When it comes to finding material for auditions and classwork for teens, it can be challenging, especially if you’re looking for something more contemporary. That said, there are works out there that lend themselves to this very thing. Below are some of my favorite plays for teens and young adults. I suggest you read all them in [...]
You just landed a role in a film—congratulations! If you’ve only ever acted on a stage, know that film sets are very different from the theater, and your first few days on set may be intimidating. Between all the people, equipment, and terminology on a film set, it’s easy to get overwhelmed but if you [...]
News flash! Actors are not the center of a film; they are just one small part in the making of a movie. Creating a film is a huge project that usually involves hundreds of people, including the actors. So it’s important for young actors to understand the roles and responsibilities of a film crew so [...]
Your dreams of becoming a working actor and thrilling people with your performance drive you forward. Acting is a creative art but they call it “show business” because it is a business, so consider yourself the CEO of your career, be your best advocate, and stay invested. You spend a lot of time taking classes, [...]
Good actors make acting look effortless. That’s why everyone wants to be an actor. But the truth is, we all know it’s difficult. Yes, you need to train, hone your skills and craft, network, and have what the casting directors need. But being a good actor takes much more than that. Begin following these simple [...]
In my experience, many people aren’t aware of the power their words can have. This is especially true for parents, and even more so for parents of young performers. As the caregiver and primary figure in a child’s life, a parent’s attitude and actions make a significant impact on a child actor’s confidence and success. [...]
Many young actors are taught to play “tactics,” an action or strategy carefully planned to achieve a specific end. The word brings up images of generals sitting around a war room, strategically planning an attack on the enemy. And that’s exactly how most actors approach the “playing of an action.” But we prefer to call [...]
You just received a message from your rep that your child has an audition...tomorrow. Because auditions have been slow, you are excited about the opportunity for your child. But then you realize it’s actually a self-tape with 12 pages of memorized material due in the next 24 hours. Your child isn’t even home from school [...]
By Denise Simon and Larry Silverberg Every scene you play as an actor, no matter how old you are, will require a deep understanding from you. You need to understand who the character is, what the context of the scene and larger story is, and countless other aspects of the scene that will make your work [...]
Something actors hear all the time from casting directors and directors is “raise the stakes.” But do you really know what it means? Let’s begin with one basic fact that is true for every script you will ever read: it is not just “any” day in the life of the character, it is a very [...]
