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Clothing To Have On Hand for Self-Tapes by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Mar 28th


Keeping a small portion of your closet devoted to clothes for auditioning that are kept clean and pressed can save time and panic later.

Here are just a few to consider:

- Basic Commercial:
Before getting into character types, it’s important to have a few basics.
For commercial auditions, this will typically be something in a solid color, and on the more cheerful side.
Think of the “family friendly” version of you.

- Basic Theatrical:
Same idea as commercial, but a more serious look.
This might mean darker or more muted colors, possibly longer sleeves, something that makes you feel grounded.

- Mom/Dad:
Having a parental look will go a long way for commercial auditions and day players.
A solid cardigan or polo shirt you can throw on to look approachable and relatable can easily suggest the role. Maybe have a pair of glasses handy. You want a slightly more conservative look for this one.

- Flirty/Seductive:
If it’s in your wheelhouse, having a flirty ingenue or vampy look might be something to consider. It’s a fine line to walk, as you still want to look professional. Hair and makeup can also go a long way here.

- Dystopian/Gritty:
Get yourself that grungy gray tank top or noticeably worn tee. Having an appropriately lived-in looking jacket (army green, brown, or other darker earth tones) might also be a good idea.

- Professional White Collar, putting together a look with a blazer or suit with a tie can suggest a lawyer, CEO, detective, accountant or any type of white-collar professional.

- Professional Blue Collar, on the other side of the spectrum, a nice denim shirt that you can roll up the sleeves can easily transform you into a farmer, hometown clerk, etc.

- Scrubs, bring on the medical dramas! If you don’t have actual scrubs (though they can often be found in uniform stores) a solid color v-neck shirt can suggest a nurse or technician. A lab coat might be good to have on hand if you can find one.

#actor #audition #selftape #wardrobe
 

An Acting Coach’s Tips for Beginners and Experts PODCAST by Amanda Toney  •  last post Mar 28th

Howard Fine has coached actors like Austin Butler, Will Smith, and many others. He joins the show to discuss his methods, as well as common beginner mistakes.

just got my reel back! by Bahar Hadi  •  last post Mar 27th

I just got my reel back and was just wondering what y'all think about it!

When You Must Reject an Acting Job by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Mar 26th

There are times when all actors must turn down an acting job.
Use the link below to watch the video

https://youtu.be/gjU2UTqvn6Q

This holds true for filmmakers and other creatives.

Out of nearly 1,300 jobs I have only turned down around 6 offers.

It is hard getting auditions and even more difficult booking a job.
So, when one is offered to us, it is extremely hard to say no.

But, as you will learn in the video, there are times when turning down
an offer is a smart business decision. And, sometimes it is a smart
mental health choice.

If you ever turned down a job or audition, please share it so we can all
learn from you as well.

And, if you liked the video,: https://youtu.be/gjU2UTqvn6Q
please share the link with your fellow actors.

Can't wait to talk with you again soon, and read your comments.
Aaron

Which Comes First: Headshots or New Talent Agent? by Nancy Nave  •  last post Mar 21st

Talent agents want to sign actors who have a professional marketing package ready to send off to casting directors TODAY. That means your headshot, resume & reel need to be AMAZING when you send inquiries for representation. If they need to "fix" you, that probably means you're not ready. Ask me anything! I'm a career coach for actors...I help actors get into this industry.

New Podcast - Inside Entertainment Industry Careers' by Emily Maguire  •  last post Mar 21st

In response to the growing popularity of podcasts and the need for increased awareness about the career roles available in the creative industry, I've created a new podcast called ‘Inside Entertainment Industry Careers’. 


Interviewing guests from around the world, the first episode, released today, on the 21st of March 2024, features Nottingham-born actor Rachel Grant. Listeners can discover the captivating journey of Nottingham-born Actor Rachel Grant, from early arts exposure to her iconic role in James Bond and learn valuable tips and insights into routes into the industry and the working world of an actor.

https://open.spotify.com/show/5laSP8D808gl0kp3K3Gn0t

https://inside-entertainment-industry-careers.podbean.com/

How To Teach Yourself A Dialect by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Mar 20th



An expert on the subject Jim Johnson, who teaches voice and dialects at the University of Houston and has coached many well known actors, also runs AccentHelp, one of the leading resources for dialect training at home. Jim recommends that the first thing a student does is listen to native speakers. 
“Just get used to hearing it, without trying to listen for anything specific,” he says. There are a number of resources for listening to authentic dialects, including Johnson’s AccentHelp courses and the International Dialects of English Archive, a website Johnson highly recommends. 
“It’s free, and a number of people, including myself, contribute recordings,” he adds. 
After a few initial listenings, he says, students can then get into the details: “Start listening for sound changes, trying to get the intonation down. Get the rhythm of it, where the pitch moves.” 

To incorporate the “musicality” of a dialect, Johnson will often have students use physical actions to follow the movement of pitch and rhythm, such as moving their arms up and down with the pitch or tapping out the rhythms. He finds this helps speed up the learning process. “Hopefully, they’re not just feeling it, but they’re seeing it as well,” he says. “They learn it through auditory, kinesthetic, and visual means.” Exaggerate the dialect, study vowel sounds, record yourself, keep practicing, and use your acting skills: In the end, Johnson thinks the most important element in a believable dialect is great acting, with the ability to sell it. 

#voice #dialect #actor #voiceover

Coaching Actors by Fran Harris  •  last post Mar 19th

I’m in rehearsals for my PSYCH thriller and I’m working with relatively new actors. Sometimes it’s challenging to get them to deliver consistent performances. They might deliver a line perfectly   Tuesday, and then Thursday do something totally different. I want to say NNNNOOOOOOO!

What a Makeup Artist wishes Actors Knew... by Matthew Cornwell  •  last post Mar 19th

Been a minute since I've posted here, but I've been busy with my audition taping service and YouTube channel. In fact, I just started releasing an interview series entitled:


"I Wish Actors Knew..."

I sit down with members of different crew departments, and ask them what veteran actors do right, and what newer actors aren't aware of that will make that crew member's life easier. And believe me, after 20+ years of being in this business, I learned A LOT. So check out the first interview with Beth Pilgreen, a makeup artist AND actor (so she understands both perspectives). The whole video lasts about an hour, but you can skip to relevant chapters if you're pressed for time...

https://youtu.be/v-aWJxFJXOk

How To Learn Audio Engineering & Voiceover The Hard Way by Maurice Vaughan  •  last post Mar 19th

Kris Keppeler (audiobook narrator, actor, voice actor, and podcaster) walks you through how to learn audio engineering the hard way. But don’t despair! Your engineering and voiceover skills will benefit you in the end.


www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-learn-audio-engineering-voiceover-the-hard-way-3674

Don't Ever Say This to Actors by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Mar 19th

Don't ever say this to another actor.
https://youtu.be/132m0KhDS_Q

In this video I share two experiences I had when people said inappropriate things on a set. One was directed to me and the other to an actor I was working with.
 

Have you ever had an actor say something to you that never should have been said?
If so, please share this experience so we can learn from you.

Anyone around in England? by Alexander Cooper  •  last post Mar 19th

Hey! Are there any British actors frequenting this lounge? I'm so ronery here in England. Lol. Let's play...

Ask Me Anything (AMA) Wednesday 3/20 to Thursday 3/21- Becoming a Professional Actor by Grace Duah  •  last post Mar 18th

About Me: Grace Duah is a versatile creative force in the entertainment industry, excelling as an actor, writer, and producer over the past four years. After graduating from Pace University's Acting for Film,Television, Voiceover and Commercial program in May of 2020 Grace made her TV debut playing the Series Regular role of Shan Barnes on the MAX (formerly known as HBOMax) hit series reboot GOSSIP GIRL (2021). Upcoming projects include short films Meal Ticket and The Off-Brands both set to premiere at this year's Tribeca Film Festival. 


Examples of Questions: How did you get your start as an actor? What is the most challenging part of being a full time working actor? How do you keep a clear head in the face of frequent rejection?  
Looking forward to answering everyone's questions and hopefully provide an in-depth perspective on helpful ways to navigate the acting industry!

Should I sack my agent? by Juel Stokes  •  last post Mar 18th

Hi Guys, would love your opinion? I’ve just joined a new female agent (the last one tried to steal 3k fee had to get Police! So he obvs had to go!) But this new lady I joined 5 weeks ago and things were going great, then she sent me a rude Capital letter shouting email! DON’T CALL AT WEEKEND! etc etc! for no reason! I’m really upset! I haven’t done anything wrong! Plus she keeps getting my name wrong! I’ve been in hospital recently and I don’t need this stress!

Actor Callbacks by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Mar 17th


Getting a callback means that the casting team is intrigued by you and your acting, but they may not be totally sold yet. On top of watching you perform, they might also question you about your acting approach and experience. This is the time to showcase your range, ability to portray your character, and overall skill set.  
Expect to perform the same material in the same way as in your first audition—but know that you might be asked to make a few changes, such as reading a scene with different emotion or really diving deep into your character’s personality.
Callbacks often mean performing a scene with another actor so the director can see if you mesh well with others.
The casting director brought you back because your type and performance worked for the character and for the tone of the show. Unless you are given specific notes for the callback, do the exact same performance when you come back in but be open to adjustments.
Don’t get locked into your choices. In a callback, the director, producer, and creative team may have you take an adjustment and try the scene a different way. Spontaneous decisions are your best friend so practice various versions of the audition just to be prepared.

#actor #audition #callback #casting #film #tv
 

Don't Miss Today's Character-Driven Ask Me Anything in the Writer's Room! by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Mar 15th

Hey All,


Don't miss out on today's 24-Hour Ask Me Anything happening from Friday 3/15 to Saturday 3/16 over in the Stage 32 Writer's Room Lounge! Catherine Slaughter-King, Scripted Development Executive, Producer (A PODCAST TO DIE FOR, DEADLY SURROGACY), & Stage 32 Executive will be answering people's questions about "Developing Character-Driven Stories".

You can comment your questions NOW!
https://www.stage32.com/lounge/vip/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-Friday-3-15-to-Saturday-3-16-Developing-Character-Driven-Stories

It's a great opportunity to learn more about how to create memorable & distinct characters who can carry an entire film or TV series, creating a balance between character and story, the difference between a memorable supporting character and a memorable protagonist, how the development process differs for a character-driven story compared to a more story-beats-led project, etc. Don't miss out on a chance to ask a question!

If you're not already a Stage 32 Writer's Room member, you can sign up for your first month entirely free so that you can join in on these opportunities. 
https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

Series Mania - Lille / France by Sabine Crossen  •  last post Mar 13th

Hey there ! I will be in Lille / France for Série Mania from the 19th to the 22nd of March if anyone is around get in touch ! sabine.crossen@yahoo.fr

https://seriesmania.com/en/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1644336/

Actor Headshot Tips by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Mar 13th



- Don’t overdo your makeup. You want to look like yourself on your best day and not look like you tried too hard. Be yourself. Do your hair the way you would for every audition.
- Don’t go quirky with clothing and props. 
Let’s not get nuts here. Keep it simple and classy, and follow the standard format. Professionalism gets you noticed. A simple, solid shirt with a little texture that fits you well and matches your eyes should do the trick. No whites and no graphics or anything that might distract from your face, and no props.
- Consider natural light vs. studio.
Some photographers do both, as they offer a different look and feel. Natural light gives a very real look. Studio lighting tends to be a little more polished, with a more neutral backdrop. If you are more of a sitcom actor, perhaps a well-lit studio headshot is best for you. If you want to look like you are on the Fargo series go for the outdoor look.
- Pay attention to framing, lighting, and background. 
Generally a good headshot is chest-up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows.
- Choose personality over glamour. 
Make sure it looks like you with easy 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. It’s not about looking pretty, it’s about representing your type, wrinkles included.
- Go pro. 
Spend money—it’s worth it. Go to a professional who is trained, understands lighting, and takes headshots for a living, not a friend who happens to have a decent camera who has a hobby of taking photos. Save those pics for Instagram and leave the headshots to the pros.
 
#actor #headshot

Meet Stage 32's New Executive Liaison, Nick Phillips! by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Mar 13th

Hey, All!


In today's blog, we're welcoming our incredible new Stage 32 Executive Liaison, Nick Phillips! Nick is a talented producer with years of industry experience and we're so excited that he's bringing all of his hard-earned knowledge to our community! Be sure to check it out and leave your own warm welcome for him in the comments!

https://www.stage32.com/blog/meet-stage-32s-new-executive-liaison-nick-phillips-3669

Acting Networking Events Horrible- Try This Instead by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Mar 12th

Is Networking At An Acting Event Hard? Try this.
https://youtu.be/QMwFiPvOLww

Have any suggestions on having success at networking events?
Share them here.