Acting

Acting

Whether you’re an actor, voice actor, casting director or anyone else related to the profession of acting, this is the place to discuss, share content and offer advice and tips on technique, audition strategies, headshots and all other topics related to the sweet science of acting

Record yourself reading monologues and short scenes. You can purchase a book of monologues online or through Industry sites giving you hours of potential roles to inhabit.

Pick one and practice it 2-3 times, then tape yourself giving the speech. When you rewatch it, take notes on where you want to im...

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It can be incredibly handy to have certain clothing items for self-tapes.

Keeping a small portion of your closet devoted to clothes for auditioning that are kept clean and pressed can save time and panic later.

Here are just a few to consider..

Basic Commercial:

Before getting into character types, it...

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It can be incredibly handy to have certain clothing items for self-tapes.

Keeping a small portion of your closet devoted to clothes for auditioning that are kept clean and pressed can save time and panic later.

Here are just a few to consider..

Basic Commercial:

Before getting into character types, it’s important to have a few basics.

For commercial auditions, this will typically be something in a solid color, and on the more cheerful side.

Think of the “family friendly” version of you.

Basic Theatrical:

Same idea as commercial, but a more serious look.

This might mean darker or more muted colors, possibly longer sleeves, something that makes you feel grounded.

- Mom/Dad:

Having a parental look will go a long way for commercial auditions and day players.

A solid cardigan or polo shirt you can throw on to look approachable and relatable can easily suggest the role. Maybe have a pair of glasses handy. You want a slightly more conservative look for this one.

- Flirty/Seductive:

If it’s in your wheelhouse, having a flirty ingenue or vampy look might be something to consider. It’s a fine line to walk, as you still want to look professional. Hair and makeup can also go a long way here.

- Dystopian/Gritty:

Get yourself that grungy gray tank top or noticeably worn tee. Having an appropriately lived-in looking jacket (army green, brown, or other darker earth tones) might also be a good idea.

- Professional White Collar, putting together a look with a blazer or suit with a tie can suggest a lawyer, CEO, detective, accountant or any type of white-collar professional.

- Professional Blue Collar, on the other side of the spectrum, a nice denim shirt that you can roll up the sleeves can easily transform you into a farmer, hometown clerk, etc.

- Scrubs, bring on the medical dramas! If you don’t have actual scrubs (though they can often be found in uniform stores) a solid color v-neck shirt can suggest a nurse or technician. A lab coat might be good to have on hand if you can find one.

#actor #audition #selftape #wardrobe

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Emily J

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1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
3 months ago

I'm so excited!!! Love Vanessa Kirby. Pedro can do no wrong. Quinn is great. Ebon is the most surprising here and I think it's a really great choice :)

Sam Sokolow

I'm such a fan of the Fantastic Four and they haven't quite cracked it yet as a movie at the expected level. This is a great cast. Shankman is a quality filmmaker. Ebon is a great grouch. Can't wait to see and will with high hopes and an open heart.

Maurice Vaughan

3 months ago

I like the look of the cast, Nick Phillips. I didn't think Pedro Pascal had the look for Mr. Fantastic at first, but it's grown on me.

Nick Phillips

i agree Sam Sokolow, they definitely haven't figured out how to make FF movies work so far. I'm hopeful this one lives up to the potential of the great attachments that have come onboard so far!...

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Ashley Renee Smith

2
2 people like this
- Lakiesha Michelle
- Maurice Vaughan
3 months ago

I'm super excited by Ebon's casting! He's going to be great in this role!

Pat Alexander

So much fun going to meetups and meeting great writers, directors, and creative people!

2
2 people like this
- Omari Washington
- Maurice Vaughan
3 months ago

You all better be posting pics on Stage 32 so I can live vicariously through you all!

Oh, I'll definitely be posting, Emily J! =)

Suzanne Bronson

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
4 months ago

Thank you.

3
3 people like this
3 months ago

I'm looking to get a new microphone for recording voice work at my house. What microphone do you use?

Kris Keppeler

2
2 people like this
- Ashley Renee Smith
- Maurice Vaughan
3 months ago

I use a Rode NT1A. It's not a high-end mic, but it has a good sound, and it's a quiet mic. It's

recommended for audiobook and narration work.

One of my first jobs was producing radio commercials and I was always so impressed with the talented voice actors I was fortunate enough to work with. It seemed like such a cool job. Amazing how the c...

My pleasure, Sam!

Rachel Walker

3
3 people like this
4 months ago

Musicians too!! :-)

Leonardo Ramirez

2
2 people like this
- Tammy Hunt
- Maurice Vaughan
4 months ago

Sorry to be late to this post, Tammy Hunt but are there any good book of monologues you would recommend?

Tammy Hunt

2
2 people like this
- Maurice Vaughan
- Leonardo Ramirez
4 months ago

Leonardo Ramirez you can take a look at "Monologues They'll Remember You By" - written by Andrew Biss

2
2 people like this
- Maurice Vaughan
- Tammy Hunt
4 months ago

Got it! Thanks so much Tammy Hunt!

2
2 people like this
- Tammy Hunt
- Maurice Vaughan
3 months ago

Great post! Thank you for sharing!

That's a great question, I'd love to know the answer to Ashley Renee Smith, Tammy Hunt...

Shane Stanley

5
5 people like this
4 months ago

Ashley, I will tell you the answer to that by and large, is YES. Cyber stalking actors is very common (I am kidding with that term) more-so, learning everything you can about them, especially on their...

I listened to a podcast about that very topic Ashley (tagging isn't working again) put out by a CD interviewing other CDs. Yes, they do check socials sometimes if they like a person and want to see how they would be to work with. So don't get in arguments on social media.

Ashley absolutely! No casting director or producer, director, etc., as part of a production wants an actor who may be a liability to the success of the series or film.

Thank you for sharing! This is a great checklist

Great stuff as always, Tammy Hunt! If the actor wears glasses, should they remove for a self-tape if there's a possibility of a glare?

Just make sure the glare is not present in the angle of which the camera is positioned

Thanks as always, Tammy Hunt !

These are also good items to have on hand for background/extra work. NU especially has to provide multiple options.

I like to film self tapes wearing a top hat! It helps me feel comfortable on screen. I haven't booked many gigs but I hope to get more into acting this year :)

4
4 people like this
4 months ago

Yes Predator Ashley Renee Smith me too!

Xochi Blymyer

4
4 people like this
3 months ago

Although in recent years, I would see Carl at the Directors Guild, at meetings and events, I first met him on one of the first movies I worked on, Action Jackson. I was a stand-in at the time. He was larger than life, very kind, and a pleasure to work with too. It's a great memory.

Thats great to hear, Xochi Blymyer! It's wonderful to know that he was kind to people that he worked with.

David Abrookin

2
2 people like this
- Suzanne Bronson
- Maurice Vaughan
3 months ago

Such a legend. He was the king of supporting roles. If you saw Carl show up in a movie or show, you knew he was going to steal scenes.

One of the all time GOATs

Aaron Marcus

Does narrating audiobooks interest you? Have you reached out to creative directors at ad agencies for doing radio spots? Have you looked for agents who can submit you for jobs?