Air Date: 10/26/2023 #282 Improvise and Realize   I was asked to workshop a scripted reality show pilot last week. A sort of send-up on actors in an acting conservatory setting. My job was to help the actors connect and relate to their characters and the other cast members in the project. At first, I wasn’t completely sure how to take on such a task. It needed to look and feel natural for the talent and yet was surrounded by scripted elements. I finally figured it out. A skill that every actor can really use no matter what. We’re going to look at an often under-used technique that can make surprising impacts on your acting. Improvise and realize on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Define improvisation: Spontaneous interactions from a character under special circumstances. Unplanned connections and reactions from the character you are playing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 10/21/2023 #281 Scents of Humor How much importance do we really place on using our five senses? Most of us know  the value of smell, taste, sight, sound but how much do we rely on those senses with  our acting? Better yet, can we use our five senses with our emotions? Take, for  example, humor. Exactly how does funny smell? Sound’s crazy right? Well stick around  because I will take on the important subject of your scents of humor (get it? Not sense  but scents) on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 10/12/2023 #280 Acting on Purpose For some reason, I happen to like double meanings for the same phrase. It can be in the form of a pun or a double entendre. For example, today’s episode is called Acting on Purpose. Well, it can mean acting for a reason or it can also mean having a purpose to act on! Either way, we’ll look into both meanings to uncover the truth about why actors act! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 10/5/2023 #279 Defining your character Part 2 of 2          On our last episode, we talked about the external choices you can make when defining a character. Today, let's dive into what defines you as an actor. Your personal character, your way of thinking, what defines you. on this episode of Casting Actors Cast. Having insight into what makes you, you is really helpful as an actor. The qualities that make up your personality, emotional wellbeing, and physical characteristics are all part of the process when you are working on a role. This is NOT a podcast on psychology, depression or any behavioral science issues. I am not qualified. It IS about looking at who you are and finding similarities between you and who you are playing when acting. Once you are aware of these qualities you identify with, you can then be confident in what you know and what you know to play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date: 9/18/2023          Defining your character Part 1 of 2          When we are blessed with playing a part in a film, tv, or stage production, you have probably done most of the work when it comes to how you are going to play the part. After all, if you auditioned, you worked on a lot of the qualities needed for the role. Maybe you were hired without an audition. Even better. Clearly someone else believes you are right for the role. If you really wanted to dig deep into the character, then it’s time to define your character. This is part one of Casting Actors Cast!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When putting a demo of your acting together, do you know how to decide what should be on it? Demo reels are often asked for by talent reps and casting directors, but sometimes talent doesn't really know what to include. This is the podcast that takes on the question and gives you a memo for demo's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Television and Film credit rolls at the end of a project can sometimes lack real understanding of the actual job. Here are the most important "players" on the set and a job description to help you feel more confident and comfortable. A glossary of personal we use when Coming to Terms! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#275  Air Date: 9/7/2023 “Beats Me” It’s kind of a slang phrase that I don’t really hear anymore. “It beats  me” is usually a response to a question when you don’t have the  answer. Like, “how did that candy bar I was saving suddenly  disappear?”. “Beats Me”. For actors, this is not a great response  when working on a script or audition. There is an expectation that you  have the answer and not a “beats me” statement. Truth is, I’ not sure  what the literal translation really means. For actors, there is another  way to understand beats me. Rather than being beat, using a beat  can be quite useful. Beats, on today’s episode of Casting Actors  Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#274 How to Remain Teachable Air Date: 8/31/2023 I can't believe I'm saying this, but. Here it goes. It's that time of year again. It's  almost Fall. And that means going back to school. Back to auditioning. Back to the  reality of what it is to be an actor. Part of your getting back, is to evaluate where  you are and remain open to others that can keep you moving forward. On this  episode of Casting Actors Cast, I'm going to give you some ideas on how you can  remain teachable.