https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/News articles for the following category: AdviceenMon, 12 Nov 2018 10:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/self-tape-rules-from-casting-director/ Like it or not, self-taping is part of your audition process. While it’s desirable to be “in the room,” when you don’t get that coveted appointment, are out of town, on set, or a casting office doesn’t quite see you in a role, self-taping can be your entry to a callback or direct booking. There are self-taping companies that offer quick turnaround at what should be a reasonable rate but whenever possible, I’m all about producing your own work. Follow these simple tips and gain the confidence to produce your own self-tape.   Find your village.If you’re in class—which everyone should be!—you already have a great group of like-minded artists to collaborate with, including any self-taping you need to do. Submit before the deadline.If you’re a last-minute kind of person, you might be missing out on a hidden opportunity. Every office is different, but some view self-tapes as they arrive. If there’s time before the due date and your read is strong or just missing the mark, we’ll circle back with notes more in line with the vision for the role. That’s right! We’ll provide redirects without you stepping one foot in the room. PayMon, 12 Nov 2018 10:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/self-tape-rules-from-casting-director/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/self-tape-rules-from-casting-director/ Like it or not, self-taping is part of your audition process. While it’s desirable to be “in the room,” when you don’t get that coveted appointment, are out of town, on set, or a casting office doesn’t quite see you in a role, self-taping can be your entry to a callback or direct booking. There are self-taping companies that offer quick turnaround at what should be a reasonable rate but whenever possible, I’m all about producing your own work. Follow these simple tips and gain the confidence to produce your own self-tape.   Find your village.If you’re in class—which everyone should be!—you already have a great group of like-minded artists to collaborate with, including any self-taping you need to do. Submit before the deadline.If you’re a last-minute kind of person, you might be missing out on a hidden opportunity. Every office is different, but some view self-tapes as they arrive. If there’s time before the due date and your read is strong or just missing the mark, we’ll circle back with notes more in line with the vision for the role. That’s right! We’ll provide redirects without you stepping one foot in the room. PayMon, 12 Nov 2018 10:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/self-tape-rules-from-casting-director/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/why-you-should-ask-your-agent-out-to-dinner/ Can you feel it? The holidays are right around the corner. For most people, this is a joyous time full of celebration and gratitude. For me, it’s a reminder that I cannot eat everything that is placed in front of me, especially those sugary treats that go right to my waistline. I’m in fairly decent shape, but I still have to be careful about my weight and what I consume. And no, that’s not vanity talking. It’s my cardiologist. Christmas is the time of year when my agency gets bombarded with edible gift baskets and ginormous cupcakes and other evil goodies. I understand clients mean well when they show up with this stuff, but I rarely eat any of it. I’ll have a taste (or two), and then I’ll pass the tempting treats on to the rest of the office or the janitorial staff. You see, agents are surrounded by food. Eating is a big part of our job; there’s just no way around it. And I’m not just talking about the holidays. I’m constantly taking clients out to breakfast or lunch or dinner. It’s how we connect. Luckily, I usually get to pick the spot, so I can make healthier choices than a cheeseburger and fries. But sometimes I get roped into going to a BBQ joint orMon, 12 Nov 2018 09:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/why-you-should-ask-your-agent-out-to-dinner/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/why-you-should-ask-your-agent-out-to-dinner/ Can you feel it? The holidays are right around the corner. For most people, this is a joyous time full of celebration and gratitude. For me, it’s a reminder that I cannot eat everything that is placed in front of me, especially those sugary treats that go right to my waistline. I’m in fairly decent shape, but I still have to be careful about my weight and what I consume. And no, that’s not vanity talking. It’s my cardiologist. Christmas is the time of year when my agency gets bombarded with edible gift baskets and ginormous cupcakes and other evil goodies. I understand clients mean well when they show up with this stuff, but I rarely eat any of it. I’ll have a taste (or two), and then I’ll pass the tempting treats on to the rest of the office or the janitorial staff. You see, agents are surrounded by food. Eating is a big part of our job; there’s just no way around it. And I’m not just talking about the holidays. I’m constantly taking clients out to breakfast or lunch or dinner. It’s how we connect. Luckily, I usually get to pick the spot, so I can make healthier choices than a cheeseburger and fries. But sometimes I get roped into going to a BBQ joint orMon, 12 Nov 2018 09:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/why-you-should-ask-your-agent-out-to-dinner/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/how-to-break-down-sides-for-an-audition/ Q: Are there any techniques when breaking down sides? Are there any do’s and don’ts? —@jonahrudy, Backstage Community Forums* My favorite technique for breaking down sides is to read the copy a dozen or so times to understand the story, not to memorize and make choices for your character. Once you’ve read for story and understand what’s going on in the scene, then I’d take a piece of paper and cover your sides, slowly revealing each line. Go line by line for stage directions and dialogue between each character. You’ll be amazed at how much you may have skimmed over in your initial readthrough. Going line by line helps you dive into the feelings of your character and why they’re saying what they’re saying. It’ll also help you have a point of view about the other characters. Next, I’d start to memorize what you’re saying so it frees you up a bit from the page. Then make choices based on your point of view. Find the arc of the scene, where your character changes emotionally. You should be feeling differently at the beginning of your scene than at the end. If you’re not, you don’t have a strong enough arc! Don’t just memorizeMon, 12 Nov 2018 08:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/how-to-break-down-sides-for-an-audition/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/why-acting-is-like-a-drug-according-to-nathan-lane/ “When did you get bitten?” It’s a question all actors have been asked—meaning, what was the moment you realized you had no choice other than to devote your life to this frequently-thankless-but-rewarding career? Nathan Lane remembers his, and it’s one to which many show people can certainly relate. READ: Theater Legend Nathan Lane Talks Living and Dying Onstage  “My first performance was a school play,” Lane tells the New York Post. “I was in seventh grade. My Catholic grammar school had no budget for dramas and only did musicals. This was ‘Around the World in 80 Days.’ I had the lead, and it was a divining moment. The first time in my life I remember getting a laugh.” The actor, who won his second Tony Award this past season for his work in “Angels in America” and who will be seen again this Broadway season in “Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus,” puts the feeling in tangible terms. “It was like a drug,” he adds. “That good feeling was totally unexpected. I was getting love from my dysfunctional family and sort of understood this was my vocation. For me, work is not drudgery.” Fri, 09 Nov 2018 17:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/why-acting-is-like-a-drug-according-to-nathan-lane/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/a-love-letter-to-the-magic-of-acting/ The following Notes From the Field essay was written by Radha Mitchell, who can currently be seen starring on Amazon’s “The Romanoffs.” (Her featured episode of the anthology series premieres Nov. 9.) Whenever I’m offered a job, I’m always grateful and a little surprised at the persistence and longevity of this 20-some-year career that at this point seems to be driven by forces somewhat outside of myself. Surprised and sometimes tantalized by the Houdini prospect of escaping from my own mind and delving deep into someone else’s psyche. Acting has introduced me to a multitude of perspectives in a multitude of worlds. In the past, I felt myself drawn like an athlete to the intense competition of the Hollywood system, compelled by a kind of fear and excitement towards the unknown and the limits of my own capabilities. Coming alone from another country, was challenging and exhilarating; however, at a certain point the discipline of meetings, auditions, and feedback felt limiting as I felt my life becoming defined by the perimeters of an at times brutal and commercial culture. In all honesty, I’ve gained and lost and re-gained my passion for acting, and nowadays, I prefer toFri, 09 Nov 2018 16:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/a-love-letter-to-the-magic-of-acting/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/side-hustle-spotlight-the-actor-who-writes-books-on-the-side/ Welcome to another weekly edition of Side Hustle Spotlight where I interview actors and filmmakers at different levels of their career who have used their other passions to capitalize on a fulfilling side hustle. These folks no longer or have never had to do serving work that drained their energy and made them miserable. Be sure to check out the original article for inspiration on discovering your side hustle. This week’s actor is a novelist who makes a passive income with sales from her book. She uses her skills in performance and improv to develop her writing side hustle. Name: Katrina Majkut Side hustle: Non-fiction and comedy writing, author of “The Adventures and Discoveries of a Feminist Bride.”  Years acting: Two Favorite acting credits/opportunities: I wrote A Little Red Riding Sketch that featured a sumo wrestler and performed it at Harvard for Ukrainian students. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. If I can make students from a post-Soviet country laugh, I’ll take it. Also, I was briefly on an Animal Planet show. Have you ever felt like your side hustle was in jeopardy because of acting? How long did it take you to feel like you had security atFri, 09 Nov 2018 15:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/side-hustle-spotlight-the-actor-who-writes-books-on-the-side/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/side-hustle-spotlight-the-actor-who-writes-books-on-the-side/ Welcome to another weekly edition of Side Hustle Spotlight where I interview actors and filmmakers at different levels of their career who have used their other passions to capitalize on a fulfilling side hustle. These folks no longer or have never had to do serving work that drained their energy and made them miserable. Be sure to check out the original article for inspiration on discovering your side hustle. This week’s actor is a novelist who makes a passive income with sales from her book. She uses her skills in performance and improv to develop her writing side hustle. Name: Katrina Majkut Side hustle: Non-fiction and comedy writing, author of “The Adventures and Discoveries of a Feminist Bride.”  Years acting: Two Favorite acting credits/opportunities: I wrote A Little Red Riding Sketch that featured a sumo wrestler and performed it at Harvard for Ukrainian students. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. If I can make students from a post-Soviet country laugh, I’ll take it. Also, I was briefly on an Animal Planet show. Have you ever felt like your side hustle was in jeopardy because of acting? How long did it take you to feel like you had security atFri, 09 Nov 2018 15:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/side-hustle-spotlight-the-actor-who-writes-books-on-the-side/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/10-actors-on-how-to-respect-your-scene-partner/ Do you know how to maintain a rhythm with your scene partner to achieve a truly great take? After absorbing all the skills in the studio and your acting classes, you might be wondering how does it really work once on set? The answer is simple: No one does it alone. The most important skill to master is listening to the other people, especially your fellow actors, because so much of your success in this business will rest on how you work with other people, from your scene partner to your director. One of the chief joys of a life spent performing is forging unbreakable bonds with creative partners. Making personal connections and listening to each other is the magic recipe for creating memorable scenes. We’ve rounded up quotes from newcomers and industry veterans alike on how to go there with your scene partner, as well as what makes a great ensemble, and why listening produces the best acting.J.K. Simmons on an early career essential “The thing that I learned or that was just a part of my process from the beginning was to listen. And I mean both as an actor when you’re playing a scene and also just in life in general: Be a sponge. When you’re in a position working, or taking class, orFri, 09 Nov 2018 13:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/10-actors-on-how-to-respect-your-scene-partner/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/dancers/uk-now-filming-young-outgoing-food-lover-wanted-to-star-in-digit/ Young foodies, you can become the next Nigella Lawson with some help from today’s roundup! The new digital series Kid Critic is seeking a charismatic young foodie to lead the show. Plus, a print campaign is casting diverse models, a musical needs a young woman who can play bass for its lead role, and Marella Cruise Ships needs male singers and dancers. KID CRITICTurn your love for food into a job as the lead on Kid Critic, a new digital series. A real, outgoing, opinionated kid, ages 8–13, is currently wanted for the series, where they will be speaking on camera, will engage with adult chefs in a professional environment, and will give their honest opinions about food. London locals are preferred. The gig will shoot 5–7 days in late December in London. Pay is £300 per day. Apply here! DISCOVERJoin Discover, a photo shoot for a print campaign that shows customers using payment terminals at various locations. Four models, aged 28–68, are wanted to portray customers in the campaign, which will shoot Nov. 14 in East London. Pay will be provided. Apply here! THE HALF MOON SHANIABurnt Lemon Theatre is currently casting a female actor, age 16–24, who can sing and play theFri, 09 Nov 2018 10:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/dancers/uk-now-filming-young-outgoing-food-lover-wanted-to-star-in-digit/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/how-why-casting-directors-want-actors-to-take-care-of-themselves/ Acting can be a difficult job. As an actor, you are thrown into many stressful situations and must find a way to hold on to your composure as well as give a great performance. Learning your lines at a moment’s notice, working with other actors and production personalities, sitting knee-to-knee with your competition in the casting lobby, navigating all the last-minute changes with shoot dates, call times, and life’s curve balls are all potential stressors you’re asked to juggle in your role as an actor. Believe it or not, those of us on the other side of the table have great respect for each of your accomplishments. And those of you who make it look like a cake walk, well, you are a rarity! I can’t speak to all the things in your life that make your job as an actor so challenging, but for those of you who get stuck in the mire of auditioning or performing, here are some self-care tips to consider. 