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Memorable Actor-on-Actor Advice
Jack Nicholson once said, “I hate giving advice, because people won’t take it.” Well, here are some actors that certainly did appreciate the advice of their acting colleagues. In fact, they never forgot their words of wisdom. Here are a… Read More
Emmy-Winning Casting Director Ellen Lewis on Casting
Casting director Ellen Lewis is responsible for casting a steady stream of iconic films throughout her legendary career. The Chicago native won Emmy Awards for her work on “The Queen’s Gambit,” “Boardwalk Empire,” and “Angels in America,” and she frequently… Read More
How to Create Complex Characters
People are complicated. They can feel a wide range of emotions at once while still managing to get through their day. This is what actors seek to explore and express in their dynamic characters. When done well, a compelling performance… Read More
Audition Tips From Casting Director Lucy Bevan
Acclaimed casting director Lucy Bevan boasts a long and impressive casting resume, which includes “The Batman,” “Belfast,” “Cruella,” “Maleficent,” “Cinderella,” “Jungle Book,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Based in London, Bevan selects talent for British independent films, theater, and television,… Read More
Celebrated Actors Perform for Eric Bogosian’s ‘100 (Monologues)’
Ethan Hawke, Peter Dinklage, Winona Ryder, Sam Rockwell, Natasha Lyonne and many more. In 2014, playwright-novelist-actor Eric Bogosian published a book titled “100 (monologues),” featuring a collection of monologues he had originally performed as part of his six off-Broadway solo… Read More
Casting Director Carmen Cuba Discusses ‘Stranger Things’ Auditions
Addicted fans have been watching “Stranger Things” for five seasons, absorbing all the creepy happenings occurring in the fictitious town of Hawkins in the 1980s. There was no certainty it would turn into the hit it has become, but with… Read More
5 Actors Who Overcame Adversity in Their Personal Lives
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
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
10 Celebrated Actors Share Acting Advice
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
3 Meisner Technique Basics
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
Body Language Expert, Ex-FBI Agent Joe Navarro Reveals How to Project Confidence
As actors, you put yourselves out there with every audition. That takes real courage! When you project confidence during those moments, it not only helps you feel more positive, but it also signals to casting executives that you’re competent and… Read More
Natalie Portman’s Acting Tips for Aspiring Actors
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
Casting Directors on Actor Reels
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
Audition Do’s and Dont’s
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
Actors on Self-Care
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
