Casting Actors Cast

The title, “Building Your Character” may sound like the start of an acting class subject. Or, it may feel like a self-help ethics lecture. Actually, It is neither. What I would like to talk about today is making the right choices for growing your career by building your resume the right way. Making the best decisions for taking on roles that look great for your “cast-ability” on paper and with your personal experience qualifications. All happening on this episode of Casting Actors Cast, the Podcast for Actors from a Casting Professional! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It comes as no surprise that actors debate their options about how to launch and succeed actor professionally. Should you go to college or set up shop in a market or city that has work available now? What’s at stake when you decide to get that MFA degree over seeking acting work so you can use your talent to act? On this episode, we will do our best to answer the question, “Higher Education vs Real World Integration. This is Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the world of acting, versatility and the ability to embody different characters are paramount. An actor's appearance, including their hairstyle, wardrobe, and overall look, plays a crucial role in defining a character and making a memorable impression. This chapter explores the reasons why an actor might change their appearance and provides practical advice on how to effectively transform their look to suit various roles and career stages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlock Your Path to Acting Success On today's incredibly special episode of Casting Actors Cast, I am going to share with you the coolest, newest thing that's happened to me. And I hope that you will forgive me for making this episode one of personal privilege. I think this could be something you will definitely find valuable for your journey as an actor. This is Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The allure of fame, with its promise of adoration and wealth, often captivates aspiring actors. Yet, the reality of celebrity status is a double-edged sword. While the recognition and rewards can be substantial, the pressures and intrusions into personal life are significant. This section explores how actors navigate the complexities of fame, highlighting both the advantages and challenges that come with celebrity status. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Choosing where to live is a significant decision for any actor. The right location can greatly impact an actor’s career opportunities, lifestyle, and overall well-being. This chapter explores the factors actors should consider when deciding where to call home, the benefits and challenges of various cities, and practical tips for making the best choice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interpreting a script is at the heart of an actor’s craft. It is through this process that words on a page are transformed into compelling performances that resonate with audiences. This chapter explores the journey an actor takes from first reading a script to bringing a character to life on stage or screen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The glitz and glamour of Hollywood often come with the pressure of maintaining a persona that resonates with audiences worldwide. For many actors, their name becomes an integral part of their brand, a key component in their rise to fame. However, deciding whether to change one's name is a complex and deeply personal decision. This episode delves into the myriad reasons actors might consider altering their names, the process they undergo, and the potential consequences of such a change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There may be times when you are asked to provide a bio or a biography of your accomplishments. It might be for a Playbill for a show you are in or it could be for your website. Now, I've seen a lot of bad BIOS. So let's take a look at how you can promote yourself the right way. On this episode of Casting Actors Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part-time jobs for actors need to be flexible enough to accommodate their irregular schedules and offer opportunities for skill development or networking within the entertainment industry. Here are some options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode # 311 Air Date: 4/25/24 FEAR KNOT Actors, like any artists or professionals, often grapple with various fears as they pursue their craft. Let’s reveal some common fears actors may face on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast your go-to destination for all things theatre and acting. I'm your host, casting Partner with McCorkle Casting, Jeffrey Dreisbach, and today, we're delving deep into the world of summer theatre acting opportunities. Summer theatre isn't just about sunshine and warm nights; it's a vibrant playground for actors to sharpen their skills, explore new horizons, and forge lasting connections. So grab your metaphorical sunscreen and join me as we uncover the magic of summer theatre! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Staying authentic in performances is a constant pursuit for actors. Here are several ways they work to maintain authenticity! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode # 305 Secrets to Acting Success Air Date: April 5, 2024 Let's chat about the secret sauce that successful actors sprinkle on their careers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's chat like we're grabbing coffee and talking about breaking into the acting scene. So, you're all pumped to get representation, right? Awesome. Here's the lowdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turning setbacks into comebacks is practically an art form in the acting world. Here are some savvy moves that actors often pull to rise from the ashes of disappointment: Learn and Adapt: Take setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Maybe you didn't snag that role, but each audition is a chance to fine-tune your skills. Adaptability is key in this ever-changing industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am often asked the following question. “How do I know if I'm making the right choice?” Actors would like to know how to play the character so that when they are acting, they have good ideas about how to play the character. The insecurity comes from not trusting your instincts. Sound confusing? Let's make it right. The choice is yours. On this episode of Casting Actors cast, the podcast and videos for actors from a casting professional. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Equity Principal Auditions (EPAs) are auditions organized by the Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the labor union representing actors and stage managers in the United States. These auditions are specifically for actors seeking principal roles in Equity productions, which are professional theater productions that adhere to certain labor standards and conditions set by the union. The question that needs to be answered is, “are they worth your time”. Welcome to Casting Actors Cast, the podcast and videos for actors from a casting professional. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New actors often have several concerns as they enter the world of acting. It can seem quite daunting and stressful. Many of these concerns can be solved, however, if we look at each one and say, “What, me worry?” We’ll tackle some of the common concerns right now on Casting Actors Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to get back to work after the strike STRIKE BACK! Air Date: February 22, 2024 So, every task we take on has its own set of challenges. We know this. Everything worth doing contains the “what if’s”. “What if It doesn’t happen? (the role you’ve auditioned for)”, “What if I can’t find the time? (start auditions again)”, What if it doesn’t work out? (finding a new agent)”. It is built into the actor’s DNA to “what if” just about every career issue. It can really affect us, for better or worse. Right now, we are paralyzed with what to do now that the SAG-AFTRA strike is over. It prevents us from even thinking about the “what ifs”. Well, to that I can only say, “Lets Strike back!” Let’s find ways to keep ourselves ready so when external opportunities present themselves (and they will) we will be ready. Here are some steps to re-kindle our acting goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Becoming an actor in NYC Air Date: February 15, 2024 Becoming an actor in New York City involves a combination of education, training, networking, and perseverance. Of course, there is risk involved. Anything worth doing has risks. You can, however, increase your chances for success if you approach your planning in a straightforward way. I will assume you have a place to live, some form of income and some acting training. Having these in place, we can now address the next phase of your New York adventure. Here are steps you can take to pursue an acting career in NYC: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date 2/8/2024 You got a call back? Now What! I find it quite humorous when I call an actor to offer a callback after their audition. Sometimes the actor seems genuinely surprised. As if they are caught off-guard with unexpected news. I know that auditions come with their own set of doubts, nerves and issues but the callback should be a happy event and not a surprise. That said, when the callback happens it is time to take a breath and take the next step. Preparing for a callback on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: February 2, 2024 Episode #296 Which Acting Method? There are various acting techniques that actors use to approach their craft. Different techniques appeal to different actors, and often, actors may use a combination of methods. Here are some specific types of acting techniques on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: January 25, 2024 #295 Rejection Direction Handling rejection is an essential aspect of an actor's journey, and it's something that every actor faces at some point. Moving forward in the right direction will make the difference when experiencing rejection. Here are eight strategies that actors use to cope with rejection, happening right now, on this episode of Casting Actors Cast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 1/18/2024 #294 College Showcase Breakdown I’ve had a bunch of interactions with many actors in training from colleges, universities and professional training programs of late. It’s typical this time of year, for many of these schools to “showcase” their graduating talent. Often, the schools rent space in New York, or LA, Chicago or elsewhere and offer an hour or