StageAgent’s Post

What Roles Should I Submit for as a New Actor (keyahamilton.com) Deciding whether to submit for an audition as an actress can depend on several factors…

If you’ve taken an acting class, you’ve probably heard about actions or tactics. But what are they and how do they enhance a performance? Let's find out in our latest blog post! https://lnkd.in/eGTu6vDu #blogpost #actor #acting #actingexercises #scriptanalysis #theatre #dramastudent #stage

What makes a good actor? I thought about what my most memorable and connected moment as an actor and performer has been in the last twenty years. And tbh, the biggest jobs, West End shows, Broadway NY, they made the top ten but they didn’t make the top five. They were nowhere near. And those little cameos, audiobooks for the BBC, the odd game character for mahosive clients, they don’t even make the top thirty. Because I have a rich history of working in community settings as an actor, storyteller and artist. Schools, residential homes, hospitals, community centres, art centres, Library’s. And those make my top five moments. With people who can’t often afford to go to a theatre or maybe aren’t able to physically get to one. And also to audiences that need the moments we have as performers more than any I ever performed to in any theatre. So, having heard the phrase, ‘well, you need to be a good actor to…’ quite a lot recently I wanted to say, a good actor is not always about performing at the best theatre. Or for the richest, biggest client. A good actor is not always someone performing to an audience of billions. A good actor is someone who has taken the opportunity in whatever setting to be brave, open hearted and true, and through the power of their storytelling has been able to lift, change and empower another person or people. So have faith in yourself as a storyteller and be true and kind and full of light and love. It’s not a competition to be the flashiest star, it’s about being part of a beautiful galaxy and making that shine together. And as a casting director, remember sometimes the brightest lights can be found in the furthest reaches of our galaxy. ❤️🌟☺️ #actor #voicetalent #communityart #communitytheatre #casting

As an adult Actor, you try to guess what the Casting Director wants you to do in a scene so that they like you and book you. Therefore, you adapt your performance to what you think they want in the scene. When you do this, you shrink your version of yourself. You manipulate everything that is true about you in order to please, like a salesperson would do. This does not feel great because you are not being yourself. You fake, pretend, push and manipulate your performance. The problem here is you chose art. The value of what you offer as an artist has to do with you stepping into what you really are, what you really want and what you really mean in a very unique way. Your scene is going to be different from anyone else’s scene if you show up being YOU and don’t repress what you really feel and sense in the moment. Leave us a comment and let us know how free you feel as an artist. #actors #actor #artist #acting #actingtips

“Cripping Up” is when a non-disabled actor puts on physical mannerisms to perform a disabled character. It’s not exclusive to non-disabled actors, any actor can put on a physical behavior not related to their own experience. I have a lot of friends ask “but isn’t acting supposed to be pretending to be someone you’re not?” In a vacuum, yes. But the truth is that audiences have an implicit bias toward non-disabled actors cripping up because it gives them a sense of ease. It’s a very easy thing to do to “enhance” your performance, but it’s cheap. I’ve done it myself many times before. I also don’t think that moments like this should shut down conversations. We should be exploring why it is that we feel comfortable with actors doing this. Sure, we could leave it at “not about us without us,” but it’s infinitely more complex and helpful to examine exactly why it is. Everyone wants to play Richard. People are inexplicably attracted to Richard. Accessibility and storytelling should go hand in hand.

You've been conditioned not to feel. Since you were little, you were told not to be angry, sad, scared, or super loud. You've been told to shut up, sit down, listen, and do what you're told. So, the work to be done is to undo that conditioning and restore your capacity to feel for yourself, instead of trying to please others and get external validation. Only then will you stop thinking about what the casting director wants, and will start asking yourself what YOU want, what your purpose as an artist is. And from that place, you can connect with the industry in a meaningful, purposeful, and artistic way. If you want to get completely free as an actor and have full access to all your feelings, leave a comment with the word FREE100. #actors #acting #actingcoach #breakingintoacting #actingtips

7 Essential Actor Adventures: 1. Dive into an Acting Book: It's a must-do. Grab a fantastic acting book – it's not just about getting better; it's about expanding your acting universe. These gems spark imagination, ease stress, and share golden tips. Dive in, and remember, not all are heavy reads! 2. Embrace the "No": One "No" to a role changes the game. Your artist's voice blooms, guiding your choices. It's about more than scripts – it's your values and integrity speaking. Saying "no" holds power! 3. Explore Beyond Acting: Imagine life beyond the spotlight. It's cool! Think about other paths; no cheating on acting here. This journey removes stigma and tests your passion. It's okay to wander. 4. Be a Casting Helper: Casting gigs teach gold. Being a CASTING ASSISTANT unveils audition truths. Top performances own rooms; they dance with words. A life-changing eye-opener! 5. Feel Jr. Artist Vibes: Jr. artist? Yes! It's not "just" acting; it's a masterclass. Blend naturally, enhance scenes. Stamina grows on long sets. Learn from behind the scenes. 6. Unleash Theatre Magic: Theatre's heartbeat! Feel that rush? Theatre fills souls, challenges minds. Spotlight and live audience – pure magic in the dark. A love that keeps giving. 7. Hit Pause: Pause isn't weak; it's magic. Hit the "pause" button. Watch worries fade, your brain recharge. In this break, sparks of creativity ignite. Adventure on, actor! 🎭✨ #ActorLife #ActingJourney #AuditionAdventures #ActingBooks #SayingNo #BeyondActing #ExplorePossibilities #CastingInsights #BehindTheScenes #JuniorArtistLife #TheatreMagic #LiveAudienceThrills #TakingABreak #RefreshAndRecharge #ActorAdventure #DreamsAndDrama #SpotlightMoments #ArtistsUnite #CreativeChallenges #PassionForActing #ActorInspiration #ActorsWorld #ActorWisdom #ActorHustle #StageAndScreen #OnSetMagic #ArtistryUnveiled #LightsCameraAction #ActingPassion #ActorEmpowerment #ArtistryJourney

One powerful method that actors across the globe practice is Sanford Meisner's technique, specifically his unique approach to preparation. This transformative method empowers actors to self-stimulate their emotions before a scene, ensuring their performances resonate with authenticity and depth. 😁 What is Meisner's Preparation? 🤔 Sanford Meisner's preparation is a distinctive process that encourages actors to tap into their emotions through the power of imagination. Unlike other techniques that may rely heavily on personal experiences, Meisner's approach leverages the actor's ability to create compelling imaginary circumstances. This imaginative process evokes the necessary emotions required for a scene, allowing actors to bring genuine feeling and spontaneity to their performances. Why Preparation Matters? 🤔 Entering a scene with a rich emotional foundation is crucial. Meisner believed that actors should never enter a scene emotionally empty. Instead, they should be brimming with the emotions that their character is supposed to feel. This preparation is vital for several reasons: -Natural Response to Stimuli: By being emotionally prepared, actors can respond naturally to their scene partners and the stimuli around them. This leads to interactions that feel real and unscripted. -Authentic Performances: When an actor's emotions are genuine, their performance becomes more believable. This authenticity captivates audiences and creates a deeper connection between the character and the viewer. -Spontaneity and Flexibility: Emotional preparation allows actors to be more flexible and spontaneous, adapting to changes in the scene without losing the essence of their performance. As the acting landscape continues to evolve, mastering Meisner's preparation method can set actors apart, enabling them to connect deeply with their characters and their audience. 😁 . . . . #theatre #acting #preparation #sanfordmeisner #trendingtips #actors #theatreeducation #educator #skilldevelopment #tips #practitioner #theatrepeople #jobs

As an artist, you need to put your energy in your character’s needs, not in your ego’s needs. You need to focus on what you as the character want to achieve in a scene and what you do and say to get there. Once you are in character, there are no lines to remember at all. They are just words to get what you need from the other characters. Therefore, the work to do is to undo that conditioning so that your ego does not manage your life and career. Once your ego is taken care of, you can show up as the character. #acting #actor #actors #actingtips #actingcoach

One interesting thing I learned while working on Bluegrass Theatre Guild's production of And Then There Were None is something my director calls an "Italian Run." "What is an 'Italian Run?'" you might be asking. Long story short, it's a run of the show (or an act/scene) where everyone performs as over-the-top or ridiculous as possible. It felt weird and uncomfortable at first, but I found this exercise helps in a number of ways: 1. *It's a helpful improv and resetting exercise.* Spontaneity and keeping a performance fresh is difficult after multiple takes. Spicing it up either alone or with castmates/fellow actors can help you reset those settings while you follow the pacing of your lines. Also, how else can you learn to jump from William Shatner to Viggo Mortenson on the spot? 2. *It can help you uncover new actions/motivations within your performance.* After an Italian run of Act 2, Scene I, I noticed I shifted my eyes when one of the characters mentioned poison (#iykyk). It was very subtle but still a notable change that helps me pay attention to what's happening in the world of the play by arousing my suspicion about one or two other characters in the room. 3. *You notice the different between grounded and "animaniacal" reads." Fairly sure "animaniacal" isn't a word, but bear with me. Many of my teachers and directors always talk about things like the "anime voice" or raising the stakes in my performances or reads. Use this exercise to discover what would be too much to be taken seriously and bring your motivations back to earth. It's harder to bring out more from subtlety than it is to dial it down. 4. *It's just plain fun!* Give yourself a chance to do an unhinged read before the real deal! Are you auditioning from home or with like-minded actors? Is anyone going to judge you for doing this exercise to get to your natural read? I have a little note in my studio to record an overdramatic read with a[an audio] level read to strike a balance and loosen up and I wanted to share this to help others find a tool that helps them with auditions and (hopefully) when you get into the studio with a booked gig! #acting #actingexercises #voiceactor #theatre #havingfun