Casting Actors Cast

Your Superpower

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!

Where Are The Acting Jobs?

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!

Acting Beats

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!

Acting in the Mood

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.

Your Acting Comeback

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!

 

Fall Back

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!

What Does Having Potential Mean?

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!

New Questions Answered

Air Date: September 15, 2022

Jeffrey responds to questions and comments from the audience!

New! Self-tape Evaluation

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!

 

Hey, Hey, Hey, How’s Your Resume?

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.

 

 

So You Want To Be An Actor?

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!

How Casting Watches Your Audition

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!

 

Plan, Prepare, Perform

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!

Encore presentation: Resilience

Special Encore presentation of Resilience!

Your Top 5 Questions Answered

Jeffrey answers your top 5 questions about being an actor in the special Encore presentation!

Stage A Comeback

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!

On Set Etiquette

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!

Ham on a Role

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…

75K Downloads Celebration

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.

Breathing Matters

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.

 

Catch A Catchphrase

I don't know about you, but I love when I hear myself saying catch phrases. You know, those little statements or sayings that can get you through the day. For example, here's one. You can start your day over at any time. That has actually helped me a lot of late because when stuff happens, sometimes I need a fresh start. Let's take a look at some additional guidepost statements that can help you with both your acting and your acting career. On this episode of Casting Actors Cast.

 

Does Your Headshot Still Matter?

Given the current environment and the new technology actors are required to know like Zoom and self-tape, you might be wondering if the need for a headshot still matters. After all, we can see what you look like in a slate or in a Zoom meeting, why do you need to go through the trouble and expense for new headshots? What can they possibly be used for? Listen up people, I have the answer to that question plus some really valuable tips on ways you can use your headshot as the best marketing tool in your tool kit! Answers to that and the mailbag on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! The podcast and video for actors…from a casting director!

It’s Never About You

It’s Never About You!

Air Date:  June 2, 2022

 

Did the title of this episode shock you? Are you thinking that this is just another guy needing to vent? There are multiple ways to approach a statement like this. Suffice it to say that hearing the phrase, “It’s Never About You” is actually helpful. There is something useful when we can shift our attention to what is happening beyond our control. There are many times when actors appreciate the focus and attention they command. Equally important are those times when knowing you are not the center of it all can actually be a relief. Let’s talk about it. On this episode of Casting Actors Cast!

Questions And Answers

Questions and answers

Air Date:  May 26, 2022

 

The success of this podcast is due to the comments, feedback and letters from listeners. There have been a flurry of actors reaching out to either comment or ask a question or even share their successes! Ok. It may seem like an ego massage, but let’s face it, we could all use some positive strokes. This episode of Casting Actors Cast is all about communication to and for each other. Questions and answers. Coming right up!

What Happens to Your Submissions?

What Happens to Your Submission?

Air Date:  May 19, 2022

 

It’s a typical comment that actors have. After all, actors take the time and work hard on their self-submit videos when they submit for a project only to never hear or receive any feedback whatsoever. It’s as if their audition goes into the data universe never to be heard from again. What happens to your submission? I will break it down for you in an effort to remove unhealthy speculation about your audition efforts going forward. Happening on this episode of Casting Actors Cast.

The Fix for YOUR Auditions

The Fix for Your Auditions

Air Date:  May 12, 2022

 

I can't tell you how many times I find myself yelling at my computer screen while watching self-submit videos. Your self-tapes have so many issues in them that it sometimes is impossible for me to give you a fair evaluation about your acting. So today, we're going to call the episode, “The fix for Your Auditions”. Hopefully after this episode, you're going to get not only excellent results, but you're going to say to yourself, wow, the fix is in.

Networking Conundrum

Networking Conundrum

Air Date:  May 5, 2022

 

Possibly one of the most common questions out there is, “How do I stay in touch with an agent/manager/casting director without turning them off?” or, putting it another way, “I don’t want to be obnoxious and am afraid I will turn the agent/casting director off, how do I network the right way?”

To be sure, every actor wants to be though of in great terms with industry folks. But sometimes it’s really hard to figure out the best way to do it. We will answer this question and offer up some helpful insights into those pesky networking conundrums! On this episode of Casting Actors Cast, The podcast for actors from a casting director.

Dealing with Competition

Dealing with Competition

Air Date:  April 28, 2022

 

Competition. It can feel awful. Working very hard to do the best work you can, say, with an audition scene, and suddenly this queasy feeling takes over. Your inner voice is saying, “I bet someone else will do this better”. Or “there are probably so many other talented people up for this, I am sure I won’t get it!” In that split second moment, you’ve become sad, defeated, or worse. What’s crazy is that you have not even auditioned yet! You’ve allowed imagined competition to ruin your process. Although you think this is real, intellectually, you know it is nothing but self-sabotage. The only competition you need to deal with is with yourself. That’s why you need this podcast. This is really going to help. This is Casting Actors Cast!

College Showcases-The Truth

College Showcases-The Truth

Air Date:  April 21, 2022

Our Casting office receives hundreds of invitations to college showcases every spring. It seems that every university that has a theatre curriculum decides to give their students the opportunity to perform for New York, LA, Chicago agents, managers, and casting directors. These use to be live on stage which, because of covid, went virtual. Well, it looks like the live versions of an actor’s coming out party, are coming back. The question is, are they really useful? Can they make a difference in an actor’s career? Let’s have a truthful conversation about the college showcase, on this episode of Casting Actors Cast!

 

What’s Happening With Regional Theatres?

What’s Happening With Regional Theatres

Air Date:  April 14, 2022

 

Because of Covid, regional theatres have had to re-tool and reinvent their business model. Statistics tell us that a 30% drop in revenue (or more) is not uncommon. Some theatres have had to close their doors altogether while others resorted to “online” readings and performances to maintain their relationships to their subscribers. It is not all bad news, however. Non-profit theatres are making a comeback. Slowly but surely, new projects are in the works for these theatres. How will this affect you? What are the ways you can take advantage of this shift? What’s Happening with Regional Theatres? You’ll find out on this episode of Casting Actors Cast!