Casting Actors Cast

Recorded May 25 2023 with a first ever LIVE studio audience at Pearl Studios in New York City, Jeffrey Dreisbach shares some insider information and tips for actors. He'll answer some audience questions as well! Come join the fun with this unique forum for the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we take a 1 episode break so we can prepare for the live recording of the podcast! Today you can check out a past episode or tune-in next week for the live event presentation! Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Actor “On Hold” Air Date: 5/18/2023 Do you know what “on Hold” means? Well, it can mean many things for actors. It can mean you are being requested and agree to stay available for a booking, for one. It can also mean waiting for another decision to be made. I have a few other uses “on hold” can be used. Today’s episode will be about the other meanings that apply to actors. I won’t keep you on hold any longer. This is Casting Actors Cast. The podcast and video for actors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Organized Actor Air Date: 5/11/2023 Creating an organized workflow is often difficult for actors, I think. The reason has something to do with being an artist and believing that business structure is impeding your creative self. I have a different point of view. It is only when you address your lack of being a well-organized actor will you be able to turn into your artistry and imagination into your best work. The organized Actor on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Create Your Content Air Date: 5/3/2023 A growing number of actors are finding that creating their own content is a front footed approach to advancing their career. It can be a one person play or on-camera YouTube short film. It really is a matter of good writing for the right venue and the energy, desire, and skill to see it through. Let’s check out ways many actors are finding success in creating their own content. On this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keep it Conversational! Air Date: 4/27/2023 Can I tell you something? It may be difficult to hear but when I watch a Zoom audition or Self -tape submission or even a live callback audition, I can tell in seconds if the actor is going to make an impact. Even though the actor may have excellent training or tons of experience, there are certain indicators that can take me away from watching you make truthful moments. Keep it conversational is the subject of today’s podcast and I know that if you stick with me, you will dramatically enhance your audition responses. This is Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Resume Revamp Air Date: 4/20/2023 Your acting resume is like your business card. It serves to make a first-Impression tell people the type of work you do and, most importantly, gives them the information needed to hire you to do that work! Your acting resume should be a constant work in progress; something you update regularly throughout your career and training. It’s time tor revamp your resume on Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ZOOM Auditions; Here to Stay? Air Date: 4/13/2023 OK, so just because I thought Zoom was a designer drug from France three years ago doesn’t make me naïve. I just never used the platform before Covid. Then, suddenly, I was holding meetings and Zoom auditions all the time. Within the blink of an eye, I became an expert on how to audition on Zoom. Agents were asking me to teach their clients. Actors were like, “Can you please let me know if this looks good?”. Schools were trying to get me to teach Zoom acting on Zoom! But now, Covid restrictions are easing up and I just did my first “live” EPA for Contemporary American Theatre Festival (CATF). Now the question is, “Are Zoom auditions now a thing of the past?” Let’s look at the pros and cons of acting on the Zoom platform and answer the question, “Are Zoom auditions here to stay?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audition mistakes and how to correct them! Air Date 4/6/2023 You get nervous before your audition. There is a “fight or flight” response that makes you want to go home and get under the covers. You know the material; you’ve worked on it. And yet, without warning, your hands get sweaty, you have to pee, it’s hard to breathe. Does this sound familiar? Guess what? You are not alone. The mistake is thinking that your nervousness is a mistake! It is not. It is simply part of the process that many actors find hard to control. It is this lack of control that feels so uncomfortable and prevents you from doing your best work. After thousands of auditions both in person and on video, I can tell you that there are common issues I’ve experienced with actors that can sometimes cost them the callback or even worse, the job. Even though the title of this blog is “Common audition mistakes and how to correct them” I prefer to not characterize the following as “mistakes” but rather issues that can move you away from consideration for the role you are auditioning for. See if any of these might apply to you. I will also provide real solutions that can help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The importance of classes as an investment strategy Air Date: 3/30/2023 As the “CEO” of your own company, making the right investments is a good business strategy. After all, you’ve probably spent time, money, and energy into your development as an actor already. Growing your “acting business” is the logical next step. This is where I see newbie actors making less than perfect decisions for themselves. The thinking goes something like this, “I’ve already had an acting class, had new pictures taken and now I am ready to be professional”. While it may seem reasonable to think this way, there is a vital component that is missing. That is, accounting for ongoing education in your plans. You see, I believe the actor must always improve their skills with classes, workshops, seminars, and any other method of “talent investment”. Incorporating ongoing education into your business plan is critically important. Let’s look at some ways this strategy can help you with your career goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business or Pleasure? Air Date: March 23, 2023 Whenever you cross the border, a security person behind the counter often asks, “Business or pleasure?”