ZOOM Auditions; Here to Stay?

Air Date: 4/13/2023

OK, so just because I thought Zoom was a designer drug from France three years ago doesn’t make me naïve. I just never used the platform before Covid. Then, suddenly, I was holding meetings and Zoom auditions all the time. Within the blink of an eye, I became an expert on how to audition on Zoom. Agents were asking me to teach their clients. Actors were like, “Can you please let me know if this looks good?”. Schools were trying to get me to teach Zoom acting on Zoom! But now, Covid restrictions are easing up and I just did my first “live” EPA for Contemporary American Theatre Festival (CATF). Now the question is, “Are Zoom auditions now a thing of the past?” Let’s look at the pros and cons of acting on the Zoom platform and answer the question, “Are Zoom auditions here to stay?”

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Audition mistakes and how to correct them!

Air Date 4/6/2023

You get nervous before your audition. There is a “fight or flight” response that makes you want to go home and get under the covers. You know the material; you’ve worked on it. And yet, without warning, your hands get sweaty, you have to pee, it’s hard to breathe. Does this sound familiar? Guess what? You are not alone. The mistake is thinking that your nervousness is a mistake! It is not. It is simply part of the process that many actors find hard to control. It is this lack of control that feels so uncomfortable and prevents you from doing your best work. After thousands of auditions both in person and on video, I can tell you that there are common issues I’ve experienced with actors that can sometimes cost them the callback or even worse, the job. Even though the title of this blog is “Common audition mistakes and how to correct them” I prefer to not characterize the following as “mistakes” but rather issues that can move you away from consideration for the role you are auditioning for. See if any of these might apply to you. I will also provide real solutions that can help.

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The importance of classes as an investment strategy

Air Date: 3/30/2023

As the “CEO” of your own company, making the right investments is a good business strategy. After all, you’ve probably spent time, money, and energy into your development as an actor already. Growing your “acting business” is the logical next step. This is where I see newbie actors making less than perfect decisions for themselves. The thinking goes something like this, “I’ve already had an acting class, had new pictures taken and now I am ready to be professional”.  While it may seem reasonable to think this way, there is a vital component that is missing. That is, accounting for ongoing education in your plans. You see, I believe the actor must always improve their skills with classes, workshops, seminars, and any other method of “talent investment”. Incorporating ongoing education into your business plan is critically important. Let’s look at some ways this strategy can help you with your career goals.

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Business or Pleasure?

Air Date:  March 23, 2023

Whenever you cross the border, a security person behind the counter often asks, “Business or pleasure?”. Isn’t that strange. Like it is one or the other, not both at the same time. Think of it. If you answered, “Both”, then you just might be in for further scrutiny. Are you an actor for business or pleasure? Can it be both? Being a creative person, it is often a challenge to your business abilities while the fun part is less important if you can’t pay the rent. On today’s episode, we’ll explore the answers we give when asked, business or pleasure? Welcome to Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors.

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Marketing Mistakes Actors Make

Air Date:  March 16, 2023

I’ve heard this statement from actors many times; “I have tried doing (whatever) and it doesn’t seem to work. Or “whenever I try to (whatever it is) something goes wrong”. Many times actors make mistake after mistake because of their limited perspective of the situation. After all, not one teaches this stuff in acting school. We’ll look at the myths and mistakes actors make and how to avoid them on this episode of Casting Actors Cast!

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Air Date:  March 9, 2023

Spring In Your Step

I love the following catch phrases, “Make your mark, Jump at the chance, you do you, It’s aint over till it’s over, It’s just a matter of time…”. I’m not sure why I am enamored of these simple statements apart from their positive messages they inspire. Sometimes this shorthand version of coping with our feelings is a quick method of moving forward. Here’s one, “ Put a Spring in your step!” Well, soon it’s going to be Spring. New starts, fresh eyes and ways to grow into this new season. Put a Spring in Your Step on this episode of Casting actors Cast!

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Stage or Screen, What’s the Difference?

Air Date:  March 2, 2023

Here’s the thing. Actors are often told that there is no real difference between acting on stage or on camera. They are told just to, “bring it down…do less”. Well. I say that you’ve been given wrong advice. It often comes from teachers who need a simple way to avoid the truth. After this episode, you will have a clear understanding of what’s needed and the difference between acting on stage or on screen. This is Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors from a casting director!

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Legal Matters

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The Importance of Being Ernest

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Material That Fits

Air Date:  February 9, 2023

So, how do you look in Spandex? You know, that tight fitting stretchy stuff usually worn in the gym or dance class? How does it make you feel? I’m not talking about your physicality. I’m talking about why you decided to choose whatever you wear when you are outside your home? OK. The same thing applies to the script material you choose to work on. Whether for an audition or a class, how do you choose the “material” that is best for you? Material that fits, on this episode of Casting Actors Cast!

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