Fall TV Season Delivers a Mixed Bag in Prime Time by Bill Carter

Three weeks into the new television season, network executives have drawn some initial conclusions. While every network has at least a glimmer of a new hit, in an era of increased delayed viewing, patience is more crucial than ever. Decisions on the fates of shows must factor in quality as well as quantity. And the […]

18 Tips for Successful Auditions, Job Interviews & Presentations by Patricia Stark

Patricia Stark, a Media Trainer and Public Speaking Coach & CEO of Patricia Stark Communications Inc., teaches NYC acting classes at Actor’s Connection. Here are her top 18 tips for perfecting auditions, job interviews and presentations. 1. Nerves? Inhale 4 seconds-hold 7 seconds-exhale 8 seconds-pause-repeat. Calms mind/nervous system, regulates breathing, balances emotions. 2. Broadway Tip: […]

Why Being Yourself Will Land You the Role by Marci Phillips, Executive Director of ABC Casting, Primetime

Marci Phillips, Executive Director of ABC Casting, argues why learning to be yourself can be the most important lesson taught at a New York acting school. Everyone on the planet has a very distinct personality. An actor may be defined as someone who observes and portrays a character’s psyche, but everything is ultimately filtered through […]

Why Your Appearance Matters at Auditions by Marci Phillips, Executive Director of ABC Casting, Primetime

Marci Phillips, a New York casting director for ABC, makes the case for looking your best for every audition, no matter the role. I truly believe that everyone has a unique beauty. That being said, there are societal standards and realities for most on camera talent that you simply can’t ignore if you want to […]

Acting for Kids & Teens: An Interview with Christine Scowley, Casting Director by Tony Nation

What’s the best way for kids and teens to start exploring acting and teen performance in NY? One of the best ways to start exploring acting as a youth is to simply get involved with your school or local theatre and/or music programs. If you enjoy performing in school plays or community theatre, you may […]

An Interview with John Keon, NY Headshot Photographer by Tony Nation

Before you go digging into New York casting calls, you’ll want to make sure you have a great headshot on hand that accurately reflects what you want to project to casting directors. Headshot photographer John Keon shares what makes a successful headshot. How did you get started as a photographer? I have appreciated beautiful photography […]

Voice Overs: An Interview with Richard Bianco, On the Air Studios by Tony Nation

How long have you been working with V/O actors? On The Air Production Studios was established in 1988. My background was originally in broadcasting. One of our services at On The Air Studios consisted of producing demos for clients who were interested in becoming on air personalities. At that time, radio enthusiasts wanted to become the next […]

Ask a Casting Director: What’s the difference between first refusal and a hold?

If you want to be cast to perform in NYC, it’s important to know what casting directors mean when they talk about a hold versus a first refusal. A casting director explains. Q:  What’s the difference between first refusal and a hold? A:  This question come up a great deal. Technically nothing. Many years ago […]

Getting Started in Horror Films with Pamela Kramer, Casting Director, Bradley Baron by Tony Nation

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Pamela Kramer, Casting Director and owner of Bradley Baron, who has cast for film and TV as well as hundreds of commercials, industrials, and voice-overs.  Pamela recent film casting includes the independent film, “Torture Chamber”, scheduled for release in late 2012.  Currently, she’s in pre-production for TWO Horror […]

6 Tips On How Actors Can Deal With Loneliness by Stan Popovich

Some actors and celebrities deal with loneliness when they are not in the spotlight. Here is a short list of techniques that actors can use so that the fear of being alone doesn’t become a major issue in their lives. 1.Find An Activity Find an activity that you enjoy and where you can meet a […]