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#273 Working With a Partner Air Date: 8/24/2023 Whether it’s a class, a chemistry read or on the set, working with a partner can sometimes be fraught with challenges (fraught! Who talks like that?). Being a team player and good sport may not always be the most useful approach for you or your partner, for that matter. I don’t mean to imply that you should be difficult to work with. Not at all. There are ways you can make amazing discoveries and rewarding outcomes with your acting and an acting partner while working together. Working with a partner, on this episode of Casting Actors Cast!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#272 Making the Best Choice Air Date: 8/17/2023   In a recent class I was teaching, an actor timidly raised their hand and asked, “How do I now if I am making the right acting choice in an audition for film or TV?” My response was probably a typical one, “Well, decide what is best for you”. I was completely dissatisfied with my answer. First, I was repeating something I heard from an acting teacher I had several years earlier. Second, how do you know what s best for you when you are unsure of what is best for you. Crazy. Today we’re going to explore how you can make the best choice for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#271 You Need New Pictures! Air Date: 8/10/2023                      I really love working with actors. It is a rare opportunity for me to share my professional feedback and advice to actors who are willing to listen. I ultimately think this interaction supplies information that improves the industry for everybody. One area that still remains a sticking point for me are headshots that don’t work. I am mystified by actors or acting students relying on amateur, poorly crafted, badly lit images that don’t even look like you! OK. I don’t necessarily mean you directly….optimum word being necessarily. C’m on. Join me as I give you important information about your headshots so you will not ever need to hear, “You need new pictures!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#270 Back Into It Air Date: 8/3/2023    So, everything we undertake has its own set of challenges. We know this.  Everything worth doing contains the “what if’s”. “What if It doesn’t  happen?”, “What if I can’t find the time?”, What if it doesn’t work out?”.  Actors are well versed in taking on alternative points of view when it comes  to their acting or acting career. It is built into the DNA of being an actor. It  can really affect our sensibilities for better or worse. Right now, we are  paralyzed with the actors and writers strike. It prevents us from even  thinking about the, “what if’s”. Well, to that I can only say, “Lets get back  into it!” Let’s find ways to keep ourselves ready so when external issues  finally resolve (and they will) we will be ready. Back into it is today’s subject  on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Encore presentation from 2020! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Encore presentation from 2020! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeffrey Answers your top 5 questions about being an actor! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The secret to a successful acting career is...wait for it...being curious! Not just your everyday curiosity but a deep dive into three facets of professional life. Jeffrey spells out the acronym P.A.W for you to consider. Are you curious now? Great. You'll love this episode. Check out the YouTube channel Casting actors cast and www.castingactorscast.com Please consider a review so that we can continue to spread the word about this growing podcast!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#269-Representation regrets Air Date: 6/29/2023 I hear this quite frequently, “I like my agent, but they are not sending me  out much” or “My agent doesn’t see me the way I see me” or “I’m afraid of  pissing my manager off because they aren’t pushing me enough and I’m  pissed about it!”. Does this sound familiar? Maybe you are looking for any  representation or new representation. Today, I will weigh-in and offer my  best advice on this episode called, representation regrets. I’m Jeffrey  Dreisbach and this is Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors from a  casting director! Common questions: uncommon answers: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#268-Act As If Air Date: 6/22/2023 Repeat after me, “I have NO Problems…I have situations”. When we can  reframe any issue that we face, we are shifting our negative perceptions  into something less caustic. Problems now become just situations. When it  comes to our acting talent or acting career, we might need to consider re- framing how we feel so we can embrace our progress and not beat ourselves up. I  have a three-word phrase that helps me see another less harmful view of myself.  It’s so powerful, in fact, that this simple phrase can alleviate a whole host of  “situations”! Tune into this episode of Casting Actors Cast and find out how you  can turn acting and career problems into manageable situations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#267 Self-Tape Power Tips Air Date: 6/15/2023          Are you sick of doing self-tape auditions with nothing or little to show for it? Do you stress over how your submissions are being perceived by others. Do you think there might be something missing from your videos that put you in the “no” category? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place! Using today’s power tips for self-tape will quite possibly have you singing, “We’re in the Money” and not, “Stormy Weather”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Give Time, Time Air Date: 6/8/2023  Have you ever noticed how fast the time goes when you are focused on  something important? Or how slow it feels when you are bored out of your mind?  