Acting Career Blog Posts
Mark W. Travis on Interrogating a Character
In a Travis International Film Institute webinar, Mark W. Travis both demonstrates and explains his director-centered approach designed to efficiently generate organic and authentic performances from actors. The Travis Technique utilizes an interrogation process that peppers characters with a series… Read More
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Casting Calls in 2024
The entertainment industry is always changing, starting with how you audition for roles. While in-person auditions still occur in some capacity, self tape auditions are the norm. This has opened up more audition opportunities for actors everywhere. Thespians can not… Read More
Brad Pitt’s Acting Career Insights
Brad Pitt teased about his potential retirement from acting not so long ago, saying he’s on the “last leg” of his acting career, so let’s look back at the two-time Oscar-winning actor’s journey. Pitt landed his first roles in the… Read More
Insights from ‘Gilmore Girls’ Casting Director Jill Anthony Thomas
Industry powerhouse Jill Anthony Thomas has been casting for thirty years with a specialty in comedy. The Los Angeles-based casting director’s work includes the feature film “Best in Show,” as well as the television shows “Gilmore Girls,” “King of the… Read More
How to Use Casting Frontier’s Agent and Talent Finder Tools
Whether you’re an actor looking for an agent or a talent representative seeking fresh faces for your roster, you can find it within Casting Frontier. When you click into your profiles, you’ll find our Agent Finder and Talent Finder tools…. Read More
Meisner Instructor Jim Jarrett on Setbacks and Insecurities
That which hinders your task is your task.” — Sanford Meisner Setbacks are part of acting and, indeed, a part of life. Just as there are times for advancement and celebration, there are moments of pause and reflection. Acting instructor… Read More
Casting Insights From Superhero Casting Director Sarah Finn
Award-winning casting director Sarah Finn has cast over a hundred feature films in every genre. She’s most recognized for casting the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting in 2006 with “Iron Man.” In addition to a steady flow of superhero blockbusters… Read More
3 Tips from Acting Coach Howard Fine
The highly sought-after acting coach Howard Fine is famous for his keen insights and practical approach to the craft of acting. Over the past three decades, the Los Angeles-based instructor has led a bounty of actors to international acclaim, including… Read More
Casting Professionals Weigh in on What Makes a Successful Actor
What are the qualities that make an actor more likely to succeed in the field? With their unique vantage points, experts in the industry have seen over the course of years the personal qualities that impact an actor’s ability to… Read More
Advice Actors Would Give to Their Younger Selves
“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” — Roy T. Bennett While pursuing their creative aspirations in the entertainment industry, performers must face endless challenges head-on. Along every step… Read More
What Directors Want From Actors
From a director’s point of view, how important is casting to a project percentage-wise? “Les Miserables” director Tom Hooper and “Zero Dark Thirty” director Kathryn Bigelow agree: “One hundred percent.” “That’s number one. And everything else underneath,” says “There Will… 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
How Competitive is the Acting Industry?
The acting industry is exciting, fun and rewarding for performers. It’s also a competitive industry. When auditioning, you compete with a seemingly endless sea of thespians for the same role. Some actors find it daunting. Others revel in competition. You… 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
