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How to Perform in Musical Theatre!

Performing in Musical Theatre is much different then performing in a straight show. Below are some tips and reminders about what it takes to audition and perform in Musical Theatre.

• Musical scenes are extremely concise, which is why it is strongly required for the actor's acting to provide the audience with a substance filled subtext. 
• Unlike a straight show, the climax in a musical will usually occur in the melody and harmony of a song, not the spoken lines. Therefore, the lyrics of every song must be delivered with passion and the emotional ability to reach these powerful climaxes.
• Acting is just as important to musicals as straight shows, but the character personalities are even more vital to musicals! You can be the best actor in the world, but if you are lacking in personality, you'll never truly capture the characters of musical theater and put the audience to sleep. 
• Musicals may occur faster then straight plays due to its' quick scenes, but that does not mean the actors can just fly past the lines until they hit their favorite song. Musical Actors are depended on for providing substance!
• Musicals cannot have pauses, stops, or "hold ons," between scenes. Actors must pace themselves and keep their own rhythm to make sure the show flows smoothly every night.
• Musical acting often contains opposites, which add depth and diversity to what the characters are really trying to say. To learn more about opposites, read the Actors Nook article on How to Perform Real Comedy.  http://actorsnook.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-perform-comedy-at-its-best.html
• Musical Actors must understand that the audience plays it's own role in each show, and even participates with the characters in a sense. Every night is different, you never know what to expect from each audience, but musicals must consider and continue by the reaction of each as they take joy in your craft!
• Since musicals are very fast paced, it is important to outline the main events to ensure they are not bypassed. It is the actors' responsibility to ensure the audience recognizes the changes that take place in the characters. Musical scenes without events never accomplish anything.
• Actors must project everything they say, since they are performing in huge theaters. They must be able to sing, dance, and accomplish everything a dramatic actor accomplishes, and still more. Unfortunately, many actors feel as long as they can sing well, they were born for musical theater. However, musical theater does not just need a pretty voice, but the emotional capability to communicate feelings. 

Next time you audition for a musical, be sure to remember the above tips to separate yourself from the "cliche" musical actor. Give them projection, life, substance, and personality!  WOW THEM!-Actors Nook Team

How to Perform Comedy at it's Best!

Unlike other forms of art, comedy is one thing many actors will argue cannot be learned. It requires built in instinct, although it's safe to say some people just haven’t discovered it yet. Comedy is, no doubt, painful to watch when the actors are "trying to be funny." What many aspiring comedic actors don’t understand is, you should not be "trying to be funny," the words and actions should be naturally funny in themselves, without the “extra ingredients” you're adding. Performing comedy takes confidence for this reason, or it will be uncomfortable and boring to watch. 
Below is a list of comedy's necessities:

1. Playing opposites is food for comedy! The unexpectedness of what will come next, and the surprise of what does, is invigoratingly funny. For example, someone says, “It’s the best day of my lie!!!” followed by, “I hate myself.” You can use opposites even by saying your lines, but with the opposite emotion to open countless opportunities to explore!

2. When competition is involved, characters are able to compete for their case of importance! By heightening and making non-life threatening incidents that much more serious allows for plenty of hilarity. Seinfeld does this often.

3. Being specific is what keeps comedy alive; you can’t survive without it. It's like making a pancake; keep it on the pan a second longer then it should be, and chances are it's already burned! You must know exactly when and how to do things.

4. When performing in comedy, the audience wants to experience your stories as if they were happening right in front of them. Make sure you start from the very beginning, and take them through your emotions as they occurred.

5. Comedy is rarely about making friends, but more so about confronting conflict. Many times characters set each other up for ginormous blows!  For example, act innocent, and then set up your partner for a huge blow and AHA! You got em!

6. Laying the bomb is the event in which the character "lays the bomb," and lets his partner receive the blast. However, many actors fail to achieve this hilarious response because they do not trust the end result. For example, an actor is not supposed to "shoot an arrow" and take time to point it out to the audience to make sure they saw him shoot it and laugh. That will only distract the audience from the target, and lead to the imminent death of the comedy!

7. It’s not when you focus on your partner that you create comedy. It’s where you are looking while you are laying the bomb for your partner. Nobody in this world talks with direct eye contact, so it would be untruthful to stare into the eyes of your partner when acting. Instead, focus on your intention of laying the bomb, the image of what you are talking about, and see where your eyes wonder; that creates the comedy!

8. Playing to the audience in comedy does not mean "mugging." It means knowing how to address those questions which we address in real life. For example, how many times a day do we throw our words, “WHY DID I DO THAT? I’M SUCH AN IDIOT!” You are not asking yourself that, your asking the imaginary person, who in this case is the audience.

10. Framing is a way of framing your words to make sure they are perfectly clear to your partner.Clarity in comedy is VITAL.  Everything must be very clear or you risk the audience missing the point, a moment you can't get back.

11. Act with extravagance and do not be afraid to take risks! Comedy is bigger then life, so you may do things you would not normally do in life, but do not apologize or question them. Take the risks!!!

12. When you do lay a bomb or shoot an arrow, hold the moment until your partner picks up from there, and if they don’t, pick it up yourself. Allow time for it to register, and take over when necessary.

13. Ping Pong is a game that becomes better the faster the responses are. A slow game of ping pong with no rhythm will eventually end with a lost ball. Don’t lose your ball, go back and forth with your partner as people do in real life.

14. Timing is instinctive, vital, and often hard to teach when performing comedy. It is knowing when to act, react, pause, stop, start up again, etc. Timing is an art all of its own!

Comedy is challenging, but you may have what it takes!

Don't try to be funny, just be. -Actors Nook Team

How to Nail your Monologue!