. Isn’t that strange. Like it is one or the other, not both at the same time. Think of it. If you answered, “Both”, then you just might be in for further scrutiny. Are you an actor for business or pleasure? Can it be both? Being a creative person, it is often a challenge to your business abilities while the fun part is less important if you can’t pay the rent. On today’s episode, we’ll explore the answers we give when asked, business or pleasure? Welcome to Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing Mistakes Actors Make Air Date: March 16, 2023 I’ve heard this statement from actors many times; “I have tried doing (whatever) and it doesn’t seem to work. Or “whenever I try to (whatever it is) something goes wrong”. Many times actors make mistake after mistake because of their limited perspective of the situation. After all, not one teaches this stuff in acting school. We’ll look at the myths and mistakes actors make and how to avoid them on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: March 9, 2023 Spring In Your Step I love the following catch phrases, “Make your mark, Jump at the chance, you do you, It’s aint over till it’s over, It’s just a matter of time…”. I’m not sure why I am enamored of these simple statements apart from their positive messages they inspire. Sometimes this shorthand version of coping with our feelings is a quick method of moving forward. Here’s one, “ Put a Spring in your step!” Well, soon it’s going to be Spring. New starts, fresh eyes and ways to grow into this new season. Put a Spring in Your Step on this episode of Casting actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stage or Screen, What’s the Difference? Air Date: March 2, 2023 Here’s the thing. Actors are often told that there is no real difference between acting on stage or on camera. They are told just to, “bring it down…do less”. Well. I say that you’ve been given wrong advice. It often comes from teachers who need a simple way to avoid the truth. After this episode, you will have a clear understanding of what’s needed and the difference between acting on stage or on screen. This is Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors from a casting director! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal Matters Air Date: February 23, 2023 I’ve received many requests from you about legal matters that actors are confronted with during their careers. Being a creative person can sometimes feel that we lack the ability to fully understand the practical side of contracts/agreements. Today, I will do my best to share some thoughts on how to recognize the red flags, the ill-intentioned handshake, and those legal matters that keep us up at night. On this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Importance of Being Ernest Air Date: February 16, 2023 With apologies to Oscar Wilde, I like to think that being earnest means having sincere intensions. While the character in the play, Ernest Worthing, made a mess of it, there is no doubt that his intensions were sincere. I think actors try to do their work with sincere intensions, yet the results can sometimes be unpredictable as well. Lets take a look at why actors have the right intension but still make a mess of it on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Material That Fits Air Date: February 9, 2023 So, how do you look in Spandex? You know, that tight fitting stretchy stuff usually worn in the gym or dance class? How does it make you feel? I’m not talking about your physicality. I’m talking about why you decided to choose whatever you wear when you are outside your home? OK. The same thing applies to the script material you choose to work on. Whether for an audition or a class, how do you choose the “material” that is best for you? Material that fits, on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s All Greek to Me Air Date: February 2, 2023 An ancient Greek proverb states that, “Fortune favors the young”. Although this may seem harsh to those of us that might not fit into the “youthful” category, certain aspects of this phrase make sense. For example, finding representation in the form of an agent or manager early on in a career means better odds for success. In this episode I’ll make the case that the best thing you can do is have proper representation. I’ll break down the myths, issues and benefits so that you won’t be able to say, it’s all Greek to me! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Random Thoughts on an Acting Career Air Date: January 26,2023 Every once in a while, I decide to not have a central theme for this podcast. Sometimes it is more fun to share some random thought about the state of the industry, audition issues or just plain old advice about show business. Today is just such a day. Random thoughts on an acting career on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uncomplicate Your Acting Air Date: January 19,2023 Having had a very successful year with the multiple projects we’ve cast at McCorkle Casting, I have come to the conclusion that actors are smart. Really smart. So much so that it is astonishing to see and experience how much talent, training and tenacity today’s actor brings into the audition space. It’s amazing. With all the positive’s, however, there are some universal issues I’ve seen with talent. It’s time we address these issues head on. Let’s uncomplicate your acting on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Encore Presentation-We take a "second look" in the form of a comment from a viewer/listener about last week's podcast on Resilience. Next a second look refers to some tips and suggestion about a callback for theatre, film and television from Jeffrey. A really thoughtful exploration on what it means to have a "second Look"! Please like, share and subscribe and show your support. www.castingactorscast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off. You just got a call or email from the agent you’ve been wanting to meet. This could be a crazy great turning point in your acting career! Auditions, roles, bookings here we come! Wait…what are you supposed to do at this meeting? What are they going to ask? What if they don’t like you? What if you blow it? This could be a career killer! Don’t let this get you down. Let’s talk about this in a clam, rational way. You’ve come to the right podio…podcast video. I’m here to help. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach and this is Casting actors…Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audition Check-up Air Date: December 29, 2022 The New Year can mean a new you! I know, maybe you don’t need a makeover. The new you I am speaking of is a comprehensive, fair, meaningful evaluation of your audition skill set. Are you ready to take on 2023 with a fresh approach to your auditions? Let’s sharpen the pencil and make a list so you can feel amazing about your auditions. It’s the audition check-up on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your Holiday Acting Air Date: December 22, 2022 If you are fortunate to be working over the holidays, then you have been given a gift. Your talent is you giving to those who are watching/enjoying your acting, and you are being given an opportunity to perform. Another gift. Congratulations! I have found that working over a holiday, be I Christmas, July 4th or any special occasion (benefit concert?) has plenty of mixed feelings attached. You might feel excited to have a job but you might also be missing family and friends. In today’s episode, lets find out how to handle the holidays and your working actor gratitude during Your Holiday Acting! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Significance of 243 Air Date: December 15, 2022 So, when I say the number 243, does that have any relevance to you? Maybe it was an address you remember or a phone number. For me, there is at once an amazing affection for the number and yet it is only because I make it special. OK. What the hell am I talking about? I’ll tell you the significance of #243 in this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Actor Factor Air Date: December 8, 2022 I don’t think we understand what is involved when we decide to become an actor. Driven by our rich, creative imagination and a desire for opportunities to act, oftentimes, we lose sight of what being an actor actually means. We shouldn’t let our dreams of being an actor preclude us from understanding those difficult things that need to be addresses. The stresses and unknown variables that can exist, usually paly no part in our dreams. Today, we’ll discuss the bigger picture when choosing to be an actor and hopefully, appreciate the actor factor. This is Casting Actors Cast, the podcast and videos for actors…from a casting director. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brake for Scripts Air Date: December 1, 2022 I had a hard time coming up with a juicy title for what might be perceived as a boring subject for today’s show. After all, when you hear the term, “Script Analysis” you might feel like a throwback to a mundane intellectual college lecture. What I want to chat with you about is anything but. The ways you read and study a script for an audition or booking can have a significant impact on the results you are hoping for. In this episode of Casting Actors Cast, I’ll apply the brakes and give you some tips on breaking down a script! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giving Thanks for Your Questions Air Date: November 24, 2022 If you are a regular listener to Casting Actors Cast, you know that occasionally, I answer your questions. Since it’s a national holiday here in the U.S. known as Thanksgiving, I will show my thanks by answering your questions and hopefully, with any luck, we’ll discover what it means to talk turkey, address dressing and gobble up whatever is left over. Oh, yeah. This is Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors from a hungry casting director. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Organizations Worth Knowing Air Date: November 17, 2022 In this episode of Casting Actors Cast, we’ll talk about some very cool resources that you should be aware of. Staying current with what’s happening in the arts community and with tools that can help actors, is a great way to feel connected. Let’s put the power of information to good work on this episode of Casting Actors Cast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just Show Up Air Date: November 10, 2022 Why do we do it? Really? Why do we subject ourselves to the loud debate going on in our heads over every decision when it comes to our acting careers. We make decisions every day. Maybe hundreds of times. Yet, when it comes to our acting careers, we spend an inordinate amount of time evaluation every option to the point of exhaustion. What do I mean? Take the questions actors have about finding agents. Who is the best one for you? Are they interested in working with me? How should I approach them? What if it doesn’t work out? When will I make the connection? And the voices in our head go on and on…And it’s not just about agents. It seems to happen to just about every aspect of our acting careers. The fear of making a mistake is more painful than the decision. My answer? Just show up! Today’s episode is all about keeping it simple and just showing up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your Superpower Air Date: November 3, 2022 Lately, I’ve been thinking that there is very little to celebrate. I’m not sure if it’s the post Covid world, political upheaval, change of seasons or just my cranky pants inner kid showing up to kick my ass. I usually consider myself an optimistic, energetic, “let’s do it”, kind of guy so I am not speaking about mental health issues, like depression, but, rather, a sense that finding joy in everyday things seems burdensome. Not easy. It got me to thinking. Maybe actors have an ability that others don’t have to find joy within themselves. As creatives, actors can “create” a joyful response that others might not experience. Your superpower is today’s topic in this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where are the Acting Jobs? Air Date: October 27, 2022 I am sure you’ve askes this question at some point. You’ve looked at Backstage, Actors Access and other online job sites, only to become discouraged and frustrated at the prospects for gainful employment. If you have an agent and they are not sending you out on auditions then your might be asking yourself, “now what!”. Although there is no magic answer to help you, I think it a good idea to, perhaps, add some insight regarding the frustration you feel when asking, “Where Are the Acting Jobs!”. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach ant this is Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Acting Beats Air Date: October 20, 2022 Many actors like to use beats in their work. Beats are the mini pauses, breaths, or silent holds which are used for a variety of reasons. Even directors like the use of the beat when working with actors to draw attention to any given moment. There are, however, issues surrounding the beat that can negatively influence the actors’ choices. Today, we’ll look at beats…not the vegetable but the healthy acting tool actors like to consume…see what I did just there? This is another episode of Casting Actors Cast to devour! OK, I’ll stop now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After thousands of auditions, I can say, with confidence, that there are thousands of talented actors. Each one brings their own brand of technique, personality and interpretation to every role that are seeking to play. Here’s the thing. Many time I am missing one important ingredient to make the best audition impression. It’s the mood of the piece. How does the mood or emotional conditioning affect your performance? Let check out this often-overlooked performance element called Acting in the Mood? This is Casting Actors Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you an actor who has been away for a while? Are you thinking of jumping back in? Are you fearful that the profession has changed. Perhaps changed too much for you to make a go of it? Never fear. Today’s episode is all about checking your fear at the door and jumping back into the acting talent pool. If you are contemplating getting back into acting, this episode will help you overcome those fears and turn them into an acting re-boot return to acting! This is Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors from a casting director! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you remember this classic acting alas exercise? You are partnered up with another actor and they stand in front of you. Then, without warning they fall back into your outstretched arms whereupon you catch them, thus preventing them from hitting the ground. It is called the trust exercise. The idea is to rely on each other to build confidence in your partner. Well, today we need to talk about falling back, building trust and confidence! Happening in this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: September 22, 2022 Have you ever heard someone say, “they have potential”? I remember a particular teacher say that to me in high school. At first, I was thrilled that I had something to aspire to. Then, the more I though about it, I realized that it was, in fact, an expression of disappointment from that teacher. I was not measuring up. That word, “potential” is at once a statement of possibilities and failure. Actors find it hard to understand the concept. It is a matter of knowing what you are capable of and then judging if you have demonstrated those capabilities. Do you have acting potential? Let’s get into it. On this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: September 15, 2022 Jeffrey responds to questions and comments from the audience! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark from San Antonio writes: "...I had the help of my acting coach to tape this, but I’d really love to get your critique of this. In my opinion I think it would actually be a good topic for the podcast regarding how best to tape an audition when it calls for lots of action in a scene beyond standard dialogue like this scene called for. " Check out my critique of this audition! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, Hey, Hey, How’s Your Resume? Air Date: September 1, 2022 I know, I know. I can’t’ help a corny rhyme or alliteration opportunity! The resumes I’ve seen most recently come under the category, I call, Lacking. It’s not that they are short on credits or that their content isn’t right. It is that the actors resume is not appealing. It doesn’t have enough personality or information to answer even the most basic questions that a Casting Director might have! C’mon people. It’s 2022. The Fall is almost here. New season, new opportunities, new outlook. How about a new resume? Find out if you can benefit from a re-vamped resume. Hey, Hey Hey, Jeff is talking resume…this is Casting Actors Cast-The podcast for Actors from a casting director. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, You want to be an Actor? Air Date: August 25, 2022 Occasionally, I receive an email or reply from the website form saying something like the following. “I want to be an actor because it is what I’ve always dreamed of.” Then, the writer of this letter adds, “but I do not know how to start and there are no opportunities where I’m from”. When I get this kind of correspondence, my first reaction is sadness for the author. Somehow, they feel stuck or uninspired to find a way to act on their dreams (pun intended). This episode is for everyone who has a dream but finds it hard to embrace the reality that acting as a profession takes hard work, determination, creativity, and support from others. Having the dream is great. Turning the dream into positive motivational steps is the best way to make the dream a reality. So, you want to be an actor? Find out how on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Casting Watches Your Audition Air Date: August 18, 2022 It happens all the time. An actor auditioning for a role (Zoom or in person) finished the scene and then looks to the casting director or director or the producer with an inquisitive look. That look is often hopeful or an expression of, “how was I?”. Sometimes the actor might even say, “…or something like that” in an effort to deflect the need for approval. It’s an uncomfortable moment for everyone. It got me to thinking about what actors think casting is thinking! I am going to tell you in this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plan, prepare, perform Air Date: August 11, 2022 So, the dog days of summer are upon us. It’s had to get motivated much less excited about your acting career goals. I get it. Finding the best next career step is so much harder with temperatures hitting 100 degrees. Getting through the day is a challenge let alone thinking about what you have lined up for the fall, right? OK. Listen up. Now is the best time to plan. Now is the best time to prepare. There is no time like the present to perform. Find out how to do all three on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Special Encore presentation of Resilience! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeffrey answers your top 5 questions about being an actor in the special Encore presentation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stage a Comeback Air Date: July 21, 2022 So, here’s a quote I heard from comedienne, Issa Rae: “Stop making excuses, you are the only one stopping you” I love this because it is exactly what I want to address on today’s podio, podcast video. Are you ready? Are you setting yourself up for acting success? Have you been procrastinating making career choices for yourself? In that case, it might be time to Stage a Comeback! What I mean is, get back to your acting because the stage is on a comeback! This is Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Set Etiquette Air Date: July 14, 2022 So, I just got back from 2 days on a film set. It was on location at a county fairground in South Jersey and was it really fun. While there, it hit me. I wonder if actors know the best way to make the most of their on-set experiences. Are there things you can do to while shooting a tv or film to make the booking successful and even fun? We’ll find out on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ham on a Role Air Date: July 7, 2022 C’mon. Who doesn’t like a good pun? Ham on a R-O-L-E is the only way to talk about those times when you’ve been asked to play an outrageous character and you want to ham it up. Where does that name (ham) come from; I wonder? In any case, we’ll take a look at how to approach and play a personality that is over the top, outrageous and goofy on this episode of Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors from a casting director… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

75K Downloads Celebration Air Date: June 30, 2022 On today's episode of Casting Actors Cast, we're going to look back and find out the reasons why we now have 75,000 downloads of the podcast. Come on, it's a celebration. And you’re invited to listen to Casting Actors Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breathing Matters Air Date: June 23, 2022 One of the easiest ways actors can feel in control is to concentrate on breathing. When was the last time you thought about your breath? OK not your breath but your breathing! That's the subject of today's podcast. Breathing matters. On this episode of casting, actors cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices