Shows
The Casting MonkeyVarietyFeel the levels and dynamics in the scene. Don’t play one emotion. If the character is angry or tough, when might they show some vulnerability?
2020-05-0600 minThe Casting MonkeyActActing means do, not talk. Find your actions and play them! (A wonderful resource is the book “Actions: The Actor’s Thesaurus” by Marina Caldarone and Maggie Lloyd-Williams.)
2020-05-0600 minThe Casting MonkeyLoveFind the love in the scene; even nasty characters should be likable on some level. Find a moment in the scene where the love can show through.
2020-05-0600 minThe Casting MonkeyOppositesYelling isn’t the only way to show hatred or anger. Sometimes being quiet as you make your point is a powerful display of emotion. Playing opposites is a much more interesting choice than the obvious.
2020-05-0600 minThe Casting MonkeyTwo 'O'sObstacle
What’s in the way of the character getting what they want? Acting is what happens to you as you try to get your objective met, in spite of the obstacle.
Opposites
Yelling isn’t the only way to show hatred or anger. Sometimes being quiet as you make your point is a powerful display of emotion. Playing opposites is a much more interesting choice than the obvious.
2020-05-0601 minThe Casting MonkeyCharacterKnow the character. Read the entire script beforehand to pick-up as many clues as possible. We know about a character by the following:
What they say about themselves
What other characters say about them
What the playwright or screenwriter says about them
2020-05-0600 minThe Casting MonkeyConnectionConnection:
Make one with the reader. Memorize the material or be familiar enough with it to maintain eye contact. Knowing the dialogue is important, but making a connection with the reader is what will make the scene natural and believable.
2020-05-0600 minThe Casting MonkeyPersonalityPersonality: Let it shine through. Don’t give one-word answers when having a conversation with the casting director. Ask questions! The industry is looking for smart, curious actors.
2020-05-0600 minThe Casting MonkeyConfidenceIt sounds simple but it takes practice. Walk in the door with your head held high. Be wary of shuffling feet. You don’t get sympathy points if you’re nervous, not feeling well, or having a bad day. Leave it outside the door. You are being sized up the minute you walk in so practice good posture and body language before you arrive. And don’t forget to smile—that’s the lasting impression you want to leave.
2020-05-0400 minThe Casting MonkeyListen to Casting MonkeyFor growing the actor inside you. And achieving your dream.
2020-05-0400 min