so of their aspiring talent to perform for invited agents, managers and casting directors. The purpose is to expose the actors to industry professionals who might be interested in working with them. This is usually a very exciting, intense, and frightening experience. After all, this is a coming-out party for students who want to enter the profession. We need to break it down and explain the truth behind the college showcase experience without having a breakdown! On this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 1/11/2024 #293 Self-Tape Tweaks We’ve seen a ton of self-tapes come in for our film and theatre projects of late. I have to say, the submissions are getting so much better than during COVID. There are still some actors that should review the way they are submitting themselves. I think it’s time to let you in on some power tips that can up your on-camera game and move you into the yes column. Here is a reminder podio (podcast video) that we are calling self-tape tweaks. C’mon, jump in. The talent pool is just right for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 1/4/2024 #292 Oh No! Another New Year? I think every time we bring in a new year, we have the best of intensions to make the upcoming year even better than the year before. We “resolve” to do things better or make commitments to our self-improvement. The beginning of a new year brings the hope and optimism of what might be waiting for us in the weeks and months ahead. Well, as an actor, I am sure you have thought about next year’s, role’s and performing opportunities. The question becomes, is there anything I can do to realize our prospects? Let’s find out on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 12/28/2023 #291 Being Punctual In case you haven’t noticed, many episodes of this podcast have been about acting choices we can use to create our characters. We’ve shared the value of vocal pitch, the beauty of pace and making moments with beats. The last of these tools in our tool kit is often overlooked and underappreciated. I’m talking about the writer’s emotional/technical shorthand found in every script. That is, punctuation. The title of this episode is being punctual but that has to do with time. But you’re already here which means let’s put a period on this introduction and exclaim, “This is Casting Actors Cast!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 12/21/2023 #290 Perfect Pitch Of all the tools actors can draw upon when working on playing a role, the voice is possibly the least thought of yet most valuable. Sure, we all remember our vocal training and maybe even our singing lessons as being a core component of our education. But many times this is thought of as foundational and not part of our professional journey quite as much as, say, other tools in our acting arsenal. Of course, if you are a singer, this is not the case. Your voice is your money maker and therefore garners a lot of your attention. What I’m talking about is using the pitch of your voice as a way to accentuate the character choices for an acting role. Perfect pitch on this episode of Casting actors cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 12/14/2023 #289 Change of Pace Here’s a question for you; Have you ever had a director or teacher tell you to slow down? Maybe it’s something like, “Watch your pacing” or “don’t rush it”. If you have, you’ve probably been annoyed or frustrated at the note because to you, it was fine. It didn’t need adjustment. Or better still, exactly HOW are you supposed to slow down without it be an exercise in mechanics. A switch you can just click and wham, you’ve slowed down the dialogue. It is such a common request by directors and acting teachers that many actors simply ignore the note because they are not sure how to implement it. We’ll dive into this subject so that turns into a change of pace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 12/7/2023 #288 Right Place, Right Time “Some people have all the luck”. Is that something you’ve said? I know I have. Even in my young acting career, I was always made aware of how hard it was to, “Make it”. Having the talent is one thing but being in the right place at the right time still seems to be the explanation for having a successful acting career. Sure, we can be fatalistic and assume that “everything happens for a reason”. But do we really believe that? Do we really trust the notion that, “We can only do so much”? Let’s talk. It’s time we analyze being in the right place at the right time. This is the podcast for actors, we call it Casting Actors, Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 11/30/2023 #287 Get More Auditions We’ve talked a ton on this podcast about the many layers of being a successful actor. Sometimes it’s tips about acting, other times it is about the business of show. We’ve even covered opportunities that are available for actors that don’t include acting! Today, it’s time we took a realistic approach for the actor to consider. That is, finding more auditions. With the actors’ strike now over, there is a feeling that the flood gates will open and opportunities will explode for everyone. Well, that may or may not be the case. Better to take a moment and apply a practical sensibility to your acting career and Get More Auditions. This is Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 11/23/2023 #286 Turkey Day I am not a huge fan of