1. Fuggetaboutit! Auditions come and go. Even if you think a particular role is the part of a lifetime, just do the best you can in the audition and when you walk out of the room, leave it behind. That goes for both great and horrible auditions: you cannot predict what the clients will decideFri, 09 Nov 2018 10:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/how-why-casting-directors-want-actors-to-take-care-of-themselves/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/how-why-casting-directors-want-actors-to-take-care-of-themselves/ Acting can be a difficult job. As an actor, you are thrown into many stressful situations and must find a way to hold on to your composure as well as give a great performance. Learning your lines at a moment’s notice, working with other actors and production personalities, sitting knee-to-knee with your competition in the casting lobby, navigating all the last-minute changes with shoot dates, call times, and life’s curve balls are all potential stressors you’re asked to juggle in your role as an actor. Believe it or not, those of us on the other side of the table have great respect for each of your accomplishments. And those of you who make it look like a cake walk, well, you are a rarity! I can’t speak to all the things in your life that make your job as an actor so challenging, but for those of you who get stuck in the mire of auditioning or performing, here are some self-care tips to consider. 1. Fuggetaboutit! Auditions come and go. Even if you think a particular role is the part of a lifetime, just do the best you can in the audition and when you walk out of the room, leave it behind. That goes for both great and horrible auditions: you cannot predict what the clients will decideFri, 09 Nov 2018 10:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/how-why-casting-directors-want-actors-to-take-care-of-themselves/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/always-sunny-finale-mac-dance/ After 13 seasons, you gotta mix it up a little, right? That certainly was the intent for the creative minds behind “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which wrapped its 13th (!) season this week with a finale that was anything but what fans of the raucous comedy have come to expect. The episode culminates with Mac, played by series creator Rob McElhenney, (spoiler alert!) coming out to his imprisoned father entirely through an elaborate two-person dance routine. And yes, McElhenney did his own dancing. READ: WATCH: Kaitlin Olson Nail Her ‘Always Sunny’ Audition The sequence and character development required a full body transformation, entailing rigorous training and diet regimens.    “I worked with [celebrity trainer] Arin Babaian to get into good enough cardio shape to be able to dance for two hours a day and we did a lot of lifting and also a lot of stretching,” McElhenney tells Vulture. “I’m not a very limber person, so I stretched for like an hour a day just to be able to move my body in those ways which I was never able to do before and will never be able to do again.”A few months later, he whipped out the big guns:Thu, 08 Nov 2018 17:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/always-sunny-finale-mac-dance/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/always-sunny-finale-mac-dance/ After 13 seasons, you gotta mix it up a little, right? That certainly was the intent for the creative minds behind “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which wrapped its 13th (!) season this week with a finale that was anything but what fans of the raucous comedy have come to expect. The episode culminates with Mac, played by series creator Rob McElhenney, (spoiler alert!) coming out to his imprisoned father entirely through an elaborate two-person dance routine. And yes, McElhenney did his own dancing. READ: WATCH: Kaitlin Olson Nail Her ‘Always Sunny’ Audition The sequence and character development required a full body transformation, entailing rigorous training and diet regimens.    “I worked with [celebrity trainer] Arin Babaian to get into good enough cardio shape to be able to dance for two hours a day and we did a lot of lifting and also a lot of stretching,” McElhenney tells Vulture. “I’m not a very limber person, so I stretched for like an hour a day just to be able to move my body in those ways which I was never able to do before and will never be able to do again.”A few months later, he whipped out the big guns:Thu, 08 Nov 2018 17:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/always-sunny-finale-mac-dance/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/8-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-acting-class/ You’ve done the research on the acting classes in your area. You’ve combed through websites and reviews, visited studios and audited classes. You’ve made your selection and shelled out your hard-earned dollars, and now you’re about to start your new acting class. Here are some pointers on how to make the most of the experience. 1. Arrive early every week.  You won’t be late and give your new teacher the wrong idea about your professionalism. The time before class is also a great opportunity to connect with your peers. It’s widely acknowledged that who you know in this business is important but what’s less widely understood is that your peers are some of the most important contacts you can make.   Friends can introduce you to possible representation and they’ll also prove to be great sources of useful information, feedback on your work, advice, and emotional support for the marathon that an acting career is. Seize the opportunity to connect with your classmates and make new friends. 2. Come with an open mind.  If you’ve had prior training, great. But this is a new chapter. Whether you end up liking the class or not, it likely has something toThu, 08 Nov 2018 15:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/8-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-acting-class/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/8-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-acting-class/ You’ve done the research on the acting classes in your area. You’ve combed through websites and reviews, visited studios and audited classes. You’ve made your selection and shelled out your hard-earned dollars, and now you’re about to start your new acting class. Here are some pointers on how to make the most of the experience. 1. Arrive early every week.  You won’t be late and give your new teacher the wrong idea about your professionalism. The time before class is also a great opportunity to connect with your peers. It’s widely acknowledged that who you know in this business is important but what’s less widely understood is that your peers are some of the most important contacts you can make.   Friends can introduce you to possible representation and they’ll also prove to be great sources of useful information, feedback on your work, advice, and emotional support for the marathon that an acting career is. Seize the opportunity to connect with your classmates and make new friends. 2. Come with an open mind.  If you’ve had prior training, great. But this is a new chapter. Whether you end up liking the class or not, it likely has something toThu, 08 Nov 2018 15:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/8-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-acting-class/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/dancers/now-casting-disney-film-stargirl-new-mexico-actors-background/ Climb to superstardom with a little help from today’s casting roundup! “Stargirl,” a Disney feature film for its upcoming streaming service, is casting actors to play students in background roles. Plus, trans actors are needed for a Netflix series starring Laura Linney, play a couple in a subscription box ad campaign, or dance in a music video. “STARGIRL”“Stargirl,” a feature film starring Grace VanderWaal and produced by Walt Disney Pictures for its upcoming streaming service, continues background casting. Talent, aged 18–25, is wanted to portray students attending Winterball. The scenes will shoot on Nov. 13–15 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pay is $88 for eight hours of work. Apply here! “TALES OF THE CITY,” TRANS ACTORS“Tale of the City,” a Netflix series starring Laura Linney and based on the books by Armistead Maupin, is casting trans actors for background roles. Talent, aged 18–40, is wanted to join the 1960s-set series. Filming will take place from Nov. 11–30 in the New York City area. Transportation will be provided if there is any filming outside of the boroughs. SAG-AFTRA rates will be paid to unionThu, 08 Nov 2018 14:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/dancers/now-casting-disney-film-stargirl-new-mexico-actors-background/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/the-best-acting-podcasts-more-from-the-backstage-forums/ You already know Backstage is the go-to for any and all information pertaining to your craft. But now, you have the chance to get in on the action with the Backstage Community Forum. Here, you can engage with others in your industry, as well as teachers, experts, and, yep, even agents and casting directors. Below are some of this week’s most interesting new topics; drop a reply or post a new thread. Either way, fire up that keyboard and get involved right here! What’s your favorite acting podcast?“I have a real long commute, so listening to podcasts really helps me survive the grind. I’ve heard of a few different acting podcasts, such as ‘Inside Acting’ and ‘Hollywood Close-Up,’ but I’m curious to see what else is out there and what listeners find helpful. What are your favorites and why?” —Chris_Knowles Best way to create your own work?“I’m just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for how to create your own work. I’ve been a director, prop-builder, costume-maker, stage manager, and actor, and I think it’s about time I try creating something from scratch. How do I find the proper funding for such an endeavor?”Thu, 08 Nov 2018 13:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/the-best-acting-podcasts-more-from-the-backstage-forums/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/are-you-in-a-healthy-relationship-with-your-voiceover-mic/ Voice actor and microphone expert Christopher Currier lectures around the world to voice actors, singers, and engineers about the relationship between talent and his or her microphone. Some even call him the “microphone matchmaker!” On this episode of Get Out There, Currier answers the questions every voice actor should ask before laying out a lot of cash for a mic. Is there a “best” microphone? How do you know when you’ve found your microphone soulmate? Is it okay to date more than one mic? Check out Backstage’s voiceover audition listings! The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff. Joan Baker Joan Baker is the co-founders of That’s Voiceover!, an annual career expo, and the creators of the newly formed Society of Voice Arts and Sciences and the Voice Arts Awards. Rudy Gaskins Rudy Gaskins is the co-founders of That’s Voiceover!, anThu, 08 Nov 2018 10:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/are-you-in-a-healthy-relationship-with-your-voiceover-mic/