Acting

Thanks for sharing the video, Florin Şumălan. It's a great video for actors, writers, and others to watch!

Great prompt @Ashley. I like writers who create relatable characters. This is why I'm such a fan of theater because I think female playwrights portray reality. I feel sometimes in television, writers are more abstract or unrealistic and trying to pander. Especially when it comes to writing female characters. That's 1 of the reasons why I love THE MARVELOUS MRS MAISEL The struggles of a female comic set in the sexist1960s made her an utterly relatable character even though its 50 years later. This is why we need more female writers in the writers room because only women can really write women.

Congratulations on all the work you've had, getting reps, and getting the rep you wanted, Brittany Christine! You're right. You never know what could happen. That's what I think about when I pitch a project or apply for a job.

That's interesting Ashley Renee Smith I've been told the opposite. While they do want you to know the lines, being completely off book for an audition is not expected or even necessary. It is ok to hold the sides, especially if you have a reader. Casting Directors don't want you to get distracted by trying to remember the lines and not delivering your best. The last thing you want to do is ask to start over because you forgot a line. Theater is never off book as you don't even get the sides until you show up, but you most certainly should have read the play.

Brittany Christine Thank you for sharing you outlook Brittany. Personally, I learned that 99.9999% of the time "Deferred" really means unpaid. My setting boundaries with projects as an actor - I strictly no exceptions - am offer only for any production that is student, deferred or unpaid. I only consider final year grad students. Still, I refuse to audition.

How did you I come to those decisions? I trained full time in LA and came home with MFA in early 2015 - self tapes were not a thing at that time and most of my castings were via eco-cast on Breakdown Services (AA). Since then, I have self taped approx and well over 1500 times. So these days, I only self tape on proper paying productions and only with an invitation. I have found that since taking my stand on offers only, my booking rate has gone through the roof. My rejection rate of requested auditions is 90% more than what I take on.

If they send me more than 4 pages, I elect to "go in a different direction"! Lol! Being on the Director/Producer side of things as well, I am of the opinion that, on the self submission side of things, if you can't see that I look the part and can act in three pages, that's a red flag for me. On the Agent side of things, none of my Agents have ever sent me anything more than three pages. I guess I'm following their lead on that one.

Morrison James you have inspired me, I am no longer going to do deferred auditions. I haven't in years, but I will occasionally when moving to a new city or needing new reel footage since the other alternative in LA is paying to shoot professional scenes at a studio if you don't have the clips you want to showcase your abilities from actual parts. I have never done that either, but know of a lot of friends that had great success from those as well. In the past when I had the time, I ended up making my own passion projects to showcase different characters to get footage rather than do someone else's deferred project or pay for a scene because then I was also getting writing, directing, casting, & producing experience too instead of just the clip :)

Brandon Keeton the character sides all up were 6! I could see the potential in the script and knew I could play the character well, but yes you're right, thats too big of an ask right out of the gate. Not a good sign that the writer/director values the talent's time/energy/skill level already. That's good to know about your agent too, this had come through one of mine in LA and I have since told them I am going in a different agency direction & to please remove me from their website.

Hey, Brandon Keeton. Congratulations on the audition! Hope you get the part! "Suck it up and do it" is what I tell myself when I don't feel like working on a script, networking, etc. By time I get done with whatever it is, I'm glad I made myself do it.

Yeah, it's like going to the gym. You don't want to do it but when it's finished, you're glad you did it.

Hi Brandon Keeton, Great to know you I know what you mean I´m an actor and sportsman. Sometimes it hapens I don´t feel like doing some exercise but I keep on pushing mysel to jump into. when I finish exercising I feel cosy and say to mysel, at las you have made it. The same way I do for same Auditions.

Brandon Keeton It’s such a perfect reminder of the chaos that comes with this creative life, and also why we choose it in the first place. That moment where you’re cursing under your breath but deep down feeling the spark of getting to do what you love… it’s real, and you captured it so well. And whether the tape books or not, you showed up, and that counts.

I have seen Brandon do last min auditions on the fly while we were traveling at film fests and he gives such a stress free natural performance, I am convinced he's like one of those guys in high school that doesn't study all wk for an exam but does the night before and nails the test haha

Must-watch video, Aaron Marcus!

Thanks Maurice. Hope a lot of people watch and learn from the video.

You're welcome, Aaron Marcus. I hope so too. Great video as always!

Thank you for sharing your tips Aaron Marcus I want to add to what you said, "that sometimes the casting director doesn't know what they are looking for until they see it." Yes, but sometimes even after the casting director casts you, the producer may override the decision and the CD has to start all over again. Keep in mind, not getting the part doesn't have anything to do with you. I agree, just have fun at the audition.

Thank you, Suzanne. Your comments help show us the realities of our industry. Thanks so much.

Absolutely, Mone't Bradley, you nailed it. Showing up, even on the days when the inspiration isn’t flowing, is what builds real momentum. Screenwriting asks so much of us emotionally and mentally, but those micro-goals, that quiet daily discipline, are what carry us through the valleys and eventually lead to finished pages and powerful stories.

