Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Headshots: The Shoot


If you're like me, you HATE having your picture taken! So the headshot session can be intimidating. The best shots I've ever had came about in an environment where I felt most comfortable. But even the shots I use today were a challenge to get as there are many variables that can make or break a shoot. Here's a check list of things to keep in mind to help make your shoot a success and minimize those variables:


Thursday, December 9, 2010

Ask Me!: Accents (cont..)?


Anonymous asked
I have a light accent (Russian mostly but grew up in Israel), so I feel like until I nail an American accent, there is no point in going auditioning for things. Right or wrong? I've been told that I should. Also, any recommendations on cost-efficient accent reduction coaches? Does it take a while?
Hello again,
Firstly, I would say you should do what you can to tap into the voiceover market. There are always castings for people with accents and other languages and you could be working, albeit occasionally, in that field right now. To get started, I suggest you spend $200 or so and pull together two 1-and-a-half minute demos of your voice focusing one on the Russian side of your accent and the other on the Israeli. Take a listen to commercials on TV/radio and to ..

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

1000 fans on Facebook by Jan 2011!

I have to get 1000 “likes” (aka fans or friends) on my Facebook page by Jan 1st, 2011. If you know of other actors in New York or anywhere else in the US, suggest they “like” this page. There are some exciting things in the works.. stay tuned!!

Ask Me!: Light on the resume, should I wait to network?


Anonymous asked
So I wanna get out there an network and go to seminars but all I have to my resume is 2 jobs doing extra work and non sag membership, should I get more credits and a membership or go to those seminars regardless?

Ask Me!: Non-Union Commercials?


Is it possible for a Non-Sag to get to do commercial?

Monday, November 22, 2010

Ask Me!: What's the difference between agents and managers?


Anonymous asked
What is the difference between agents and managers?

Ask Me!: Valuable resources - Readers help!!

Read Ask Me! on Tumblr.

I'm having trouble with my Ask Me! section here at blogspot. I know some of the questions are cut-off. Therefore, please feel free to visit the Ask Me!'s at http://thenycactor.tumblr.com/

Ask Me!: Accents and 30+?


Anonymous asked
Hi Angela,

Thank you for your blog. It's been quite helpful. I'm a 32 aspiring actress with an accent, not the popular kind. I didn't finish Maggie Flanigan studio because of financial reasons. I've been trying to pursue acting for 8 years but each time I steer away from it due to the accent or doubting my skills, so I really haven't gotten anywhere but at the same time this is the only thing I can think of doing. Do you think there is a chance to make a career out of it at my age? I'm on a verge of giving up without ever actually trying because I Don't know where to start because of my accent and age. I'd really appreciate your help and suggestions.

Ask Me!: NYC resources for actors?


Anonymous asked
As an actor in NYC wha were some valuable resources and some of your favorite go to places?
Whenever I look up resources for myself they only have la based things.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Advice for the week: Don’t sweat the small stuff.




I was just in a group commercial audition where the assistant went through our names quickly to make sure he had the right people in the room and one of the actors pounced on him for mis-pronouncing his name. It took the air out of the room and the assistant was visibly irritated.

Ask Me!: Favorite acting classes?



Anonymous asked
Have you been to any acting classes in NYC? If so which were your favorite?




As I’ve mentioned a few times before, my favorite acting coach is John Osborne Hughes. He isn’t based here but is currently considering coming out in February for a workshop. Otherwise, some good acting teachers/classes I could recommend are Maggie Flanigan, William Esper, Richard Scanlon and Angela Montalbano. You can find them all online, I believe.

Ask Me!: What jobs have you had?


Anonymous asked
As an actress what kind of survival jobs did you have? What jobs would be great because of the flexibility etc?

Ask Me!: Full-time work and acting?


Anonymous asked
How hard is it to balance full time work and acting jobs?

Ask Me!: Career coaches?


Anonymous asked
Who are you favorite acting career coach?
Ex. Dallas Travers

Ask Me!: Headshot photographer?


Anonymous asked
Where are you favorite places in the nyc area to get headshots? Which have good deals?

Sunday, November 7, 2010

What to wear? What to wear? - Wardrobe Staples (Men)


Wardrobe Staples: MEN

I think guys get overlooked in the fashion world - it's not easy to find good clothes - but that's no excuse to overlook your own image as an actor. Especially when it comes to auditions.

Here are some basic staples I think every man should have ready to go in his wardrobe:



What to wear? What to wear? - Wardrobe Staples (Women)


Wardrobe Staples: WOMEN
Its a horrible moment when you get a 6pm call for a 10am, on-camera/theater audition and they need you dressed in business casual when you don't have anything in your wardrobe that will work. One way to avoid that happening is to make sure you have some basic, wardrobe staples so that you're prepared in a pinch.

Here's a basic list to help you...


Ask Me!: Commercials?

What do you think about commercial work?
Anonymous






Saturday, November 6, 2010

Ask Me!: I'm a Broke Actor!


Anonymous asked
What are some thigns an actor with not a lot of money can do, I know that is tough since backstage etc cost money.

Ask Me: Actors Connection?


Anonymous asked
What do you think about Actors Connection?

Monday, November 1, 2010

Word to the Wise: Get Your Calendar in Order!


These are the words I said to myself in the mirror this morning (and the following few hours). If you’re a person who is chronically late, who forgets appointments, who double-books.. This post is for you.
I am pretty good with scheduling. I’m generally an “on-time” kinda person. And I pretty much always call ahead if there are delays/problems. But even I can forget or miss an appointment if I don’t have it written down in my calendar or unforeseen circumstances (a family emergency or train trouble, etc) take over. There are a lot of things that can get in the way of getting to a booking or an audition on time. One thing that can help is to be religious about your calendar.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Learn to Ignore First Refusals!


One day I hope to be at a point in my carreer where a “First Refusal” for a job has zero impact on my day. It’s very exciting to get any kind of positive feedback for an audition - especially if it’s for a big job - but it’s imperative for your sanity to keep your feet on the ground.
What is a First Refusal?

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Anecdotes on the job: Break-neck Speed!


I just had to record a VO audition from home.

The direction was “young, animated and under 22 secs.” Fine, right? Well, sure.. unless the text you’re reading is technically 30 secs in length at best and not one of those hi-speed legalese tags. No, I’m still responsible for sounding like a normal human being.



Monday, October 11, 2010

Ask Me!: Get SAG card before moving to NYC?


Anonymous asked
I want to move to NYC from Atlanta,Ga. The acting here is ok but I really want a shot at the industry at its finest! Should I get my SAG card here first, or can I waite and just go to NYC without it?