Advice
Improve Your Acting – 10 Reasonably Good Tips!
Oct 7th
0CommentsShare
Expert author William G. Craig’s gives his tips on how to improve your acting skills: You could probably fill a library with all the books on how to improve your acting! So to save you a little time I have put together a list of 10 tips, that I hope, will help you the most.
- Know your script. Read, re-read and then read again, and not just your own lines. From this foundation you can go on to identify the reason for your lines, this will help you react with the right lines and make remembering easier.
- Listen actively, you should give the impression that what your character is hearing is purely of that moment. Resist the temptation to be quick with your lines, just to prove you know them, it is a conversation after all.
- Be brave, the quickest way to improve your acting is to realize that your first choice will usually be the easiest for you to do – not the best one for the part. Look beyond your initial choice.
- Learn to breath, practice 20 minutes a day. Inhale as deeply as possible and exhale for twice the amount of time you spent inhaling (i.e. inhale 15 seconds exhale 30 More >
Five and a Half Acting Tips Not Taught in Drama Class
Jul 21st
1CommentsShare
Check out Actingbiz.com’s Ruth Kulerman’s Five and a Half Acting Tips Not Taught in Drama Class
1. The Ubiquitous Omnipotnet Comma. (Dethrone Immediately.) Contrary to actors’ beliefs, commas did not descend from Mount Sinai, written on stone tablets. Commas are the domain of a reader, not a speaker. Commas replace the missing human voice whose intonation helps decode written language and make it comprehensible — a fancy way of saying, ignore commas when you act.
They belong on a page, not in a spoken line. Replace commas, not with pauses, but with vocal variety–or ignore the squiggly critters completely. Do not pause when commas cross your path. Slide right across them. We don’t talk in commas, so don’t act in commas either.
My slogan as the comma cop is DOWN WITH PAUSES CAUSED BY COMMAS!
1.5 The Pause the Exhausts. (Verbal exercise: stretch or leap.) There used to be a slogan for one of the soft drinks: “The pause that refreshes.” And yet in acting I have heard eighteen billion pauses, mistakenly believed to be dramatic or pregnant or sensitive or something. (“We find the defendant pause pause pause pause not guilty.”) London taught me: “You have to earn a pause.” Otherwise they are More >
How to Get An Acting Agent
Jul 2nd
0CommentsShare
Wondering how to get an agent in the acting business? Check out these tips fro the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts!
Burn No Bridges It may seem like a no-brainer, but always be kind and respectful to agents, whether or not you agree with the way they handle their business. It may seem as though everyone wants to be a famous actor, but the industry isn’t that big, and most agents are well-connected.
Leaving a bad impression with one acting agent can destroy your reputation with others. Conversely, if you impress an agent, she or he may recommend you to colleagues. Remember that many acting agents are creative people as well; they work in the same industry that you do. The more you respect your agent and work hard for them, the more they will work for you. Not to mention that being respectful and professional in all you do establishes you as someone anyone would want to work with.
Choosing an Agent When you look for potential acting agents, consider where you are in your career. If you’re just starting out, a smaller agency will probably suit you better. This doesn’t mean you have to skimp on professionalism. More >
Voice Over Auditions – Five Tips to get Voice Over Jobs
Jul 2nd
0CommentsShare
Check out www.nycacting.com’s tips for nailing a voice over audition, written by aspiring actor and writer Alex Swenson:
Voice over auditions can give aspiring voice artists access to the growing number of lucrative voice over jobs that are available in today’s world. Whether you’re an actor trying to break into voice overs or exclusively interested in voice acting, these tips should help you approach voice over auditions with confidence and some tools to help you get the job. Next time you attend a voice over audition or audition from your home studio, think about these five things:
•Vocal Quality Some voice over auditions can consist of just one word, so the quality of your voice is very important. Do everything you can to have your voice in tip top shape. Make sure you are well hydrated and try to avoid foods and beverages that will dry out your instrument. The main offenders are cigarettes, alcohol, coffee, citrus, dairy and very cold drinks. Learn and practice relaxation techniques to avoid tension in your voice and make sure you are not holding your breath during your voice over audition. Finally, do a few vocal warm-up exercises if you can, especially if you’re auditioning for a More >
How much money should you expect to invest in your new career?
Mar 3rd
0CommentsShare
New talent will need to invest money in their career in entertainment. Though no one can be sure how much money you will spend, you should focus spending on specific things like talent development and increasing opportunities.
