March 2008 Archives

Well, I have no answer other than it comes with dogged determination and the patience and persistence to acquire the necessary experience.

A Great Production = Skills of the Director + Skills of the Actor is an obvious calculus, but for a long time, I didn't really understand the specifics, but now I'm starting to understand.

What can be frustrating, for both the actor and the director, is that it IS a partnership -- they've got to work with each other, but both have to KNOW how to work, i.e., waking up some morning, without any significant training or experience, and thinking "yes, I'm a director" or "yes, I'm an actor" is about as crazy as waking up some morning, without any significant training or experience, and thinking "yes, I'm a neurosurgeon." "I'm going to find people who need neurosurgery, and then I'm just gonna jump in a do it." Bad idea.

I've written a lot about the skills of a actor, i.e., how to read a script, how to work on text and off of other actors -- these are significant non-trivial skills and it takes determination and patience and persistence to figure this stuff out, and to get better and better at it.

On the other hand, I've never directed (nor do I really want to) -- nor have a ever studied it (though three excellent books are: Backwards & Forwards: A Technical Manual for Reading Plays by David Ball; Sense of Direction: Some Observations on the Art of Directing by William Ball; & Reading for the Plot: Design and Intention in Narrative by Peter Brook) -- but I have managed to pick a few things up on my way:

Lately, in class (Word Of Mouth Studios), Deborah's been cracking the whip to keep me still during monologues and scene work. Why? Because I've got all this energy, but -- it's unfocused. Worse, the deepest part of myself is not fully "acting," rather, when I move around, use my hands, move my head, it's those parts of me, and my voice, that's doing a lot of the acting (by "voice," I don't mean the necessary vocal and breathe support that a particular text requires -- what I mean is I start to use my voice to "indicate" what the character is doing, what the character wants instead of letting all that come from my center).

"Deepest part of myself?" "my center?" Confused?

I want to formally welcome Christopher Stadulis as a contributor to this blog.

I first meet Christopher during auditions for The Upside Down Mirror (produced by The Riant Theatre).

He invited me to join his myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/actingsuccess) -- I did, started reading his blog there, and I was blown away with his mindset, focus, and positive attitude about becoming -- and BEING/REMAINING -- a professional actor.

Hello all,

I have been acting now for 3 1/2 years and have learned a great deal from working with several industry professionals and books which I have read.

My approach to my craft and business has changed dramatically. I understand that this is a business and I am the CEO of my own company and must always showcase myself in the best possible light. I shake as many hands as possible, always remain professional and positive, be open to change and most importantly, BE MYSELF! I submit for every project I can but focus my time, energy and money on areas that are geared towards my type. And it's extremely important to know your type/product. Meaning if a CD, Agent or Manager ask you, "Who's getting your work?" What they are trying to find out is if you were auditioning for roles in the BIG leagues, which Actors are getting the roles that you'd be perfect for based on your type. This is part of knowing your business.

I got cast in an original play that opens in Brooklyn in early April. The character is a charismatic religious figure, but while a bit heavy-handed, he's quite benevolent. It should be fun to do because he's someone I'm normally not like, i.e., he's highly confident, self-assured, but grounded and genuinely warm and caring (though most people would find his means heavy-handed and his motives suspect).

His monologues are not standard monologues (i.e., they wouldn't be good choices for audition monologues), but they do offer a terrific opportunity to master a type of text that we've been working with in Deborah Carlson's Word Of Mouth Studios. The text piece we've been working with have been highly expressive, almost poetic, pieces.

We've been working on them for several reasons:

With over 20 years experience in talent representation and casting, Jeff knows the ins and outs of all of the issues that concern actors who want to start their careers and actors who want to take their careers to the next level. Jeff helps actors get a fresh perspective on their careers and teaches them how to create a structured plan of action to move their careers forward.

Click on the link below to listen to Jeff's Maiden Podcast where callers ask questions in all categories such as agents, managers, cold reads, pictures, postcards, clip reels, meet and greets, auditioning, submitting on breakdowns, training, showcases, NY vs. LA, resumes, cover letters.

The Maiden Podcast has some minor technical glitches at the beginning that should go away with future podcast, so give a listen -- and learn! -- today!

Acting Business Basic, from agents to voiceovers:

Get attention fm your commercial agency's film and TV agents - How to get agents to your showcase - Secret to getting feedback at your meet-and-greet (fast forward to about 42 or 43 minutes into the podcast to learn The Secret!) - Best look bald or hairpiece? - Best headshot photographer - Voice-over reel editing

Click here to listen to more InsideThe Casting Office With Jeff Mitchell

Jeff Mitchell, one of NY’s top casting directors, is the host of “Inside The Casting Office”, a new call-in internet radio talk show on:

Jeff Mitchell, of Jeff Mitchell of Mitchell/Rudolph Casting in NYC, is a top New York City film and television casting director who provides information and advice on "the business of the business" for aspiring actors.

Jeff gives actors an honest, direct and uniquely informative look at “the business of the business”. He helps actors get a fresh perspective on their careers and teaches them how to create a structured plan of action to move their careers forward. The show provides a motivational and informational pit-stop for actors struggling to move their careers to the next level. (Inside The Casting Office, Blogtalkradio.com)

Dear Friends,As you may have known, one of my very favorite people is Judy Kerr the author of Acting Is Everything: An Actor's Guidebook for a Successful Career in Los Angeles, Expanded Gold.This week her beloved husband, Ron Gorow died. My love and heart go out to Judy at this time.Here is a message that was forward to me:

Hi Everyone,On Thursday morning, my dear friend Ron Gorow, husband of my wonderful friend Judy Kerr, passed away after having a heart attack.Ron passed away peacefully in the morning while watching TV and having a sick day at home since he ha da cold. His beloved wife Judy and his favorite cat Brother were by his side.We can be grateful that Ron did not suffer at all. He lived a happy and fulfilling life that included doing work he loved and accomplishing many of his life's goals.

Most of all, he was able to share more than 25 years with Judy whom he loved so much. Together they were able to have many new adventures and support each other's professional and personal growth throughout the years.heir family is so sweet, loving and supportive,making a difficult time like this easier to bear. Needless to say, everyone is in shock and we find it hard to believe that Ron has been taken from us .There will be a celebration of his life next Tuesday,March 4th from 6 to 9pm at Vitello's. Please keep Judy in your thoughts as she goes through this difficult time. She is surrounded by love,support and caring and is doing as well as can be expected given the circumstances. She is heart broken. Love, Robin.

Judy is based in Los Angelus, so (I suspect) not as many actors know about her here in NYC as they do in L. A. -- but they should. Judy has written a terrific book, Acting is Everything (it certainty is, at least at times), she's a wonderful coach -- and a wonderful person. You can see an excerpt from one of her workshops below:

You can send an email of condolences to Judy through her web site, Acting is Everything.