Auditing in Friendly Casting Office!

Auditioning at some casting directors offices can be like stepping into a Volcano that spits out hot fire, shakes and erupts with molten lava sparks. No matter how hot, you must remain calm, cool and confident under this pressure. Did I forget to mention there are alot of other actors in the room who think they have the role in their pocket and are not effected by the 8. quake that just happened.

Things like, did you read all 7 mini signs in the parking post start to swirl around in your head as you wait your turn to audition. "Was it 1 hour before 6pm or was that only on Sunday?" Do you know your lines, what is the motive of your character? No. What is your characters objective? What is your relationship to the other character? Shit. I haven't been in a relationship in awhile and now I have to imagine the pain of this guy cheating on me. Okay, that should be easy. But will it look real? Audition is running late. "Am I going to get a parking ticket? The girl in the high heels is talking to casting director like they are best friends. Does she have the part? Maybe she knows the director.

Panic. What are my lines? Wait....I know my lines. I know my character. All I have to do is focus and connect. Believe my truth right in the moment. I walk to the little room with the camera and the reader is sitting patiently. The casting director is waiting while I go to the spot marked with red tape. I slate and read my scene. Ahhhhhh, yes. This is the most actor friendly office. What lovely casting directors. I get a adjustment for second part of scene which is articulate and said specific easy to understand acting terms. Great redirection. I nail the scene and I leave.

I leave feeling great. I did my job. I performed my scene and leave. Do you get the part? Maybe not. Maybe next time. Or this could be my turn. No matter what, it's always amazing to get to perform a well done scene. I get the prize when my talent shines and delivers. It's a wonderful day when your performance is well received.

I can't wait to get my next audition at this actor friendly office.

Sail Into Acting With A Great Head Shot

It's all in the eyes. A great photo is worth every cent you can save. Casting directors look at a tiny thumb nail photo. So your face is what will either make them click on you or pass you by. Give the casting directors a look that will say "yes".
I just shot with James at FailSafe Photography. Tell James I sent you (310)595-5906. James takes his time and he shoots like a dedicated professional. Every shot is important to him. He makes sure the lighting is great, your hair and your outfit! I felt I was with someone who wanted a great picture even more than I did. And that is priceless.
The only way to tell if you picture is good is the response it gets. Remember no hits (or calls) then change it up and shoot again. If you are getting calls then your photo is working for you.
Casting directors prefer you look like your photo. You can choose to look like you on a "good" day. You can be the best you look. Not too touched up, i.e. ultra glam and not too under done. Just like Goldie Locks your photo needs to be in the middle which is just right.
If you are a "character" actor go for the fun looks. If you are a strong drama actor give us the powerful intense look. If you are commercial gives us the real happy smile that radiates a wonderful you. Show off your best talent look. Know your look and what roles you will play is helpful.
Take the time to prepare for your shoot. Bring the business look, commercial and actor look in. No pastel colors. No stripes. No patterns. Do you homework. It will pay off.
I am excited to get my calls and can't wait for my call backs. Soon, I will be booking work and so will you.

Boast About Your Acting

Just took a fabulous acting intensive with Russel Boast. Russel casted '24' and is the most delightful casting director. Doesn't hurt that he has a very cool South Africa accent. He is now casting 'Franklin & Bash.'
Russel armed us with great tips and tricks of the trade. Some things were very clever and simple but these insider secrets were just enough to empower you to do excellent in your audition.
I took Russel's advice and slammed my next two auditions. The more confident you are the better you do in a read.
How do you get confident? Prepare, prepare and prepare. Although there are many times that you just don't get more than ten minutes to read for a casting director you still need to find a way.
Acting isn't just about reading the lines. It's making those words sound real while actually speaking to the other person as truthfully in the situation as possible.
TV acting is completely different than Film. TV is usually fast and quick while Film is slow and simple. And, stage of course is big. Aka, Broadway. Learn the different styles and use them to your advantage. Practice, practice, practice. Then forget what you did. Do not over prepare. It will throw you off just as not preparing will.
Take classes and take workshops. Tell The Net Work Studio that Marylin sent you. actorsupport@thenetworkstudio.com. Jenny is at 818.926.5977 Check them out to see which casting directors you'd love to study with.
At the end of the day, don't worry that your not a model or a teenager but whether you are working on your talent. Be brilliant at your craft and you will shine just as brightly as the other stars and maybe even more.