do not specifically remember first meeting Peter, but his impact on my work has been transformational, as expected, because he advocates an 'imaginative transformational' approach, based on his 'Trinity Prep' techniques, encompassing the best of the greatest, seasoned with unsurpassed knowledge form his extensive career during the formative era of cinematography and TV/Film over preceding decades...

...

I wish I could answer this question Ashley Renee Smith Unfortunately, I don't have any recent experience or enough experience to answer this. I would love to play someone like that. I have had plenty encounters with real life people like that.

I've never roleplayed, but if I could I would love to, thanks for sharing Ashley.

Sorry to hear that happened, Matthew Gross. You're right. Your health matters—even when the cameras are rolling. Health and safety above everything else. Congratulations on the role!

I am glad you found a work around Matthew. I hope it works out for you. Yes, that is something to think about especially if you have long days on set. Unfortunately, the film industry isn't the most flexible when it comes to working around people's health, even if you are one of the stars of the show. Jennifer Esposito has been very outspoken about this topic. She has celiac disease, and says that is why she was fired from Blue Bloods.

When I did extra work, I would take granola bars, or anything I could put in my pocket from crafty to set because often times you are sitting on set for hours. They would give you bottled water, you can hide items under your chair. Extras are always sneaking bites between takes. haha

Matthew Gross sorry to hear about that episode and glad you have found a work-around. Not the same but I remember last year I was doing online acting classes which lasted 3 hours and I was pregnant with gestational diabetes. The teacher was understanding but I had to break away from training at times to test my blood sugar or have a snack

Matthew Gross Thank you so much for sharing this; it’s such an important reminder. The demands of production can be so intense that we sometimes forget we can and should advocate for our health needs. I’m really glad you’re okay and taking steps to protect yourself moving forward. I hope this post helps others in our community feel more empowered to speak up or plan ahead.

Jennifer Ford what a great pick! I love the sassiness and energy rolling off the computer screen as I read this. Could be a great opportunity to play with authority, frustration, and underlying compassion all at once. I absolutely loved Breaking Bad. Don't get me started on "Better Call Saul' as I would no doubt binge watch too. Would love to see your version of it one day

Hi Jennifer! It's awesome you connected with the piece, if you want to practice it for yourself, but I don't recommend putting it in a reel. For reels, I suggest using a piece from a play, or a monologue from a novel or something. It's not a good idea to recreate scenes from well known movies or tv shows, as the casting directors, et al will just be comparing you to the actor who did the original part and you don't want that. It's better to use unfamiliar pieces for reels.

I do like Better Call Saul but haven't finished the series. I constantly stop and get distracted elsewhere. I got to the early episodes of season 4 last time I believe.

If you want another brilliant and strong female character, look no further than Maggie Siff as Wendy Rhodes in Billions. The character is one of my favourites in the series next to Axelrod and Mike Waxman. Some of the confrontations between Rhodes and Axelrod when her husband investigates his hedge fund, are so awesome.