In order to nail your monologue at an audition, you must go beyond simple memorization. By asking yourself the questions below, you can bring your monologue to life and prove you deserve to get the job!
1. What's the Relationship? Every monologue has an actor talking to someone. (Whether it is the audience, him/herself, a husband, a friend, a rival, etc.) Knowing your character's relationship with whomever you are addressing in a monologue is the first step to being able to express your feelings and emotions truthfully. Do you love him/her? Hate her? Mixed feelings? Delve into to these questions and get answers. Reading the script will help you do so.
2. What Conflict exists/What are you Fighting for? Every character has some sort of motivation for standing there ground and not fleeing the scene. Your job is to find out what is keeping your character there having this monologue. It is not truthful to solely trust the characters' words, but you must dig deeper to find the underlying themes. It is your job to have your character make the strongest choices for what he or she is fighting for.
3. What Happened the Moment Before? The beginning of a monologue is as important as the ending. You do not want to just finish strong, you want to start strong, and the way to do this is to know what happened the moment before the scene, and react/carry the emotions with the energy it requires. It is not enough to just "know" what happened right before, but you have to become completely overwhelmed by it so it rings truthful.
4. Where is the Humor? Contrary to popular belief, humor does not only exist in comedies. It is found in dramas too! People use humor on their best days and worst days, just to get them through. Humor is applicable in every scene, especially if you want it to have life, diversity, and more then a "one-feel" type of emotion. Proof of humor existing in acting comes from proof of humor existing in real life!
5. How can you Play Opposites? Opposites are used to open actors up to the possibilities of their monologue and characters' feeling. How many times did you have the worst day of your life and a friend asked you, "How are you," and you replied, "I'm great! You?" You said the right words, but on the inside you felt the exact opposite. People are so conditioned to solve problems that as actors, they are not bringing the conflict to the stage...they are just trying to solve it, before it can be fully exposed.
6. What can you Discover in your Monologue? People make discoveries every day; they learn new things about people, life, etc. The more you discover onstage, the more interesting a show will be, and the less you will cling to cliches.
7. How can you Best Communicate? Communicating is not just telling someone something with tremendous amount of feeling. In order to communicate, the way real people communicate, you must make sure you're getting your message across, and that the person to whom you are speaking to is receiving it. Acting is reacting, not just making your point clear. We must also receive the feelings given back to us from our partner. In order to communicate efficiently, you cannot simply shut out the other person. In real life, people may act like they don't care what others say, but they always want to secretly know how they are going to respond!
8. How are you Competing? Whether people admit it, or not, every one is competitive for something. (Whether its relationships, love, power, favor, etc.) Try to discover in your monologue, how you are trying to get what you want, and how you are competing for it.
9. What is Important to You? Every moment contains something of importance to a person. For example, what happens when you order a meal and get the wrong order? Getting the correct order was important to you, was it not? It may be underlined, but something is important for your character at every moment. Go on detective, start looking!
10. What Events are you Creating? Every scene must escalate and lead to a different event. It is the actors' responsibility to continue these events by finding the reasoning for why his or her character is going along with everything he/she does, ultimately escalating to the next, and the next event.
11. Where are you? Knowing where the scene is taking place can set the mood and effect the way you respond. If you are speaking in a library, your voice may be lowered, and you may not want to make much noise. If you are speaking at a party, with overwhelming music, you should not be whispering, but instead, struggling to be heard or hear.
12. How are you playing the Game/Role? Just as in real life, we know the role to play in each game. For example, when we are visiting a persons' home for the first time, we are naturally playing the role of a "guest." There are certain rules instinctively known to abide by in that game/circumstance. Meaning you wouldn't exactly walk right up to their fridge and start munching. How are you playing the role/game in your monologue?
13. What is Mysterious or Secretive of your Character? Once you successfully apply the above questions to your monologue, it is time to get creative and add the things you don't know. Are there mystery or secrets in the scene? Nobody knows the secrets of every individual which makes getting to know and watch them so intriguing! We don't marry our spouses, if actors ever marry, because we know everything about them...that would be boring! We marry them because we want to continue to learn for the rest of our lives. There are so many unanswered things that the playwright didn't write about the character! That is your job as an actor, and an entrusted job at that!
If acting was simply about taking cues and reading off a page, anyone could do it, but it's not. Acting is about delving into the character so deep, that what appears obvious at first, erupts into suddenly exposing a new hidden truth that engages the audience throughout the performance.
Don't settle for a cliche monologue. Put in the time, and reap the much deserved results!-Actors Nook Team

How to Avoid Scams in Show Business

Unfortunately, many aspiring actors have fallen for the lies of the infamous con artists in show business. These people promise you fame, take your money, and then disappear into the night before you even realize it's gone. Here are some helpful tips to avoid getting ripped off, so you can continue to pursue your dreams with less risk!

1.       Any screen test that requires money up front is a scam. This may be a con artists plot to build you up, flatter you, and then open you up to more pricey, but low quality opportunities, with fake photographers and agents!

2.       Any agent that requires a monthly fee, or any money other than a portion of money you make is a scam. Agents are only supposed to make money off each acting job you get. In order to protect your rights, make sure the agent that you choose to be represented by is registered with one or more unions, like SAG or Equity. To learn more about finding a good, reliable agent, read the Actors Nook article on Agents. http://actorsnook.blogspot.com/search/label/Agents 

3.       Any upfront fee from an agent is a scam. Beware of classified ads in the newspaper looking for new talent and promising great amounts of fame and wealth. These con artists try to make fame look easy and attainable so you get sucked in, and they get your money.

4.       If an agent calls you, similar to a telemarketer, to have you "come in for an audition," chances are it’s a scam. In this particular scam, the agents entice you to come to them where they charge an upfront fee to "get you started in show business." However, reputable agents don’t chase actors. Actors chase agents, so make sure you don’t fall for this one!

5.       When an agent promises that a fee you pay will get you additional exposure, for example, your headshot included in his or her book, it’s a scam. Even if they were to include your head shot in their books, the chances of it giving you more exposure and work with casting directors, is a lie. The only prominent place for your head shot to exist in, which casting directors will view, is in the Academy of Players Directory.

6.       Headshots are a con artists playground! Before hiring a photographer, ask to see his past work to make sure he is legit, or ask friends for their recommendations. If a photographer urges or pushes you to use him or her right away, stay cautious. Real photographers understand how pricy headshots can be, and professional ones do not force themselves on you. If a photographer pushes to get and spend more than what you want, this can also be a problem. You only need one headshot unless you want to take more for different fields, (one for commercial, theater, etc.) To learn more about great headshots, go to the Actors Nook article on headshots. http://actorsnook.blogspot.com/search/label/Headshots

7.       False acting teachers can also scam aspiring actors. Before you commit to taking lessons from an acting teacher, make sure you ask and investigate their credentials to make sure they are legit. Try to sit in on one free session. Find out how many students they teach per class. An effective class should have a few students to work with, as oppose to a crammed room where no personal help is given. Ask if any actors succeeded after taking the class and check out their refund policy. If there is no refund policy, chances are the class is only for the money.

8.       Any casting director requesting an upfront fee is a scam. To learn more about casting directors go to the Actors Nook article on Casting Directors. http://actorsnook.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-casting-directors-want.html 

9.       Casting hotlines are often scams to get money out of actors.

10.   Empty residuals are an unfortunate scam that results in you getting work that is aired in certain locations without you knowing it, and not getting paid! In order to avoid these scams when you get work, tell lots of people so if you’re commercial does air, and someone sees you, you can make sure you get paid for it!

Don’t fall for the lies of the con artists in show business! If you can avoid becoming a desperate actor, and remember the above tips, you can make the choices necessary to unveil scams. Stay confident, avoid scams, and know your worth more than paying a desperate fee! Hold on, work hard, and your time will come!-Actors Nook

How to get your Child into Show Business

Child actors are in high demand because of their youthful, fresh, natural talent, and their ability to be molded with knowledge. The beauty of acting is that children can become actors before they are even able to talk! Child actors range from, newborns and up, which creates endless job opportunities. Take advantage and get your child involved in show business, especially if he or she has a desire to act. Obedient children are like gold to casting directors. If your child can pass for younger then his or her actual age, but is more respectful and obedient then a younger child, more job opportunities may come their way. Before you even consider having your child pursue acting, make sure to discuss how committed you both are, and how much time/money you are willing to spend. (If the child does not want to be an actor, chances are they will not put forth effort in auditions, waste everyone’s time, or they may resent you later in life. Plus, nobody likes an annoying stage mom/dad.) If your child has an interest in acting, go for it! However, remember the commitment you will have to make to help your child succeed. If you begin to see his or her desire fading, do not be forceful.

Start by finding your child an agent so he or she can attend auditions. Set a goal with your child to attend a few auditions, and at the end, keep communication in tact by deciding if it is something he or she would like to continue to pursue. If your child does not immediately start booking jobs, do not automatically assume acting is not for them! Give them a chance to get comfortable with auditions, gain confidence, and explore! If you are also an actor, bring your headshot and resume along with your child's when he or she attends an audition. The casting director may ask you to play the role of the parent if he hears the both of you are actors.

When auditioning for print ads, it is up to you to make sure your child does not fall under the pressures of being thin, and continues to eat healthy meals. TV commercials contain many child actors because it is not as demanding as other aspects of acting. (TV commercials are shot in very small segments with very little lines, so the child does not have to worry about memorizing.) A disadvantage is that commercials require actors to perform takes over and over again;  if the child is impatient, they wont last a day on set. If your child gets a commercial or a print ad, make sure to save copies of both for future resumes. Film and TV shows are very desirable due to the residuals they provide, (which results getting paid every time it airs on TV.) However, Film and TV demand the most time commitment. If your child should get cast in a TV show or movie, they will most likely have to be at a studio for several months which means you will have to supervise as they perform. Since the location cannot be determined until you have the role, it is important to remember you will both need to travel as well! This may include separation from family members. Twins and triplets are in high demand in show business and  a director's dream! (If the director has two or more of the same face, he has two or more chances/opportunities to use and mold a child actor when the other doesn't feel like participating. For example, the Olsen Twins on "Full House.") The pay doubles or triples!

Theater offers a child the opportunity to perform on stage with responsibility in front of a live audience. In theater, children are cast more for their talent then their looks, although looks are still important. The theater demands complete professionalism from your child or they will be replaced. If the child should land a role in a touring Broadway production, they could be away for up to 2 years and are in need of a person to supervise and follow them wherever they tour.

(The conflict with child actors is they are not as independent as adults, meaning there is always extra supervision necessary.) An advantage of child actors is they are so prone to change in characteristics that headshots are not necessary. A photo of your child  or a school picture will suffice. A casting  director will not expect a child to memorize a monologue for an audition. They would much more prefer a child to perform naturally in front of a camera. Cliché acting habits, no matter how "cute" the child is, will not get them the job.
Encourage your child every step of the way to follow their dreams, but understand your commitment to them is just as important as their commitment to their craft!!-Actors Nook Team

Entertaining Jobs to Help your Pocket and Acting Career

  Finding an entertaining job can increase your acting and your income. Some entertaining jobs to choose from are:

1.       Street Performer- This avenue takes a lot of courage and an obvious desire to act! Becoming a street performer allows you to entertain people and get paid for it, not to mention set your own hours. (In some areas, permits are needed to perform or you may have to pay a fine!) This profession can be intimidating to some, but will help you build courage behind the camera or onstage.

2.       Traffic School Teacher- These informational classes on safe driving are usually taught on Saturday evenings, which make the weekdays more accessible for auditioning. Many comedians become traffic school teachers so they can practice humor in their classes. 

3.       Amusement Park Performer- Becoming a tour guide, performer, or costumed character can definitely add experience to your acting and test your ability to stay in character at all times!

4.       Interactive Performance Actor- What could be more fun than incorporating the audience into your production by becoming involved in an interactive play? This sort of job especially helps your improvisational skills as the involvement of the audience will add an extra bit of spontaneity!

5.       Extra- This will give you experience in acting behind the camera and an opportunity to possibly one day get noticed! The pay won’t be much ($50-$100), but the experience will be priceless and all you have to do is blend in whatever activity is required of you. Although it rarely happens, if a director gives you a line as an extra, you are immediately upgraded to an Actor and your pay proves it! Remember, if you want to be a serious actor, don't do too much extra work, so you don't make a habit of falling into the background.

6.       Professional Reader at Auditions: When there is an audition and a reading is required for a scene, there is normally a reader that reads with the person auditioning. Becoming a professional Reader opens the door for an inside look, (how to audition, act, and work with different people., etc) Some professional readers get payed $50/hour and you can practice cold reading!

7.       Performer on a Cruise Ship/Casino- Cruise ships and Casinos hire musicians, dancers, magicians, singers, actors, etc. Performing on a cruise ship gets you a job and a free vacation, (although, when you are not performing, you will be expected to mingle with the passengers.) Think of all the people skills/acting experience you will be able to achieve!

8.       Appear on a Game Show- The contestants who appear on game shows are not ordinary people. Many of them aspire to be actors, but don’t profess it. (You can tell by their bubbly, excited, spontaneous personalities.) By getting on a game show, you can win tons of money/a trip, appear and witness how you look on TV.

9.       Party Entertainer- Consider performing at children’s birthday parties if you’d like more performing experience and are good with kids. You can even consider becoming a child wrangler, someone who watches children for a performance or filming.

10.   Caterer to the Famous- By catering you will have to maintain your professionalism, and although you may not get to chat with the people, you will definitely get the latest scoop!

11.   Film or Television Studio- If you get a non-acting job in a film or television studio, you are still one step closer to hand your resume to a casting director, network with other actors, and possibly get a job/forming relationships.

12.   Script Reader- Script Readers analyze and read hundreds of scripts that a studio may get, and then write coverage or a summary on it.

      Enjoy and explore the employment possibilities that can enhance your acting career and STILL pay those bills!-Actors Nook Team

Chase your Dreams & Pay your Bills!

The term “starving artist,” is no coincidence. Although an aspiring actor’s dream would be to fully pursue acting with no cares or worries, the reality is money is an issue, and a second job is often necessary. When pursuing acting, unless you are rich enough to support that lifestyle, it is important to have a steady source of income on the side. Actors who act out of desire, rather than desperation to pay bills find themselves more relaxed, and able to perform to the best of their ability! Juggling a day job and pursuing an acting career may seem like a handful, but the sooner you hit it big, the sooner you can lose the day job!

Many actors are willing to move straight to New York or LA to pursue their career, but not too many think about the financial blow they will experience, if not prepared. LA and New York may be the film and theater capitals of the world, but they are also painfully expensive. Actors forget that people also find huge success in smaller cities like Georgia, Miami, Memphis, etc. and even there, competition is fierce. However, before you consider moving anywhere to pursue your acting career, make sure you have a financial plan, job and place to live.

When figuring out a side job to pay the bills, many actors work as a temporary employee, aka, a “temp.” The advantage of this position is it allows for plenty of time to act in between. However, the disadvantage of a temp agency is that you do not always know when, if you’ll ever, get more work. The jobs can last days, weeks, or even months. Another plus is that some temp jobs offer special benefits, including health care. To get involved, there are many temp agencies to choose from, which you essentially become an employee of. Normally, they will give you a test to track your skills, such as a typing test. Then, if anyone is need of a position that requires those skills, they will contact the temp agency and the temp agency will contact you! However, another downfall is you are not paid directly; the job pays the temp agency, who then takes their fee from your check. In some instances, a temp agency may even offer to lend you free extra assistance in developing a skill, which you should accept. If you let your agency know you are pursuing acting, they may even get you jobs in the entertainment industry, which is right up your alley and will add to your experience while you await your next audition!

If you perform to the best of your ability, they might even offer you a full time position! If your potential employer agrees to work around your acting schedule, the full time job would be ideal. However, if he or she is not willing to work with it, find yourself a more flexible job. While you are employed, don’t hesitate to tell people that you are an aspiring actor this way you will begin to network in your new work environment, and possibly open up acting opportunities. If you choose to ditch the temp agency idea and steer more towards a part-time or full time job, you can always consider the following schedule; get a job during the night and audition during the day.

Consider working for yourself while pursuing acting so you can set your own hours and control your own income by how much work you pursue and how hard you work! First, you need to determine what skills you have before you can pursue your business. Ask yourself the following, “What can I do; can I do web design, carpentry, fitness training, photography, plumbing, etc.?” Working for yourself looks glamorous, but it takes a lot of hard work, time, determination, and discipline to keep yourself consistent and on track. You can also consider marketing yourself to other companies. Companies may desire to choose free lancers because it will cost less to pay them rather than pay a full time employee.

People often find themselves in desperate situations when they do not plan out their financial situation while pursuing acting. You may have a strong appetite for acting, but if you plan carefully, you don’t have to be a “starving artist.” Remove the financial stress, pick up a side job, and focus on your acting career! –Actors Nook Team

Tips for Acting in Commercials

Commercials are an excellent entry way into the world of acting and new faces are always welcomed! In order to master this field, it is important to remember the main purpose: sell the product! Not everyone that gets into commercials gets famous, but it gets you more on your resume, great experience behind the camera, and your face in front of the whole world, especially if you become a spokesperson. (For example, think of the Allstate or Progressive spokesperson.) They come out with new commercials very often, selling their product. Now that’s getting your face out there!

Since products exist today for audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and looks, there is a great need for diversity in commercials to reach all consumers. Actors must know what typecast they are so they can better portray themselves in both their headshots and appearance on the day of audition! Check out the Actors Nook article for more on Typecasts! http://actorsnook.blogspot.com/search/label/Typecast

Taking an acting class or workshop for commercial acting would be extremely beneficial to any aspiring actor. Remember, you want to be prepared and keep your options open to all acting opportunities. These classes will normally focus purely on how to audition for commercials, and how to act in them as well. The skills learned in these classes may be the difference between getting the role and not, so consider taking them. Some skills you may learn include, how to hold the product, (not covering the label), how to play to the camera, how to smile, etc. Going to these workshops will also help lessen your nerves which, normally, would conflict with your chances! For more on auditioning, check out the Actors Nook article. http://actorsnook.blogspot.com/search/label/Auditioning

Another option to prepare you before auditioning for a commercial is by simply watching TV commercials. By doing so, you will be able to see the kind of requirements it takes to be in a commercial and which ones may suit you. Be sure to watch for specific roles, what type of people are cast, and then determine the category you best fit in so you will know how to represent yourself. Many actors wish to play every role, but if you do not look like a "mom," or are not yet old enough, you should not be auditioning for one! When studying  commercials, also look at how the actors carry themselves, stand, walk, talk, etc.  Commercials often play stereotypes of characters, which is a good thing to keep in mind. 

