Professional Development and Networking Blog Posts

New York City and Los Angeles are the hot spots for actors to live, because of access to live auditions, being a local hire where things are being made and being surrounded by a large community of other artists. These… Read More

In entertainment, networking is foundational in creating a successful acting career. Surrounded by talented peers and in an industry where visibility is paramount, strategic connections are key. This article explores essential, budget-friendly networking do’s and don’ts for actors. Navigating the… Read More

Have you ever pictured yourself playing a leading role or ever wondered how those on-screen personalities snagged their first big break? Here’s a hint: It wasn’t all about good looks or raw talent. Having spent years working on productions both… Read More

Lights up on…you! Your path to success—your hero’s journey—is just getting started, and it’s about to be a wild one. But whether you’re an experienced or new actor, the difference between getting your dream role or being another face in… Read More

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you no longer need actor training. Even if you have some natural talent and a decent resume, it is important to keep in mind that refining your skills helps push your… Read More

“Failure and its accompanying misery is for the artist his most vital source of creative energy.” —Montgomery Clift The Museum of Failure, which launched in Sweden, features a large assortment of products and services that flopped in the marketplace, such… Read More

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

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

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

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

You’ve prepared for your audition and are eager to perform as you enter the room, when out of the blue, casting asks you, “Tell me about yourself.” Don’t be caught off guard by this prompt; instead, be prepared to answer… Read More

The actor’s soul feeds on creativity, collaboration, and growth. When opportunities are hard to come by, even the most passionate of actors can feel stuck and discouraged. Knowing the entertainment industry is hit-and-miss and off-and-on, it’s important for performers to… Read More

Terry Knickerbocker, director of the two-year conservatory program Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn as well as his online acting classes, bases his instruction on the Meisner Technique. He has coached Vice’s Sam Rockwell, Shameless actress Emmy Rossum, Narcos actor Boyd… Read More

Konstantin Stanislavski once said, “The person you are is a hundred times more interesting than the best actor you could ever become.” Actors are often told to “be authentic” in their performances. Meisner-trained actors can bring their characters to life… Read More

“I think it’s my job to risk looking foolish. One of the things I’ve learned from the actors I’ve worked with is you don’t get something for nothing. If you don’t risk looking foolish, you’ll never do anything special.” —Ethan… Read More