Episodes
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
How To-Audition Reader!
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Air Date: 12/30/2021
How To: Audition Reader
If you’re like me, you’ve probably decided not to reflect over the past two years to assess your acting progress. There have been just too many sidelines and shifts, let alone think about how you are going to move your career forward. Jeff’s got a great idea that will help you with your auditions and take you from, “Am I Ready for what’s next? To “Alright, What’s Next”. He’ll explain how being a reader for auditions can change your outlook and your career on this episode of Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors from a casting director.
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Acting Career Warnings-5 Tips
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Acting Career Warnings-5 Tips to Watch
A fan of Casting Actors Cast sent in a voice question to the website that got me thinking. There are some dangerous pitfalls and missteps in show business that can really damage a career. What’s worse, is that as new talent comes into the business the pattern is repeated. There is no intention to scare you in this episode, but rather, shine the light of awareness so you can navigate your career more effectively. This episode is all about the dangers, rip-offs, and bad choices that can happen to you, the actor, on this episode of Casting Actors Cast.
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Flipping The Script
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Flipping the Script
One technique that I love to use in class is asking the actor in a scene to play the other part. What usually happens is that the actor has no time to think about their choices and jumps in to accomplish the task. The result? The Scene comes alive, is truthful, real, and conversational. On this episode of Casting, Actors Cast. Let's flip the script and find out more about playing the other part whether It’s for acting or for your acting life. This is one episode you are not going to want to miss!
Thursday Dec 09, 2021
Does Your Training Schools‘ Reputation Matter?
Thursday Dec 09, 2021
Thursday Dec 09, 2021
Does Your Training Schools' Reputation Matter?
In response to a listener’s question, Jeffrey takes on the pros and cons of a training schools' reputation as a measure of the actor’s ability and talent. Is there really a preference to hire an actor from Juilliard over an actor who went to, let’s say, Wayne State University? How about specialty training studios verses college training? What are the realities of how where you went to school can influences your career path, or not? Find out what really matters on this episode of Casting Actors Cast, the podcast and video from a casting director.
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
Let‘s Evaluate Another Self Tape
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
Let’s Evaluate Your Self-Tape: Michael Michele!
The response from my reviews on your self-tapes has been amazing. People from all over the world are taking the time to write how much they get out of these critiques! OK, well, let’s do another one. We are going to look at yet another self-tape submission and find out exactly what it takes to create a successful audition. On this episode of Casting Actors Cast, the podcast and video for actors.
Thursday Nov 25, 2021
Practice Gratitude
Thursday Nov 25, 2021
Thursday Nov 25, 2021
Air Date: 11/25/2021
Practice Gratitude
No one ever told you that being an actor was easy. In fact, for many of you, I am sure you were
told just the opposite. Being an actor is hard, the odds are against you, too much competition,
you’ll never make it. What’s worse is that we let those past voices stay in our head, affecting
out thinking and our choices. What is up with that? The way to push through that noise is a
simple technique that has helped me as an actor and now as a casting director. OK, I know it
might sound cheesy but really, it works. Today’s episode is all about pushing past the noise and
practice gratitude. How do you do that? You might ask? Stick around and find out on this
special gratitude episode of Casting Actors Cast.
Thursday Nov 18, 2021
Learning Your Words
Thursday Nov 18, 2021
Thursday Nov 18, 2021
Air Date: 11/18/2021
Learning Your Words
As a young actor, I never really had a problem remembering my words. My brain
naturally made connections with the script that felt effortless and usually just made sense. It
wasn’t until later that I realized I needed to put more effort into the process. Today, actors are
challenged because with the new self-tape and Zoom auditions, it makes sense to memorize
the scene rather than rely on cue cards, cheat sheets or strategically placed pdf’s on the
monitor. I will share my experience and give you some solid tips on how to learn the words or
not! On this episode of Casting Actors Cast, advice to you, the actor from a working casting
director.
