Actors Blog
Tools and tips to help you succeed in your career!
Here you’ll find tips that address problems many actors face in their careers, along with exercises to practice for your next audition.
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More Thoughts From writer Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing”, “The American President”)
Photo by The Los Angeles Times More Thoughts From writer Aaron Sorkin (of “The West Wing”, “The American President”, "The Social Network" and "Molly's Game). When discussing what it was like directing “Molly’s Game,” Aaron Sorkin talked about working with the the...
read moreUnderstanding the Writer and Making Good Choices
Understanding the Writer and Making Good Choices I’m often asked by actors, how to make good choices for playing a character in a scene... One of the first places to look, is the script itself. Understanding what the writer needs from you can help you gain a new...
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What Determines an Actor’s Success or Failure?
The primary reason an actor doesn't succeed. I recently was having lunch with a friend who asked "what is the primary reason an actor doesn't succeed in the industry?". This was my response to his question: Effort. The biggest reason an actor doesn’t have a successful...
read moreBecoming An Actor in Demand!
The flow of students through my acting classes over the years has proven to be a mixture of those who are talented, focused, and unwavering in their desire to succeed. Those who are: Talented but not focused Those who are all over the map in their personal and...
read moreAuditions: Open Your Eyes to a Brand New World of Details
Successful Audition Technique Observing The Details: When you’re auditioning, it’s important for actors to follow the script regarding details given to you about the scene, where it takes place and the emotional state of the character. That seems simple...
read moreThe Actor, The Agent, The Audition Part Two
Hello actors and actresses! The Actor and The Actress – a series I wrote for my acting students. I have decided to publish them for the world to see, so that many more acting students can be inspired to strive for success. I hope this helps you with your own...
read moreThe Actor, The Agent, The Audition Part One
Hello actors and actresses! The Actor and The Actress – a series I wrote for my acting students. I have decided to publish them for the world to see, so that many more acting students can be inspired to strive for success. I hope this helps you with your own journey....
read moreBecome An Actor in Los Angeles – What Does it Take?
Become An Actor in Los Angeles - What Does it Take? Here are a few guidelines to becoming an actor in Los Angeles / Hollywood that you may find helpful! To see a more in depth blogs on technique, tips and what casting directors look for, feel free to check out my...
read moreAuditioning as A Professional – Investing in Yourself
Auditioning as A Professional - Investing in Yourself If you’re going to audition, go in as a professional, not an amateur. When you walk into the casting director’s office, know that you’ve been given an opportunity not only to read for a part, but to also show...
read moreAuditions: Bypass ‘Thinking’ and Start Discovering!
Auditions: Bypass 'Thinking' and Start Discovering! We’re going to switch it up a bit, just to give you a little breather from the past couple of weeks where the focus has been on emotional change in the moment when you least expect it. You’ve had a real workout. Are...
read moreThe Actor and The Actress Episode 1. By Lynette McNeill
The Actor and The Actress Episode 1. By Lynette McNeill Hello actors and actresses! I present to you - The Actor and The Actress - a series I wrote for my acting students. I have decided to publish them to the public so that they can inspire many more and help you...
read moreClasses For Actors: Being A Threat To The Competition
Classes For Actors: Being A Threat To The Competition Okay, so I’m seeing a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm for your work in the scenes you’re doing in acting class and that is really wonderful. Today, I want to look at a new area and talk to you about being...
read more5 Characteristics of An Actor
5 Characteristics of A Great Actor I am expanding on my original blog - Bringing Your Own Brand Of "Genius" to Your Work! Enjoy PART 3 of the characteristics that make up a great actor! Read Part One HERE! Read Part Two HERE! Adaptability: Being...
read more8 Characteristics Of What Makes an Actor “Great”
Bringing Your Own Brand Of "Genius" to Your Work PART 2! Here are 8 Characteristics Of What Makes an Actor "Great"... Read Part One HERE! We’re going to move on to the next characteristic with #8. Enthusiasm: Geniuses are so excited about what they are...
read more3 Ways to Prep Before Your Audition
3 Ways to Prep Before An Audition Even for the best of actors, auditioning for casting directors can be a challenge at best. We all know that being relaxed and present is vital to a good audition, but how do you get there? Are there specific steps to take that...
read moreBringing Your Own Brand Of “Genius” to Your Work – 7 Characteristics Of Great Actors
Bringing Your Own Brand Of "Genius" to Your Work! Here are 7 Characteristics Of What Makes an Actor "Great"... Courtesy of Ellen DeGeneres Who do you consider to be a genius? Picasso, Rembrandt, Chopin, Mozart, Shakespeare? They all possessed the drive and courage...
read more“Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Steve Martin
Be So Good They Can't Ignore YOU! I read an article over the weekend that I thought was interesting, and I wanted to share it with you. It was in reference to some things Steve Martin had to say about working and becoming successful in the entertainment industry....
read moreDirector Sam Mendes Talks About the Shadow Movie Underneath The Text “Part 2”
Director Sam Mendes Talks About the Shadow Movie Underneath The Text "Part 2" For Part 1 Click Here Director Sam Mendes Talks About the Shadow Movie Underneath the Text Part 2 Today we’re going to look at Part 2 of what director Sam Mendes has to say about...
read moreCasting Directors Give Advice on Auditioning!
Casting Directors Give Advice on Auditioning! In an article that appeared in the Sunday New York Times, several casting directors were asked what they wanted to see when an actor auditioned for film, television, or theater. The answers were very clear, and if you...
read more3 Things Casting Directors Look For in an Audition!
3 Things Casting Directors Look For in an Audition... Casting director, Jeff Greenberg (“Modern Family”) was asked "what are the most common things that actors do in an audition that drives you crazy"... His reply was “not preparing the material and paraphrasing the...
read moreDirector Sam Mendes Talks About the Shadow Movie Underneath the Text
Director Sam Mendes Talks About the Shadow Movie Underneath the Text In the interview below written by Lynn Hirschberg in the New York Times, Sam Mendes talks about things underneath the surface and the hidden movie in all good films. Everything he says...
read moreHow To Prepare For A Better Audition
How To Prepare For A Better Audition There is a certain way to prepare for an audition... When you find a scene that you would like to audition for, the first step is to really understand the scene! Take a look at what is happening and why it is important to the...
read moreDiane Keaton Part 2 – Actors-Directors; Learning To Trust Actions, Not Words
Actors-Directors; Learning To Trust Actions, Not Words - Part 2 If you missed it - Here is Part 1 of this article Last week I gave you Part 1 of an article written by Diane Keaton on acting, directing, and expressing the human experience. This is Part 2 of that...
read moreActors-Directors; Learning To Trust Actions, Not Words – Diane Keaton
Actors-Directors; Learning To Trust Actions, Not Words - Diane Keaton Below is a great article written by Diane Keaton, a wonderful actress who has also directed some very good films. Read what she says as a director regarding acting, imagining, and expressing the...
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