You may need professional training, which means you will have to invest in acting classes or an acting coach to boost your chances at being successful in a career in entertainment. New talent always needs some kind of direction; how much you spend on it is up to you.
Headshots and comp cards will cost money too. New talent interested in pursuing a career in entertainment will absolutely need comp cards. The headshot is the centerpiece of the comp card, and a good one could cost you a lot of money. You may also need to spend money on new clothing and makeup for your photoshoots.
Breaking into a career in entertainment will also require networking; this may mean that you will have to spend money to attend events. You will also need to spend money on transportation if you want to get to your auditions and other meeting.
What is fashion week, and how can you make it there?
Mar 3rd
0CommentsShare
Fashion week is a week-long event in the fashion industry that usually takes place in the fashion capitals: New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Modeling careers are launched at fashion week, a chance for fashion designers to display their new collections. How do models secure model jobs for fashion week?
First, you will need to be represented by a high-profile modeling agency that cares about their clients’ modeling careers. You will also need to meet the almost impossible requirements of fashion week standards: tall, thin, unique face and look. Competition for model jobs in runway modeling is fierce, and you will really need to make a lasting impression.
Models just beginning their modeling careers will have a better chance of walking for a new designer than an established designer. The casting call information for these types of shows is usually easier to access for models seeking fashion week model jobs. Walking for an established designer is usually a privilege reserved for models with either lots of experience or luck.
How to prepare for an overseas modeling job
Mar 3rd
0CommentsShare
If you would like to become a model, you will need to be open-minded about modeling opportunities. You might be able to find modeling jobs in other countries, if you’re willing to travel. When you book your first international photoshoot, you will need to know how to prepare and what to bring.
To pursue modeling opportunities abroad, you will first need to obtain a passport. You can apply for a passport at your local post office. If you want to become a model in another country, you will need to learn the basics of the language. Purchase a travel-sized translation dictionary so that you can communicate the details of your modeling opportunities.
Also, you will need to understand the currency and the exchange rate in the country that you’re visiting. When you get paid for modeling opportunities, you will need to make sure that no one is trying to take advantage of you. If you want to become a model, you should be smart and savvy about the industry; some people might try to swindle you so be an educated traveler.
Should I model in New York City or Los Angeles?
Mar 3rd
0CommentsShare
The west coast is known for oceans, Hollywood, and glamour, and the east coast is known for subways, fast-paced life, and skyscrapers. When you are serious about pursuing modeling opportunities, where should you live?
Take your model development to the next level by committing to a big move. Much of this depends on your style and aesthetic. The Los Angeles aesthetic is laid-back and beachy, while the New York City aesthetic is chic and edgy. Both cities offer modeling opportunities for different types of models.
While undergoing model development, consider your look and personality. Could you see yourself living in Los Angeles? In New York City? Do these cities have agents that would hire you and help you find work? Are you ready to take your career and modeling opportunities this seriously?
Should I Act in New York City or Los Angeles?
Mar 3rd
0CommentsShare
When you begin your acting career, you might wonder where you should live if you want to expose yourself to the most opportunities. New York City and Los Angeles are generally known for their vibrant acting communities, and many people move to one of these two cities to become an actor or actress.
People pursuing acting careers generally move to New York City if they are interested in live theater like Broadway; they move to Los Angeles if they want to become an actor or actress who works in film.
Moving is a big decision, and you will want to consider all factors. Who will you affect if you decide to move to a new place to become an actor or actress? Are you sure about the kind of acting you want to do? Are you completely serious about your acting career? If you have any doubts, you should seriously reconsider your desire to move.
If you’re unsure about making a big move, and you don’t live close to a big city, you can pursue local theater and film opportunities first. Students are always looking for extras to appear in student films, and community theaters are always seeking actors. Acting careers have been More >
Advantage of working with a small talent agency
Mar 3rd
0CommentsShare
Even though working with a big talent agency can seem like a great honor, working with a small talent agency has its advantages too. New talent should consider working with agencies of all sizes; you never know which agency can best help you with your career in acting.
Small talent agencies usually have a strong commitment to know their new talent personally; they take the time to develop relationships with their clients. Your career in acting could benefit from someone who truly cares about your well-being and success.
Agents and employees at small talent agencies are usually part of a close-knit team that is devoted to securing employment for their new talent. Each agent will have his or her own specialty and a small pool of clients. They only choose new talent most serious about pursuing a career in acting because they will devote all their resources to them.
