Blog Blog Posts

Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes, playing a poor hand well.” — Jack London Some actors found a way to overcome considerable adversity in their personal lives before finding a fuller sense of purpose and… Read More

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

As an actor, it can be challenging to figure out exactly where to best place your efforts. How can you fit into a certain type, yet stand out from the crowd? What are the most efficient ways to refine your… Read More

Sanford Meisner, one of the most respected and influential acting instructors of the 20th century, once described acting as “living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” The legendary drama teacher developed a system of exercises called the Meisner Technique that he taught… Read More

Actors put themselves on the line each and every audition. Projecting confidence during this courageous act not only helps the performer feel positively during the experience, but it conveys to the casting executives that the actor is competent and likely… Read More

Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman is among the group of actors who never attended a traditional drama school. Rather, she learned the craft through over two decades’ worth of hands-on experience, and she’s passed along several of the lessons and techniques… Read More

Have you ever wondered how important it is for actors to have demo reels? And what exactly are casting directors looking for when viewing them? While every casting director is unique and has a different work style, it can be… Read More

Whether it be an in-person or virtual audition, the objectives remain consistent. Exhibiting professionalism, flexibility, and a positive attitude, for instance, are among the essential qualities needed in both formats as these qualities demonstrate an actor is hirable. At commercial… Read More

Between caring for family members and pets, tending to work duties and chores, plus battling traffic, it can be a real challenge to find a moment of peace for yourself. When something’s gotta give, people often prioritize themselves last. Self-care… Read More

World-famous acting coach Margie Haber teaches actors to connect with their personal power and become creators. One aspect of her work is to help performers find their personal It factor. She’s taught and trained countless actors at her Margie Haber… Read More

“You spend years and years begging for an audition, and you cannot be seen or heard.” —Jessica Chastain Jessica Chastain’s impressive career seemed to blossom overnight—a relative Hollywood newcomer being cast alongside established actors like Helen Mirren and Brad Pitt…. Read More

Academy and Emmy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet boasts an eclectic resume, often portraying headstrong, complicated characters. She landed her first professional acting job at the age of 11 dancing in a cereal commercial. Now at the age of 46, the… Read More

What’s most important for aspiring talent to know before embarking on an acting career? Casting directors Diane Heery and Jason Loftus share an assortment of insights about the business and the life choice to become an actor during an interview… Read More

How well can you gauge if the audience is likely to laugh at your comedic performance? And how important is it that your work will be a hit? In a television comedy actor roundtable with The Hollywood Reporter, funnymen Michael… Read More

It’s an actor’s job to take scripted material and bring life to a character. That includes memorizing the dialogue and understanding the plot line. But that’s only half the work. An actor must also be able to search for deeper… Read More