Your Guide to Self-Tape Auditions
A self-tape audition, like the name suggests, is a self-recorded video that an actor films on their own time. These virtual-style auditions took off during the pandemic, offering actors, casting directors and entertainment professionals an alternative, one that limited physical interactions during a time where social distancing was highly encouraged in order to lower our risks of contagion.
Toxicity in the Acting Industry
As actors, we are in constant competition with other actors. Let’s face it, for every casting notice you submit to, there was probably hundreds of other applications alongside yours. For every audition, there is likely thirty-some other actors who got called in to audition too. For every petite, brunette, youthful looking Latina role, there are other actresses in the room who will look EXACTLY like me.
Top Drama Schools in the U.S
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a traditional four-year college program that culminates in a general arts degree, oftentimes maintaining a relatively broad arts curriculum. BA’s are a great option for students who enjoy a specific art form, but want to keep an open mind and take other classes relating to that generalized niche.
What Skills do you need to be an Actor?
Resilience and the art of perseverance is instrumental in an industry where so much is out of our control. As actors, resilience teaches us to bounce back, despite the rejection we face on a daily basis. As an actor, this is fundamental. Without resilience, your acting career will inevitably fall short.
Jobs in Theater
When we think of theater, we might not necessarily think about all of the intricacies and jobs that go on behind the scenes. This is OKAY. It’s part of the magic of theater. However, if you’re looking for work in the theatre industry, please know that it DOES exist… and it exists in abundance.
Theater Classes for Kids and Teens in CT
On the surface, Connecticut might seem like a small state with not much to offer for creatives and artists alike but beneath its suburban towns and beautiful state parks, CT holds some other treasures, especially for young actors looking to further their craft!
Contemporary Monologues for Women
If you’re looking for a new monologue then check out some of the ones I’ve included below. They are all from contemporary theater plays and work best for actresses who are able to play young female characters, generally between the ages of 20 to early 30s.
How to Spot a Talent Agency Scam
Scam agents (or managers) who accept everyone that submits to their roster, are the same agents who ask you to pay those unnecessary and fabricated “upfront fees.” This system preys on vulnerable actors and manipulates their inexperience, by convincing them to pay and fund their fraudulent scheme. Think about it: you’re paying for something you’re not supposed and that money goes directly to the people who asked you to do so, in the first place.
Dress to Impress: Audition Outfits for Winter
Curating audition outfits that serve you (in the room and in the cold) is important and certainly something to keep in mind. Luckily, you can put together a few looks that don’t require much effort on your end. This way, you can focus on your acting instead of thinking about what to wear next time you’re called in for an in-person casting.
Contemporary Theater Monologues for Teens
A monologue is an un-interrupted chunk of dialogue performed by a single character (on screen or on stage). Think of your favorite film, television or on-screen speeches! In this blog post, we’ll be focusing on theater monologues for teens.
How do Actors Get Paid?
An actor will get paid for the project itself. This constitutes any worked hours (on set or at home). In the industry, we refer to this as a “day rate” or “session fee.” Think of it as your “clocking in” money. Your session fee is typically presented in the form of a finite sum or daily rate of some sort, usually determined by the producers, clients and/or higher-ups of the production company you have been contracted through.
How do Actors Memorize Lines?
Whether you enjoy it or not, memorizing lines comes with the job. Lines come in all shapes and sizes. From theatrical plays and musicals, to film, tv, voiceover and commercial scripts, lines are delivered by different types of characters in varying genres, styles and performing platforms.
More than just a Day Job: Careers for Actors
My philosophy is this: your craft extends well beyond acting classes or a long day on set. You are an artist: all day, every day, so why not choose a job that honors this idea?
So, you have a Theater Degree: Now What?
A Theater Degree won’t guarantee you an acting career. It’s not a free ride into the industry you spent four years studying, it won’t promise you success or guarantee you jobs, and it certainly won’t assure you the security you’re looking to have. An actor curates their own experiences through time, and only time can tell the type of career you’ll have.
Finding your Actor Type
An actor’s type refers to the category of character an actor can play. These categories are largely influenced by age range and archetype (a very specific type of person).
Casting Websites: Which one’s Right for You?
Casting websites are commonly used by working actors, casting directors, agents and talent managers to post jobs, find talent or submit themselves to acting projects. While features vary from site to site, these sites offer an actor the opportunity to personalize their profile by selecting a few headshots to feature, upload their resume and share their acting credits (professional work an actor has done).
Types of Headshots for Actors
By industry standards, a headshot is an 8 x 10 professional photograph of your face, or as the name suggests, of your head. It is the most basic and fundamental tool an actor needs when presenting themselves in all aspects of the entertainment industry, particularly at auditions and in front of Casting Directors.
Product Faves: Essence Juicy Bomb Glossy Butter Balm
For starters, this Juicy Bomb Glossy Butter Balm allows you to build up its pigment, according to your own liking. While the product comes across as highly pigmented (especially for a balm), it offers the opportunity to build it up or build it down. You can softly dab it on, offering a more subtle flush of color or you can wear it full on for a bigger statement! Either way, the balm (and this particular shade) leaves a beautiful after-effect, similar to a tinted lip stain, giving the lips a stunning flush of color – as if you just took a bite of a fresh straw(b)erry or took a sip of your favorite Pinot Noir!