Isn’t that weird? We know that time is a construct and is constant but why does it  shift when we’re in a different headspace? The same can be said about our  acting careers. When things are popping up, we seem to manage quite well.  When things are slow, not going our way, we seem to focus on how slow our  progress is. Giving time, time is one way we can be career minded and not  focused on how slow it sems to be moving. Giving time, time on this episode of  Casting Actors Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded May 25 2023 with a first ever LIVE studio audience at Pearl Studios in New York City, Jeffrey Dreisbach shares some insider information and tips for actors. He'll answer some audience questions as well! Come join the fun with this unique forum for the podcast.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we take a 1 episode break so we can prepare for the live recording of the podcast! Today you can check out a past episode or tune-in next week for the live event presentation! Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Actor “On Hold” Air Date: 5/18/2023 Do you know what “on Hold” means? Well, it can mean many things for actors. It can mean you are being requested and agree to stay available for a booking, for one. It can also mean waiting for another decision to be made. I have a few other uses “on hold” can be used. Today’s episode will be about the other meanings that apply to actors. I won’t keep you on hold any longer. This is Casting Actors Cast. The podcast and video for actors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Organized Actor Air Date: 5/11/2023          Creating an organized workflow is often difficult for actors, I think. The reason has something to do with being an artist and believing that business structure is impeding your creative self. I have a different point of view. It is only when you address your lack of being a well-organized actor will you be able to turn into your artistry and imagination into your best work. The organized Actor on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Create Your Content Air Date: 5/3/2023          A growing number of actors are finding that creating their own content is a front footed approach to advancing their career. It can be a one person play or on-camera YouTube short film. It really is a matter of good writing for the right venue and the energy, desire, and skill to see it through. Let’s check out ways many actors are finding success in creating their own content. On this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keep it Conversational! Air Date: 4/27/2023          Can I tell you something? It may be difficult to hear but when I watch a Zoom audition or Self -tape submission or even a live callback audition, I can tell in seconds if the actor is going to make an impact. Even though the actor may have excellent training or tons of experience, there are certain indicators that can take me away from watching you make truthful moments. Keep it conversational is the subject of today’s podcast and I know that if you stick with me, you will dramatically enhance your audition responses. This is Casting Actors Cast!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Resume Revamp Air Date: 4/20/2023   Your acting resume is like your business card. It serves to make a first-Impression tell people the type of work you do and, most importantly, gives them the information needed to hire you to do that work! Your acting resume should be a constant work in progress; something you update regularly throughout your career and training. It’s time tor revamp your resume on Casting Actors Cast!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ZOOM Auditions; Here to Stay? Air Date: 4/13/2023 OK, so just because I thought Zoom was a designer drug from France three years ago doesn’t make me naïve. I just never used the platform before Covid. Then, suddenly, I was holding meetings and Zoom auditions all the time. Within the blink of an eye, I became an expert on how to audition on Zoom. Agents were asking me to teach their clients. Actors were like, “Can you please let me know if this looks good?”. Schools were trying to get me to teach Zoom acting on Zoom! But now, Covid restrictions are easing up and I just did my first “live” EPA for Contemporary American Theatre Festival (CATF). Now the question is, “Are Zoom auditions now a thing of the past?” Let’s look at the pros and cons of acting on the Zoom platform and answer the question, “Are Zoom auditions here to stay?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audition mistakes and how to correct them! Air Date 4/6/2023   You get nervous before your audition. There is a “fight or flight” response that makes you want to go home and get under the covers. You know the material; you’ve worked on it. And yet, without warning, your hands get sweaty, you have to pee, it’s hard to breathe. Does this sound familiar? Guess what? You are not alone. The mistake is thinking that your nervousness is a mistake! It is not. It is simply part of the process that many actors find hard to control. It is this lack of control that feels so uncomfortable and prevents you from doing your best work. After thousands of auditions both in person and on video, I can tell you that there are common issues I’ve experienced with actors that can sometimes cost them the callback or even worse, the job. Even though the title of this blog is “Common audition mistakes and how to correct them” I prefer to not characterize the following as “mistakes” but rather issues that can move you away from consideration for the role you are auditioning for. See if any of these might apply to you. I will also provide real solutions that can help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The importance of classes as an investment strategy Air Date: 3/30/2023 As the “CEO” of your own company, making the right investments is a good business strategy. After all, you’ve probably spent time, money, and energy into your development as an actor already. Growing your “acting business” is the logical next step. This is where I see newbie actors making less than perfect decisions for themselves. The thinking goes something like this, “I’ve already had an acting class, had new pictures taken and now I am ready to be professional”.  While it may seem reasonable to think this way, there is a vital component that is missing. That is, accounting for ongoing education in your plans. You see, I believe the actor must always improve their skills with classes, workshops, seminars, and any other method of “talent investment”. Incorporating ongoing education into your business plan is critically important. Let’s look at some ways this strategy can help you with your career goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business or Pleasure? Air Date:  March 23, 2023 Whenever you cross the border, a security person behind the counter often asks, “Business or pleasure?”. Isn’t that strange. Like it is one or the other, not both at the same time. Think of it. If you answered, “Both”, then you just might be in for further scrutiny. Are you an actor for business or pleasure? Can it be both? Being a creative person, it is often a challenge to your business abilities while the fun part is less important if you can’t pay the rent. On today’s episode, we’ll explore the answers we give when asked, business or pleasure? Welcome to Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing Mistakes Actors Make Air Date:  March 16, 2023 I’ve heard this statement from actors many times; “I have tried doing (whatever) and it doesn’t seem to work. Or “whenever I try to (whatever it is) something goes wrong”. Many times actors make mistake after mistake because of their limited perspective of the situation. After all, not one teaches this stuff in acting school. We’ll look at the myths and mistakes actors make and how to avoid them on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Date:  March 9, 2023 Spring In Your Step   I love the following catch phrases, “Make your mark, Jump at the chance, you do you, It’s aint over till it’s over, It’s just a matter of time…”. I’m not sure why I am enamored of these simple statements apart from their positive messages they inspire. Sometimes this shorthand version of coping with our feelings is a quick method of moving forward. Here’s one, “ Put a Spring in your step!” Well, soon it’s going to be Spring. New starts, fresh eyes and ways to grow into this new season. Put a Spring in Your Step on this episode of Casting actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stage or Screen, What’s the Difference? Air Date:  March 2, 2023 Here’s the thing. Actors are often told that there is no real difference between acting on stage or on camera. They are told just to, “bring it down…do less”. Well. I say that you’ve been given wrong advice. It often comes from teachers who need a simple way to avoid the truth. After this episode, you will have a clear understanding of what’s needed and the difference between acting on stage or on screen. This is Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors from a casting director! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal Matters Air Date: February 23, 2023 I’ve received many requests from you about legal matters that actors are confronted with during their careers. Being a creative person can sometimes feel that we lack the ability to fully understand the practical side of contracts/agreements. Today, I will do my best to share some thoughts on how to recognize the red flags, the ill-intentioned handshake, and those legal matters that keep us up at night. On this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Importance of Being Ernest Air Date: February 16, 2023 With apologies to Oscar Wilde, I like to think that being earnest means having sincere intensions. While the character in the play, Ernest Worthing, made a mess of it, there is no doubt that his intensions were sincere. I think actors try to do their work with sincere intensions, yet the results can sometimes be unpredictable as well. Lets take a look at why actors have the right intension but still make a mess of it on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Material That Fits Air Date:  February 9, 2023   So, how do you look in Spandex? You know, that tight fitting stretchy stuff usually worn in the gym or dance class? How does it make you feel? I’m not talking about your physicality. I’m talking about why you decided to choose whatever you wear when you are outside your home? OK. The same thing applies to the script material you choose to work on. Whether for an audition or a class, how do you choose the “material” that is best for you? Material that fits, on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s All Greek to Me Air Date:  February 2, 2023   An ancient Greek proverb states that, “Fortune favors the young”.  