by Brian O’Neil “Where are the Pacinos? Where are the Hoffmans and the DeNiros? What about the up and comers like the guys who made the edgy, grimy films of the 70s so great?” So went the lament during an era when filmgoers had experienced a shift to a newer, softer and younger “model” that had […]
My job as a career coach is to teach actors how to think differently about this business and how they approach it. The events and conversation below took place over a period of more than a year. It began early last spring when an actor contacted me to help him with his auditions for this […]
There are plenty of acting programs for children out there, but how can you tell which program would be a good fit for your child? Whether your son or daughter is looking for major roles or just having fun learning to act, there are several key elements that can reveal whether or not a particular […]
It’s January and most of the graduate acting (MFA) programs will be holding auditions for a few thousand hopefuls who wish to enter. Having been a guest teacher at virtually every top program, and having sometimes been present during the decision-making, here are a few things I have found that are best avoided. 1. Write a […]
Models and actors need to have professional headshots to help them find work. The headshot is often their resume. Many people also enjoy having professional portraits of individuals or families that can be hung proudly in the home. There are many things that go into the best headshots and portraits. An experienced photographer that has […]
Actors are told, wisely so for the most part, to avoid monologues that tell a story. You most likely know the kind. They usually start with “When I was seventeen” or “It happened after I left home” or “I still remember the time” etc. They are usually delivered with a kind of sameness that sucks […]
Here’s something few actors– and their representatives–know about episodic television. I was talking recently to a writer/producer friend of mine who has held that position for years on a major hit New York television show. Here is what he said: “Let’s say there is an audition for our casting director for an episode guest star […]
We’ve all heard the old line in this business, “It’s all about who you know.” I believe that it’s less about who you know and more about how well you know them. One key to success is powerful relationships. So, here are eight simple tips to help you strengthen your professional relationships. 1. ADD VALUE […]
1.) They were written to be performed live. Unlike monologues from film and television, plays are written for one reason, and one reason only. To be performed by a living, breathing human being in the presence of other living and breathing human beings. They are about language. The dialogue of a play moves the […]
Speak Easy caught up with Julian Rebolledo, Sean Kenin, and Ed Lewis, the team behind Shut Up and Talk. Voice actors Rebolledo and Kenin launched Shut Up and Talk in 2001 and for the next seven to eight years, the two coached, produced demos, and taught some voice over classes. In 2008, Julian wanted to […]
