Casting Actors Cast

Acting with an Accent

Episode # 316

Air Date: 5/30//24

Acting with an Accent

So, just before the audition starts, the actor says, “I'm Australian. Do you want to hear an American accent or my Australian way of speaking for this monologue”. Well. I said, “what is most comfortable for you?” To which they replied, “I think the American accent”. Now, as the audition is going on, I realize the actor really doesn't have a great American accent. What would you do if this was you? Let's talk about this. Let's talk about acting with an accent on this episode of casting Actors cast.

Writing Your Bio

Episode # 315

Air Date: 5/23//24

Writing Your Bio

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.

Bad Advice-Five Things to Stop Doing!

Episode # 314

Air Date: 5/16//24

Bad Advice-5 things to Stop

I've been conducting a lot of workshops lately with students just graduating from college and university training programs. What I've discovered is that there are many students who've been given bad advice about their acting in film and television. I need to share with you some of that bad advice and fix this. Bad advice coming up on today's episode of Casting Actors Cast.

Social Media-Pros & Cons

Episode # 313

Air Date: 5/9//24

SOCIAL MEDIA-QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Yes, social media can be incredibly important for actors to become involved with for several reasons but not without its downsides. Find out how and why on this episode of Casting Actors Cast!

Survival Gigs for Actors

Episode # 312

Air Date: 5/2//24

SURVIVAL GIGS FOR ACTORS

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:

#311 Fear Knot

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!

Take Stock of Summer

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!

Acting with Authenticity

Episode # 306

Acting with Authenticity

Air Date: April 12, 2024

Staying authentic in performances is a constant pursuit for actors. Here are several ways they work to maintain authenticity!

Secrets to Acting Success

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

 

Mission Impossible-Finding an Agent

Episode # 304

Mission Impossible-Finding an agent

Air Date: March 28, 2024

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

Turn Setbacks into Comebacks

Episode # 303

Turn Setbacks Into Comebacks

Air Date: March 21, 2024

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.

The Choice is Yours

Episode # 302

The Choice is Yours

Air Date: March 14, 2024

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.

The Truth About EPA's

Episode # 301

The truth about EPA’s

Air Date: March 7, 2024

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.

What, Me Worry?

Episode # 300

What, Me Worry?

Air Date: February 28, 2024

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.

Strike Back!

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.

Becoming an Actor in NYC

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:

The Callback

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!

Which Acting Method?

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!

Rejection Direction

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

College Showcase Breakdown

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!

Self-Tape Tweaks

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.

Oh No! Another New Year?

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!

Being Punctual

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!”

Perfect Pitch

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!

Change of Pace

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.

Right Place-Right Time

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.

Get More Auditions

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!

 

Turkey Day!

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.

 

The Agent Interview

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.

Finding Flaws

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!