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By Cassie Negron Warning: disturbing images are included in this post Actors are sometimes asked to step into emotionally and physically vulnerable situations with little notice. While many of us train extensively in performance, far fewer are taught how to navigate intimacy and boundary-based scenes with clarity and professionalism. Shortly after completing Sydney Cox’s Intimacy Tools for Actors workshop, I was cast in Who Killed These Women? The Tinley Park…

As an actor on a commercial set, nothing will get you in trouble faster than being on your phone and taking pictures when you shouldn’t be. We certainly live in a time when photos on social media have tremendous appeal and a photo with the cast or director to commemorate the day does have its place. But there’s definitely a right way to go about this and a wrong way….

FOR THE ARTICLE ON “PHONE ETIQUETTE ON SET“, CLICK HERE! A salient difference between acting on camera and acting in a play is the amount and type of rehearsal time for actors. For a play, you can usually rely on a good four to six weeks of rehearsal time and in-depth conversation with the director and other cast members as you learn the scenes, build the character, experiment, perform run-throughs,…

Casting directors decide who is called back for a commercial, right? Nope, that’s a pretty common misconception. In actuality, commercial callbacks are determined by two parties: the director and the ad agency. The casting director, based on their own understanding of the script and generally a brief conversation with the director, decides the pool of talent from which those two groups will independently choose their favorites. The casting director coordinates…

#1 Audiobook narration is all about acting. Audiobook narration is about acting. Acting training and experience is fundamental. Having a gorgeous voice is great, but without the essentials of experience and training, you won’t have the skill to narrate with the grounded emotions that all authors want to get across. There are typically several characters that you alone will need to narrate and express as real, tangible people. It’s important…

by Sarafina Vecchio The business of acting is a serious one, indeed. We often talk about tax write offs, union dues, agent fees, and so much more. But what if you aren’t ‘there’ yet? What can you do to help your new business grow and succeed? I work with a lot of new actors who are trying to get themselves prepped for audition seasons. What they don’t realize is that…

by Dana Pepowski They’re everywhere: sharing research in the rehearsal room, leading a thought-provoking talkback, or sifting through new scripts as literary manager for a theatre company. Dramaturgs’ skills in analysis, problem-solving, and imagination make them ideal collaborators with actors. But what does that relationship look like? Let’s find out about dramaturgy! I spoke with Maren Robinson, freelance and resident dramaturg at TimeLine Theatre, an ensemble member at Lifeline Theatre,…

by Matt Miller I have had the pleasure of working with Nicole McGovern as a 2nd Assistant Director on a few commercial jobs now and I’m so happy that she had the time to answer some questions about her work. Below is a short interview covering the basics of the 2nd Assistant Director position as well as some of Nicole’s tips for actors on set. MM: What are the primary…

You’ve done it! You’ve gotten an amazing voiceover agent. The sound equipment you’ve put together is perfectly suited for your voice and your home studio is an oasis of creativity. After months of commercial auditions, your inbox dings with the opportunity you’ve been waiting for since starting your voiceover journey: an animation audition! Panic sets in. It has been your dream to audition for animation since you were old enough…

Got a co-star audition and not sure where to begin? Well, welcome to the right place! These 7 tips will help set yourself up for success so you can nail your co-star audition. 1) UNDERSTAND YOUR FUNCTION IN THE SCENE.  Co-star roles in television, and featured roles in film, are considered functionary roles. A functionary role – you guessed it! – serves a function in the telling of the story….