Although this may seem harsh to those of us that might not fit into the “youthful” category, certain aspects of this phrase make sense. For example, finding representation in the form of an agent or manager early on in a career means better odds for success. In this episode I’ll make the case that the best thing you can do is have proper representation. I’ll break down the myths, issues and benefits so that you won’t be able to say, it’s all Greek to me! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Random Thoughts on an Acting Career Air Date:  January 26,2023   Every once in a while, I decide to not have a central theme for this podcast. Sometimes it is more fun to share some random thought about the state of the industry, audition issues or just plain old advice about show business. Today is just such a day. Random thoughts on an acting career on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uncomplicate Your Acting Air Date:  January 19,2023   Having had a very successful year with the multiple projects we’ve cast at McCorkle Casting, I have come to the conclusion that actors are smart. Really smart. So much so that it is astonishing to see and experience how much talent, training and tenacity today’s actor brings into the audition space. It’s amazing. With all the positive’s, however, there are some universal issues I’ve seen with talent. It’s time we address these issues head on. Let’s uncomplicate your acting on this episode of Casting Actors Cast!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Encore Presentation-We take a "second look" in the form of a comment from a viewer/listener about last week's podcast on Resilience. Next a second look refers to some tips and suggestion about a callback for theatre, film and television from Jeffrey. A really thoughtful exploration on what it means to have a "second Look"! Please like, share and subscribe and show your support. www.castingactorscast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off. You just got a call or email from the agent you’ve been wanting to meet. This could be a crazy great turning point in your acting career! Auditions, roles, bookings here we come! Wait…what are you supposed to do at this meeting? What are they going to ask? What if they don’t like you? What if you blow it? This could be a career killer! Don’t let this get you down. Let’s talk about this in a clam, rational way. You’ve come to the right podio…podcast video. I’m here to help. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach and this is Casting actors…Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audition Check-up Air Date:  December 29, 2022   The New Year can mean a new you! I know, maybe you don’t need a makeover. The new you I am speaking of is a comprehensive, fair, meaningful evaluation of your audition skill set. Are you ready to take on 2023 with a fresh approach to your auditions? Let’s sharpen the pencil and make a list so you can feel amazing about your auditions. It’s the audition check-up on this episode of Casting Actors Cast!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your Holiday Acting Air Date:  December 22, 2022   If you are fortunate to be working over the holidays, then you have been given a gift. Your talent is you giving to those who are watching/enjoying your acting, and you are being given an opportunity to perform. Another gift. Congratulations! I have found that working over a holiday, be I Christmas, July 4th or any special occasion (benefit concert?) has plenty of mixed feelings attached. You might feel excited to have a job but you might also be missing family and friends. In today’s episode, lets find out how to handle the holidays and your working actor gratitude during Your Holiday Acting! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Significance of 243 Air Date:  December 15, 2022   So, when I say the number 243, does that have any relevance to you? Maybe it was an address you remember or a phone number. For me, there is at once an amazing affection for the number and yet it is only  because I make it special. OK. What the hell am I talking about? I’ll tell you the significance of #243 in this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Actor Factor Air Date:  December 8, 2022   I don’t think we understand what is involved when we decide to become an actor. Driven by our rich, creative imagination and a desire for opportunities to act, oftentimes, we lose sight of what being an actor actually means. We shouldn’t let our dreams of being an actor preclude us from understanding those difficult things that need to be addresses. The stresses and unknown variables that can exist, usually paly no part in our dreams. Today, we’ll discuss the bigger picture when choosing to be an actor and hopefully, appreciate the actor factor. This is Casting Actors Cast, the podcast and videos for actors…from a casting director. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brake for Scripts Air Date:  December 1, 2022   I had a hard time coming up with a juicy title for what might be perceived as a boring subject for today’s show. After all, when you hear the term, “Script Analysis” you might feel like a throwback to a mundane intellectual college lecture. What I want to chat with you about is anything but. The ways you read and study a script for an audition or booking can have a significant impact on the results you are hoping for. In this episode of Casting Actors Cast, I’ll apply the brakes and give you some tips on breaking down a script! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices