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Soap Opera auditions are a little different from many other television auditions, like comedy auditions for sitcoms, or dramatic auditions for hour long night time dramas, in terms of acting style.  Soap Operas are very specific.  The scene work is generally dramatic and serious, and very natural, but sort of heightened for camera shots, reaction shots, and dramatic “moments” where one actor is listening and responding nonverbally to the other.  It seems somewhat stilted, but it is part of the style of daytime. Read the rest of this entry »

Responsibility

Remember we’ve talked about “Pet Peeves” at length and how to avoid tripping someone’s switch at an audition or class?  Well that brings us in a sort of common sense way, to the crux of it…Responsibility.

Actors are notorious flakes.  They are considered by most people in other areas of show business to be late, inconsiderate, self-centered, and often require baby-ing or babysitting to get them to function.  They are thought to be selfish, privileged, and aloof on a set, unapproachable.  They are often avoided by the crew, or pampered into expecting that sort of behavior as normal. 

Break that stereotype now!  Be responsible for yourself, your actions, and exceed expectations.  Be early, know your lines, bring muffins, say thank you, send notes or emails, be professional.

There is nothing that will get you hired back faster…even talent.  Being a normal person, in charge of ons self and earning your way fairly and conscientiously will get points no matter where you go…and open doors you never imagined as a result.

Working actors who develop lifetime careers are not giddy, talking models with a good opportunity and lots of luck or contacts.  They are professionals who take their careers and their work and talent seriously, deliver, show up, and can be counted on.  Make a conscious intention to be among that group of respected working actors!

Start by being responsible.  Do what it takes to make that impression.  It will not fail you. 

You Can Do It,
Beth

Audition Advice for Non Actors

We are often asked for specific advice for non actors about auditioning, from professionals in other areas of performing.
Our answers are nearly always the same:  come in prepared to do your best, be yourself, and show the people on the auditioning panel that you are a professional.  If they want you, they’ll see to it that you have the help you need to do the job well once you’re hired.  You must come in dressed appropriately, be on time, be friendly and professional, and apply the rules you already know in the field in which you already excel.  There may be different expectations, but the attitude of the professional is universal. Read the rest of this entry »

Having a Hard Day?

Someone took your parking spot and you were late to an audition.  (been there, as you know)  You didn’t pack a suit in your car when you left for your commercial audition in a polo shirt and jeans this morning…and you got a call and your agent said, “Suit!!”  You haven’t eaten since coffee and a yogurt at breakfast and you’re a little dizzy, but late for your next appointment and can’t squeeze in even a drive through.  You need gas, and you’re stuck on the freeway in a traffic jam, and need to get to class and there’s just no chance of it!

There are two things that can add a little perspective back to “one of  those days” as an actor.  First of all, find ways to manage your world.  Pack a suit, a pair of jeans and a plain shirt/top, tennis shoes, dress shoes, socks/stockings, and a warm up suit or sweats into the trunk of your car.  If the climate allows, pack some water, and a couple of power/granola bars as well.  Leave your house ready for a long day if that is your world.  If you need to get to work after a day of appointments, throw in your work stuff too so you don’t have to go home if you don’t have time.  Try to live a simplified life…no pets, or someone who can take care of them if you’re in a jam (and this from a consummate animal lover, who stresses more about the animals if I’m late as I do about myself).  Try to embrace what structure you can build into a routine.  Prepare early.  Learn lines for scene work in class, work on your sides for tomorrow’s auditions, and don’t leave it till later.  Be sure that later will mean you’re late.

And secondly, find something outside of acting to keep you grounded.  A sport, a hobby, a charity, and activity, a class not related to the industry, all of these are places to start to become an interesting, well-rounded person.  It will even give you something to talk about at your next general interview!

Go Get ‘Em,
Beth