Thursday Nov 11, 2021
Sound Advice
Thursday Nov 11, 2021
Thursday Nov 11, 2021
Air Date: 11/11/2021
Sound Advice
After watching hundreds and hundreds of self-submit videos or self tape auditions, I have concluded that the most important thing about your self-tapes. Is the ability to be heard. Sound is probably the most important element to delivering a good audition. Sure, it's great to be seen but to be seen and not heard? well, that is the issue. On today's episode of Casting Actors cast, let's dive deep into making sound choices with your sound. Don't forget to check us out on YouTube and please leave a review if you likes this episode. Thanks!
Thursday Nov 04, 2021
Your Stinking Thinking
Thursday Nov 04, 2021
Thursday Nov 04, 2021
Air Date: 11/4/2021
Your Stinking Thinking
When was the last time? You did something nice just for you? Really. Something that didn't require another person place or thing? When was the last time you felt good about your talent? When was the last time you felt you were on the right career track? For many of us, our pattern of thinking is often negative. That's what I call “stinking thinking”. Yes, I know, I love alliteration. The thoughts you have can be especially hurtful and damaging during this challenging time. I know, hearing the phrase “challenging time” makes us want to roll our eyes. But let's just take a moment and look at how we can address our stinking thinking so that it can turn into positive perceptions, on today's episode of Casting Actors Cast.
Thursday Oct 28, 2021
Booking Actors For Films
Thursday Oct 28, 2021
Thursday Oct 28, 2021
Air Date: 10/28/2021
Booking Actors for Films
So, you want to act in a movie? That's great. It's also exciting. Do you know what the casting steps are? Do you know exactly what happens for you to get booked in that movie? Rather than discussing the steps you need to take, I am going to share with you the process of casting talent in movies. By the end of this episode, you will have insight and understanding that could possibly change your approach to your movie career. On this important episode of Casting, Actors Cast.
Thursday Oct 21, 2021
Diving Into the Talent Pool Q & A
Thursday Oct 21, 2021
Thursday Oct 21, 2021
Diving Into Talent Pool Questions and Comments
One of the great things about being a casting director with a podcast is that I get to talk directly to you and answer questions that I receive every week. Do you know what to do after an audition? Do you know how to list background work on your resume? Do you have an audition story that you need to make sense of? This will be answered along with your other questions and comments on this episode of Casting Actors Cast.
Thursday Oct 14, 2021
Actor Video Review
Thursday Oct 14, 2021
Thursday Oct 14, 2021
Actor Video Review-YIQINGZHAO
Jeffrey evaluates another self-submit video audition. This time it is actress YIQINGZHAO with a comic scene. By continuing to perfect your self-taping from a technical and from n acting point of view, you are setting yourself up for success. The more you are comfortable in this environment, the better the overall effect. That means your confidence will grow and that means you will find more frequent success with your acting submissions! Here are some items discussed with today’s submission:
TECHNICAL
- Holding a paper or card slate? Does this work?
- How is the sound?
- How does the reader’s voice compare to yours?
- Camera Frame is important
- Is your slate friendly? Don’t miss an opportunity to show more of you.
- Is your clothing distracting?
ACTING:
- Prior action (beat) might be helpful
- Do you use gear changes? (pitch pace pause)
- You did not exit fully off screen…GREAT!
- Are you re-acting to the other character in the scene?
- Is there a better exit beat?
Let me know what you think! Join in the fun at castingactorscast.com or email Jeffrey at mailto:castingactorscast@gmail.com
Thursday Oct 07, 2021
The Cost Factor
Thursday Oct 07, 2021
Thursday Oct 07, 2021
The Cost Factor
Everything has a cost factor. Every choice, decision, contribution, or process will always come with some measure of payment. It can be time, energy, or actual material payments but it will always need to be paid. For actors, the cost factor can be difficult to calculate. Our desire for creative success often comes with unanticipated costs. On today’s episode; the cost factor. Things you can do to avoid those decisions that ask more of you than you can spare.
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
Breaking Down A Breakdown
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
Breaking Down a Breakdown
I've seen this happen a lot. Many times, actors will see a job listing and get so excited because they think it is perfect for them. The question becomes, is it really right for you? Does the breakdown itself hold keys for discovering whether you are right for the gig? Let's take a look at a breakdown and not have a breakdown. In this episode of casting actors cast, I will show you exactly how to know when you are right for the right acting job.
