Casting Actors Cast

Audition Mistakes and How to Correct Them

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.

Investment Strategy...Classes!

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.

Business or Pleasure?

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.

Marketing Mistakes Actors Make

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!

Spring in Your Step!

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!

Stage or Screen-What’s the Difference?

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!

Legal Matters

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!

The Importance of Being Ernest

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!

Material That Fits!

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!

It’s All Greek to Me

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!

Random Thoughts on an Acting Career

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!

Uncomplicate Your Acting

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!

 

Encore Presentation-The Callback

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

Best of ”What to Say at an Agent Meeting

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!

Audition Checkup

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!

 

Your Holiday Acting

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 4^th 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!

The Significance of #243

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!

The Actor Factor

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.

Brake for Scripts

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!

Giving Thanks for Your Questions

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.

Organizations Worth Knowing

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

Just Show Up!

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.

 

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!