The Alberta Actors Resource

AUDITIONS

2006-11-30T13:45:00.000-05:00

Muslim Case Study

Open Casting Auditions
Project: Short Films for the Cross-Cultural Study of Health and Healing
When: Sunday December 3rd 1PM – 5PM
Where: NAIT Television Studio, Industrial Tech Building, Room V-137.
11762 - 106 Street

-Appointments can be made. Contact Javid Hashimi (780-264-0144 or javid@kinoeye.ca) Sides will be provided at the audition

AUDITION POSTING

2006-10-26T16:30:00.000-04:00

AUDITION - EDMONTON

Theatre Yes invites submissions from professional actors interested inauditioning for "The Enchantment" a new play by Sandy Paddick with Music and Lyrics by Dale Ladouceur inspired by Christina Rossetti's classic poem GOBLIN MARKET.

"The Enchantment" will run March 9-25 2007 in Edmonton. Auditions will be held Oct 29 /30, 2006. Actor / Singer/ Movers are required.

Roles available include: Laura (17), Lizzie (18), female goblin (17), male goblin (any age).

Actors will be asked to sing two contrasting excerpts from songs oftheir choice, read from the text, and participate in a group movementaudition. An accompanist will be provided. Please wear clothing thatallows easy movement.Copies of the text will be available for review on audition day.

Call Heather Inglis at (780) 777-5106 (Edmonton)

Equity members will be seen first at all open audition calls. Equitymembers cast in this production will be engaged under an Equity form ofcontract. CAEA members: please bring your membership card to theaudition

City of the Stars Screentest 2006 update

2006-10-23T17:40:00.000-04:00

So much drama!!!!

Anyhow, just as I was saying about the Edmonton Sun being on the fence with the information I saw a little blurb in Graham Hick's column in the Edmonton Sun on Sunday. He mentioned my name and said to go support a former Edmontonian and told people to vote on the website. My apologies...ok all is forgiven Canada! Small but hey, something is better than nothing... I say!!!!!

PSS One correction...I am still Edmontonian

Canadian actress a finalist in Screentest 2006

2006-10-23T16:44:00.000-04:00

Screentest 2006
Wow! I emailed everyone I knew and wow thank you so much for those of you who checked out the City of the Stars website and put in your vote for me. I very much appreciate that :) It's amazing the number of emails I received I am so overwhelmed and flattered. I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It turns out I had a conversation with the Edmonton Sun the other day and they were doing some research into it and because of the lack if information on google they decided to not promote it till they get more information. Oh well, fair enough, word of mouth seems to spread much faster anyway and if the Canadian media doesn't want to support their own oh well...c'est la vie.

Here is more information from the company and it turns out the winners will star in a straight to DVD video... well hee hee, not exactly what I was hoping for but nevertheless I am thrilled to be a finalist and who knows maybe something will come out it. Hee...hee wouldn't it be lovely!

Cheers!

ACTING CAREER FAQ

2006-10-21T11:28:00.000-04:00

Improve Your Acting Career With Better Questions by Bob Fraser

If you'd like to create dramatic and exciting results in your acting career -- I suggest you start asking better questions. Most actors ask lousy questions.

"Who's the best agent to get me going?"
"Where do I find acting work that pays?"
"How should I format my résumé?"
"Should I send postcards or letters?"
"Color or black and white?"
"Do you think I should get a manager?"
"How can I get my hands on the Breakdowns?"

Good questions are more inner directed and - as a result - more powerful. The more direct and probing your questions are - the more likely you are to find the answers that will empower you – to take the REAL steps that lead to the red carpet. In my opinion, if you want more out of life you must get in the habit of asking “good” questions. Of course, even a good question won’t help - if you don’t ask the right person. "Who's that," you ask? ... Yourself. Good questions are question you ask yourself. As an example, here's one of my favorite questions: "What do I need to let go of - in order to have more room in my life for what I really want?" This good question strikes at the heart of the all too common feeling of being lost and overwhelmed. The reason it’s so powerful is because of the way the human mind works. We tend to "pile on" - thought after thought, worry after worry - until we get to a point of no movement whatsoever. Do you know that feeling? For me, a well thought out answer to that question will almost always reveal that I am "holding onto" something I don't really need - and don't really care about as much as my core desires. As a writer with literally hundreds of 'ideas' (every writer's curse), that question is a critical part of my daily approach to the task at hand. The answer for most actors will be letting go of "other interests" – because achieving a successful acting career is always a "single focus" pursuit. It’s also a good question to ask when you are stuck in a scene or a 'moment' - and can't get a handle on how the character should express the author's intent. Often, "letting go" is the shortest path to "getting going." The concept of asking "good" questions can have a palpable effect on the results you are getting in your career - IF you take the time to understand how amazing you can be when you are forced to answer ... which you will be, if you take your life (and your career) seriously. Another example of a good question is this: Why am I struggling? Undoubtedly, coming up with an answer for that one can cause some pain - but in the end, once you answer it truthfully, you will have all the resources you need to stop struggling almost immediately. HOWEVER -- in order to make this 'good question' thing a powerful tool -- pay close attention to the way the question is framed. For instance, "Why am ... I ... struggling?" In other words, the answer is going to lie within you - your thoughts, your actions, your beliefs, your attitudes and your habits. The answer is never going to be about "them." Once you get into this habit of asking good questions, you can change your life and your career immeasurably.

Getting into the 'good question' habit is fairly easy. Start by making a list of good questions. Here's my little starter kit:
What would I do if I were really serious about making money as an actor?
What would I need to do/have/be to produce the results I want?
What action can I take today that will move me in the direction of my dream?
What kind of roles do I play that make me the happiest in my work?
What have I done that works?
Can I repeat that sort of success?

Well, I think that's a good beginning. I'm sure you'll come up with your own good questions … once you get into the habit. I’m positive that these were the kind of questions that prompted Stallone to write the screenplay for Rocky - convinced Whoopi Goldberg to devise her one-woman show - and gave hundreds of other actors the courage, patience, and persistence to last out the fight and finally accomplish "the dream." Believe me, formulating good questions is one of the core skills of all successful people. So I urge you to take some time today to start putting together your own list of probing interrogatives. "Wait a minute Bob -- not so fast. Will this good question technique work for me?" Ah, that's a great question. It all depends - are you going to actually try it?

* * * * * * * * * * Bob is an actor, writer, director & producer/showrunner of such hits as Full House, Benson and The Love Boat. His in-person event, Show Biz U, is 300 minutes that can change your career (and your life) forever. Only two sessions left in 2006. November 11th or 12th. In Burbank, California. Click the link to find out more and make a reservation: ==> http://www.showbizu .com * * * * * * * * * *

2006-10-19T09:24:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release
Edmonton Resident Selected To Compete In International Screen Test Program
Hollywood, CA -- 10/17/2006

Carrington International today announced that Susan Aceron from Edmonton, Canada has been selected to compete in the final round of the entertainment program, ScreenTest 2006.

ScreenTest 2006 is an international search for new movie stars to appear in upcoming TV shows and movies produced by Carrington International Studios and its corporate partners. Susan was selected from an initial field of thousands of aspiring performers."We are thrilled to have found Susan from the thousands of people who applied for this program," said Terry Lowell, Director of Casting, Carrington International Studios. "Millions of people dream of becoming a movie star, but only a few like Susan have the drive and determination to make their dream come true."Susan is featured on the company's brand website, "City Of The Stars" (www.cityofthestars.com) where visitors to the site can choose who they think has that elusive "star quality". There is no cost to vote so Susan is asking everyone in the Edmonton, Canada area to vote and help Susan fulfill a lifelong dream.

About Carrington International, LLCCarrington International, LLC is a leading creator of original entertainment and “how to” content and related products. We leverage our “City Of The Stars™” brand name across a broad range of media and retail outlets, providing consumers with entertainment products and “how to” ideas, products and other resources they need to raise the quality of living in and around their homes.

Contact Information:
Paul Bretton-VP Of Media RelationsCarrington International,
LLCEmail: pbretton@cityofthestars.com

CITY OF THE STARS SEARCH

2006-10-19T08:55:00.000-04:00

I auditioned for this contest way back in January while I was living in Toronto, didn't think much about it at the time and GO FIGURE I am one of 24 finalists in this international Star Search for the next movie star. Funny, I now live in Edmonton now and I thought I had said goodbye to acting. Strange world we live in...

Well, it's even funnier cause I was just on set for a commercial this week in Edmonton ...and I was thinking....I really do miss being an actor:) I actually met someone who I had worked with in Toronto on a commercial years before... and it turned out he was cast in Vancouver and was flown to Edmonton to do the shoot. A one day shoot, 3 days hotel and air. NICE. They also auditioned actors in Edmonton but they looked to Vancouver because the actors there have better resumes. (So they say) I worked in Toronto and now I'm thinking I live in Edmonton now ... so does that mean casting directors overlook you cause you live in Edmonton? GO FIGURE!

Anyhow, would you do me this BIG favor and help me out by voting on this website...I am the only from Canada on this website and I would appreciate it if you could cast a vote for me and maybe you will be helping someone make their dreams come true too. C'est la vie.

Cast your vote here.
http://www.cityofthestars.com/workinglayout.htm

Susan Aceron
www.susanaceron.com

Audition - Male actor required

2006-10-18T00:32:00.000-04:00

AUDITION - Edmonton area

A local independent film-maker, Kate Wilson, requires a male actor(approximately 23 years old) to perform in her film. Shooting will involve only one day, either of Nov. 5, 12, 19 or 26.

Ms. Wilson will be meeting with prospective actors at the Centre for the Arts, 10045 - 156 Street, as follows:
Wednesday, October 18
Room 230, Centre for the Arts
6:00 p.m.

If you are interested in this opportunity to get some film-acting experience, show up at the above time and place for an interview/audition. There is nothing for you to prepare.For more information you can contact Kate Wilson directly at (780)618-5913 or 477-1775.

Auditions for Entrepreneurs

2006-06-23T10:05:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

This came in so I thought I 'd post it to all of you. Hope all is well.
Susan

My name is Katie MacGuire and I’m a producer with a new CBC TV program called Dragons’ Den. The show gives entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas, inventions or products to a panel of Canada’s most successful business people (the Dragons). The Dragons have agreed to invest their own money in the best ideas. Winning pitchers may take home a cash investment and expose their business to a national television audience. I’m organizing auditions for entrepreneurs. The first one is in Toronto on Saturday, June 24th from 9 to 2 p.m. at the Canadian Broadcasting Centre in The Atrium at 25 John Street. Details about the audition can be found online at www.cbc.ca/dragonsden

I hope this show might be of interest to you. I’m attaching our press release about the auditions. Please pass it on to any Centennial College entrepreneurs that might be interested in auditioning for the program. If you have any questions, please call me at 416-205-7282.

Thank you,
Katie MacGuireProducer CBC Dragons’ Den
416-205-7282
Katie_macguire@cbc.ca

www. cbc.ca/dragonsden

So you wanna be in a soap?

2006-04-11T15:59:00.000-04:00

So you wanna be in a soap?
By Christina DeHart

A steady gig in the soap opera arena is widely sought after by many struggling actors looking for stardom on the big screen. Known as one of the toughest training grounds for any actor, any one of five roles - Extra, Under-five, Day player, Recurring Day player and of course the coveted contract role - on one of today's daytime dramas is an excellent way to jumpstart your acting career. Coincidentally, many of today's well known actors launched their careers with Daytime Soaps and agree their experience proved to be crucial in setting the foundation for their careers. These actors include "America's sweetheart" Meg Ryan, Oscar award winning actress Marisa Tomei, Oscar nominated actress Julianne Moore, a famous "Friend" Courtney Cox-Arquette and Latin heartthrob Ricky Martin to name a few.

Heading directly to the source to uncover the many myths about obtaining this type of work in the acting field, casting directors from three popular New York City produced "Soaps" share their expertise during this exclusive interview. Those interviewed include Kate Martineau, Casting Director with As the World Turns, the second longest American Soap Opera. Sheryl Baker Fisher, Casting Director with One Life to Live and Darlene Failla, Casting Director with Guiding Light, the longest running show in broadcast history.
As a matter of fact, there are five different opportunities available when seeking work with a Soap Opera. First, there are Extra/ background roles. When asked if this type of work is difficult to be cast for they all earnestly responded, "not at all!". "We are constantly searching for "new faces" for extra roles - we cast 85 for today and 72 for tomorrow", Ms. Baker Fisher stated. What about the belief that once you accept an "extra/ background role" you will never be considered for larger roles and are "pigeon holed" for extra/ background work with that show for life?? "A complete and utter myth. Start by doing background work and you will be considered for larger roles as they arise", stated all three casting directors in agreement.

Another opportunity is an "Under-five" role which simply means under five lines. For example the nurse that declares, "You are wanted in the emergency room, Doctor", etc. These roles are nice as they can add those much needed lines when building a resume.

Then there is the day player role. This role is larger and is usually for a few scenes within a days shooting. A recurring day player appears in a role that returns continually from time to time, although they may not appear everyday.

Last, but far from least, there is the Holy Grail of Soap Opera acting - the contract role. The actor in a contract role is a member of the cast and their character has a regular storyline in the show.
When asked what gets the struggling represented (or even unrepresented) actor noticed for work on their individual shows, all enthusiastically replied, "submit, submit, submit!" While Ms. Martineau suggested submitting separately to all casting directors listed for As the World Turns, Ms Baker-Fisher and Ms. Failla stated that one submission for their show is appropriate as they cast from a main file and are constantly sharing submissions and consider talent across the board for various roles. When asked about the best way to submit and get noticed, they continued, "a headshot, resume and short/ simple cover letter including your latest gigs. No life stories please!". Your headshot should be an acting headshot. They agree that there is no such thing as the "soap headshot" and would prefer that your photo not reflect a certain character - for example, a doctor, nurse or policeman. "We are casting directors. We have imagination", Ms. Baker-Fisher stated. "Please do not send candy, water, cakes, pizza, etc. Those things do not work!", declared Ms. Failla. Most Soaps do not offer open calls and you are strongly asked not to call, fax or show up! You are encouraged to update with post cards every once in a while. Let them know of any performances you are currently in or other acting jobs you have booked to pique their interest.

When "called in" by one of the soaps from a submission there is usually a general audition where they are gauging your talent. You will then be kept in mind when an opening arises. You may also be asked to further your training. If this happens, do not be discouraged. It is a part of "the craft". For contract roles you will be asked to perform for a "Screen Test" which is actually a mock performance of the show "on-camera" and is usually shot when you are being seriously considered for a contract role.

While the taping schedule for each show varies they all remain vigorous, to say the least. Starting between 7:30 a.m. and running sometimes till late in the evening. Every fast paced day includes a quick "dry blocking session" (that determines your positioning "on-set" during the scene) followed by hurried taping, relying many times only on the initial take. As many as 30 pages of dialogue are required to be memorized for roles. You should receive the script a week in advance but less would not be unheard of. Then there are also "re-writes" and "script changes" to be learned the day of shooting.
When initially cast for any roles on a soap opera you have 30 consecutive days to work before you are required to join the union AFTRA - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Keep in mind for example, if you are cast as an "extra" today and do not work on another soap for the next 4 years that you are still in "must join" status before you can complete any further jobs. The initiation fee is $1,300 followed by minimal yearly dues. Joining AFTRA has a number of benefits including heath care coverage, retirement plans, special scholarships and a credit union to name a few.

Basically if you want to be in Soaps - submit, submit, submit! You will need to be determined in your goal and consider every opportunity. When asked directly what characteristics these casting directors are looking for they stated, "Natural, compelling and most important - someone the audience will be drawn to tune into!".

OPEN CALL FOR HAIRSPRAY

2006-04-02T08:41:00.000-04:00

CASTING: OPEN CALL SCHEDULE
These may be the final open calls, so really try and get to one.
However, if you cannot make it, don't despair!
Download your application and send it to us right away.

TORONTO (TRACY, LITTLE INEZ, LINK)
Saturday, April 8
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Elgin Theatre
Stage Door Entrance
158 Victoria St.
Toronto, ON M5B 1T6

Here’s what you need to prepare:
For TRACY: Be prepared to sing 8 bars of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ from the Broadway production of “HAIRSPRAY”, which is downloadable here, or sing a similar upbeat Broadway show tune. You will be asked to sing a capella (no piano accompaniment).

For SEAWEED: Be prepared to sing 8 bars of either ‘Run and Tell That’ from the Broadway production of “HAIRSPRAY”, or sing a similar upbeat 60’s Motown song. You will be asked to sing a capella (no piano accompaniment).

For LITTLE INEZ: Be prepared to sing 8 bars of either ‘Run and Tell That’ from the Broadway production of “HAIRSPRAY”, or sing a similar upbeat 60’s Motown song. You will be asked to sing a capella (no piano accompaniment).

For LINK: Be prepared to sing 8 bars of either ‘Without Love' from the Broadway production of “HAIRSPRAY”, which is downloadable here , or sing a similar upbeat Broadway show tune song. You will be asked to sing a capella (no piano accompaniment).

http://www.hairspraymovie.com/open_call.html

Script Readers Wanted

2006-03-31T17:24:00.000-05:00

Wanted: Actors

Humber College Film & TV Dept.
Task: Table -reading some 20 short scripts for our Independent Film Production Projects.
Scripts are selected this spring for production next fall.

Six actors ( mix of male /female) to read the character parts.

I already have an actor/reader for the Action Description Sections
Each of our three scriptwriting sections selects 10 stories for a total of 30 , out of which 20 will be finally selected by an adjudicating committee in May.

Days & Times:
1. Wednesday April 5 8:15 am - 10:45 am
2. Wednesday April 12 8:15 am - 10:45 am
3. Wednesday April 19 8:15 am - 10:45 am
Place: Humber North Campus - Film/TV Dept. Room LB-122

Humber Contact:
Robert O'Meara 416-675-6622 ext. 4409
e-mail: robert.omeara@humber.ca

CASTING CALL

2006-03-28T09:18:00.000-05:00

CASTING CALL: PLEASED TO MEET YOU

Guile Productions, a burgeoning Toronto-based Production company, is casting a short film to be shot in May 2006.

PLEASED TO MEET YOU is about youthful dreams, shame and betrayal. Actors will be required to commit to several rehearsals a week in the build-up to shooting. While we can't afford to pay anyone, we promise a solid script and a high-quality finished product, which we will take to film festivals around North America.

We are looking for:

Greg: Male lead, 20-28. A frustrated young man just out of university who dreams of travelling abroad but can't get out of his parents' basement.

Sara: Female lead, 18-28. An Indian-Canadian girl from a small Ontario town. She has just left home for the first time, but feels isolated in the group with which she travels. She yearns for something, but seems unsure of what.

Claude: Male supporting role, 20-32. A French traveller in Canada with a dirty mouth and mind.

Nicky: Female supporting role, 18-28. A small town girl desperately trying to sow her wild oats.

Nigel: Male supporting role, 20-28. A friend of Greg's now travelling in India. He's blunt and sex-obsessed with a relaxed set of ethics.

Greg's Mother: A female supporting role, 45-60. A hard working woman and supportive mother who loves her son so much she ignores his odd behavior.

Interested actors, please email a resume and photo to Alexander Molenaar at guile.productions@gmail.com

Actors = Risktakers

2006-03-14T16:36:00.000-05:00

There are basically two kinds of actors:

Those who risk and those who don’t risk.
No-risk actors follow a safe path of risk avoidance. Their low tolerance of uncertain, possibly negative results, keeps them safe from any rejection. They prefer to avoid any negativity or criticism by not risking a personal character choice. They want only to hear what is good and positive without having to go through the pulse pounding effect of challenging their status quo. They avoid any kind of challenge that might mean failing.
Actors, who duck risking, lack artistic courage. Their auditions and presentations are predictably bland. They act the words of the script or sides, not the story of the character. They fear an unknown outcome. As a result these actors are not engaging or interesting to watch. These actors take a step or two in a slightly risky direction, but usually fall back to their safe, predictable position.

On the other hand, an actor who is a risktaker, challenges himself and others constantly. They expose their feelings and ideas risking negative outcomes, such as tough critiques, bad reviews or failed auditions, by presenting unique personal character presentations. These choices mean that these actors must reveal some personal trait or quality or some unusual idea or thought.

An actor who is constantly a risktaker is not only affecting but also exciting to watch, because they are never satisfied and are always digging for more. They experiment and explore different character presentations, as well as, challenging what they have learned or been directed to do.
These actors tend to leap first, and then look afterwards. They make a risk-laden choice, present it and question it afterward.

Risk-taking actors are alive and in turn, enliven an audience. They seem to only comply with an inner drive to follow personal, affecting choices.
All life is a risk. Risking love is to risk being hurt. Trying something new is to risk failure. Exposing personal feelings is to risk exposing one’s true self. A full life is filled with risk and loss and victory. You can’t win or lose without risk.
Not every audition will be successful. Not every review will be full of praise. Not every choice will be well received. But – and always listen to everything after the “but” - to not risk means that you will be like all the other actors with risk avoidance. And, there are an overwhelming number of these actors.
Actors who risk are special, memorable and working.

Which kind of actor are you?
Bill Howey is a highly respected acting coach and author, whose latest book The Actor's Menu whets the appitite on how to create unforgettable characters with the ingredients you already possess. Check out the book at http:// http://www.actorsmenu.com

Directors Talk Back

2006-03-11T20:14:00.000-05:00

Talk Back
A Film Artist Salon

On Sunday, March 12th, on the eve of the Genie Awards, First Weekend Club is offering members a unique chance to take a close peek into the masterminds of four Genie nominated directors, all in a single afternoon of intimate conversation.

Led by well-known TV personality and former Much Music VJ, Erica Ehm, “Talk Back – A Film Artist Salon” takes place at the crux of the Toronto scene, The Drake Hotel.

Directors Michael Dowse (Its All Gone Pete Tong), Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y.), Velcrow Ripper (ScaredSacred) and David Ostry (Milo 55160) will share their filmmaking stories and their celluloid journeys in an intimate setting. But that’s not all. Audience members will have an opportunity to get even more up close & personal in a private reception to be held afterwards. Seats are limited to ensure a most memorable affair!

In the gist of the popular Bravo! TV Series Inside the Actors Studio, Talk Back is a groundbreaking new series of live, filmed events that lets the audience closer into the minds of our featured guests.
"Talk Back" - Any closer than this and you’d be in the picture!
Sunday March 12th, 3:30 to 5:00 PM at The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queens Street West
Tickets are $15 for FWC members and $20 for non-members. Seats are limited. To reserve your tickets by visa call 416-203-1804.For more information visit: http://www.firstweekendclub.ca/109.html

Support the Canadian and Television Industry

2006-03-07T11:06:00.000-05:00

Hey Actors,

My friend Siu Ta had the wonderful privilege to work on the critical acclaimed Canadian tv series This is Wonderland. As you've probably heard, it has been cancelled by the CBC. If you haven't done so already, please sign the petition and show your support for the show. Thanks a bunch!

http://www.petitiononline.com/SAVETIW/petition.html

CASTING NOTICE

2006-03-06T14:52:00.000-05:00

CASTING NOTICE FOR SHORT FILM-APB
shoot date of April 1st

Cast needed:
1) Female reporter. Mid-to-late 20's-attractive
2) COLEMAN-male police detective, 40's-cynical, seen it all, done it all type
3) HARRIS-female police detective, 20's, street savy, but still hopeful
4) Katerina-18 yrs or older, but able to play a 16 yr old, a Lolita type of look, attractive & vulnerable
5) Jan-father of above girl, able to portray an East European diplomat type, approx. 50 yrs
6) Female translator/assistant, late 20's, early 30's, would be translator, assistant to the character of Jan

NOTE-ability of Katerina, Jan, & female translator to speak a East European accent would be a bonus-such as Czech or Polish

7) Cameraperson actor-could be male or female-20's to 40's
These positions will not be paid, however, all cast will receive a copy of the finished short film, & they would be part of a creative process

Please respond with photo & resume to:
http://ca.f880.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=APB014@yahoo.ca
Date of posting: March 6/06

ACTING MYTHS

2006-03-02T13:02:00.000-05:00

"Reprinted from ACTOR'S TOOL KIT, the email course just for subscribers of Show Biz How-To -- The Free Actor's Monthly. Get your own free subscription by going to: showbizhowto.com
Copyright © 2006 Bob Fraser Productions All Rights Reserved"

THE SEVEN ACTING MYTHS
by Bob Fraser

Myth #1 - YOU HAVE TO START YOUNG
This commonly held belief is far from the truth. Although starting young will certainly give you more time to perfect your craft, many stars have started "late."
Phyllis Diller started her career at age 38 after raising a family and spending almost twenty years as a newspaper writer.
Richard Farnsworth was over fifty before he began his acting career. When he won an Academy Award nomination for his role in Comes a Horseman, it came as a surprise to many in the industry that this 'newcomer' had been around since the '30's - as a stuntman.
There are literally hundreds of these examples. No matter how old you are, if you love it - TRY.

Myth #2 - IF YOU HAVE TALENT ... YOU WILL MAKE IT
Although it's important to have some talent, any reasonable observer can point to dozens of successful actors who might be considered 'talent challenged.' In fact, depending on talent alone is a strategy for disaster. There are many other skills (mostly business skills) that lead to success as an actor. If you're talented, great. But don't depend on your gifts for success. It's mostly hard work.

Myth #3 - AN ACTOR MUST BE OUTGOING
Not at all. In fact, I'd say that the opposite is closer to the truth. Most of the stars you watch and enjoy are basically shy people. It is under the cover of a role that actors seem to be demonstrative. If you are shy or retiring, you are like most successful actors. Don't sweat it.

Myth #4 - ACTING CLASS WILL RUIN YOUR NATURALNESS Wow, this one is really off base. In fact, without some training it is unlikely you will get to the top ranks of the acting profession. Agents look for training. Casting directors look for it.
And it goes without saying that education has rarely hurt anybody.

Myth #5 - HAVING AN AGENT GUARANTEES YOU WILL WORK There is no doubt that having a salesman for your acting business is beneficial - but signing with a good agent rarely happens before you have already achieved some level of success.
Actors who think an agent will automatically get them to the top, rarely get there. Agents are not magicians - they are salespeople who develop leads for your acting business.
Period.

Myth #6 - YOU CAN BECOME AN OVERNIGHT SUCCESS
This almost never happens. In fact, a brief study of the careers of very successful actors will convince you that the average time it takes to get into the ranks of regularly employed actors is about 9 years.
Like becoming any sort of professional (doctor, lawyer, architect) this is a business that takes time to accomplish.
That's why they call it 'paying your dues.'

Myth #7 - ACTORS MAKE THE BIG BUCKS
No. This is totally wrong.
Sure some do ... and their salaries are publicized to the skies. But the reality is that the large majority of actors make very small paychecks and they don't make them very often. Go to SAG's website and see the statistics. Just making a decent living as an actor is a huge challenge.
Bottom line: Don't go into acting for the money. If you want to act, do it. And do it for money as often as possible.
But don't kid yourself ... this is hard work and the pay is nothing to write home about - unless you have the tenacity, business skills, and work ethic to get to the very top.
I hope you do.

Here's some good advice from the cadets at West Point:
RISK more than others think is safe.
CARE more than others think is wise.
DREAM more than others think is practical.
EXPECT more than others think is possible.

CASTING - new television series

2006-03-01T12:09:00.000-05:00

CASTING
WANTED: FAMILIES NEEDING CONFLICT RESOLUTION!
Have you ever wanted to be on:
Dr. Phil
Oprah
Supernanny
or Reality Television?

Here's your big chance!

The In-Laws is a new television series for Life Network. Every family has a story, and lots of opinions! The In-Laws is for families that need some guidance to restore the peace. Participating families will get the guidance to take the "diss" out of dysfunction. In a safe and respectful environment, our highly acclaimed expert will give both sides an opportunity to articulate their point of view and learn how to resolve issues before things spiral out of control. And if things are really ugly, bring it on, we can handle it, no situation is too tough for our expert. Television audiences will thank you as they learn from your experience.

Examples of stories we'd love to hear about:
- Is someone stepping over the line and on your feet?
- Is a living situation literally "cramping" your style?
- Are cultural or religious differences causing tension?
- Are you always put in the middle of arguments?
- Did your wedding cause a rift that hasn't healed?
- Are your parenting styles causing a wedge?
- Has tragedy pitted family members against each other?
- Has communication broken down?
- Is something from your childhood coming between your family?
- Do you have something important to tell your in-law?
- Has a bad divorce caused major problems?

All stories are welcome! A few will be selected.
We are currently casting, don't pass up this incredible opportunity. Refer a family that appears on the series and we'll say thanks with a cash bonus!

To learn more, please contact Meredith or Elizabeth at inlaws@mediahqs.net

Date of posting: March 1, 2006

Acting Magazine

2006-02-28T10:19:00.000-05:00

Acting Magazine- Hey actors, I've been juggling alot of things lately but when I have a moment I'll update you on the ACTRA conference.

But in the meantime, check out this website http://www.actingmagazine.com/ has lots of great ACTING information there.

Also, I notice there seems to be alot of non-union auditions in Toronto. Too bad you can't work on both sides of the street. Oh well, working to get my SAG card... more on that later.

Audition - Triple Threat Dancers

2006-02-23T21:48:00.000-05:00

Actors, Singers, Dancers

ATTENTION TRIPLE THREAT DANCERS
ARE YOU A TRIPLE THREAT READY TO WOW THEM ON BROADWAY?
Making It Big, a prime time television series seen across North America, is looking for three talented, triple threat dancers.

All three young professionals will be showcased in the Making It Big triple threat dance episode but only one will earn the career break of a lifetime. Making It Big provides the thing money can't buy: access.

For example, the winner of the Entertainment Reporting episode flew to L.A. for meetings with Extra host Dayna Devon, executives at Dick Clark Productions and a top William Morris agent. The Fashion Design winner flew to New York where his work was displayed in the window of Saks Fifth Avenue's flagship store. Meetings were also booked with the chain's fashion director, its buyers and New York designer Cynthia Steffe. Will it be you in the Triple Threat Dance episode?

To qualify you must have:
Professional experience & a reel of your best work
Extraordinary talent & the drive to make your mark
The desire to tell your story on television
The ability to cross the Canada/United States border and your residence in North America

Applications available at: www.forcefour.com/makingitbig
Force Four Entertainment#202-221 East 10th Ave. Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5T 4V1

Audition for Ind. Feature Film

2006-02-23T09:42:00.000-05:00

AUDITION:
THE ACHE - Toronto
FILM AUDITION NOTICE: Seeking (5) performers
COMPANY: Wondrous Light Inc. TYPE: Independent Feature Film
TITLE: “The Ache”

STORY SYNOPSIS:

A young Chinese-Canadian woman, Sheri, has been told by her mother that for the past ten years, their family has been cursed by an evil spirit. One day, Sheri discovers what she understood was a ghost assaulting her family, is a real woman who is having an illicit affair with her father. Upon further investigation, Sheri starts to realize there is something very strange about this woman. She is an entity from another world who has become trapped in our world by the passion of her relationship with Sheri’s father.

Using notions of the ancient fox spirit, often associated with eroticism, “The Ache” will bring elements of supernatural fantasy into a modern Asian Canadian context.
SHOOTING DATES: Late 2006, early 2007

We are seeking both UNION and NON-UNION performers,Roles are paying and actors may receive an ACTRAcredit. We require (5) performers.

THE CHARACTERS:
Wooie: Asian, male 40’s. A successful businessman. A driven personality who, regretting certain past choices he has made, now wants to make things right.

Sylvia: Asian, female 40s. Married to Wooie. Her sensual side is kept hidden beneath a conservative exterior. Because of problems in her relations with Wooie, Sylvia is in therapy for a severe emotional disorder. Fearing germs, she cleans compulsively.

Celeste: Asian. A strange beauty of indeterminate age. Half human, half fox spirit. A very passionate, character with unearthly powers.
Sheri
Asian, female, 18-20. Daughter of Wooie and Sylvia. An apprentice worker in a fetish parlour. Unexpectedly innocent, she is smart and curious.

Cosmo: Asian, male, 20. Sheri's friend. A socially awkward and caring loner, Cosmo is trying to sort out his feelings for Sheri.

AUDITION INFORMATION:
DATES: Saturday March 11th, 11am – 3:30 pm LOCATION: T.B.A.
Auditions are by appointment only, and only the performers chosen will be contacted by the company.

Please send performer's photo and resume by Wednesday March 8th. 6pm.To: klock@pathcom.com with “AUDITION” on the subject line.

or via mail (no drop-offs please):

Auditions,
174 Fulton Avenue,
Toronto, ON,
M4K 1Y3

Please direct all inquiries to: Keith at klock@pathcom.com

REQUIREMENTS: Auditionees will be asked to prepare sides, to be distributed by e-mail, upon receipt of pictures and resumes. Auditionees may be asked to perform a cold reading of sides provided at the audition.

Note on the Filmmakers:

Directing “The Ache” and Co-Writing along with poet Louise Bak is Keith Kei-Kong Lock. Keith is a Gemini Award Nominee in the Best Short Drama category. He has presented two feature length films and one short film at the Toronto International Film Festival. His short film “The Dreaming House” won the Best Toronto Artist Award at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival in 2005.

Producing “The Ache” is Len Pendergast, Vice President of Independent Film Finance. Len’s most recently produced feature film is “The Trouble with Nicholas”. Associated Producer is Shan Tam who recently produced the award winning “Eve and the Fire Horse”.

Open call for Print Ad

2006-02-20T10:29:00.000-05:00

REAL PEOPLE NEEDED FOR A PRINT AD PAYING $1,500.00
PROJECT: Gas Station
MEDIA: Print
STATUS: Open to Union and Non-Union
AUDITION DATE(S): None - We will be booking from photo only!
SHOOT DATE(S): Friday February 24th
SHOOT LOCATION: Toronto
TIME ON SET: This will be about a 4 to 6 hour photo shoot
PAY RATE: $1,500.00 - This fee covers the shoot time and full buy-out.

CURRENTLY CASTING:
ATTRACTIVE HISPANIC FEMALE - 25 TO 35 YEARS OLD
ATTRACTIVE ASIAN FEMALE - 25 TO 35 YEARS OLD
AFRO-CANADIAN MALE - 25 TO 35 YEARS OLD

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY !!!

REMINDER: WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FROM PEOPLE WHO FIT THE SPECS STATED ABOVE
1 - To confirm an audition spot you MUST e-mail your picture (and resume - if you have one) to us
2 - If you do not have an Agent you MUST submit: A Headshot (or snapshot) AND your contact telephone numbers
3 - Represented Talent MUST submit: A Headshot (or snapshot) AND your Agents contact telephone numbers

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS TUESDAY. FEB. 21ST AT 11:00AM

EMAIL INSTRUCTIONS
Your Subject Line MUST say: GAS STATION PRINT AD
SEND YOUR SUBMISSIONS TO morgancasting@fadetoblack.tv

An Actors Rant

2006-02-18T14:21:00.000-05:00

An Actors Rant

Ok, I think I've had some great auditions in the past couple of months and NADA! I had a great interview for a General Theatre audition I had...Nada . Thought I had an awesome musical theater audition and they even asked me to read for the lead and then have me sit down after my audition to discuss what I am doing now...Nada! I think I must have too much time on my hands. Thought I had the most fun for an LA pilot, it's a long shot... but nada never the less. I embarassed myself at my last commercial audition for Michelina's, had to pretend what I was eating was so good I was thinking I was with Brad Pitt, maybe this would be it. Nada! Ok, I read somewhere I have to fail as many as times as I can before I will suceed. Got it. Send me more auditions so I can fall even faster. I am the expert on getting no's. But somewhere, someday someone will say yes...

Wait, I forgot to mention I did book a voiceover gig on my own, where I had to learn a 30 second spot all in tagalog. I'm not fluent. I learned it phonetically. So, I did book it on my own. So let's see... 1 out of 6 auditions I booked so far. Ok...not a complete nada. I just wanted to rant so I could justify my being frustrated. What's the cost? My well being. I'm got this cold and now an eye infection I can't seem to shake. Doctor tells me...don't wear your eye contact's for 2 weeks. I accidently just broke my nice pair of glasses last week. Yikes, I only have one other pair and I look like a geek in them. Oh well, that's my actor's rant for the day.

Actra Toronto Conference

2006-02-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

Actors who are ACTRA members, there is a FREE actor's conference Friday February 24. It's a great opportunity to learn from other actors and meet some great teachers, casting directors and directors. Plus you get free lunch and then there is an ACTRA awards party. You have to RSVP by tommorow to get in. It's an awesome night to dress up and enjoy the entertainment. I'm for sure going... how about you?

Actors and writing

2006-02-16T15:03:00.000-05:00

For my actor friends who are also writers you might want to check out this short clip. It's cute, and so very true about writing. SMILE :)

http://www.wimp.com/brian/

Actors - Write that play!

2006-02-14T10:57:00.000-05:00

As an actor I need to be creative...and right now, I am writing the first draft for my first play, Slippers. It's inspired by a true story but that's all I will say for now. :)

One of my talented colleagues, Ins Surp Chois wrote this inspiring email to our playwriting group & I wanted to share it with you.

Whether you got stuff or not, just write your play.Whether it's been done before or said before or even if it's word for word from some play or movie you saw when you were 12, just write your play. Inspite of the voices in your head that keep droning "this ain't original enough, this ain't clever enough, this ain't funny, this ain't touching, this ain't horrific enough, this ain't true, that didn't happen, forget it, who do you think you are, this doesn't make anysense, how's this gonna end, how's that gonna resolve"

JUST WRITE YOUR PLAY.

Stop putting it off. Stop crossing it off today's todo list and adding it on to tomorrow's todo list without todoing anything. NO, you don't need that coffee break before you start and NO those cobwebs have been there before you moved in and you don't need to clean it right now and HELL NO you don't need to chronologue your journals right this moment and NO you don't need to reply to this email.

JUST WRITE YOUR PLAY.

Casting Call

2006-02-14T00:02:00.000-05:00

CASTING CALL
A Winter Tale

LEDA SERENE FILMS is seeking actors for a low budget feature revolving around gun violence in Toronto going into film production this February 2006. Actors must be experienced in the conditions and requirements of low-budget production, flexibility and talent. Actors will be working according to ACTRA regulations.

SYNOPSIS: Shots ring out one winter night, and a bullet meant for a local street dealer finds and kills a nine year-old boy. Shock, sorrow, and suspicion ripple through the neighborhood, and begins to tear the community apart. In this tense and volatile atmosphere, GENE WRIGHT, a 40-something social worker is called on by the city to form a support group for young black men. What he pulls together is much more rough and real than anything the city ever envisioned. Gene believes that what is needed is some personal space where they can face honestly the fear, trauma, and grief they experience every day. The group begins to meet nightly at the local Caribbean take- away, Miss G's and it quickly becomes a space of humor, ribaldry, "old talk" and some brutal truths. Under Miss G's watchful eye, the men begin to carve pathways to their own healing and that of the community. The group includes: DX a high school dropout headed down a dangerous road; Ian, a upwardly mobile chef who has left the 'ghetto' far behind, or so he thinks; Doc, an African refugee, drawn more deeply than he wants into the pandemic of violence; Lloyd, whose charm belies a life built on manipulation and crime; Clip, whose personal demons haunt his struggle to be normal; and Sibea, a Muslim convert seeking a brighter future. As will happen in any support group meeting, anger, fear, and defensiveness give way to tentative openness. Secrets about the shooting begin to emerge, and DX is implicated because his friend, Mickey, now lies in the hospital; shot in the stomach at the time of the child's murder. As DX becomes the central focus, opposing interests vie for the loyalty of this promising and turbulent man's soul. He has a young girlfriend, Rain and a son, and badly wants to complete high school and build a good life for them. But he is also inextricably tied to the lifestyle and cycle of violence, drugs, and gang loyalties. When it becomes clear that he holds the key to the killer's identity, even greater pressures come to bear on him. Against the backdrop of the unrealized hopes, in a multi-racial, working class community, the film is at times bitter and hopeful, tragic, funny and sad. The story is firmly rooted in the life of the community, and Toronto itself features itself as a central character.

Director: France-Anne Solomon ("Lord Have Mercy", Vision TV)
Producers: Michelle Lonsdale-Smith, Frances-Anne Solomon, and Susan Fueg Panchan

OPEN CALL FOR UNION AND NON-UNION PERFORMERS
ACTORS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS:

GERRY, (GERI) 47- Male or Female Speaking Role- 1 day shoot - Métis social worker she/he has all the right politics but is overwhelmed by the work in the community and doesn’t really understand the black community. ****Required for Wednesday February 22nd 2006

YAMAH, 21 - Female - (Non-speaking role) 1 day shoot, A Muslim woman for whom Sebeka develops an infatuation.

DALPUR SINGH, 50 - South Asian- Male, (Speaking Role), 1 day shoot, A Local business man whose store's security is compromised by the shooting.

GUY, 31 (Speaking Role)- 1 Day shoot - French African (Cameroon), One the Tretheway crew who is a friend of Mickey's and who reveals to him who did the shooting.

ALSO THE FOLLOWING CHILDREN:
MAJANI, 4yrs - Female (Non-speaking role) 1 day shoot, Doc's daughter. The only person he has to live for.

GENE AND ELAINE'S CHILDREN

COURTNEY - Female - 12yrs old - (Mixed Race), non-speaking role, 1 day shoot

GINNY- Female - 7yrs old - (Mixed Race), non-speaking role, 2 day shoot
DX'S CHILD

MARCUS- Male (Mixed Race) - 6-18 months

Please forward headshots/resumes by email to the attention of Babs Jona
at leda_Serene_Films@yahoo.ca no later then 5pm, Thursday February 16th , 2006.
Thank you.

2006-02-13T09:37:00.000-05:00

Hey actors,

If you would like to watch an "It's so bad... it's too funny" on the life of a Canadian actor you have to watch this movie.

Ham and Cheese (2004) starring Mike Beaver and Jason Jones.

I saw it last night on Rogers on Demand and I almost cried laughing my stomach off. This is a low budget Canadian mockumentary on two aspiring actors who are really, really bad but yet still keep going despite the odds. So if you would like to have a chuckle or two check it out.

Actors - Make it happen!

2006-02-11T23:25:00.000-05:00

Actors be inspired! Take action in your careers.

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY INTENSIVE

It’s Your Career – Make It Happen
February 18, 19, and 20, 2006

A powerful 2-day workshop and master class led by LA entertainment / business coach, Barbara Deutsch.

This workshop is for creative professionals working in front of or behind the camera – actors, writers, directors, producers, dancers, musicians, etc. It’s specifically designed to rediscover what you want, how to get it, build upon what you already have, and obtain more success professionally and personally.This interactive workshop provides sustainable skills, shortcuts, tools, and tips to help you kick it up to the next level. Barbara’s approach focuses on individuality. You will receive personalized attention with one-on-one coaching and role-play.

New to Toronto! The master class caters to clients who have previously coached with Barbara. It’s an excellent way to check in, get tweaked, and stay on top.

Discover:
• How your current thoughts hold the electricity for generating your future.
• What is your Competitive Edge?
• What do people see when you walk in a room?
• What fears and anxieties are holding you back from reaching your goals?

How to:
• Make key industry relationships powerful and productive.
• Communicate with your agent/manager/boss.
• Understand the difference between being “interested vs. interesting.”
• TO, VC, LA, NY - Where do you belong?
What participants say:
"Barbara understands what the artist’s worst enemy is. With her gift for crystal clear objectives and insight, she is able to isolate an individual’s block and move through it with laser-like precision."~Peter Outerbridge, Actor - “ReGenesis,” “Trudeau,” “Men With Brooms,” “Marine Life”

"Barbara has a gift. Remarkably down-to-earth, charming, and irreverent, she’s a fan, a booster, a cheerleader, but most importantly – a pathological truth-teller. She has the ability to see through the defenses we put up, the history we can’t let go of, the noise which clouds our decision-making, and whatever else limits our potential. There is no better step to self-improvement than time spent with Barbara. She helped me change my life and she can change yours, too."~Scott Williams, Co-Executive Producer - “Without A Trace,” “Showrunner,” “Crossing Jordan,” “Third Watch”

February 18 & 19 Saturday & Sunday
Workshop Fee: $300 10am - 6pm
February 20 Monday Night Master Class Fee: $175 6pm - 11pm
Enrollment: Leigh – 323.215.5533 / leighrfc@hotmail.comLocation: 725 King Street West, P2 Level - The Seminar Room
http://www.bdapproach.com

An Actor's Story

2006-02-10T09:27:00.000-05:00

As an actor I get frustrated sometimes when things don't work out one way or another. I was reading this article and it gave me inspiration to move on...

"I was in New York. I’d been there maybe two years and, one day, I went to a casting director and she called my agent and said, ‘She’s horrible. She shouldn’t be acting.’ And then my agent fired me that same day. I remember crying and running down 23rd Street and, all of a sudden, I saw something on the sidewalk and it was a cheesy gold pump. And in the middle of 23rd Street, I took off my army boot and put the pump on—and it fit! I felt like Cinderella in that moment. I felt like God was speaking to me, [saying]: ‘You know what? You’re OK.’ And from that moment on I was, like, ‘Yes, I can do this.’ "

Maria Bello -In the February 2006 issue of Flare Magazine

Actor Tax Tips

2006-02-09T14:20:00.000-05:00

Actors- Tax Time & Investment Time

Hey, just got an email that the Centre for the Arts is having a tax seminar. So, time to write off those acting classes, photos, resumes, demo tapes and movies you saw last year :)

With Chanrouti Ramnarine, BA, CFP, representing Clarica Financial Services Inc.
Colin Goodall, B Comm, CA, Kudlow McCann, Chartered Accountants

Thursday, February 16, 7 30 pm
RSVP call 647-436-2787
263 Adelaide Street West, Suite 513
$5 donation

Audition tip for Sitcoms

2006-02-09T11:57:00.000-05:00

Audition tips for Sitcoms -A friend gave me these notes for auditioning for a sitcom so I thought I would share it with you.

1) Do your homework...beginning, middle, end
2) Always have a secret
3) Establish a strong character...make it interesting...don't be boring
4) Be real. Honesty and relaity in the scene.
5) Underplay facial expressions
6) Emphasize verbs
7) Keep it quick and snappy
8) Conflict... figure out what u want from a scene
9) Be in character
10) Be prepared for anything

Break a leg!

2006-02-08T09:48:00.000-05:00

Acting Career FAQ - What Type Are You?
byBob Fraser

One of the basic premises of all marketing (a fancy word for selling) is the USP. This stands for Unique Selling Proposition. For instance Avis "Tries Harder," or Pepsi "Hits the Spot." This basic idea also impacts actors who are trying to sell themselves to the industry. The bottom line is this: If you develop an intelligent marketing plan your career is bound to improve.

The best place to start is to understand the real deal - when it comes to 'type casting.' My advice is to beat the casting directors to the punch. Decide on your type yourself. Learn the basic types - and how they are sold - and then choose what fits you best. Pay particular attention to that word 'unique.' It means that the product must be differentiated from other, similar products.What follows are my definitions of the REAL types and the components used to sell them in hopes that this list will help you develop what I call your Unique Character Presentation (UCP). I'll also name a few examples of actors who have used each UCP in building their career.

THE INNOCENT - A person whose goal and core desire is happiness, who fears being punished for doing something wrong. This person's strategy is to do things the 'right' way. This approach requires faith and optimism - so THE INNOCENT is expected to reflect goodness, morality, simplicity, nostalgia - the child. Selling this image generally requires a romantic, traditional approach. Or in some cases, mystical, saintly or dreamy. (David Schwimmer, Meg Ryan)

REGULAR GUY (GAL) - This is a person whose goal and core desire is belonging and connecting with others. The strategy is to have a 'common touch,' be a "down to earth" person with solid virtues. This type is known for his realism, empathy and lack of pretense. This is the 'good ol' boy,' the girl next door, the working stiff, the solid citizen, the good neighbor and the regular Joe. Selling this image requires differentiating from elitist, powerful people and stressing the everyday functionality of this sort of person. (Ray Romano, Sandra Bullock)

THE EXPLORER - This sort of individual wants to experience a better, more authentic, more fulfilling life. Conformity and the feeling of being trapped are what THE EXPLORER is avoiding. The strategy is seeking new things, escape from the everyday, autonomy, ambition and being true to one's inner life. Selling an image like this is done by stressing individuality and differentiation. 'New and exciting' are words to keep in mind. This is the seeker, the wanderer, the pilgrim. A pioneering spirit. (Ellen DeGeneres, Johnny Depp)

THE SAGE - This is the type of person whose goal and desire are to use intelligence and analysis to find the truth and understand the world. Not wanting to be duped, misled or ignored, THE SAGE uses information, knowledge and self-reflection to reach the goal of the truth. Selling the sage is mostly a matter of projecting expertise, philosophy, good planning, solidity, a professional image. The mentor, the teacher, the guru. (Leonard Nimoy, Oprah Winfrey)

THE HERO - A constant in the telling of stories, THE HERO is the person who believes to their core that where there's a will, there's a way. The goal and main desire is to prove one's worth through courage. The strategy here is strength and competence. From the superhero to the team player - the warrior to the winner - this person wants to improve the world with his mastery of fear.Selling this image is somewhat complicated as several of the other types can cross over to this role. But, straightforwardness is a mainstay. Clear-eyed and capable. No reluctance to go into the unknown. This is someone we can depend on. (Sylvester Stallone, Linda Hamilton)

THE OUTLAW - This type wants to change what doesn't work for themselves, generally through revenge or revolution. This person is a misfit, a wild man (or woman) who rebels against the norm. The strategy here is to disrupt, destroy or shock. Selling THE OUTLAW is mostly a matter of breaking with convention. Words to keep in mind are radical, outrageous, the 'dark side.' Social outcast. Reactionary. Rebellious. (Al Pacino, Kathy Bates)

THE MAGICIAN - This person's goal is to make dreams come true through a fundamental laws of how the universe works. The main strategy is to develop a vision and live by it. Always looking for the 'win-win' situation. Appearing as the visionary, the inventor, shaman, medicine man, or charismatic.Selling this image is projecting a transformative nature. Specialness, spirituality, and ability to effect the outcome. This can be a 'new age' approach. (Lucy Liu, Jon Voight)

THE LOVER - People of this type have a goal of relationships through intimacy and experience. The strategy of THE LOVER is to be passionate, grateful, appreciative and committed - to become more emotionally or physically attractive. This person can be a spouse, a friend, a partner or a team builder. Selling this image is a matter of being outer directed and able to please others. A comfortable "belonging" - differentiates THE LOVER from other types. (Aaron Eckhart, Drew Barrymore)

THE JESTER - With a goal of having a good time and 'kidding' the world, THE JESTER plays, makes jokes, can be the trickster. Never wants to be boring or to be bored. A strategy of puncturing self importance, creating fun and live in the moment is what differentiates this person from the 'herd.'Selling this image requires a welcoming, trustworthy, friendly approach. Truthful, open to change, easy to know are ideas that important to being this person. (Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah)

THE RULER - The goal of 'the boss' is to create a prosperous family, community or team. Success is a result of this person's core desire to control the situation. The strategy is to exercise power, leadership, responsibility and authority to achieve a greater end.Selling this image is all about confidence, stability and trust. Differentiate from 'regular' people. (Judi Dench, Sean Connery)

THE CAREGIVER - This type cares and protects other selflessly. The strategy of THE CAREGIVER is doing things for others with compassion and generosity. The parent, helper and supporter are people that fall into this category. Selling this image is about family, team, health, education - helping. Differentiate from selfish people. (Frances McDormand, Alan Alda)

THE CREATOR - This is a person who wants to give form to a vision and to create enduing value. The strategy here is to develop artistic control, culture, skills and to express her own vision using creativity and imagination. Selling this image requires innovation, self _expression, and artistry. Differentiate from unimaginative, banal and usual. (Steve Martin, Bette Midler)

As you can see, there are many types and even more strategies for projecting the image that sells. Add to that, the ability of some actors to combine types and you have, literally, thousands of choices. For instance, Harrison Ford is the regular guy hero, Robin Williams is the jester creator, Julia Roberts is the innocent explorer, and Sarah Jessica Parker is the lover caregiver. In fact one of the transitions every actor makes in a career is the expansion of their basic type - to include elements of other types - which, in turn, extends their staying power.Now all you have to do is look at yourself in a dispassionate way - and align your marketing efforts with your natural tendencies. It's up to you to choose. Or you can wait for someone else to decide for you - which might take a long time. I think it's better to be the creative hero in your own career.So the question is not 'What type are you' as much as it is - 'What's your Unique CharacterPresentation?'

Bob Fraser is an actor, writer, director, producer and author of You Must Act! The #1 Acting CareerCourse On The Internet http://www.youmustact.com

Auditioning for an LA pilot

2006-02-06T16:04:00.000-05:00

I auditioned for a tv pilot to be shot in LA on Friday and as I was doing some research, I read an email from the www.actorsite.com of which I am a member of.

"The Actorsite has isolated over 60 pilots currently casting. We think there is another 8 or 10 that are already set with their cast that aren't currently listed, and we have another 15 or so that are ready to announce Casting assignments that we are waiting to list."

Wow! Every single pilot to be cast in LA with contact information was in the links that followed. If you are in L.A., I think joining actorsite is a definite plus. I personally like to be in the know, and some of the projects are being put on tape here in Toronto. My thing is to send postcards to all these offices cause you never know.

Talent Agents - Finding & keeping the perfect agent

2006-02-03T17:25:00.000-05:00

Actors "Mission Impossible: Finding and keeping the "perfect" Agent"

The Ontario AGM will be held February 6, 2006 at Pauper's Pub, 539 Bloor St. West (Bathurst subway station), starting at 7:30 p.m.

Come and take part in a moderated panel discussion with many of Toronto's Agents (Characters, Premier, 3SG, Caldwell and Assoc., Noble Caplan, Gary Goddard and Assoc., ETM, Talent House... and many more). The panel will be moderated by Janet-Laine Green and a Q&A session will follow.

This is a great opportunity to ask all those questions you've been dying to ask. How do I get an agent? How can I help my agent help me? How do I switch agents? Do I need an agent?

Members will have the opportunity to win fabulous door prizes and light refreshments will be served.

Equity members in good standing, probationary, provisional members and Equity apprentices are welcome. Bring your membership card.

Actors get 50% of Clear Headshot Envelopes

2006-02-02T09:56:00.000-05:00

Actors you have to try using the clear headshot envelopes! They are a great marketing too for actors. Fabulous for getting the attention of the casting director or agent when you send out your photos and resumes because your photo gets seen first. A definite must have in my books. :) Plus if you have time to check out the rest of the site there is a great FREE e-book with acting tips so check it out.

Casting directors blog

2006-02-01T17:44:00.000-05:00

Casting Director Bonnie Gillespie has this great blog about auditioning and being a casting a director. Lots of acting related information! Check it out here http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/

Casting

2006-01-31T10:26:00.000-05:00

Film/TV Breakdown from Crystal Casting
Here is a sample breakdown posted on another great email service Toronto Includes which is another network you should be listed on.

Sound of Living *Rick*
Project Details: Union or Non Union
Student Film: Sheridan College
Area of Media: Short Film
Production Company
Guilty Pleasure Productions and JNJ Productions
Executive Producer: Jean Desormeaux
Co-Exec Producer: David Barlow
Producer(s): Kristen Howard
Director: Cecilia Kim
Writer: Brent O’Hagan
Casting: Crystal Casting
Casting Director: Crystal Olsen
Shooting Location(s): Oakville
Script Availability: Sides will be available to actors with auditions.
Contact Info: Crystal OlsenTel:(416) 803-6576Email:crystalcasting@yahoo.ca

Deadline For Submissions: Tuesday, January 31, 2006 2:00pm
Auditions: Wed. Feb. 1st evening
Call Backs: TBA
Shooting Starts: Feb. 12th
Shooting Finishes: Feb. 16th
Rates & Union:
Non-paying. Rates deferred as per Sheridan/ACTRA agreement. Great experience. Actors will be provided meals on set. Copy of film.

Storyline: A young man named Danny was born deaf and has always been a bit of an outsider. His extended family finds it hard to understand Danny and therefore have almost completely alienated him emotionally. His mother, whom recently passed away, was one of his only allies. Now Danny is left to fend for himself. He works the night shift at a local elementary school where he spends most of his shifts reading children’s books. At his mother’s funeral, Danny does not understand the socially expected silence during the service and often cries out loud or makes a fuss ripping pages out of a book his mother gave him before she died. His family tried to reason with him, but he can’t connect with them and even refuses to say goodbye to his mother at the wake. It is at this service where Danny first sees Susan, the pianist who plays with very little emotion. Danny approaches her while she plays and rests his head on the piano. Susan is uncomfortable with his lack of understanding personal space. She is uncomfortable, so she leaves as quickly as she can. Both of their lives change when they accidentally meet again in Susan's music store late that night. Danny’s life changes when he starts to visualize the sounds of Susan’s music.

Comments *There will be a person to teach American Sign Language to the actors Short film. 10 minutes Will be shot on DigiBeta. Drama. As per A.C.T.R.A., ACTRA members and Apprentice members & non-union actors may participate. Apprentice Members have the option to purchase an ACTRA Work Permit and to receive a credit towards full membership. An Apprentice Member may obtain up to 1/4 of their total number of required credits through their work on Student films. Non-union may participate in the film but are not eligible to receive a credit.
Registration #: tba

Submission Instructions: Please suggest ASAP as casting has already begun. Submissions will be accepted until Tues. Jan. 31st 2:00 pm.

Send pictures and resumes via email to: http://ca.f880.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=crystalcasting@yahoo.ca - IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED, SUBJECT LINE MUST READ: "Sound: Rick" Actors must be Canadian or have papers to work legally in Canada, plus be available to audition in Toronto and shoot in Oakville..
Characters
(Principal) Rick
Gender: Male
Age: 45
Rick is Danny's uncle. Rick is a kind man who has tried to learn sign language to better communicate with his deaf nephew.

Networking Schmoozerama

2006-01-30T13:58:00.000-05:00

Actors, Theatre, Film and Television networking opportunity

Hi, I hope you can make it out to the Networking Schmoozerama this Wednesday, February 1, 2006.We meet at the Artful Dodger, located at 10 Isabella Street, Toronto. (Isabella Street is three blocks south of Bloor Street on the east side of Yonge Street.) Start time is 8:00pm, but you can show up any time after that. We usually go until 10:00pm or 10:30pm. For over five years, the Networking Schmoozerama has provided a monthly casual get-together for people in the film, television, theatre, new media, and game industries to make new contacts and share information about projects they're working on.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please e-mail bobop@idirect.com. Also, please feel free to forward this e-mail to anyone you think might be interested.
Check out our web site and forum at www.schmoozerama.com .

Finding a Talent Agent or Manager

2006-01-26T09:55:00.000-05:00

Actors Finding an Agent/Manager
(A great article from the www.backstage.com website)

It's the million-dollar question: How does an actor stand out from the crowd of wannabes and land representation? First, let's talk about the kinds of representation: managers and agents.
A manager's job is to provide career guidance: helping a client to select classes, coaches or monologues; working with a performer to rehearse; and helping to plan what direction a performer should be heading. Agents, meanwhile, submit you for work and book and negotiate jobs for you. Ideally, if you have both, your agent and manager will have a solid working relationship with each other.

The most basic way to approach agents or managers is of course the mailed-in submission, which consists of a cover letter, résumé, and headshot(s). You may also include a reel, if you have one.

When it comes to assembling your packet, it's generally best to keep things simple. After all, agents and managers have seen every gimmick in the book — from food to party favors — and these gimmicks usually end up in the trash. But if you're in a play or showcase that spotlights your talent particularly well, invite reps to see you.

While it is possible to get your foot in the door via an unsolicited submission, many reps prefer to hear about talent through referrals. To land that valuable referral, work on your networking skills and watch for opportunities. For example, if a casting director seems impressed with you at an audition, ask if he or she can refer you to a rep.

When scouting for reps, keep your guard up. Research prospective reps and the local laws governing them; many cities and/or states require talent agents to be licensed, for instance. Also, check if an agent is either franchised by the Screen Actors Guild or a member of the Association of Talent Agents or the National Association of Talent Representatives. Currently, most ATA and NATR members are not franchised by SAG, but may still represent you for union work.

Managers are not regulated the way agents are, but you can find out if they're certified by one of the talent managers' trade organizations: the Talent Managers Association or the National Conference of Personal Managers. Each requires that managers abide by a code of ethics. Ask for client referrals and be on the lookout for common scams, such as reps asking for money up front or requiring you to pay for certain services, like photos or classes.

Top talent agencies for actors in Toronto

2006-01-25T09:48:00.000-05:00

An aspiring actor asked me who I thought were the top talent agencies. It's hard to say because you could be at a big agency and be lost in the shuffle or be at a small agency and be auditioning like crazy. You never know, I think it's different for everyone... but here are a few to look at.

The top talent agencies I think in my honest opinion in no particular order:
Oscars, Abrams, Zimel and Associates (OAZ)
The Characters
Noble Caplan Abrams
Gary Goddard
Fusion Artist Inc. (voice only)
The Core Group
AMI Artists Management
Edna Talent Managment (ETM)
Butler Ruston Bell (BRB)
Fountainhead Talent
Lefeaver Talent Management
Lorraine Wells

These agencies are smaller but they could work for you as well:
Christopher Banks and Associates
Creative Drive
Talent House
Amanda Rosenthal
Steve Young and Associates
Lisa Burke
3SG

I keep thinking there's more so if I can think of anymore I'll let you know. If you want all the info The Agents Book is a great resource about finding a talent agent in Toronto. You can buy it at Theatre books for only $15.

Actors - add this to your Acting e-news list

2006-01-23T12:31:00.000-05:00

Actors Film e-news

If you haven't already, Heather Baillie Brown started this volunteer e-news newsletter for people in the film and television biz back in 2000. It's a great community film and television newsletter with inspirations, job postings, auditions and upcoming special events list. I got this quote from her last e-news letter so check it out. To request to be added to her mailing list click here Film Crew E-news

Surround yourself with people smarter than you and be comfortable with that.

I went to a high school for gifted students and went from being one of the smartest kids in the class to being near the bottom of the pack. I got very comfortable with being in that situation and realizing how much I could learn from people who are as smart as or smarter than I am. Now that I'm running HBO, it's so important that the answers about how HBO continues its success comes from the people sitting in the room with me. My job is to help guide them to the right answer.

I'm thinking of the first season of The Sopranos. In episode five, Tony Soprano goes to look at colleges with his daughter and finds the guy who was a Mafia rat in years past, and Tony decides to kill him. I looked at the script and thought, "This is horrible. We're going to totally blow this show. The audience isn't ready for this. We haven't earned it." I called David [Chase, the show's creator and director] and really went full-bore at him as to why this was a bad idea. David said to me, "Listen. If the guy that Tony is doesn't kill that guy in that situation, then Tony's full of sh*t and the whole show is full of sh*t." I told him to go ahead with the script. It turned out to the tipping point for the show. The juxtaposition of this guy going to look at schools with his daughter and then murdering someone blew people away. I was wrong, but I trusted someone who knew better.

Chris Albrecht
CEO, Home Box Office (HBO)

Movie deals for ACTRA members

2006-01-22T22:17:00.000-05:00

Actors watch first run movies for only $4.25 if you show your ACTRA membership card.

Hey, if you are on a budget and wanna catch the latest flick, I heard if you show your ACTRA card at any Rainbow Cinema in Toronto you can get in for only $4.25 a flick. There's one near Church and Jarvis Street in Toronto so why not take advantage. :)

Actors Success -Dealing with Rejections

2006-01-21T14:38:00.000-05:00

Actors go to so many auditions and face rejection day after day. Here is an article from an email newsletter I read a year ago and I thought I share it with you. It's written by Robin Jones whose website is www.actorssuccess.com

"I take rejection as someone blowing a bugle in my ear to wake me up and get going, rather than retreat."-Sylvester Stallone

Regardless of what you think about Stallone's acting abilities, he has proven himself to be a lasting entity in the business, overcoming huge obstacles, including being told repeatedly that he'd never make it.

Feelings of rejection may be the single biggest reason many actors give up on the business, and it's understandable why:

A. You're in business for yourself, and the product you sell is you. Every time someone doesn't buy you--which is often for most actors--it can hurt, if you let it.

B. The competition for what you're selling is intense and it can often feel as if the deck is stacked against you-that there is always someone "better" than you.

C. Not only are you selling the most personal of products, against many other entrepreneurs selling the same thing, but you're asked time and again in acting classes to take down your emotional armor and make yourself vulnerable. Expose yourself only to be turned down enough times, and it's bound to take a toll on your enthusiasm and persistence. But rejection is not an actual event - it's a state of mind. Reframe the way you think about what happens, and you can actually make it an opportunity for progress. Skeptical?

Read on. Here are three techniques many actors have found helpful in dealing with rejection.

1. It's not about you.

You hear this often, but come on, how can it not be? You're the one that didn't get called back or cast, right? True, maybe you didn't, but remember that you're a small business owner, and when you don't get cast, it's simply that the casting director wasn't interested in your product at that particular time. I believe what happens for a lot of actors is that unconsciously, they take not getting called back or cast as an affront to their self worth. Can you imagine a gas station owner feeling personally rejected because someone didn't need gas as they drove by? Seems silly, but it's equivalent.You can dispense with a lot of the negative emotions about "being rejected" by separating who you are from your business. When you don't get chosen, it's simply that your business isn't doing as well as you'd like.Understand that while you are inextricably linked to the service you offer, you are not that service, down at your core. Treat auditions and other times that you put yourself "out there" with the same separation as a gasstation owner, and they'll become much easier.Of course the trick is to keep putting yourself out there, and still get cast more often. Again, it's not a matter of judging how well you're doing, but how your business is doing.

2. Get Right with Yourself

I have a friend who was told by a prominent casting director, "no amount of plastic surgery would ever make you castable." Brutal. Nothing I could say to her would ever take away the pain of that kind of rejection. She opened her heart and exposed herself to this man, and he threw it back in her face. Looking from outside the situation, it's easy to see that his abuse has a lot more to do with him than it does with her (remember: it's not about you). Perhaps he just caught his wife cheating on him or slammed his finger in the door of his car. Of course nothing excuses what he said, but the point is that my friend took the remark personally, thinking it was about her, when it obviously had nothing to do with her. She happened to be in front of him at the wrong time and provided him with an easy target.Even if you never hear anything this harsh from someone else--and I hope you don't--we humans have an amazing capacity to send those kinds of messages to ourselves. Go through "don't call us, we'll call you" enough, and your inner monologue can easily go from "I'm going to be a star," to "I'll never make it," "there's always someone better than me," or some similar self-defeating message. So regardless of where you hear these lies, your job is to face them head on. Know who you are and who you are not. Know what you believe about yourself, and what you don't. It comes down to this: no one can make you feel badly about yourself unless some part of you already believes what they say to bring you down. Get right with what you believe about yourself, and no amount of rejection can ever quell your spirit. You'll not only be a lot happier, but you'll find success comes far more easily.

3. Learn to be Unattached to Results

Tom Lasswell was a brilliant acting teacher and one of the best actors I ever new - the kind that could completely lose himself in whatever character he took on.Every time he went on an audition, he would give it everything he had, and the moment after he thanked the casting director, he would convince himself he didn't get the part. Then if he really didn't, he felt no disappointment, and if he did, he'd be pleasantly surprised. My own technique is to put whatever it is I'm going after at the time up against the "ten-year-rule," that is, I ask myself, "will this have the same weight in ten years that it does now? Most of the time I realize that the success or failure of this particular goal won't make or break my career, which releases me from the grip of rejection.

I hear a lot of people say they believe everything happens for a reason, so if they don't get called back for a reading, it's because, God or the Universe had a reason for it. In all three cases, what we're doing is practicing the Buddhist principle of becoming unattached. The idea is that all suffering comes from attachment. Allow yourself to become unattached, and you allow yourself freedom from the pain that comes with not getting what you want. It's an interesting paradox: those who master this technique can want something very passionately and yet be completely at peace with any outcome.

Of course all three of these techniques for dealing with rejection take practice and persistence; they're like muscles that need to be exercised to develop; use them consistently, and over time they'll become quite natural and the kind of persistence you need to succeed in this business will become easier and easier, and the journey will become less struggle and more fun. And wasn't that the point of getting into this business in the first place?

Auditions | Cold reads

2006-01-19T18:39:00.000-05:00

Audition Acting techniques

Without getting into acting technique, here are some tips on some good practice techniques to perfect. (from the actorsite's email newsletter www.actorsite.com)

1. Cold read OUT LOUD at least 1/2 hour per day. I recommend that to get good fast, you should take a book and cold read it ALL THE WAY THROUGH.

2. Always, look down, get your sentence or phrases and look up and connect with a person or object when youare saying the words. This, in and of itself, is a practiced skill...so practice it. If you don't have another actor, use a mirror...just don't get caughtup admiring yourself...focus on practicing.

3. Lock down your body...learn to make sure you don't sway or "dance" when you are cold reading...you should be focused and NOT bouncing, swaying, or jiggling the lower body. One technique I have used to stop an actor from swaying was to have them stand with one leg bent slightly, so their weight is unbalanced and they use their body like a tripod. Another way is to have one foot slightly forward so you have the look of "ready for action" and you are locked down in place. Find away to LOCK DOWN YOUR BODY so you appear FOCUSED!!!

4. STAY IN CHARACTER. Remember that when you look down to get your words, that you must STAY IN CHARACTER and IN THE MOMENT as you look down and look back up. I've seen actors who are laughing when delivering the words and then get real serious when looking for their place on the page. If you stay in character, you would be laughingwhile looking at your page.

5. CONNECT WITH ANOTHER ACTOR. If you don't have another actor to practice with, then get in front of the mirror and make sure you CONNECT with yourself as you look up and say your words.

6. PRACTICE CONSTRUCTING AN IMMEDIATE MOMENT BEFORE. If you are in a scene, make sure you include your MOMENT BEFORE PREPARATION and that you don't appear to just start from nowhere...go back to basic scene study and find a quick way to establish your moment before immediately.

7. PRACTICE LETTING THE WORDS TELL YOU WHAT TO SAY AND HOW TO SAY IT. That's why I believe that reading a book out loud and acting out the characters using cold reading techniques allows you to develop immediate emotional connection to the words...you many times don't have time to construct a backstory and do emotional background on your characters. This way, you have practiced finding your motivation on a regular basis.

9. PRACTICE DIFFERENT TECHNICAL APPROACHES TO THE MATERIAL.You can read a book by THROWING IT AWAY, by whispering it, by yelling it loudly, by singing it, and lots of other ways,Practice using the elements of speech to achieve a natural way of speaking. Louder-Softer, Higher-Lower, Faster-Slower.

10. PRACTICE FINDING CONTINUITY IN LONG SPEECHES...there is a technique where you look down and continue speaking while you get your next set of words. It will come VERY QUICKLY to you as you practice looking down, getting the words and then looking up and saying the words. You will reach a point where you automatically stay in character and continue your speech while holding your script and connecting with the other actor (or actors). PRACTICE AND YOU'LL GET THERE.

10. PRACTICE MISDIRECTION. There are many actors that use this technique in their performance, even when they are off book.Here's how it works: Look down, get your words, look off to the side, think about your words, then look at your partner and say your words. It's SO QUICK and it creates a "thought spot" where you look more natural rather than looking down and up all the time. Many actors who have practice this coldreading technique, use it in their performance, including major stars like Tom Cruise and Julia Roberts. You see them "thinking" while they break eye contact, then look back at the other actor or the camera for the close up and connect...that's what it looks like when you do it.

10. COLD READING MUST BE PRACTICED! All the technique in the world won't help you if you don't practice. The world's top Basketball players like Kobe Bryant practice harder than anyone else to stay on top...Kobe will shoot an extra 1000 jump shots in a day to get better at shooting jumpshots and he practices EVERY DAY...For you to get better

YOU HAVE TO PRACTICE EVERY DAY!!!

Audition posting -open call

2006-01-18T15:15:00.000-05:00

REAL PEOPLE NEEDED FOR A PRINT AD PAYING $1,000.00+

PROJECT TITLE: YELLOWPAGES.CA

MEDIA: Print

STATUS: Open to Union and Non-Union

OPEN CALL DATE(S): Monday, Jan. 23rd

OPEN CALL LOCATION: Jigsaw Casting - 60 Sumach Street - Toronto

OPEN CALL TIMES: 3:00PM TO 6:00PM - TO ATTEND YOU MUST CALL OR EMAIL US (See Contact Details Below) MAP TO OPEN CALL LOCATION: CLICK TO VIEW MAP

SHOOT DATE(S): Thursday, Jan. 26th SHOOT LOCATION: Toronto TIME ON SET: Up to 5 hours Max Shoot PAY RATE: $1,000.00+

WE ARE LOOKING FOR GUYS WITH MULLETS FOR NATIONAL AD CAMPAIGN!

JIGSAW CASTING IS LOOKING FOR A CAUCASIAN MALE WITH A MULLET/SHORT LONG/HOCKEY HAIR HAIRDO TO BE IN NATIONWIDE BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN FOR YELLOWPAGES.CA

YOU MUST FIT THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION: CAUCASIAN MALE - 20 TO 35 YEARS OLD YOU MUST HAVE “MULLET/HOCKEY HAIR/SHORT LONG” HAIRDO OR YOU MUST HAVE LONG HAIR AND BE WILLING TO CUT IT INTO THE DESIRED HAIRDO. HANDSOME GUYS ARE A BONUS!

YOU WILL MAKE $1,000.00+ (IF SELECTED FOR THE JOB!) IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN AUDITIONING PLEASE CONTACT JIGSAW CASTING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR AUDITION AND SHOOT (SEE DATES ABOVE) *** AUDITION WARDROBE ***

FOR THE AUDITION PLEASE WEAR JEANS AND T-SHIRT/ JERSEY TO CONFIRM AN AUDITION TIME - EMAIL OR CALL JIGSAW CASTING EMAIL YOUR PICTURE TO: print@jigsawcasting.com OR CALL JIGSAW CASTING’S PRINT DIRECTOR STEVE MILO AT 416-360-0336 EXT 224 YOU WILL NOT BE COMPENSATED FOR THE AUDITION ***

SPREAD THE WORDS - FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO OTHERS ***

Actors | Marketing yourself as as Actor

2006-01-18T09:39:00.000-05:00

TOP TEN RULES FOR MARKETING YOURSELF AS AN ACTOR:
This is a great article written by David Sears and Theresa Switzer from their website www.searsandswitzer.com Also make sure to check out their resource page with some fabulous links!

DO THE BASICS FIRST!

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL!
The first rule is an easy one... Start by getting better at your craft, learn all you can about connecting with an audience, and make yourself indispensable to producers and directors.
Get a great resume picture. Go to a professional and spend some money... it's the best way. [See our list of Toronto shooters for some people who can help. Come see us and we'll SHOW YOU SOME GREAT SAMPLES]

Put together a persuasive actor's resume... Your resume needs to reflect you at your current stage of development. Beginners can have resumes too! Maybe you have a special skill like dancing, or speaking an unusual language or some athletic ability that sets you apart from the rest of the beginners. Professionals can make sure that their resume reflects their most "sell-able" side. It's not just a list of credits; it's an important marketing tool. Need help? Drop by and see us during our open studio hours and we will give you some free, no cost or obligation, no risk analysis of your resume or SHOW YOU SOME GREAT SAMPLES. [See that's a bit of marketing on our part!]

Learn to write a great introduction letter... Haven't got an agent? Want to change agents? Moving to a new market? Want to introduce yourself to a director or producer? We all go agent hunting and we still use snail-mail to send out pictures and resumes and a great letter will help cut through the clutter on that agent's or producer's desk. Start with something amazing that someone ELSE said about you and your skills, looks, experience or talent. Newspaper reviews, acting awards, even a comment from an acting coach may open the mind of the reader. Keep the letter short, simple, friendly but not over-the-top. Be professional but not too cool. This is not a business letter... it's a small commercial about your talent!

Give them a sample of your work to look at... All agents and casting people want to see a fully professional wonderfully edited demo reel with you in fabulous scenes from your many major films and leads in TV series. YAH SURE! Most of us don't have that in our early careers when we need to market ourselves the most. Make it easy for them to get to know you. Do a great monologue for them in their office if you can. [Come prepare it with us if you choose to... try our Audition Skills Class.] Cut together short scenes from an acting class like our Focus on Film workshop. You may be able to do this yourself with an up-to-date computer , a few hours on your own, and some cheap software. Or go to a professional... ask us we can recommend someone to help you do it. If you have a great or unusual voice do an audio-demo CD. [Take our Voice-Over-Over-View class for hints and skill-building that will help you crack this market.]
Make sure you are on-line! You MUST join the Casting Workbook either through your agency or on your own. http://www.castingworkbook.com/ If you are a union member you need to keep your union site presence up to date.

THEN ADD SOME EXTRA SIZZLE!
Make your own personal acting website too... Register your named domain site NOW. [Hey like http://www.searsandswitzer.com/ you mean?] It's cheap and keeps your named site ready. To get your name go to any web-service or internet service provider. the cost will vary from almost free to $10.00 to $30 per year depending on who you use. Next step choose a web host.... if you have high-speed you likely have space NOW. Hosting companies can charge anywhere from nearly free with your Internet service to $30 or more a month. Then either get that geek friend of yours to do it OR learn how to build your own website. You can use one of the templates available to you online. We do this website ourselves with FRONTPAGE. Just search for them. Fancy websites seem rarely to pay off very well. They are fun for your friends and family and OK as long as you don't mind the cash out-lay, but don't expect a lot of return from them. Rarely are any other resources other than a great picture, good resume, and decent audio/video reels of any real use.

MAKE SOME ACTOR'S POSTCARDS... you can use that great resume shot to create terrific small postcards. Your local Kinko or almost any full-service shop can do them cheaply. Come see us and we'll show you some samples.

GET PROFESSIONAL HELP... eventually you will need professional help. Seriously. There are marketing experts who do PR for performers. If you have an agent they do a lot of direct marketing on your behalf all the time.

Be creative and do even more! The first actor who makes an impact with an unusual new marketing twist may make some waves that will change a career.

BUT remember it's not really about the marketing...

Most casting pro's in our trade are pretty immune to our marketing tricks. We don't think that William Hutt got into his first job at Stratford through his marketing skill. We suspect that Harvey Keitel didn't have all this stuff together when he started. And if you look like Uma Thurman [and have her talent, experience and presence] someone else will be more than pleased to market you!

Make sure that you do the basics above, send a few nice notes if you get a call-back and that's about the limit that works.

Put your cash into small films, theatre showcases, networking, training and keeping up to date pictures, watching other actors, doing workshops in other cities, and you'll get more out of that than by aiming at great marketing stuff.

Have fun... get known... and get better at your craft.
[Hint: See you soon in an acting class!]

Actor Demo Reels

2006-01-17T12:36:00.000-05:00

ACTING CAREER FAQ - Demo Reels De-Bunked
(Great Article from Bob Fraser's email)
by
Bob Fraser

(Excerpted from January 2006 issue of Bob's free
newsletter for actors -- Show Biz How-To)

One of the questions I am frequently asked at my
Show Biz U events is this one: 'What should I put
on my demo reel?'

Here’s the short answer: The only thing you should
put on your demo reel is acting work (on film or
tape) that you’ve been paid to do.

The biggest mistake I've seen being made, with
regard to demo reels, is the inclusion of work
under the AWFF contract.

AWFF, for those of you who don't know, is Actors
Work For Free. (Sometimes called, Actors Work For
Food.)

Productions under this 'contract' are frequently
inadequate when it comes to delivering what one
might call a professional final product - from
which you can excerpt that helpful 23 seconds of
footage you desperately need for your demo reel.

Amateur footage on your reel can hurt you a lot
more than it can help you – with casting people
and directors and producers - who, in the main,
are looking for professional actors someone else
has already hired (for money).

It just makes good business sense.

Why should I be the first one to hire an untried,
experimental, new, actor?

Bottom line? As a producer, I simply want a pro. Why?
Because my money's going out the door rather quickly
and I don't really have time to 'bring someone along.'

So, your assignment, should you decide to accept it,
is to get as much paid work as you can.

When they are actually paying you to act, you have
an exponentially improved chance of getting an
adequately lit, properly recorded, and decently
photographed piece of footage.

Believe me, that stuff counts.

If your footage looks amateurish, pros will dismiss
it ... and all who participated. Especially you ...
since you asked them to look at it.

Is dismissal the result you want? I didn't think so.

The second most frequently asked question on this
subject is this: 'What do I do if I don't have any
professional footage?'

Answer: Don't waste your time trying to put a demo
reel together.

And, for goodness sake, don't spend 100's of hours
of your precious time trying to get that elusive
(and quite infrequent) lucky bit of footage from
an AWFF production.

You're better off spending those 100's of hours,
marketing your acting business to the people who
can help you; casting directors, agents, directors,
producers, et al.

Two weeks spent putting together an attractive,
interesting, selling, post-card to send to casting
directors, will most probably yield ten times the
result ... compared to two weeks doing 'Amateur
Night In Poughkeepsie' - wasting your time playing
a misunderstood street-wise street-person in a
badly written, self-important, disorganized, drama
about a twenty-something film-maker ... who is
coming of age ...

... on your dime! (AWFF contracts usually require
you to come up with extra money out of YOUR budget.)

I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

In other words, it's probably a good idea to stop
looking for short-cuts and loop-holes and start
looking for acting jobs that pay.

After all, that's why you’re doing this, right?

Don't worry, you'll get your great demo reel ...
eventually.

Fact: No matter how wonderful technology becomes,
it will never do the hard work part FOR you.

Now you know the reel deal.

P.S. If you have a reel, Judy Kerr, the author of
Acting Is Everything, and Caryn West, a respected
actress and coach have come up with an excellent
resource about putting your reel online. You can
download it for free at Judy's site:

http://www.judykerr.com

(The link is at the bottom right of the page.)

Also ... if you're in Florida ... be sure to read
about Judy's upcoming workshop in Hollywood (FLA)
on February 4th.

P.P.S. You can download a copy of my free monthly
newsletter for actors, Show Biz How-To here:

http://www.showbizhowto.com/showbizhowtojan06.pdf

If you like it and you'd like to subscribe go to the
old sign up page here:

http://www.youmustact.com/freebees.html

But hurry. The bonus, The Hello Pages, will not be
available after January 31st.

Have a great one and ...
Much Success,
Bob

Actors | Show Biz How To

2006-01-16T09:54:00.000-05:00

Actors looking for inspiring words of wisdom?

Then you guys should really check out Bob Fraser's free online newsletter: www.showbizhowto.com/showbizhowtojan06.pdf

I love reading his newsletters as they are always informative yet inspiring at the same time. Plus if you sign up for his newsletter you get access to other freebees such as the Profiles in Stardom e-book full of true stories of how the movies stars got their start in show biz.

If you like to share your tips about acting or upcoming auditions feel free to post here at www.actingresource.blogspot.com

Actors, Agents, Casting all use the IMDB

2006-01-14T18:24:00.000-05:00

Actors have used the IMDB (Internet Movie Database) as a great resource to find out "who's who" in Hollywood.

Here's a couple of tips, when you get an audition for a film or a televison series, look up the director and try to watch all the films or shows that director has worked on, before you audition. This is a great way to learn about the person you are auditioning for.

Another Actor Tip: Make sure your IMDB listing is up to date. A lot of actors don't know this but you should always check to see if the information about you is correct. If not or if it's missing some of your credits... you can email them to update it for you once they have verfied the info.

If you like to read more about what the imdb is, check out this great article. http://www.laweekly.com/ink/04/37/features-finke.php

The Power of the Actor

2006-01-13T09:49:00.000-05:00

An actor friend of mine recommended this book called "The Power of the Actor" by Ivana Chubbick. When I read it, I couldn't put it down. I began to instantly understand how to breakdown a scene and go for the win. Believe it or not, as I began to go for the win, I began to make stronger choices in my acting. To be honest, reading this book has given me more confidence in my acting now more than ever.

I highly recommend this book. It is a definitely a must read for all aspiring actors when it comes to technique. I suggest buying a hard cover of the book because you end up referring to it all the time. I bought mine slightly used so I got a great deal. Check out www.amazon.com to get yours.

Actors Vote for Canada's Film & TV Industry

2006-01-12T14:36:00.000-05:00

ACTRA Toronto Performers News - January 12, 2006

Canada AM Poll: Vote for Canada's Cultural Future!

This morning Wendy Crewson spoke passionately on CTV's Canada AM about the importance of Canadian culture and the need to be able to share our own stories on our TV screens. As a result of Wendy's appearance, Canada AM has made today's online poll the following:

"Should funding for the Canadian Film and TV Industry be a priority in this election?"

Speak out! Let Canadians know that you believe in Canadian culture and a strong, vibrant film & TV industry.

Go to http://www.ctv.ca/canadaam and vote "YES!" for our Cultural Future!

Actors - Open Forum Working in the USA

2006-01-12T14:13:00.000-05:00

As an actor living in Toronto I'd like to know how to get to L.A. eventually. This sounds like a really good forum to go to. Why not check it out.

Here is the info.

Working in the U.S.A. : How to do it. Green Card etc.
with Heather N. Segal, Partner Guberman, Garson, Bush Immigration Lawyers

January 19, 2006 Thursday 7 30pm
OPEN FORUM $5 DONATION
263 Adelaide St. West, Suite 513
Toronto ON

For more information 647-436-2787 , visit us at www.centreforthearts.com

Ten ways to move your Acting career forward.

2006-01-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

It's a New Year and I've vowed myself to actively do something that helps me as an actor. Since I don't like to wait for the phone to ring here are 10 creative ways I plan to do this year.

1) Start a playwriting group with a group of actor friends. Read a new play once a week and build a solid network. Your fellow colleagues are your best source for finding out new information.

2) Practice cold reading everyday. I read aloud for at least 10 minutes a day. Plus my kids get to benefit as I read bed time stories to them and practice my reading skills at the same time. :) Practice only makes you perfect.

3) If you have a video camera, I do scenes with a fellow actor and put it on tape. We like to watch and critique ourselves. I focus my attention on the other actor and try to work off what my fellow actor is giving me.

4) Send Postcards to all the Casting Directors in town and keep them in touch with what I am doing. I say stuff like just recently shot... or watch for my upcoming show etc...

5) Finish writing my play. I am part of a writing group and it definitely inspires me.

6) Take a scene study class to keep my acting chops up. I plan to be ready when that big audition comes up. My favorite acting coach in Toronto is Lewis Baumander. Here is the link to his website www.LewisBaumander.com

7) Start working on monologues for myself & work with a fellow actor to get feedback.

8) Watch a new movie or play at least once a week.

9) Audition for a student film. You never know who is going to be the next big director! Try schools like York University, Ryerson, Humber, Sheridan to name a few.

10) Be in the know. Find out what is shooting in town and found out whose casting. Network, network, network! Read the trades. Playback magazine is a great resource www.playbackmag.com

Plus if you do get that big audition, BE VERY GRATEFUL as it means you have been invited to a very elite group. Which in Toronto is a feat in itself since most casting directors here only see a small number of people per role.

I have plenty more ideas but I will save it for another post.

Acting - Finding Auditions in Toronto

2006-01-10T11:24:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Actors Resource, a new place for actors to share information on agents, casting, auditions, marketing yourself as an actor and more. Most of all, its just something I've been wanting to start for some time now and blogging just makes it all possible. So, welcome and if you like to share some ideas on acting please feel free to comment and share along.

The following websites are great resources, I use them all the time to find out about auditions except they are mostly for non-union gigs, but hey there are some great paying print jobs and open calls so it's a great place to get started.

www.AactionAuditions.com
www.Mandy.com
www.CanadianActorOnline.com
www.MyEntertainmentWorld.com

You can also sign up for these email newsletters for auditions. http://www.caea.com/EquityWeb/OnTheBoards/Default.aspx http://www.theatreontario.org/content/auditionsemail.htm
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tape2tape/