Thursday Sep 23, 2021
Making the Most Out of Every Opportunity
Thursday Sep 23, 2021
Thursday Sep 23, 2021
Making the Most Out of Every Opportunity
This episode is all about how we process our daily lives and how we can look at the bigger picture to maintain our career objectives. Making the most out of every opportunity a great rule of thumb. Jeffrey shares his most recent experience with a college class of young actors in training and how they missed the boat when an opportunity presented itself. Learn how you can have the healthiest perspective and ability to make space for your acting career despite everything you are dealing with. All in this episode of casting actors cast.
Thursday Sep 16, 2021
Should I Join the Union(s)?
Thursday Sep 16, 2021
Thursday Sep 16, 2021
I get this question all the time. It is especially prevalent with actors’ equity association (AEA) as well as SAG-AFTRA, The performers union for film, television, and recorded media. There are many variables for an actor to consider when joining the union. Not only about it being a good decision for your career, but is it the right time for you to join? To be sure, it is an investment. It is a financial burden but that preclude her from finding non-union meaningful full employment. Let's take a look at the pros and cons that you need to consider when pursuing your dreams as an actor or actress.
Thursday Sep 09, 2021
Self-Tape Evaluate: Kristyn Koczur
Thursday Sep 09, 2021
Thursday Sep 09, 2021
In this episode, Jeffrey will provide a comprehensive evaluation of actress, Kristy Koczur's audition as Renfield from Count Dracula. Both technical and acting elements will be critiqued by Jeffrey, providing you with important information to consider for your own submissions. C'mon in and join the growing community of actors who love to learn and grow! Find out more at www.castingactorscast.com or the YouTube channel so you can watch all the episodes!
Thursday Sep 02, 2021
Off The Top of My Head
Thursday Sep 02, 2021
Thursday Sep 02, 2021
Off The Top of My Head
This episode is a bit of a departure from past shows. Jeffrey takes off his casting hat to talk a little more personally about what we’ve going through. With COVID variants and concerns about the future, it’s no wonder that we question our choices. Not only that but trying to figure out how to hold on to an acting career is truly frustrating. Jeff offers some advice and positive encouragement about where we are now and what we can do about our future acting plans. Finally, Jeff talks about his own struggles with a personal family matter that proves we are all on a similar journey. Please consider sharing this episode and, perhaps, write a review, show support to this growing community of actors!
www.castingactorscast.com
Thursday Aug 26, 2021
Feeling Nervous? Everything You Need to Know
Thursday Aug 26, 2021
Thursday Aug 26, 2021
Feeling Nervous? Everything You Need to Know
Some call it stage fright. Some call it the jitters. Some actors are incapacitated because of their nervousness while others are resolved to live with their anxiety or discomfort. In this episode, we're going to talk about what causes nervousness and offer solutions so that you can be your best acting self. All happening right now.
This is Casting Actors Cast, the podcast and video for actors from a casting director.
Thursday Aug 19, 2021
Agent or Manager? What’s The Big Deal?
Thursday Aug 19, 2021
Thursday Aug 19, 2021
Agent or Manager? What’s The Big Deal?
In last week's episode with questions and answers, several questions revolved around getting an agent or manager or none of the above. Now, I’ve done many podios on how to get a representative but not with these questions; Do you need an agent? Do you need a manager? Do you need a representative at all? What’s the big deal? we'll dive into this important subject and by the end of today's episode you will be able to decide the best choice for your career in this is episode of Casting Actors Cast.
Thursday Aug 12, 2021
Questions and Comments for Jeff
Thursday Aug 12, 2021
Thursday Aug 12, 2021
The title says it all. This episode is all about your latest questions and comments over the past several weeks. Questions about trends, tips (not what you think) and getting started on the business from a 17 year old in Jamaca! Plus a bonus segment featuring Itune reviews for Jeff!
C'mon in...the water is fine!
Thursday Aug 05, 2021
Actors Who Watch Themselves Act
Thursday Aug 05, 2021
Thursday Aug 05, 2021
Actors Who Watch Themselves Act
There is an insidious self-sabotage trait I see taking place with actors. Many
talented folks don’t even know they’re doing it. What’s worse, is that when they
are informed about this habitual activity, frustration abounds as it becomes
seemingly impossible to fix. Help your acting become fresh, spontaneous, and full
of possibilities. What am I talking about? I’m talking about your third eye. Why do
you watch yourself act is the question? In this episode of Casting Actors Cast, we
are going to explain what it really is and how to fix it!
Thursday Jul 29, 2021
5 Tips to Nail Your Next Audition
Thursday Jul 29, 2021
Thursday Jul 29, 2021
5 Tips to Nail your Next Audition
Whenever I teach an audition workshop, I usually start the session by asking, “What are your issues with your audition?” The answers are as varied as the actors I teach. They range from, “I get nervous” to, “I just want to book the job.” It's no wonder that many actors find auditions nerve wracking, uncomfortable, and sometimes just a waste of time. Having been an actor and now as a casting director, I can share some thoughts about your next audition. I often see the same behavior taking place now as it did when I was acting. Let's look at the five tips I have for nailing your next audition.
Thursday Jul 22, 2021
Seeking Approval
Thursday Jul 22, 2021
Thursday Jul 22, 2021
Seeking Approval
Our need for approval is so powerful that if it is not there, we become unworthy. We have lost our sense of value and self-worth by giving power to those outside sources of influence. It’s time we acknowledge our value and appreciate who we are. After all, we are all we have, and our talent depends on a positive connection to our grounded emotional vocabulary. In this episode we will try to find our way out of this common actor trait called undervalued and underappreciated.
Thursday Jul 15, 2021
Patrick Harvey-Self Tape Evaluation
Thursday Jul 15, 2021
Thursday Jul 15, 2021
Patrick Harvey-Self Tape Evaluation
In this episode, Jeffrey looks at the video submission of actor, Patrick Harvey. Both technical and acting work will be evaluated. So many auditions are being conducted this way that it is a good thing for actors to see and experience the kind of work being submitted. It is also a great way to find out if an actors submission measures up. The podio finishes up with Jeffrey sharing his first “in person” auditions happening this week with some thoughts about how to make smart decisions about your in person auditions!
Thursday Jul 08, 2021
Agent Acquisition
Thursday Jul 08, 2021
Thursday Jul 08, 2021
Agent Acquisition
“Can you help me find an agent?”, is a question I get quite often. Many times, an actor has decided that getting someone to represent them is a priority for their business plan. For others it is a frightening proposition. After all, the talent sometimes believes that with an agent, their career will take off. I think it's best to answer the question with another question or even better, a series of questions, On this episode of Casting Actors Cast.
Introduction
Promo’s
Is your acting in the best possible shape?
- Be 100% sure you are actor ready
Do you have the right credits for your current brand?
- Define your interest with the focus you place on your marketing
Does your picture and resume reflect your Energy and personality?
- materials you are marketing can go a long way toward representation
Have you continued training and growing your professional contacts?
- Continuing education, Investing in yourself as a professional, is impressive for an agent or manager who might be looking.
Are you available for auditions? Callbacks? Bookings?
- Agents and managers need to know that you are ready, willing, and able to take on those opportunities you are seen for.
Have you researched the representation that is right for you?
- Having a strategy with good research just makes sense.
Now that you have answered these questions, we can spend a moment on how agents find actors. there are four ways this usually happens. First the referral. A recommendation from a casting director, director, actor who is currently working with the agent, are usually the best way a meeting happens. Second, a showcase or performance that an agent sees can often lead to a meeting as well. The last and least effective method is an actor reaching out without some kind of logical connection. That does not mean you should not try it. It just means to keep it in perspective. Answering these questions and understanding the goal of representation will ultimately lead to a result that can advance your career and keep you working. -Jeffrey Dreisbach
Thursday Jul 01, 2021
Your Acting Investmnt
Thursday Jul 01, 2021
Thursday Jul 01, 2021
Your Acting Investment
Many actors are surprised when I tell them that they are the CEO of their company. It is as if they have spent most of their creative life working on their talent with little time spent on their business plan. A business plan is something every professional should have to keep their vision clear. I don't mean literal vision; I mean seeing their career journey as a process and growth opportunity. So, let's take a moment and look at being a responsible CEO. Let's look at ten actor investment strategies that can affect your investment for the better on this episode of Casting Actors Cast
- Picture, resume and postcard-Are they new, ready, and interesting?
- The actor's wardrobe and shoes-Having a separate audition wardrobe is really smart. Having six or seven items that you only wear for auditions makes sense.
- Your cell phone
- Self-tape-recording equipment
- Classes and seminars
- Resource Materials-Make sure you set aside some funds for books, drop box, actors’ access and backstage.com or any other tangible assets that can grow your career
- Marketing-Website, blog, social media, flyers, postcards, and stationery
- Musical theatre expenses
- Transportation expenses
- Personal development
Have you heard the acronym, ROI? It stands for return on investment. It means that when you make an investment it should pay a dividend or at the very least improve the quality of the brand. As an actor, you can expect your ROI to include the following: Representation-finding an agent or manager that will help you with acting opportunities. Audition Increase-the number of auditions the number of callbacks and the number of bookings that grow are a good ROI. Industry Contacts and Growth-feeling like you are part of a community is extremely valuable for an acting career. Overall Industry Participation-expanding your circle to include new opportunities should happen. Investing in your acting is a plan, a strategy, a way for you to find structure in your creative life. It also assumes that you are pleased with the quality of your acting work. If not, then consider moving classes and workshops up the list as you evaluate your progress.
Jeffrey Dreisbach
Thursday Jun 24, 2021
Asking and Answering Your Questions
Thursday Jun 24, 2021
Thursday Jun 24, 2021
Asking and Answering Your Questions
Jeffrey takes on some interesting questions and comments by Casting actors Cast listeners; “My question to you, Jeffrey, is should I try to find representation with a local New York agent?”
And
“Stage actors are dying to be set free, please don’t dash our hopes.”
Find out the answers and more on this episode!
Please check out the website castingactorscast.com and the YouTube channel Casting Actors Cast. The podcast for actors from a casting Director. Here are some partial excerpts from the letters Jeffrey responds to.
“Central Artists in Los Angeles says they are bi-coastal but almost all my auditions/bookings came from Prestige here in New York. I'm very loyal but, as you have said in your podcasts, "it's business and not personal.' I know all is kind of in limbo production wise with the pandemic at the moment, but this is my career and I need the best team I can assemble behind me.”
“There's been a steady advance of "technology creep," imposing more and more technical demands on actors … stage actors are often suffocated by zoom auditions, having their inventive powers confined to a screen, unable to respond to the “room” fully in the moment, having to squint at a reader on a screen, unable to be fully physical, etc. And the production staff will get a limited understanding of the actor’s capabilities while creating those very limitations, and might regret hiring an actor who is only capable of a cramped video performance and not a more expansive live presentation.”
Find out Jeffrey’s answer in this episode!
Thursday Jun 17, 2021
Are You Unique Enough?
Thursday Jun 17, 2021
Thursday Jun 17, 2021
Are You Unique Enough?
I know, I know. This is a weird question to ask. Truth is, I work with actors every day and find that there is a hesitancy to express their uniqueness. Really. It’s like there is something holding the talent back from the full expression of their personality. Now I have often said that it is your uniqueness that will book you that acting job. So then why are actors fearful of not showing who they really are when playing a role? Is playing a role supposed to be shown rather than felt? Is playing a role different than playing you? Let’s look into this important question and discover the answer to the question, “Are you Unique Enough?” on this episode of Casting Actors Cast, insights for actors from a casting director!
Thursday Jun 10, 2021
Celebrating 50K Downloads!
Thursday Jun 10, 2021
Thursday Jun 10, 2021
Cheers!