Alexandra Stevens, Fifteen minutes a day may not feel like much in the moment, but that steady, focused effort builds into something really meaningful over time. Rooting for you as you prepare for your showcase. Sounds like you’re laying a strong foundation!

Aww thank you Ashley Renee Smith

Consistency. Making the time to do the work instead of waiting to find the time.

Take baby steps. As with any goal not just screenwriting. Set your intention then list what you need to accomplish that. Then take a baby step. Write one page. Send a DM to contact on Stage 32. Join Actor's Access. Read the trades. Go for a walk to get the creative juices flowing. I agree with Ashley Renee Smith Set aside 15 minutes a day. If that means getting up 15 minutes earlier just so you write before you day starts, do it.

That's awesome @maurice. It's similar to being asked by a director to audition based on prior relationship or our conversations on this site. It really is about "who you know." Which is true of conventional jobs too.

Sure. I'll give something simple yet very beneficial from an MBA background of ten+ years in business since I was 19.

Oversharing kills networks and turns crowds against you. You need to be what I call a neutral networker, meaning you are there to network and network only. You represent no politics in that moment, you represent no sports teams you usually like, nothing. You're just there with a childlike, likable curiosity when it comes to film and that's it. Nothing else.

Of course, if a person you're networking with drops a claim that they love your sports team, or the same politics you do, then that's you chance to come out of your shell a little and really relate to a stranger. But this is risky, as you could guess wrong, so it's usually best to wait for the other person to be the one oversharing about themselves.

Just be there as a person trying to get good at film with a childlike curiosity. Also, this applies to all industries, not just film. Film is a great example, though, because it's 99.9999% Democrat leaning. I mean if you have a real problem with their beliefs, then you might as well not be a filmmaker; I'm just being real.

Thank you for sharing Danny Range that is a good tip, not to overshare. I am so guilty of that in the work place. I have to remind myself to only answer the question asked, don't volunteer more information as one may inadvertently step in it. As I have done, many times. I might add to you "network and network only" DON' T GOSSIP. Don't share it, don't listen to it, don't participate. Politely excuse yourself from the conversation. Remember, if someone is gossiping TO you, then will soon be gossiping ABOUT you. This is especially true on set. More so if you're an extra. Use the downtime to ask other extras about their experience, etc.

Suzanne Bronson No worries. I'm the king of oversharing! We'd get along.

I'm still interested in hearing others' networking tips!

Alexandra Stevens, I love this question and I can’t wait to see everyone’s answers. From both a writer’s perspective and a viewer, I’m drawn to immersive storytelling. There’s nothing better than feeling like you’re truly inside the head of a character and can rationalize their feelings and actions because they’re so fully realized and human.

Hi, Alexandra Stevens. I like how they handled June's internal monologue in The Handmaid's Tale. I've been thinking about using an internal monologue in a script. It can be an entertaining way to reveal things to the audience if done right.

Sometimes Alexandra Stevens when developing a character, I will keep a journal as that character regarding the circumstances of the play,. Also, developing a character bio like my favorite childhood memory, my favorite color, my childhood best friend, memories with the characters, etc.

Alexandra Stevens when I was in High School, I was an outsider, didn't feel like I fit anywhere and then I encountered theater. Theater changed something inside of me. It showed me that I could be someone I always wanted to be or someone that felt dangerous to be and that was exhilarating. I love it because it allows us to be ourselves without much interference from outside influence, thus letting me be who I am, free to be me.

William Walker this is interesting. and you don’t feel as free in front of a film camera?

I don't feel as free in front of a camera as there is an expectation put upon you, or at least in my experience, that is more to do with what others want and what feels like less of what you, as the actor portraying the role, wants. Of course this is just from my personal experience.

William Walker, as Head of Community here at Stage 32, I just want to say, welcome, and thank you for committing to the awkwardness with the rest of us! You’re in good company. We’re all a little weird here, and that’s what makes this place so great.

I grew up in community theater and I truly wouldn’t be who I am today without it. It gave me a foundation not just as a creator, but as a person. Theater folks know how to show up for each other, and I love that you’re here connecting with fellow actors.

I am with you William Walker Theater is my first love. There is nothing like performing live, the adrenaline rush. The bond you form with the other actors. I don't have the same experience with film as the camera is in your face, you have to dial back your physicality, and a lot of times, the other actors aren't even in the scene with you.

I auditioned for Macbeth and my Lady Macbeth gave the casting people chills. I didn't get a callback for the stage run, but they did call me back for the tour. I didn't get cast in that either. But I am proud of my audition, and I guarantee if I audition for another production they will remember me. My ego of course wants to know who beat me out.

That’s such a powerful story, Suzanne Bronson. And a perfect example of how a strong audition can leave a lasting impression, even if you don’t book the role. It’s so validating to hear casting say your performance gave them chills, and you’re absolutely right, they will remember you. The ego always wants answers (mine too!), but the artist in you showed up and made your mark. That’s the part that builds the path forward.