Getting opportunities for commercial auditions can be a lot easier with a commercial agent. They can help you decide where you best fit, and how you should advertise yourself.  You can find a commercial agent by getting references from networking actors or a list of agency offices from SAG/AFTRA. The Ross Reports may also include some information on commercial agents. For more information on finding agent, read our Actors Nook article. http://actorsnook.blogspot.com/search/label/Agents 

Focus on building your commercial look and  on your acting to get you one step closer to your dream.  Get that commercial head shot (with a bubbly smile and showing teeth,) resume, and get to that audition!! Read the Actors Nook article on Headshots for specifics on commercial headshots! http://actorsnook.blogspot.com/search/label/Headshots Audition, Audition, AUDITION!!!–Actors Nook Team

Tips for Acting in TV & Film

Film and Television are demanding and unpredictable aspects of show business, where the "Nobody's" of today can become the "Stars" of tomorrow as fast as the "Somebody's" of today can become the "Unemployed" of tomorrow. In order to get the job, and keep it, you must be able to:

1. Play to the Camera-Unlike stage actors, Film/TV actors cannot experience the audience's reaction based on their performance until the film is released at a much later date. Instead, they will have to solely rely on their fellow actors and the camera while projecting their true emotions. For example, if a film actor is required to confess his love to his lover, while directing his lines into the camera, he must "see" his lover, and not a reflective camera lens staring back! It is important to be conscious of your surroundings and where the camera is at all times.  Be sure to know where people and things of importance are around you, so you do not block anyone! Once you know what the camera needs to capture, then you can act accordingly for that moment. The camera relies on your body language, facial expressions, movements, etc. to portray every necessary emotion and highlight every action. 
2. Act with Consistency on every Take-In film, you perform scenes over and over until the camera gets every necessary angle and the director has you make every desirable re-attempt. Therefore, a film actor must be able to perform repetitive takes without lacking energy, emotion, or his character's objective. Do not take offense at the number of times you will have to repeat filming scenes. Continuity is vital, which means your movements and appearance must be identical on every take. Stay on your toes and perform to your highest level, every time! 
3. Act with Scenes out of Order- Shooting scenes out of order is common and a challenge for the actor, to say the least. A film actor must be able to successfully act in scenes which are out of order or the movie will not flow correctly. An actor's first day of work may consist of shooting the final scene of a film, and if not performed truthfully, he can destroy the character and the story. A good tip for the actor is to list the kind of emotions each scene will require so he may reflect on it before filming scenes out of order. 
4. Hit your Mark-Blocking is the choreography and movement given to actors who are performing on set. It is crucial for actors to "hit their mark" while acting in front of the camera, or issues may occur, such as poor lighting on an individual or body parts cut out of the screen, etc. Some actors make their marks visible by putting a mark of chalk on the floor so you can find your spot, counting how many steps to your place, or looking for your mark during your acting. These are the many challenges an actor faces behind the camera. 
5. Know the different Types of Shots-  A long shot is when the camera focuses on an actor from a distance to the point where he or she is barely recognizable. With this technique, the audience can better determine the setting, time, or place. A medium shot is when the camera focuses on the actor's entire body in the midst of a setting. A close-up focuses on a specific part of the actor, whether it is a body part, or a possession. A two shot focuses on two actors in a scene accomplishing a task, such as eating together at a diner.  Understanding the different types of camera directions will help you perform with confidence, knowing which important parts to be conscious of during filming. 
6. Master the Close-up- The Close-up may be intimidating, but it is necessary for a main film or TV actor to succeed. Ultimately, the actor must be comfortable acting out intense emotions, often by himself in front of a camera. This can be your best or worst moment. However, in the end, remember criticism is a part of the gig! An excellent way to practice the close-up is to tape yourself and another actor performing a specific scene that requires a strong emotional response from you. Then, tape it again with the camera solely focused on you and look for the difference in your performance. Close-ups are not always comfortable, but if you can become comfortable and get past them, imagine what you can accomplish!
7. Act on a Set-A set can be extremely hectic and far from realistic when there is a film crew and others hustling, bustling, and making noise right before you hear, "Action!" The set is not guaranteed to be any more real then is required for the camera. Your job is to make the set look believable by believing in everything it is supposed to be. 

In order to practice for Film or TV, record yourself acting with another actor, or by yourself, get comfortable in front of the camera and with closeups! If you can learn to have confidence in yourself,  your craft, and master the above skills, you can own your auditions, the set, and the camera! Imagine the feeling you will get from acting with confidence and performing to your highest ability! -Actors Nook Team

How to Promote Yourself in the Industry

Anyone can sit and wait to get noticed, but the actors who promote themselves will have many more opportunities! Read below to discover just how to get noticed by people in show business.


1. Always look for Work- Agents hold huge potential for enhancing an actors' career, but unfortunately, many actors become stagnant once they have an agent. Whether you have an agent or you are flying solo, always take the initiative to look for acting work! You may just find the audition to boost your career that your agent wouldn't have! Audition as much as possible!
2. Take Advantage of the Actor's Union- If you belong to a union, contact your local branch by going to their website and see if there are any acting opportunities for you. (Depending on your union, your website may be, www.sag.org, www.aftra.org, or www.actorsequity.org)
3. Network with other Actors- Staying connected with other actors allows you to have multiple ears out in the industry for auditions, classes, learning opportunities, etc. By creating a Twitter, Facebook, Google +, etc. you are guaranteed to make those connections and hear of upcoming possibilities.
4. Acting Websites- www.Backstage.com and Playbill.com are some of the most well known sites that offer both union and non-union, opportunities in film, television, and theater available all over the world. (Los Angeles and New York, especially.) www.hollywoodreporter.com and www.variety.com are two great sites that handle the business aspect of the industry and hold information worth browsing through.

5. Contact Casting Directors Yourself- Don't wait for your next audition to leave an impression with your casting director. You can take initiative by mailing your head shot and resume, or calling and asking for a general interview. A cover letter should be sent with your head shot and resume, explaining who you are, your credibility and your desire. You can also cater your cover letters to fit the type of shows the casting directors casts. For example, if it is a comedy, then consider adding some humor to your cover letter. However, remember, you always want to portray yourself as a "professional, serious actor." By mailing your resumes to casting directors who have not cast you in the past, you keep your face and name always fresh in their mind. You can also try personally delivering your materials, even though it rarely happens, but be prepared, you may have to perform on the spot. Make sure to respect the people and their time. When you are casts for a role, break out the thank you cards. 

6. Always carry your head shot, resume, business cards, etc., since you never know who you will meet on the street! Create your own website with photos of you performing, acting reels, biography, resume, head shot, etc., and perhaps put it on your business card. When you are performing in a show, send postcards informing casting directors in the neighborhood to drop by. 

7. Take Every Opportunity to Showcase Yourself- Now is not a time to be shy. You want to perform, so get out there and perform! Get involved with the following:

• Acting Showcase-Acting classes and workshops often end with showcases where casting directors attend! Sign up!
• One-Man Show- Become the Producer, Writer, Director, Actor and take control of your own work! You will get to showcase yourself as the only one on stage, leaving the casting directors eyes on you!
• Produce your own Screenplay-Many actors have exceeded expectations after performing in and writing their own screenplay. 
• Write your own Play-Get involved with a group of actors, produce and write a play that you and them can be showcased in!
• Perform in a stand-up-comedy act-Comedy clubs are a hot spot for casting directors. Build up that courage, and perform! Any criticism you receive will be beneficial towards acting!

It doesn't matter how long it takes, it just matters that you are doing everything in your power to promote yourself! Never wonder if you could have done more! Don't let the years roll by. Take control of your career, your life, get out there and promote yourself! -Actors Nook Team

Six ways to Act for Fun!

Not everyone wants to devote the majority of their time and life pursuing acting, but those who do believe it is totally worth it!!! However, if you are a person who loves the arts, but rather do it for fun, or ease your way into it, consider these six options to get you involved!

1.       Join an Improvisational Group

-This will give you experience, creativity and spontaneity that you may not find anywhere else! Improv Everywhere is a huge improvisational group in New York City, where various people can participate and learn more when signing up through email. These daring, hilarious tasks are performed with hundreds of people. Just search them on YouTube and see for yourself! To learn more, see their website at http://improveverywhere.com/

2.       Join a Community Theater

-Although you won’t get paid for Community Theater, it is an awesome way to build acting experience around your neighborhood with the people you know. You can even list your experiences from Community Theater on your resume! To avoid the label of only having “Community Theater," don’t hesitate to remove the word “Community.” For example, put the city of where you performed followed by the word "Theater." ex.)York, Theater. To learn more on how to start your own Community Theater Group go to http://www.communitytheater.org/

3.       Become an Extra in Movies and TV

-By doing Extra work, you will gain experience and credibility with being behind the camera and other Hollywood stars. The tasks you will have to perform are also simple like walking, standing, eating, etc. No previous acting is required and no lines will be given to memorize! All you have to do is fit in with the crowd and follow directions! 

4.       Volunteer with a Drama play for a School

-This opportunity is especially great for people who want to get involved with the Production aspect of the arts. Schools  love to take volunteers to help with the technical and costume aspects of their plays, with the possibility of you being able to perform if they are casting outside the school!

5.       Act in a Student Film

-When students are required to make a student film, they need to direct, write and produce their own work, which means they are looking for available actors to cast. If you are cast in a student film, you will often have no guaranteed pay, but you will most likely get a copy of the film so you can provide it at future auditions or have on your website as your performance reel.

6.       Create your Own Show on the Internet

-This opportunity can help you get your acting out there without necessarily having to do it in person! This challenging, yet fun endeavor, will give you the experience of directing, writing, producing and acting in your own show! By searching Internet Broadcast on Google, you can learn and witness how people are broadcasting their own shows. The beautiful part is you get to experience all aspects, choose and watch your theme flourish, and get both comments and critiques from other actors! 

Whether you are acting for fun, or for life, get out there and add life to the world of Arts!-Actors Nook Team

Use Nerves to your Advantage

All actors experience nervousness right before an audition or performance. Many try to rid themselves entirely of nervousness, but nerves are natural and can add to your performance, rather than take away from it! Do not deny when you are nervous. Accept the fact; acknowledge it and right up until you walk into the room for your audition, verbally state you are nervous. First review the history of your character and their situation and then begin to openly speak your feelings from your characters point of view. For example, if you are performing Nora in “A Doll’s House,” and you’re about to tell your husband you are leaving him, perhaps say, “I am so nervous about what I have to say, but I have to tell him the truth. I have to let him know how I feel and I have to get this message across to him. I cannot be intimidated. He has to know and even though I am nervous, I have to do this. I have to tell him.” The whole idea is to transfer your nerves into the mindset of your character and apply it towards their confrontation with the person they are speaking to. By doing so, you are using your nervousness to your advantage by making it applicable to your character. Actors put such a pressure on themselves to hide all signs of nervousness and it is just not realistic. Nerves can bring more truth to your character and, if applied the right way, can be the most powerful part of your performance. It’s real. The actor must understand in that moment, the person their character is speaking to is the most vital person in the world with whom they are having the most important conversation, so, naturally, they will have nerves. It’s about being desperate to fufill the needs of the character in what they are trying to express and realizing how important it is to them. Before your audition, while you are waiting to be called, do your monologue aloud (do not be shy, everyone does it, but be respectful to others) and when it comes to an end with your highest moment, start your monologue immediately at the beginning again, using your energy to boost yourself even bigger than your first time! When you are finally called, take command over that stage and give it your all, always building to give your best performance. Welcome those nerves and use them to your advantage! While waiting for your next audition, do not feel as though you have nothing to practice. Daily read over your monologues and other materials that will enhance your auditions in the future. Read novels and textbooks to reveal different personalities you can relate to in the future with other characters. The more understanding you have of other people’s experiences in newspapers, articles, etc., the more you will be able to apply real life and empathic emotions to your future characters that you will play. Hello nerves, We’ve been waiting for you. –Actors Nook Team

