Casting Actors Cast

Seeking Approval

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.

Patrick Harvey-Self Tape Evaluation

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!

Agent Acquisition

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

Your Acting Investmnt

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

1. Picture, resume and postcard-Are they new, ready, and interesting?
2. 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.
3. Your cell phone
4. Self-tape-recording equipment
5. Classes and seminars
6. 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
7. Marketing-Website, blog, social media, flyers, postcards, and stationery
8. Musical theatre expenses
9. Transportation expenses
10. 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

Asking and Answering Your Questions

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!

Are You Unique Enough?

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!

Celebrating 50K Downloads!

Jeffrey is overjoyed to be sharing his 50 thousandth download of Casting Actors Cast! It is a thank-you celebration about everyone who has made this podcast the success that it is. Please listen to how it all started and what the future holds for Jeffrey and you, the listener! Please feel free to check out the Youtube simulcast or "podio". If you want to congratulate  Jeffrey you can do so by going to www.castingactorscast.com and fill out the form that says, "Dive into the Talent Pool"

Cheers!

Acting Success Story's

Acting Success Story’s

Everyday Actors are being seen for roles in movies, tv, theatre and new media. Self tape, Zoom and even live connections are being made through auditions, performances, and interviews. Perhaps you’ve even had your own journey with the opportunities that have been available over the past year. I think it’s time we recognized those actors who have found success and made an impact on this business we call acting. Let’s call this episode Acting Success Story’s in the hope of finding a common thread that you can identify with. After all, it’s important to celebrate those moments in all of our lives when the stars seem to align, and good things happen, and we realize why we do what we do. Acting success stories on this very special episode of Casting Actors Cast, insights for actors from a casting director.

3 Keys to Confidence

3 Keys to confidence

You’ve heard me say that the confident actor is the actor that gets the gig. I do not mean being cocky or full of yourself but rather the actor that understands the value of a positive self-image. One that communicates the subtext, “I can’t wait to show you how I am going to play this role”. But what if you’re not feeling so confident about yourself. Self-doubt can be a lonely place and over time, can undermine your confidence and ultimately affect your career path. If this sounds like you, you are in the right place. In this episode of Casting Actors Cast as I give you the 3 keys to confidence. These keys will open the door to a better, smarter, positive approach to your acting and your acting career. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach and this is Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors from a casting director!

How Do You Book A TV Show?

How Do You Book A TV Show?

            The process for booking an actor on a TV show is relatively easy. The challenge many actors face is getting the answer to, “How do I go about it?”. Although you have heard being at the right place at the right time is key, did you know there are things you can do to increase your chances of getting seen for a show? There really are steps you can take to put yourself in the best position for consideration. In this episode, I will spell out the ways you can make the dream of being on a TV show closer to reality. In fact, it may be closer that you think. All happening right now on the podcast/video called Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors from a casting director!

Make Virtual Musical Auditions Sing!

Make Virtual Musical Theatre Auditions Sing!

         We are slowly getting back to theatre casting. It’s exciting after a long, long holding pattern that we’ve all endured. Even musicals are being dusted off and gearing up for those venues that can support them. But guess what. Along with the good news comes some other issues. Looks like we will still be using Zoom for first round auditions! That means you might have to continue to use the technology…even for musicals! How do you make your musical auditions on zoom the best they can be? The answer is here. On this podio (podcast video) I will “vocalize” the way to Zoom yourself so you can book the gig! Don’t miss out on this content rich, extremely useful and practical episode of Casting Actors Cast, insights for actors from a Casting Director!

3 Useful Marketing Tips Actors Need

3 Useful Marketing tips Actors Need

It’s one thing to be ready for the next right thing in your acting career. It means that you have taken the steps to move your career forward. It’s quite another to create the methods that move those steps into the next stage (pun intended) of your career. Many times I see really talented folks who think they really don’t need to put themselves “out there” in order to grow. Well, I guess it’s a choice to not think about marketing yourself. But as the CEO of your company, maybe it’s time to look at your marketing strategy, or lack thereof, and find out if it has the potential to move you to the next level of your career. This episode of Casting Actors Cast is all about three useful tips you’ll need to succeed. Insights for actors from a casting director, that’s me, Jeffrey Dreisbach. Join us!

The Curse of the Smart Actor

The Curse of the Smart Actor

Of the many things I have learned in casting, one of the most significant is that actors are smart...really smart. This might sound like a strange thing to hear but it’s true. Smart actors are more prevalent (ooh good word) than ever before because of the training, opportunities, and instant access to information. This is a blessing, but it can also be a curse. What’s the curse you might be asking? Well, I am here to share some insights about that very subject. We’re going to have fun talking about the curse of the smart actor on today’s podio of Casting Actors Cast, the podcast and video for actors from a casting director. Join us!

Are You Due for A Makeover?

Are you due for a makeover?

When was the last time you had a heart to heart with yourself? No kidding. When did you really think through the options available to you as an actor? Are you in a good place right now to make the right career choices or have you been speaking an inner monologue that doesn’t make clear decisions or choices when it comes to your acting career? This episode of Casting Actors Cast will look at this topic and we’ll also answer the question, “Are you ready for a makeover?” C’mon and jump into talent pool…the water is fine!

The Top 5 TV & Film Audition Tips

The Top 5 TV & Film Audition Tips!

As the Film and TV industry regain their footing and rebound after Covid, actors need to be ready for those new projects on the horizon. How are you getting ready? How are you setting yourself up for success? This new season can be just the right time to get ready with your on camera audition skills. I’ve got the top five TV and Film audition tips to get you started. All happening in the episode of Casting Actors Cast, Insights for actors from a casting director.

What is a Chemistry Read?

What is a “Chemistry Read”?

There are times when you might be asked to do a “Chemistry read”. Do you know what that really means? How do you prepare for it? What can you actually do to make this next step in the audition process work to your advantage? In today’s episode of Casting actors Cast, I will spell it out for you so that the next time you are asked to participate in a Chemistry Read, you will know exactly how to act with your acting while acting with another actor….

Self-tape Critique-Mahmoud Mahmoud

So you asked for it! Another self tape evaluation from an actor wanting to "up their audition game". Mahmod Mahmod sent his link and now it's time for a review! Find out what works technically and with his acting. You'll learn how to improve your own self submit videos. Jeffrey will share his insights and suggest the best ways to book the job! Please don't forget to like and review. You can even see the video on the YouTube channel of Casting Actors Cast.

 

Why A Website?

Why An Actor website?

Maybe it’s just me but I am surprised that Actors are still asking me about whether or not they need a website. C’mon people, this is 2021 (last time I checked) and we need to get it together! YES! You need a website. It is just as important as your picture, resume and tap shoes. OK, the tap shoes are optional. So let’s have this conversation and answer the question, “Why an Actor Website” On this episode of Casting Actors Cast, the podcast video or podio for actors!

What To Say At an Agent Meeting?

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! 

Are You an ACTOR OVERTHINKER?

So, the actor says to me, “I’m trying to make the scene work by applying everything I‘ve learned In class!”. “Really”, I said,” and how is that working out for you?” “Not great. I can’t seem to remember anything including the words! “I’m a disaster!”. You are not a disaster…you are an actor. An actor with a solvable situation. Let’s have a conversation about an issue I’ve seen with more and more frequency. The ACTOR OVERTHINKER, on this episode of Casting Actors Cast, the podcast and video for you! The over thinking actor!

We don’t have problems…we have situations!

Actor overthinkers come take several forms:

The smart actor:

              Creative perfectionist/never satisfied always analyzing.

              Impossible to be objective about the work because it is result oriented

              Solution: Turn the focus away from self and into the character’s behavior

              Less result oriented and more connectedness with the other character

 

The insecure actor:

              Compensate the potential for rejection by presenting and not being

              Decide that if you are not “working at it” it is not good

              Solution: Decide that you are unique and enough

              Stay open to creative choices that are spontaneous

 

The angry actor:

              Try to be “edgy” and show an affected side of their personality

              Question others, question the writing, question the notes that are given

              Solution: Ask yourself how this approach serves you

              Take your internal “temperature”. Listen more, talk less.

 

These are three examples of the overthinking actor. Good acting is created and then left alone for exposed for others to feel and respond to. The overthinking actor has to simply learn how to share themselves and then leave it alone. Keeping it simple is the key. Re-directing your energy toward being in the moment can stop your overthinking and start landing solutions so you can stress less!

Acting Questions-Direct Answers

One of the best things about being a Casting Director is the ability to affect an actor’s life in a positive way. When an actor books a role, there is no greater pleasure than to be part of that creative decision. In a similar way, I love doing this podcast/video or PODIO because some tip or suggestion or advise that I have offered has helped actors in ways I never thought possible. I received one such letter that I am excited to share. And I will answer your latest questions about acting and the acting profession. Acting questions-Direct answers. All happening in this installment of Casting Actors Cast…the podio for actors from a casting director!

Best Critique of Your Self-tape

In this episode, I evaluate a new Self tape audition sent in by a Casting Actors Cast listner/viewer! You'll get immediate understanding of how a casting directors' first impression is to your submissions. Both technical choices and acting moments are evaluated for their effectiveness and impact.  Learn how you can get live feedback for your own auditions by submitting to castingactorscast@gmail.com or going to www.castingactorscast.com for more information!

Act Better!

Act Better!

So maybe the title of this episode caught your attention. Perhaps you’re thinking that there is some secret sauce to making your acting more appreciated by others and therefore feel more successful. Whatever the reason, I want to share some insights I’ve learned both as an actor and now as a casting director that will eliminate the need for you to ever hear “Act Better” from anyone…. including yourself! In this episode of Casting Actors Cast!           

When Directors Say the Wrong things

WHEN DIRECTORS SAY THE WRONG THINGS…
 It’s no mystery that directors/teachers/casting directors, can say the wrong thing to an actor sometimes. Whether it’s for auditions, stage, TV, Film or even voice acting, something might be said that you don’t understand or can’t relate to. What do you do about those weird, uncomfortable, confusing moments? Is there actually a way you can salvage a potentially negative situation into one that gets the job done? Let’s find out on today’s episode of Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors from a casting director!

Introduction
We Audition.com. Earn money by being a reader, find an acting partner, get career advice. You can get 25% off your membership fee with promo code cac25!
(Actors connection spot)

Looking back to my acting days I can relate multiple times I didn’t understand what a director was looking for when they gave me notes. (Example) On one hand the director is the “over-seer” of the project and must be fully trusted because they have the vision for the story. On the other hand, you might not key into the same vocabulary as the director, leaving you confused and frustrated. Here are some tips to making this a positive experience and not one with regret. Here are seven take-a-way’s for working with directors:
1) Set up the ground rules-a mutual understanding of the working process: “Best way to ask questions or how do you like to work?”
2) Key into the way the director speaks to others (actors, producers, assistants)
3) Once a note is given take a moment to process what is said and then see if it works
4) Making an effort to try the direction always wins over starting out disagreeable.
5) You are not clay needing to be molded. It is a collaboration of creatives.
6) If you really don’t understand try to ask, “Can you put that another way? If you say, “I don’t understand” it has the potential of feeling like a push back.
7) Unless the motive is unclear, trust that there is a desire for a mutually creative process and outcome.

When you find yourself in a situation with a director that you have trouble translating their words into action, it is your right and obligation to dig deeper until there is comprehension with what is being asked. Maintaining professionalism and a positive mental attitude will almost always work to your benefit. 
 

How to Make a Slate Great

HOW TO MAKE A SLATE GREAT!
“Hello, I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach?”…”What’s up, this is Jeff Dreisbach”…”Hi, I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach and I am reading for Hamlet…I am 6’2….on a good day!”. Your slate is the proverbial handshake and first impression we get from you. I have seen actors “loose out” because of a bad slate. No kidding! Let’s end the great slate debate and give you the right way to make your slate great on this episode of Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors from a casting director…that’s me….Jeffrey Dreisbach!

We Audition.com CAC25 for a 25% discount-Self tape partner-Audition and meetings-industry advice. Become a member today!

Slates are used in every audition situation you can imagine; Voice over, self tape auditions, live meetings on Zoom, and, in-person soon!
* History of the slate
* What are they used for today?
* Why are the important?
Voice over slates:
* Not in “Character”
* Warm/meeting someone for the first time
* Breath, beat, moment before the read
Film/TV Slates:
* Looking into the camera lens
* Warm/friendly/ genuine moment
* Breath, beat, pause before read
Live, in person slates:
* Eye contact
* Genuine interest in the other
* Not a formal presentational moment (too stiff)
Be careful not to dismiss the value of a good slate. It is a first impression about how you look, sound and an opportunity to show US you. Getting a sense of your personality, energy and sincerity can leave a lasting impression long after the actual audition is over. While the importance of a good slate has been discussed, over thinking it can also cause you to feel presentational or over rehearsed. Use the moment to connect then invest in the most important thing…your audition.

"Lights, Camera, ACTION!"

“Lights, Camera, ACTION!”

Does this phrase make you nervous, excited, tense or maybe even happy? This phrase, when taken literally, is about you on a set, ready to act, ready to create through your character. As an actor, there is no better moment than hearing that phrase. Really. We’ll talk about that moment and also dissect the phrase into the perfect metaphor for your acting and your acting career. In this episode of Casting Actors Cast, the Podcast and video or Podio for actors!

 

Introduction

Sponsor mentions.

 

Being on a movie or TV set

• The waiting game
• Feeling prepared; Recall the audition, breathe
• Ready to work/constructive confidence
• Re focus nerves into the right container

During the shoot

• Multiple takes mean staying present
• Don’t think more is better
• Enjoy the rife (Why you wanted to do this in the first place)

It’s a Wrap

• Professional courtesy
• Exit stage right (don’t hang around)
• Reward yourself/spread the word

The Metaphor:

              Lights: Shine a light on where you are in your career right now

              Camera: Know what tools you need to accomplish the goals. See the purpose

              Action: Make a plan, forward movement is the right direction. How to get it done

Whether you are on the set or planning on being on the set, it is a matter of having then trusting the tools while you move forward with your acting career journey!

 

JD

Auditions; Don't Do This!

Very few things annoy me when I audition actors. I really enjoy the process and love to see accomplished talent show me how they would play the part. I have had actors faint, cry, mumble and explode…and that was before the actual audition! Here are some things I have experienced in auditions that are quite detrimental to the actor and can sabotage their chances of getting realistic consideration for booking a role. In other words…Don’t Do This!

:)

Acting Myths and Mistakes for 2021

Acting Myths and Mistakes for 2021

Based on the questions Jeff's received over the past few years; it occurs to him that many actors seem to still be hanging on to misconceptions and untrue claims about being an actor. So, let’s clear the air on some of these weird untruths so we can launch the new year with a realistic perspective and clear eyed understanding of those acting myths and actor mistakes!

What's the Deal About Acting Reels?

Jeffrey kicks of this episode with the answers to questions you've wanted to hear about acting reels!

What are they?
What are they for?
Why are they necessary or are they?

Acting Reels are an important tool for the industry. Done right, it can open doors and accelerate a career. Poorly done, it can leave a bad impression of where you are in your career and set you back financially. Take time to think through the purpose of your reel and whether you will move ahead or spin your wheels because it does not achieve what you need it to do.

What about Acting in 2021

Air Date: 12/31/2020

What About Acting in 2021?

What are the plans for your acting in 2021? What about making New Year resolutions? Might that help? Some actors think that planning your acting is wasted energy while others spend a lot of time making plans only to feel defeated in a short period of time... Jeffrey explores the value of looking forward with a clear view of what acting can mean for you in the New Year. Please consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform and visit www.castingactorscast.com