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Self Tape Wksp Didn't Happen. by Erik McKay  •  last post Aug 7th

Is this common for Stage 32 not to refund for a workshop that didnt take place?? Not asking for a friend!! An email from Stage 32 was sent on July 19 that Kym Jackson was scheduled to teach a self tape workshop on July 30 at 1PM PST which I leave on the East Coast, so of course Live Streamed. I work nights with my little old pay my rent job. So I have adjusted my schedule to take the workshop at 4PM EST even to sign on 5 mins before. I noticed the during the waiting time it noted a class being held August 22, which I won't even be in town, I know what date I signed up for, I keep signing in and out. I checked my email for the date, July 30 CHECK! I looked in my email for the original email Kym Jackson JULY 30, CHECK! I search for any additional emails for date change, NOTHING! i contacted Stage 32. Sent my proof of the email, I hear from Brandy (never met), and this is after looking for phone numbers, even googling the address which is only used as a business address, not an actual place...I am a NYer boogie down and I been in this game long before Stage 32 ever existed, so yeah Spider Senses high alert!! So I hear from Brandy via email, she tells me there are NO REFUNDS!?! So what Stage 32 penalized me for their F'up!?! 4 days later Brandy reachs out after I sent 4 more emails with the screenshot of the original email they sent, this was her request! Then, dead air! I inbox Richard Botto and Stage 32 on social media which I didnt drop a public not until today, for something so minimal to reply and settle. Its only $39. More than the principle of this, i could invest my monies elsewhere. If they think its right to hold my money until August 22, which I didnt sign up for , will be a major mistake on their part. Its simple. They sent out the information. I paid for the workshop. I showed up. They failed to provide the service on July 30. 

Acting Habits to Avoid by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Aug 7th



- Using lines as an excuse 

- “When I know the lines I’ll be able to perform the scene better” - this is an excuse to cover up many things, mainly inhibitions, the fear of trying something or not knowing what to do because you haven’t read the scene/script enough. As Lee Strasberg (The Method guru) once said, learning lines is about memory and acting has nothing to do with memory. My advice is to play and experiment with the scene. You can only do this by reading it and making justified choices. Find a suitable way of training your memory to learn lines effectively because that’s not the job of your acting coach. 

- Not reading the script enough - AKA lazy acting. Some actors go through the script, but only to learn their lines. You need to know the FULL story, not just the story of the scene your character appears in or only the story of your character. To get the full picture you must read the FULL script (more than once). Here are some things to think about when reading the FULL script: Why does your character choose those specific words? What do they really mean? What is really going on? What has lead them to where they are now? In the early stages of character development you’re like a detective; you have to piece the full picture together to be able to connect to the character, then you have to figure out what the motive behind the character’s behavior is so you can make clear choices in each scene you appear in.

- Forcing emotions/trying too hard - this is usually done to impress, and there is logic in that, but acting should feel effortless. When you try too hard or try to force something, it looks fake, feels strange and just doesn’t make the thing you’re trying to make happen appear. The same happens with emotions. Find inner purpose for what your character is going through and demonstrating through gestures and expressions.

The Stage 32 FREE virtual Global Film & Television Production Summit is now availabel on demand! by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 7th

Hey everyone - I'm excited to share that the Stage 32 virtual Global Film & Television Production Summit is now available to watch FREE on-demand! 


The summit provides important insight into the current global production landscape from top producers, film commissioners, and workforce development executives. This is your chance to join speakers from the Emmy-nominated television show GENIUS (Disney/NatGeo), The Costa Rica Film Commission, Film USA, Film Columbus, and Creative Industries Hawaii who give direct feedback to help you on your career path and on any film or TV production you are planning. 

You can download the summit and Q&A for FREE now here: https://www.stage32.com/education/c/education-webinars?h=stage-32-presents-2024-stage-32-certification-virtual-open-house

Warning - Actors Never Want to Hear 3 Words From Casting by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Aug 6th

Warning - Actors Never Want to Hear 3 Words From Casting
https://youtu.be/hCMwqHGvReg

I have learned the need to filter pretty much everything that is said to me.
This is true for nice as well as not so nice comments.

If you ever experienced someone saying something to you that didn't make sense,
please share it with us so we can learn from you.


Digital Marketing for Performing Arts by Inga Ryazanoff  •  last post Aug 5th

Beginning of education:

1st November 2024

The final deadline for submitting applications:
25 October 2024.

Duration:
16 weeks

Form of education:
Online

Final Examination:
Marketing Plan​

Who Should Enroll:
Actors, Dancers, Choreographers, Circus performers, Directors, other artists seeking to promote themselves and their work through marketing

The "Digital Marketing for Performing Arts" program is designed to address these exact challenges. This comprehensive 16-week program equips participants with essential skills and strategies to effectively market performing arts. Covering a wide array of topics, from understanding your audience to mastering social media storytelling, and from crafting compelling video content to leveraging SEO techniques, this course can help you become well-prepared to promote your art in today's digital landscape.

Key areas include Arts and Culture Marketing, Social Media for Performers, Advertising for Theatre Shows, and Developing a Performing Arts Marketing Plan. Additionally, you'll be able to learn specialized strategies for Performing Arts School Advertising, Promoting Theatre Productions, Digital Marketing for Performers, and Social Media Strategies for Artists. The program also delves into Theatre Production Marketing and Digital Marketing for Dance Schools, ensuring a holistic approach to promoting your performances

Learn more and apply now: https://www.nipai.org/programs/digital-marketing-for-arts

Acting Classes by Rose Sanchez  •  last post Aug 4th

Hey everyone! I’ll be a guest on Wednesday the 7th at 6pm EST at David Thompson’s Online acting class. We can meet over there and actually do some fun acting exercises. Check it out! http://www.davidthompsoncoaching.co/ see you on Wednesday!

Tips for Better Headshots by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Aug 4th



1. Go pro. Spend money—it’s worth it. Go to a professional who is trained, understands lighting, and takes headshots for a living, not some friend who happens to have a decent camera who “sorta knows a little about photography.” 

2. Opt for personality over glamour. Make sure it looks like you. Chill with the airbrushing. Casting directors expect you to look just like your headshot and will not be happy when you show up looking totally different or 10 years older. 

3. Remember: It’s all about the eyes. Just like with on-camera acting, it’s all about the eyes and what’s happening behind them. It’s your closeup, your moment. Your eyes should be perfectly in focus, alive, and energized, not dead and glazed over. 

4. Pay attention to framing, lighting, and background. In general, a good headshot is chest up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows, unless you are going in for “The Phantom of the Opera.” Three-quarter shots are good for print, and extreme close-ups are good for, well, nothing. 

5. Consider natural light vs. studio. Some photographers do both, as they offer a different look and feel. Natural light gives a very real, “film” look, which I prefer. Studio lighting tends to be a little more polished, with a more neutral backdrop. Both can be wonderful. If you are more of a sitcom actor, perhaps a well-lit studio headshot is more suited for you. 

6. Don’t go crazy with clothing and props. I once saw a headshot of a guy with a bird on his head. Why? Because he wanted to stand out. Let’s not get crazy here. Keep it simple and classy. Professionalism not desperation gets you noticed. A simple, solid shirt with a little texture that fits you. 

7. Go easy with the makeup. Yes, lots can be done with retouching. There is no need to put on tons of makeup. You want to look like yourself on your best day and not look like you tried too hard. Do your hair the way you would for every audition. 

- Matt Newton is one of the most sought-after on-camera acting coaches. His clients include Tony winners, Emmy award winners, and well-known actors from film and TV.

#headshot #actor

Joan Chen Has Always Been a Movie Star. Hollywood Is Finally Catching Up by Pat Alexander  •  last post Aug 2nd

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/joan-chen-profile-didi-awards-insider

Heya, just wanted to say hi and tell you a little bit about myself ! by Rose Sanchez  •  last post Aug 2nd

hey guys, I just wanted to introduce y’all to what I do and would like to connect with ya’. I’m really interested in any locals is Lansing, Michigan. But I’m open to Collab from afar as well.

www.imdb.me/RoseSanchezActress

Actors, Thinking About Changing Your Name? by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Aug 1st


“It used to be that changing an overly ethnic or difficult-to-pronounce name was virtually essential for Hollywood success. Now, in a way, the reverse is true. Networks and platforms are looking for authenticity, as well as for the opportunity to tell stories from voices and perspectives not often heard. A name that suggests cultural specificity can actually be helpful, given the scrutiny regarding parts being played by actors of appropriate ethnicity.”

– President of a TV Production Company

“I once hired a guy whose name I not only couldn’t remember — but couldn’t pronounce. I avoided him at all costs and vowed never to hire him again.”

– Reality Show Producer

“I have never asked a client to create a ‘brand new’ name. I have, however, suggested some folks reconsider their given names, as whatever they were currently using sounded generic, or even had a certain falsity to it. Clearly Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, and Lady Gaga have done all right, but my feeling is if people are comfortable with what their parents named them, then so am I.”

– A Talent Agent

“I love the fact that we live in a day and age where an actor does NOT have to change his/her/their name, because that’s what the industry mandates. I think it’s important for actors to be true to themselves and authentic with who they are. That being said, I have many clients who do have ‘stage names’ and I love that too. And there can be many reasons for that — privacy, for one. My only suggestion is that if you are going to change your name, you do a thorough Google search on that new name BEFORE you change it.”

– Liza Anderson, Owner Anderson Group Public Relations

“I fully support changing the name if it suits and supports the creative process. Being an actor is a creative endeavor. Performance, delivery, and marketing are all part of the artistic process. If you have a challenging name and you have something you want to use that is easy to remember or visually appealing, then there’s nothing wrong with creating something new. When marketing a film, all components matter.”

– Jen Ditchik, Vice President, Strategy & Innovation at WC+A

Feed your wallet, your resume, or your soul. by Tom Lapke  •  last post Aug 1st

I recently responded to a question in this lounge about when you should and should not accept roles. The person who asked is in a different international market than I am familiar with, where they have seemingly been finding a lot of success. My advice was the same advice I give any professional actor. A role should do at least one of the three following:


FEED YOUR WALLET (it pays well, but does not necessarily excite you artistically or add much to your resume - ex. commercials - which you don't list on your resume, instead putting "conflicts available upon request")
FEED YOUR RESUME (it might not excite you as an artist or pay well, but it will look very good on your resume - ex. doing a small part in a play with a well-known director) 
FEED YOUR SOUL (it doesn't pay well, and it doesn't really help your resume much, but dammit if it doesn't excite you as an artist - ex. a beautifully written student film with a really great part for you)

This is obviously a guide post and where you are in your career will dictate how true it is (if you are brand new, take everything you can before getting picky), but it is great to see even Indiana Solo himself is not above taking a role he thinks is silly because it pays well.
https://variety.com/2024/film/news/harrison-ford-red-hulk-acting-captain-america-brave-new-world-1236091166/

"How's it going, royal ugly Godot?" by Tom Lapke  •  last post Aug 1st

I love everything about this.

What are some other duos you would like to see in this famous play?

https://playbill.com/article/keanu-reeves-and-alex-winter-set-excellent-...

Looking to help by Andrew Horvitz  •  last post Aug 1st

does anyone here have a project in Southern California they need help acting in.

I’m willing to help.

Actors, I'm curious. How do you analyze performances you watch? by Amanda Toney  •  last post Jul 30th

The best way to hone your craft is to learn from other actors. I'm curious from our acting community - when you are watching TV or film for the first time are you able to watch the story as is, or are you analyzing the acting performances throughout? 

Only 24 Hours Left To Register For The Global Film & TV Production Summit! by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Jul 30th

Stage 32ers! You only have 24 hours left to register for tomorrow's FREE virtual Stage 32 Global Film & TV Production Summit!


Over 2,000 people have already registered to join top producers, film commissioners, and workforce development executives for a panel and Q&A where we'll discuss the current state of production, the need for more trained crew than ever, the types of jobs that are available for you and how Stage 32 Certification is a solution that film commissions and businesses around the world are already relying on.

If you want to work in film or TV production you do not want to miss this FREE virtual event on Wednesday, July 31st at 11am PT (you can join live from anywhere in the world at that time).
Here’s a link where you can register: https://www.stage32.com/education?h=stage-32-presents-2024-stage-32-certification-virtual-open-house

See you there tomorrow!

Helpless After Audition- When Should You Actually Hear Results by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Jul 30th

Helpless After Audition- When Should You Actually Hear Results

https://youtu.be/eTuKlke9jzU

After actors audition, how long does it take for production to make decisions on whom to call back, pin or book? Watch the video and find out: https://youtu.be/eTuKlke9jzU

For those on the production side of the industry, let us know the process and how long it takes for decisions to be made.

Only 2 days left to register! by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Jul 29th

The Stage 32 Global Film & TV Production Summit is only 2 days away! 


Don't miss your chance to register for this FREE event on Wednesday, July 31st at 11am PST (you can join live at that time from wherever you are in the world). 

I have the honor of moderating the panel with top producers, film commissioners, and workforce development executives who will discuss the current state of production, both globally and locally, the growing need for trained workforce all over the world, and how Stage 32 Certification is solving that need and giving you the chance to get trained and get to work. There will also be a Q&A where you can ask the panel your questions about your career trajectory or a project that you are planning to produce. 

Here is the link where you can register for the FREE event now: https://www.stage32.com/education?h=stage-32-presents-2024-stage-32-certification-virtual-open-house

July Filmmakers Club Week 5: Staying Motivated Against All Odds by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Jul 29th

Hey, Actors!

As we wrap up July Filmmakers Club, we hope that you'll keep pushing yourselves to learn, grow, & connect with other creatives around the world! In today's blog, we're talking about how to stay motivated against all odds! Learn more here >> https://www.stage32.com/blog/july-filmmakers-club-week-5-staying-motivated-against-all-odds-3809

Need a thoughtful answer from relevant experts. by Emmad Butt  •  last post Jul 29th

A phase comes in an actor's career when he is neither an immature nor fully successful. Yet the roles he is offered are not always what may upgrade his profile. So he very cautiously accepts roles, sometimes even leave the characters which hamper the growth.

I need to know what kind of strategy should be adopted that the journey to the Lead roles is not interrupted ?

If you want your self-tapes watched, this *MUST* be present...#short - TipsOnActing by Florin Şumălan  •  last post Jul 28th

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/z3O8_gYboKg