Jennifer Aniston and Sebastian Stan on the Benefits of Nerves
Some actors make acting look easy. The popular star Jennifer Aniston boasts a prolific career with hits like “Friends” and “The Morning Show,” as well as her work in films like “The Good Girl,” “Office Space,” and “Cake.” Sebastian Stan… Read More
Empathizing with Your Character
The father of individual psychology, Alfred Adler, once described empathy as “seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.” Doesn’t that sound like the job description of an actor?… Read More
Casting Director David Rubin on Actor Idiosyncrasies
In a PBS News Hour interview, casting director David Rubin, who also serves on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, shares insights about casting. Rubin’s prolific resume includes an impressive list of box-office… Read More
4 Practices to Avoid with a Scene Partner
You never know who your next scene partner will be, whether it be in a commercial, film, television show, the theater, or in class. But no matter who you work with next, you’ll be expected to communicate effectively, collaborate artistically,… Read More
Tyler Perry’s Inspirational Commencement Speech
Tyler Perry shared several personal stories about pivotal people that helped shape his life and career. During a commencement speech at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, the actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and billionaire said, “Most dreams do not appear in… Read More
9 Famous Actors on the Role Their Fathers Played in Their Careers
In the spirit of Father’s Day, here are some celebrated actors who’ve shared stories, and some of the valuable lessons they’ve learned from their dads. Richard Jenkins He may have kept you laughing as Dr. Robert Doback in “Step Brothers,”… Read More
Juggling Self and Character
“Act the part and you will become the part.” –the late 19th-century philosopher and psychologist William James Acting is a rather mysterious form of art. When actors try to define the craft of acting, they’re sure to give creative and… Read More
Evoking Emotion with the Heller Approach
Brad Heller is a Los Angeles-based acting coach who has run The Heller Approach Professional Acting Studio since 1995. Brad is the founder of The Heller Approach, which teaches scene analysis, scene study, cold reading, audition technique, improv techniques, and… Read More
The Power of Stillness in Acting
The “Actor’s Foundry” webinar led by master teacher Matthew Harrison delves into the topic of stillness in acting. Stillness, in this context, goes beyond simply not moving while in frame, but is more so defined as internalizing the character’s emotions… Read More
9 Audition Tips from Michael Shurtleff
Michael Shurtleff was a major force in casting on Broadway shows during the 1960s and 70s. His casting work includes “Chicago” and “Becket,” as well as the films “The Graduate” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Shurtleff’s instruction on auditioning has been… Read More
Competing as an Actor
It’s hard, if not impossible, to avoid competitive feelings when you’re an actor. When auditioning, you compete with a seemingly endless sea of thespians for the same role. In the not-so-long-ago “olden” days, you’d find yourself gathered in a waiting… Read More
Ivana Chubbuck on the Chubbuck Technique
The Chubbuck Technique is a 12-step method used by performers, writers, and directors alike across the globe in their quest to bring life to their characters. The premier acting teacher Ivana Chubbuck created the process, and she details each step… Read More
Tips From Acting Coach Suzanne Shepherd
Renowned New York City acting teacher and coach Suzanne Shepherd studied with Sanford Meisner, and her former students include Gregory Hines, Christopher Meloni, Helen Slater, Joan Allen, and Bebe Neuwirth. Shepherd is also a working actress herself, and has appeared… Read More
4 Actors Who Had No Plan B
Sylvester Stallone once famously said, “Plan B. You’ve always got to have a Plan B.” This career approach certainly worked out well for the “Rocky” star, but not everybody follows that advice. In fact, some actors strongly oppose the idea… Read More
4 Actors on the Longevity of Their Careers
No two actors are alike, nor are their career paths. Robert Downey Jr.’s journey is very different from Morgan Freeman’s, which is very different from Meryl Streep’s. With so much variation, it becomes clear that there are a number of… Read More
The Advice Casting Directors Gave Actors Early in Their Careers
Insights that others have about actors can be encouraging, or they can sting a bit as well. But those keen perceptions take on a greater significance when coming from those who hold the keys to an actor’s career. Here are… Read More