turkey-the bird I mean. I have it at Thanksgiving because it is there. But usually, the rest of the year, I skip having the foul. For actors, the word turkey can be synonymous with an inferior show or failure and started in 1927 as show business slang, probably from the bird's reputation for stupidity. I have had my share of experiences with acting in some turkeys and watching a fair amount of turkeys as I recall. So lets take a moment and reflect on some of our not-so-great experiences so we can see how far we’ve come! Turkey Day, on Casting Actors Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 11/16/2023 #285 The Agent Interview You’ve done it. After months of emails, invitations, and research, you’ve just received a call that the agent you’ve been wanting to work with now wants to meet with you! Congratulations! Oh wait. What exactly does a meeting mean? What do they want to know? What if you say the wrong thing? OMG what should you wear? Here is the opportunity you’ve been looking for now turned into a mosh pit of anxiety. Hang on. Help is on the way. There’s no need to sweat. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach and I am here to hold your hand and get you through this. Oh yeah! This is Casting Actors Cast. The podcast and video for actors from a casting director. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 11/9/2023 #284 Finding the Flaws I think we can all agree with the following statement, “nobody’s perfect”. As much as we like to think of ourselves in a positive light, there is no denying that we possess qualities that need improvement. Be it anger, jealousy, greed or lust, there is always something we think of as a flaw. Some part of us that we wish we could fix. Being self-aware is a good way to keep our, less than admirable, traits from taking over. Well, the same can be said for the characters you play when you are acting. We’ll investigate finding the flaws on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 11/2/2023 #283 Actor’s Survival Gear There’s a lot of stress going on right now. It feels like more than the usual, “Day to Day” issues we are familiar with. What’s going on? Well, there’s much we have no control over; conflicts, social unrest, strikes, you name it. We are in a really bizarre space, I think. One of the few choices I have, when I reflect on the situation, is being clear about what I have control over. What options are immediately available to me? I think of it as a checklist. Things I can do to gear up and be ready for whatever is next. You may find this helpful too. “Actors Survival Gear”. This is Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 10/26/2023 #282 Improvise and Realize I was asked to workshop a scripted reality show pilot last week. A sort of send-up on actors in an acting conservatory setting. My job was to help the actors connect and relate to their characters and the other cast members in the project. At first, I wasn’t completely sure how to take on such a task. It needed to look and feel natural for the talent and yet was surrounded by scripted elements. I finally figured it out. A skill that every actor can really use no matter what. We’re going to look at an often under-used technique that can make surprising impacts on your acting. Improvise and realize on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Define improvisation: Spontaneous interactions from a character under special circumstances. Unplanned connections and reactions from the character you are playing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 10/21/2023 #281 Scents of Humor How much importance do we really place on using our five senses? Most of us know the value of smell, taste, sight, sound but how much do we rely on those senses with our acting? Better yet, can we use our five senses with our emotions? Take, for example, humor. Exactly how does funny smell? Sound’s crazy right? Well stick around because I will take on the important subject of your scents of humor (get it? Not sense but scents) on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 10/12/2023 #280 Acting on Purpose For some reason, I happen to like double meanings for the same phrase. It can be in the form of a pun or a double entendre. For example, today’s episode is called Acting on Purpose. Well, it can mean acting for a reason or it can also mean having a purpose to act on! Either way, we’ll look into both meanings to uncover the truth about why actors act! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 10/5/2023 #279 Defining your character Part 2 of 2 On our last episode, we talked about the external choices you can make when defining a character. Today, let's dive into what defines you as an actor. Your personal character, your way of thinking, what defines you. on this episode of Casting Actors Cast. Having insight into what makes you, you is really helpful as an actor. The qualities that make up your personality, emotional wellbeing, and physical characteristics are all part of the process when you are working on a role. This is NOT a podcast on psychology, depression or any behavioral science issues. I am not qualified. It IS about looking at who you are and finding similarities between you and who you are playing when acting. Once you are aware of these qualities you identify with, you can then be confident in what you know and what you know to play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 9/18/2023 Defining your character Part 1 of 2 When we are blessed with playing a part in a film, tv, or stage production, you have probably done most of the work when it comes to how you are going to play the part. After all, if you auditioned, you worked on a lot of the qualities needed for the role. Maybe you were hired without an audition. Even better. Clearly someone else believes you are right for the role. If you really wanted to dig deep into the character, then it’s time to define your character. This is part one of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When putting a demo of your acting together, do you know how to decide what should be on it? Demo reels are often asked for by talent reps and casting directors, but sometimes talent doesn't really know what to include. This is the podcast that takes on the question and gives you a memo for demo's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Television and Film credit rolls at the end of a project can sometimes lack real understanding of the actual job. Here are the most important "players" on the set and a job description to help you feel more confident and comfortable. A glossary of personal we use when Coming to Terms! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#275 Air Date: 9/7/2023 “Beats Me” It’s kind of a slang phrase that I don’t really hear anymore. “It beats me” is usually a response to a question when you don’t have the answer. Like, “how did that candy bar I was saving suddenly disappear?”. “Beats Me”. For actors, this is not a great response when working on a script or audition. There is an expectation that you have the answer and not a “beats me” statement. Truth is, I’ not sure what the literal translation really means. For actors, there is another way to understand beats me. Rather than being beat, using a beat can be quite useful. Beats, on today’s episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#274 How to Remain Teachable Air Date: 8/31/2023 I can't believe I'm saying this, but. Here it goes. It's that time of year again. It's almost Fall. And that means going back to school. Back to auditioning. Back to the reality of what it is to be an actor. Part of your getting back, is to evaluate where you are and remain open to others that can keep you moving forward. On this episode of Casting Actors Cast, I'm going to give you some ideas on how you can remain teachable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#273 Working With a Partner Air Date: 8/24/2023 Whether it’s a class, a chemistry read or on the set, working with a partner can sometimes be fraught with challenges (fraught! Who talks like that?). Being a team player and good sport may not always be the most useful approach for you or your partner, for that matter. I don’t mean to imply that you should be difficult to work with. Not at all. There are ways you can make amazing discoveries and rewarding outcomes with your acting and an acting partner while working together. Working with a partner, on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#272 Making the Best Choice Air Date: 8/17/2023 In a recent class I was teaching, an actor timidly raised their hand and asked, “How do I now if I am making the right acting choice in an audition for film or TV?” My response was probably a typical one, “Well, decide what is best for you”. I was completely dissatisfied with my answer. First, I was repeating something I heard from an acting teacher I had several years earlier. Second, how do you know what s best for you when you are unsure of what is best for you. Crazy. Today we’re going to explore how you can make the best choice for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#271 You Need New Pictures! Air Date: 8/10/2023 I really love working with actors. It is a rare opportunity for me to share my professional feedback and advice to actors who are willing to listen. I ultimately think this interaction supplies information that improves the industry for everybody. One area that still remains a sticking point for me are headshots that don’t work. I am mystified by actors or acting students relying on amateur, poorly crafted, badly lit images that don’t even look like you! OK. I don’t necessarily mean you directly….optimum word being necessarily. C’m on. Join me as I give you important information about your headshots so you will not ever need to hear, “You need new pictures!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#270 Back Into It Air Date: 8/3/2023 So, everything we undertake has its own set of challenges. We know this. Everything worth doing contains the “what if’s”. “What if It doesn’t happen?”, “What if I can’t find the time?”, What if it doesn’t work out?”. Actors are well versed in taking on alternative points of view when it comes to their acting or acting career. It is built into the DNA of being an actor. It can really affect our sensibilities for better or worse. Right now, we are paralyzed with the actors and writers strike. It prevents us from even thinking about the, “what if’s”. Well, to that I can only say, “Lets get back into it!” Let’s find ways to keep ourselves ready so when external issues finally resolve (and they will) we will be ready. Back into it is today’s subject on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Encore presentation from 2020! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices