There isn’t just one ingredient that makes someone a good actor. It has to be a combination of several factors, most notably a mix of talent and drive.

Even the most famous need to sometimes convince directors that they are the right person for the part. Those who are complacent are the ones that don’t work, so never think talent will get you everywhere. Here are the qualities that make up an actor.

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s that exciting time of year again where the stars come out to tout their next big series. Although all series are usually showcased, it’s really a time for new series to get the word out.

It’s also a good time to find out the inner scoop on what shows you should be auditioning for and what ones you’ll be setting your DVR. I already have a few picked out myself.

I’m excited to see what’s up with The Good Wife on CBS. It stars Julianna Margulies as an attorney who goes back to work after her politician husband is caught red handed.

Read the rest of this entry »

Having the right headshot is one of the most important things you need in this industry. Don’t just pick any photographer out of the yellow pages without doing a little research and asking a few questions.

For those of you living in LA or the NYC area, InstantCast makes it simple. We’ve formed great partnerships with professional headshot photographers in both cities–click here to learn more.

If you don’t live in LA or NYC, look to friends or fellow actors who have gotten their headshots done and find out where they went. Get referrals. Ask your acting teacher who they recommend.

Once you narrow your search down to a few choices then now it’s time to find out a little information from the source. Here are a few questions you should ask BEFORE booking your photo shoot.

Read the rest of this entry »

Want one-on-one advice from Casting Director Renee Godbout? Click here to get your own Personal Casting Consultation today!

The best advice I can give any actor is to enjoy your craft and have fun. It’s that simple. And when you’ve stopped having fun, then maybe it’s time to take a break.

When acting becomes a job that you dread going to, your performance quality will drop significantly and so will your desire to make things happen. It’s a difficult career to pursue that only the most dedicated can turn into a successful venture.

That’s not to say you can’t enjoy it as a hobby or part-time job. Sometimes that’s the best way to keep it an enjoyable part of your life. So what do you do when you’ve lost your drive and passion for acting?

Read the rest of this entry »

Shhhhhhh! Acting is just like a normal conversation… and during normal conversations there are moments of silence. Movement and dialogue isn’t always a constant. There are some moments when a meaningful look or contemplative tilt of your head says more than any words could. So, you need to remember to take advantage of real gestures and apply them to your acting. Here are four examples of moments when words aren’t necessary:

Read the rest of this entry »

Want one-on-one advice from Casting Director Renee Godbout? Click here to get your own Personal Casting Consultation today!

Getting a meeting with a talent agent or manager is a big deal. Celebrate your accomplishment but then get prepared. Setting up a meeting is just a first step and you don’t want to blow the rest.

You’ve already established that the agent is interested enough to take time out of his or her busy schedule to meet with you. What you do in your interview should cement the opinion that you’re marketable.

Remember, they want to like you–but it’s all up to you to make that happen…

Read the rest of this entry »

In your first audition there are a lot of big things to remember… like your resume, headshot, memorizing sides or a monologue, and more. But there are many small things to remember that can make a difference.

The last thing you want to worry about are these small things when you are intent on wowing your audience. Here are some very simple “DOs and DON’Ts” that will help keep you confident, relaxed, and ready to impress.

Read the rest of this entry »

Want one-on-one advice from Casting Director Renee Godbout? Click here to get your own Personal Casting Consultation today!

There is a reason the term “rain or shine” exists. You need to be prepared for either scenario. While shooting television or film, make certain you do just that.

I had an actor once yell at me because it was cold and rainy while we were shooting outside and I had said to dress for Spring. I calmly told him that I had also said we were shooting rain or shine and be prepared for outdoor shooting.

It is the actor’s responsibility to check the weather and dress appropriately. So how do you dress for what is being shot and still stay comfortable?

Read the rest of this entry »

Want one-on-one advice from Casting Director Renee Godbout? Click here to get your own Personal Casting Consultation today!

Summer is the perfect time for your whole family to try out showbiz! Now that kids are out of school, it’s the perfect time for new experiences.

If you hear about a movie or TV show shooting nearby, take a chance and see if your children would like to have their first acting experience as an extra. And you’re never too old to get in front of a camera for the first time too!

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s good to know what roles suit you best, but versatility is the key to success. If you find yourself always auditioning for the same parts, try to mix it up a bit.

Steve Schirripa, who played Bobby Bacala on The Sopranos for 7 years, is now playing a father on the ABC Family teen drama The Secret Life of the American Teenager. He was smart to go in a completely different direction and show his range.

Here are some things to remember:

1. Make certain you have a few different headshots that showcase a range of characters you can portray.

Read the rest of this entry »

Want one-on-one advice from Casting Director Renee Godbout? Click here to get your own Personal Casting Consultation today!

I’m not exactly a fashionista, but I know what pops out at me during an audition. It’s your acting that will get you the part… but your outfit will help get you noticed.

Of course, not all attention is good. You need to figure out how to pop without dressing like a circus clown! It’s important to have your own personal style, but make sure you look professional at all times too. Here are a few easy tips to follow:

1. Dress in character as much as possible. Don’t wear a suit if you’re auditioning for a street thug. Help the casting director envision you in the part.

Read the rest of this entry »