How to Prepare for a Monologue

A major weakness in the audition process is the actor’s inability to correctly and efficiently prepare a monologue. This process consists of more effort than simply memorizing the monologue (although that is the first step) and then repeating it out loud a few times. Leaving it for a couple nights before the audition day, is a sad, but often excuse for "rehearsal." However, it can take weeks, months even a year of preparation, to study, analyze, develop a character and reach a monologues full potential. There are hundreds of choices to choose from and make within a monologue if you only open your eyes to the possibilities.When preparing for a monologue, take these necessary steps to bring justice not only to the character, but to yourself as an actor:

1. Read the ENTIRE play in order to get the full story. If you only read the monologue, then you're endanger of limiting your knowledge, taking lines out of context and giving a flat interpretation.

2. Practice a half an hour a day, at least, for a week, experimenting with what works and what doesn’t work; this should be AFTER your monologue is memorized. Never be afraid to try new things and take risks during the rehearsal process. Read your monologue straight through with one flat emotion and see if any lines work well with that emotion. Then do it again with another. This is intended to open you up to diversity throughout your monologue.

3. Before you start to practice reciting the monologue, make sure to know the characters background and story since their birth. Write down the highlights of your character's life in first person point of view. Keep a journal in high detail of you as your character and write your feelings, dreams, obstacles, relationships and everything related to your monologue.

4. What’s not on the page is most important and that is your job to show, as an actor. Normally, people try to hide their feelings or mask their thoughts, so the character's words will have many underlined themes. Discover those themes.

5. Make physical movements last priority and work on emotions that occur in the inside, first. Then, add physical movements as you go, not being too overwhelming or pointless. Try to steer away from miming imaginary objects (such as cups or cigarettes)…It is distracting to figure out what you are doing.

6. When placing the person of importance that you are speaking to in your monologue, put them center, stage right, or stage left of you, above the audience’s heads. Never place a "person" in a chair. It is distracting and more obvious that there is no one there. (Your eyes will also be looking down the whole monologue, which is not good)

7. Start your monologue looking away from the "person" you’re talking to and then only look "at them" maybe three times in the monologue. When speaking to a person in real life, notice you do not keep contact with them the whole time. There are many distractions and moments where you can’t look them in the eye.

8. Be sure to respond to what the other "person" says to you. There is no reason to over act. If you know your character inside and out, and have given yourself time to prepare, you should have controlled, truthful, responses as your character.

9. No matter how close the casting directors may be, always project and show off your clarity of voice. Do not speak quickly or you will be hard to understand. If you have a limited time to audition, and you are rushing because your monologue is too long, cut the unnecessary lines to bring necessary attention to moments of importance.
10. Before you state your first line, make sure you are aware of what happened the moment right before so you can have a strong opening, middle and end! If  the day of the audition, you are not memorized, and cannot fully believe yourself as your character, then you are not prepared. Don't let this happen! You can have more confidence on audition day if you just PREPARE! Show off YOUR full potential! You deserve to own that moment!

Go Get Em!!!-Actors Nook Team

Three Skills for Voice-Over Actors

When most people think of acting,  the terms theater, film, and TV come to mind, but the acting world also offers opportunities involving just your voice. In order to become a voice-over actor, it is important to have these three skills to succeed.

1.       Articulation-Speaking clearly is very important. Voice-over acting has similar principles to regular acting; You can have a pretty voice (face), but if you do not have the skills to back it up, you will not be as usable or marketable. You also want to make sure clarity is used when you are representing certain products. If you cannot pronounce the names or be easily understood, we have a problem.

2.       Versatility- The more you learn to make your voice different the more countless opportunities you will open for yourself. Take voice classes or an accents class to add to your library of voices and make you more versatile!

3.       Ability to play to the microphone-Know how to use a microphone to your best advantage! When using a mic, don’t touch it or it will pick up unwanted sounds. Do not even tap or blow into it when testing it. To test a microphone, just speak into it the exact way you will when you speak.Take off any jewelry or objects that may make noise while recording. Don’t move around in your chair, (prevent noise) if you're sitting on one. Wear comfortable shoes that don’t squeak when you move.  Make sure to always dress professionally to a voice-over acting audition. Even if you are not being seen, you still want to remain professional.
-There is a WHOLE WORLD behind the microphone waiting for your voice to tell the story! Get out there and AUDITION!! -Actors Nook Team



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10 Ways for an Actor to Improve

1.       Ace the audition- You may be convinced you can act, but if you can’t audition, you’re not getting the part. Work on overcoming your nerves, being prepared to the fullest, and treating every audition as a performance. You can become better!

2.       Don’t be camera shy- You may think you only want to act for theater, but the acting business can be unpredictable and you do not want to limit yourself. Take a class for auditioning in front of the camera and open yourself up to all doors so you can open your opportunities!

3.       Learn to improvise-Take an improvisation class and help yourself react spontaneously in the audition room and onstage. Be able to handle whatever the casting directors or live theater throws at you and enhance your creativity!

4.       Laugh it off-The acting business is tough, and just like a marriage, needs a sense of humor in order to succeed. Casting directors and agent s enjoy working with enjoyable people. Perhaps take a standup comedy class. You won’t necessarily become a comedian, but you will face the audience one on one and learn to stand on your own!

5.       Overcome Stage fright- All actors get nervous before they perform, but stage fright is experiencing the nerves that keep you from performing at all! The only way to end that fear is by continuously confronting it and opening yourself up to different performing opportunities! Another way to end stage fright is by focusing on the other actors on stage, instead of you.

6.       Learn about Human Psychology- Take a psychology class and delve deep into the way all people think and act. There are some roles you will be required to play that you may not have personal experience from, but a psychology class can give you knowledge of that persons mental shoes.

7.       Take care of your body and develop your voice- No matter what your typecast, it is important to be healthy and fit in order to receive and perform different roles. Take a dance class to up your chances in the audition room or a mime class to help your body language. Your body is your instrument and you need to keep it healthy and in shape! Learn how to breathe and project your voice when you speak. If casting directors can’t hear you neither can your audience. Take singing lessons that may help you land roles in musicals or commercials where a trained singer is needed. Get a dialect coach to help overcome your accent and learn many more to open a door of opportunities.

8.       Keep a steady income-If you are able to maintain a reliable income, you will never audition with a weight of desperateness which is not attractive to casting directors. Be confident, not desperate.

9.       Avoid the outright stupid choices-Be early. Be prepared. Be easy to get a hold of. Make acting a high priority and of high importance. Don’t lie, you will get found out and lose credibility. Never get comfortable, always be searching to make yourself and your career better! You can!

10.   Keep your eyes open-You can improve your acting just by paying attention to the world around you! Watch plays, movies, TV, etc. to find what actors are doing right and wrong. Study different techniques and methods to find which work best for you. Take acting seminars or classes to gain knowledge. You can never stop learning which means you can never stop improving!!!  You CAN make your dreams come true, but are you willing to put in the work? –Actors Nook Team

Ten Qualities of a Successful Actor

1.       Arrive on time- This is crucial. There is not enough time in show business for actors to be showing up late. It wastes the actor’s time and more importantly, the time of the people who are providing the opportunity. Whether it is before or after you get the role, always show up 15 to 20 min before any call time to ensure arrival. You are never too famous to be rude.  

2.       Be prepared-Always follow directions and what’s expected of you, without procrastination or half- heartedness. An example of this may be having your lines or lyrics memorized, answering your agents missed calls ASAP, bringing a change of clothes for any audition, having enough resumes or headshots to provide, and always taking opportunities to improve your acting skills.

3.       Be flexible-You may not always get what you want, but what you get may lead to it, so always be able to adapt to and welcome change. Opening up yourself to the world around you will only enhance your experiences and acting.

4.       Be professional-Carry a humble, responsible attitude that continues to make you aware and respectful of others. Always search for new opportunities to enhance your career and promote your acting. Know how to take direction and criticism without being easily offended. Have good communication with your agent and others who are taking time to enhance your career. A casting director can tell who takes his job seriously and who doesn’t.

5.       Be yourself-Don’t ever change yourself to be what you think the casting directors are looking for. They do not want to choose from a pile of clones. Times are always changing. They want something different. Embrace yourself, your look and have confidence. There is no one like you!

6.       Take care of your image- Make sure your appearance is presentable, clean, and neat as well as your clothes which should always be appropriate. Bring a change of clothes or a hint of makeup in case you need to freshen up.

7.       Stay determined- There are many successful actors who have dealt with rejection at one point in their lives! Be persistent and don’t give up. It’s a part of the gig; just make sure you always give your best and are never comfortable where you are. Pursue your goals by making the right decisions over and over. Do not be stubborn and refuse to change your ways if they are only hurting you. It will only help your career.

8.       Avoid addictions-Getting caught up in drugs and alcohol will take effect on your appearance and portray you as someone who cannot control themselves.  

9.       Improve yourself-A willing attitude to make you better and learn more each day shows a person who will always grow and enhance. If you already think you’re at the top of your game…then I hope your content with where you are because that’s as far as you’ll go…always learn more.

10.   Believe in yourself so that when no one does, you’ll still persevere! It is easy to get discouraged which is why you must trust that one day your hard work will pay off and you will succeed. There is no time limit! Go to as many auditions as you can. After each audition, analyze and see how you can be better next time. If you are not willing to endure the audition process how do you expect to be cast? As long as you keep going, you can never fail. Failing is not trying at all!

-GET OUT THERE & AUDITION! –Actors Nook Team

How to use Substitution & Endowment

Substitution is when actors replace objects or characters, with objects or people in their lives , in order to better identify with and complete scene objectives. However, substitution must be used with caution in order to stay true to the character, playwright and story. The danger with substituting is, if not used correctly, it can endanger the actor to substitute everything, act half-heartedly and solely from his or her own experiences. Substitution is intended as a temporary technique, not a lie, which is carried through a show. Eventually, you need to believe from the characters standpoint and consequences. (Substitution is just a way to get you there.) Substitution especially comes in handy when there is a relationship that your character does not fully believe in yet. For example, if you were playing a character in a particular scene whose mother had just died and you were struggling to connect the truth of the relationships, you may use substitution to replace the characters' mother with your own, in order to bring in true emotions that come from losing someone very close to you. By opening night, you should get to know your character’s mother well enough that the same mourning can come from your character’s true place. In order to correctly use substitution, selectively and sparingly, use it during the rehearsal process in order to temporarily retain the characters emotional reactions to instances you have not yet connected with. By performance time, that true love or hate must be sincere from the character’s heart, not your own.

Endowment uses the physical objects your character is acting with, and gives them the same characteristics they would have in real life, or in the scene. For example, an actor may have to “fire” a gun onstage. To the actor, the gun was checked prior to the show, and it is a known fact there are no real bullets in the gun, only blanks. However, endowment allows the actor to give that gun real attributes of having bullets and being able to kill. Endowment is what gives truth to the objects the actor uses so they become real to the characters and audience. An actor cannot feel the heat from a cup of coffee if the cup is filled with water. However, they can use endowment to act as if the water is coffee and perhaps drink it carefully, blow on it, and be cautious with it when walking. In order to use endowment correctly, you must react emotionally to the object being endowed, ex (an actor holds a fake gun to his head, but has endowed that it is real, they should be nervous, feel threatened,) and physically (the gun may need to be shown as heavy, if it is fake and weighs nothing.) Unlike substitution, the actor will have to carry endowment through every performance. 

Here is an example, which contains both substitution and endowment. Imagine you are playing a mother whose baby girl has died in her arms. If you have a daughter, you can temporarily use substitution to replace the characters daughter with your own to bring forth more true emotions. You can then endow the doll (fake daughter) you are holding in your arms by holding it similar to how you would hold a real baby, showing its weight, how it best likes to be held, stroked and so on.

Substitution and endowment are some effective techniques used to add emotion or life to a scene. 


Encourage yourself with every role to perform with true emotions. -Actors Nook Team