Acting Career Blog Posts

An aspiring actor might consider working as a background actor, also known as an extra, to gain valuable on-set experience, meet new people and to receive a paycheck. But what should one expect while doing background work?   Looking for… Read More

“To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.” —Denzel Washington While working toward a goal, it can be helpful to hear inspirational advice from others who’ve gone before us. Words of wisdom from the… Read More

There is a saying: “The most valuable lessons aren’t taught. They’re experienced.” In a “Film Courage” series of interviews, several working actors recount lessons they learned from audition experiences at pivotal points in their lives. The performers include Chad Lindberg… Read More

Cate Blanchett is set to be honored at the 47th Chaplin Award Gala later this month at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. She will be celebrated for her work as an internationally acclaimed actor, producer, artistic director, and humanitarian.  The… Read More

Casting veteran Paul Weber has two decades’ worth of experience in the industry. The Los Angeles-based casting director started as an actor, touring with the California Shakespeare Festival before being mentored by casting director Michael Shurtleff, a major force in… Read More

When new to acting, it can take some time before you understand the many industry terms that are thrown around. As much as possible, it’s helpful to learn the audition terminology before jumping in the game. Pretty soon, you’ll feel… Read More

Paul Weber is a Los Angeles-based casting director who has cast over 75 features and shows over the past 20 years in the industry. He’s worked with many networks and studios, and most prominently, served as executive in-house head of… Read More

Casting director Mike Lush recently shared valuable tips for talent aspiring to be cast in reality television shows. As a top casting director in the genre, Lush is always on the lookout for shining and remarkable personalities to be featured… Read More

Life experience is an invaluable resource for actors, as it informs and enriches their performances. And among those life experiences are the jobs that performers hold outside of acting. Here are seven actors and the ways they earned a living… Read More

What if you were asked to play yourself on the silver screen or stage? Would that sound like a blast right from the start or would you be a bit skeptical, needing to investigate the project with caution? Here are… Read More

“You have the power to change your thoughts, and your thoughts have the power to change your life.” So said the author Ron Willingham. Sometimes it’s a person’s pattern of thinking that leads to eventual success in life or with… Read More

What inspires you most, whether it provides direction for a specific role or your career in general, is likely to lead to your success. Or as the award-winning writer Geoff Thompson says, “Whatever inspires you fires you.” Here are six… Read More

Casting directors gravitate toward their job out of a love and appreciation for actors. They’re also quick to assure performers that they’re rooting for their career success. Casting directors are constantly keeping up with their knowledge of actors and performances… Read More

Most performers — drama school graduates and seasoned acting veterans alike — have demo reels to promote themselves to industry professionals. Reels showcase your unique personality, look, and brand. They also document your best on-camera performances to date and display… Read More

With the shift to online auditions in recent years, you’ve dedicated yourself to mastering the various aspects of the digital format — purchasing equipment, learning the technical know-how, and setting up a designated space at home. Making sure you can… Read More