Casting Frontier Blog

Albert Mehrabian is famous for his research on verbal and nonverbal cues, namely his findings known as the 7%-38%-55% rule. As a professor emeritus of psychology at UCLA, his research suggests that, generally speaking, body language accounts for a whopping… Read More

Tom Hanks is masterful at performing both comedic and dramatic roles as well as many shades and hues in between—think “Splash,” “Philadelphia,” “Forrest Gump,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Road to Perdition,” “Sully” and all the way up to his recent role… Read More

Charisma is often misunderstood to be sort of a magical quality that a person is born with. But controlled laboratory experiments have shown that a person’s level of charisma can be modified by simply incorporating specific charismatic behaviors. Some individuals… Read More

The dictionary states “joy” is “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” But what exactly is joy from an actor’s perspective? Here are a few quotes from a variety of actors who give us a glimpse as to how this… Read More

If a film or TV show is excellent in all aspects — great script, fantastic sets and costumes, breathtaking lighting and music — but the performances are subpar, the production will only go so far. The quality of acting is… Read More

Acting veteran Christine Baranski received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Actress – Drama Series for her performance in the legal drama “The Good Fight.” The series, which has been renewed for a sixth season, is a spin-off and… Read More

“Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.” —Harper Lee To achieve success in the entertainment industry, a performer needs to overcome a few, if not multitudes of obstacles along the way. Some lessons are learned the hard way—through… Read More

What makes a great scene partner? Great scene partners are dedicated to the craft and come prepared. They bring enthusiasm for the project, communicate well, and actively listen. These actors know when it’s time to shine and when to let… Read More

You’ve heard the phrase, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” That’s particularly true in the casting world. Described as a calling card into the business, headshots are an actor’s most important marketing tool. After all,… Read More

There’s no one quite like Christopher Walken. With his unusual speaking manner, fresh take on body language, and command over his characters, the New York native keeps audiences captivated whether they’re disturbed, frightened, or laughing. How does he do it? … Read More

Working a regular job, going on auditions, and being on set… it can be hard for actors to find time to learn new skills. But the importance of acquiring additional abilities can’t be underestimated, because each new skill an actor… Read More

Commercials are a great way for actors to break into the entertainment industry. Although they might not seem like the most glamorous part of the biz, commercials allow performers to earn income as they work to expand their careers in… Read More

Casting directors consistently rank confidence as one of the most important attributes that a performer can exhibit in the audition room. Confident actors showcase authenticity and ease in their words, movements, and actions. Ultimately, confidence leads to more booked jobs… Read More

Imagine watching “The Graduate,” but instead of Dustin Hoffman playing Benjamin Braddock, there’s Robert Redford or Harrison Ford in his place. Imagine Will Smith rather than Keanu Reeves portraying Neo in “The Matrix.” And it can feel like an alternate… Read More

What makes an actor outstanding in his or her abilities? Ken Rea with Guildhall School of Music & Drama has taught performers for over three decades, and he’s gained insights as to what approaches reap the greatest rewards. In his… Read More

Whether he plays a stay-at-home dad, hard-working cop, bad-mannered zombie, washed-up actor, coke addict, or psychotic tenant, Keaton is like a chameleon when it comes to acting. He burst into Hollywood with his performance as the frenetic Bill Blazejowski in… Read More