An Actor’s Craft: Doing the Work

Through my experience auditioning and working as an actor in New York, Los Angeles and North Carolina, I have learned four cardinal rules governing the entertainment industry:

• Having talent does not necessarily mean you will work.  Ever.

• Hard work may pay off.  Or maybe not.

• Sometimes there is loyalty in the business.  Most of the time there is not.

• There is no such thing as fair.

Being an actor involves dealing with a lot of forces which are out of your control.  What can you do?  Be realistic about yourself.  There are a lot of people out there who want to be actors, but only ONE of you.  Know who you are.  Know what your type is.  Corner the market you fit into and do not try to be something you are not.  What makes you different and unique?  It is the uniqueness that is you which will set you apart from the hundreds of other actors auditioning for the same role.  Read more

Interview: Magic Mike’s Mircea Monroe On Big Studio Films vs Indie’s and Staying True to Yourself

I recently had the chance to talk to actress Mircea Monroe about her experience in Hollywood.  As actors, and artists, we are always learning and growing.  It is sometimes helpful to look to others, currently working in Hollywood, for advice on carving your own path in the entertainment industry.  

Monroe is an example of a young actress who works hard to create her own opportunities in Hollywood.  She is young, determined, talented, and knows what she wants.  

Miss Monroe recently completed an independent feature film, “Three Days of Normal,” in which she plays a reckless Hollywood starlet who meets a small town cop during a long weekend in rural New Hampshire.  Nikki Gold (Monroe) has escaped the bright lights and paparazzi of New York City, in an effort to avoid the chaos of another publicity scandal.  She embraces the anonymity of small town life with a few blissful days of normalcy.  

In addition to her work in independent fare, the actress also spoke of larger budget projects she was fortunate to be a part of, including “Magic Mike,” in which she plays the girlfriend of Matthew Bomer‘s character.   Read more

Acting is Doing – Quick Tips To Remember

It is an old joke: 

A guy on a street asks a passerby, “how do you get to Carnegie Hall?”  
The individual answers, “practice, practice, practice.”  

To become a successful working actor requires hard work and dedication.

Thomas Jefferson said, “I believe in luck.  I work hard for it every day.”  A successful actor is prepared for, and seizes, opportunity when it arises.  

Developing listening skills and existing fully in each moment of a scene is essential in acting for the camera.  The camera can see into the actor’s soul; it is like a laser that exposes the truth.  

An actor must be able to repeat selected actions for every performance from moment to moment, as if for the first time.   Read more

Cold Reading: What Every Actor Needs To Know

So, you want to be an actor? 

There are four (4) cardinal rules guiding successful actors from Los Angeles, CA to New York City, NY:

1) Having talent doesn’t necessarily mean you will work.  Ever.
2) Hard work may pay off.  Or maybe not.
3) Sometimes there is loyalty in the business.  Most of the time there isn’t.
4) There is no such thing as fair.

Being an actor involves dealing with a lot of forces which are out of your control.  What can you do to ensure the most successful career possible? Read more