Blog
Act Smart!: The Actor Absolutes, Part 2
Way back in the fall of last year—remember last year?—I posted Part 1 of a series of "Actor Absolutes": the skills, tricks, or mindsets that set actors apart from the crowd, but which the crowd might employ to good use themselves. The truth is even most actors don't...
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Act Smart!: Out with the old, gently!
After taking a couple of years off (or more), I've surprised myself by deciding to reinstitute a year-end reflection and planning routine. Or maybe it's not a surprise: I've been in the process of a deep emotional and physical decluttering for a few months now,...
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Act Smart!: Pause and play
The drive to succeed at work can be great, especially for the actor whose work is also their calling. But for best results, don't drive yourself past the point of diminishing returns, the way I almost did. Early in 2012, I came to the sudden and rather startling...
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Understanding Commercial Regulations Is Good For Your Long-Term Career
The actor union SAG-AFTRA was started, and exists, to protect actors from being taken advantage of. Actors who have been in the union long term end up with a pension, are eligible for health insurance along the way, and can proudly call acting their career. The union...
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Commercial Actors Should Never…
It’s hard. You’ve heard the statistics on working vs. non working actors. You are aware of the changing levels of union vs. non union commercial jobs. And if you aren’t aware, I’m not going to be the one to break the news. I’ll leave you to your own research and let’s...
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Actors Supporting Actors (And Why We Gotta Stick Together)
The other day leaving an audition, I had barely exited the building before I was speed dialing my best friend Margot. When she didn’t answer, I immediately called another friend and another until third time lucky, someone answered and I could speak. I have a habit of...
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5 Questions with LA Acting Teacher Annie Grindlay
Our work as actors is undoubtedly inspired by various life experiences and observations. No two actors are ever the same – THANK GOD! We all have our own reasons and motivations for doing what we do. For an actor pursuing a career in LA it is important to find a...
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Act Smart!: Running Down A(n Actor’s) Dream
While I often recommend books as a footnote in this column, every once in a while a book comes along that's so chock full of wisdom, practicality, and inspiration that I feel the need to devote more time to it. Your Best Year Yet, still my favorite authentic...
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Commercial Actors Should Never…
There are a handful of questions that are asked of me on a regular basis. One consistent topic that comes up is that of social media. Most often, actors want to know specifically about followers on social media and their importance in booking a job. I’m here to help…...
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What is a Casting Director Looking For?
I like reading blogs about the industry. I wish I had time to read them all. A blog that comes up on occasion, not written by a casting director, tries to solve the big mystery of “What Is A Casting Director Looking For?” The question always revolves in and around...
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Seminar Recap