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A professional actor’s showreel is one of their most powerful tools for landing auditions and getting work. Alongside your actor’s CV and your headshots, a well put together acting showreel is absolutely indispensable and if you haven’t got one yet, you need to make sure you get one as soon as possible.

While your CV and headshots might get an agent’s or casting director’s attention, it is your showreel that actually shows what you can do as an actor. A good showreel will lead to people giving you a chance, a bad showreel will see you dismissed within seconds. And remember, you only have one chance to make a good first impression!

So what exactly distinguishes a good acting showreel from a bad one? I’ve seen hundreds of showreels over the year and have also spoken to many top casting directors who’ve told me what they look for when viewing a showreel. I also work with the actors I teach to help them create their own acting showreels, so have plenty of experience from both sides of the process.

With that in mind, these are the lessons I’ve learned about what makes a great acting showreel and how to avoid the common mistakes.

 

What to put in your acting showreel

In an ideal world, you will have a load of professional work to choose from when creating your showreel. However, for most people starting out that won’t be the case. You therefore need to look at creating your own showreel from scratch. This means filming scenes specifically to edit together into a showreel that shows the range and depth of your acting.

Make sure the footage you produce is filmed by an experienced director and crew and put together by a professional editor. Your showreel needs to look professional and the best way to achieve this is to have it managed by professionals. Agents and casting directors will instantly be able to recognise the difference and high production values can really help you stand out.

As you start getting professional work, you will need to re-edit your showreel to include examples of your paid acting gigs. Just make sure you are always showing your best possible work – don’t cram stuff in for the sake of showing how much you’ve done. Remember, it’s quality over quantity!

 

Get the basics right

When creating your acting showreel, the same rules apply as for any acting gig. Even if you are paying a director and actors to work with you, you still need to be professional and treat the process with respect.

That means you turn up early, knowing your lines and ready to work hard. The easier you make the process for the director, the more energy they can put into getting a great performance out of you and the other actors. If you don’t know your lines, the director is likely to deal with it by simply breaking the shoot up into short segments they can edit together later. This will harm the overall quality of the performance.

You should also remember to be polite and pleasant to everyone you work with. You never know when they might turn up again at a later date in your career or who they might end up talking to you about. Always act in a way you would want top industry gatekeepers to remember you for.

 

Listen and be present

One of the most important skills you have to develop as an actor is the ability to listen, and listen well. If you are having an acting showreel created from scratch, this may be your first time working with a professional director. Remember that their word is the law. It’s fine to have your own ideas, but ultimately you need to trust the director to do their job and to help you do yours.

You will need to be adaptable during the filming process and understand that the director may need to film something in a different way or at different location to how it was originally envisaged. This is a standard part of the filming process and something you need to get used to dealing with.

You also need to listen and respond in the moment to your fellow actors. It’s not enough to simply recite lines, you have to mean them. Being on film can be off-putting for actors at first, but you have to get over that and learn to live in the moment. The camera will pick up on this and so will people watching your finished showreel.

 

Understand the technical aspects of filming

Acting on film is very different to acting on stage, so there are a number of technical elements of the process you should familiarise yourself with if you want your acting showreel to look professional.

One of the key things to get a grip on is your camera angles. Whether a particular moment is being filmed mid shot, close up, over the shoulder or wide will affect how you need to perform. The type of shot you are in dictates the level of performance you need to give. This means you need to be clear on exactly what the requirements of each shot are so you don’t end up appearing to over or under act in the finished film.

You also need to be up to speed with the demands of continuity. Any actions you take in a scene will need to be repeated in every other take. It’s also important to bear in mind that the director may film a scene 10-12 times from different angles. This means any actions you make (even small ones like fixing your hair or playing with your hands) need to be repeated in exactly the same way in every take so they can all be seamlessly stitched together in the edit.

 

Avoid big emotions

There is a temptation to be lured by the idea that in order to make an impression, you need to go big. However, chances are, you will make the wrong sort of impression. Film acting is generally more about subtly conveying emotions rather than feasting on the scenery. For an acting showreel, it is best to show real and subtle thought rather than big emotions.

Agents and casting directors know if someone can really act on film. They are looking for the subtlety rather than the big obvious emotions. If you do need to go big emotionally you need to be sure that it’s 100% authentic and real, otherwise it will almost certainly look terrible.

 

Get your professional acting career off the ground in just one year

Understanding the importance of acting showreels and how to get them right is just one of the things actors need to know to break into the industry. On our One-Year Ultimate Acting Programme, we teach you both the art of acting and also the business side of the industry. That means when you finish studying with us, you can go straight out and start getting paid acting work.

As part of the course, we will help you create a high quality acting showreel using professional equipment and crew, so you have something to show to agents and casting directors at the end of the process. We also hold an end of term ‘Champagne Showcase’ at the exclusive Industry Private Members’ Club, The Century Club, Soho in London. This event is attended by top agents and casting directors to help you show off your talents and get your foot in the door of the industry.

Places on the Ultimate Acting Programme are strictly limited and by audition only. Spaces fill up fast, so if you want to get your professional acting career off the ground in just one year, make sure to apply and audition by the next deadline.

Ever since she first burst on to our screens as Anthony’s girlfriend in the Royle Family in 1998, Sheridan Smith has been captivating audiences with her endearingly believable performances.

Sheridan’s career has gone from strength to strength over the past 18 years, with high critical praise being poured upon just about every role she has taken on. Whether she’s making us roar with laughter in a touching comedy or cry in a hard-hitting drama, the 35 year old actress displays her incredible range with charm and affability.

I’m not sure if Sheridan Smith would describe herself as a ‘method actor’. However, considering that every performance by Sheridan, both on stage and screen, is commended for its raw realness, it follows that her performances must draw on some of The Method’s core principles.

How She Got to Where She is Now

In 2013 Sheridan won a BAFTA for her portrayal of Mrs Charmian Biggs; the wife of the Great Train Robber, Ronnie Biggs. Later that same year, she also landed the titular role on stage in Hedda Gabler. This 19th century Norwegian play has long been considered the ultimate role for actresses, even being referred to as ‘the female Hamlet’. Before that, however, Sheridan did not undergo the sort of formal training you might expect from a BAFTA winning actress.

Part of the reason Sheridan resonates with so many people around the country is just how relatable and down to earth she seems in every part she plays. This could be, in part, down to the fact that she is an ordinary working class girl. In fact, her first move after leaving school was selling burgers from a van on the motorway in Lincolnshire. She first learnt method acting during her time at the National Youth Theatre, which she joined at the age of 16, and it was her training there which helped to make Sheridan the acclaimed actor she is today.

One of Britain’s Most Beloved Actors

Sheridan got her first big break in comedy TV, when she was cast as Emma in the groundbreaking, hugely popular comedy, The Royle Family. She then enjoyed a more central role in the BBC 3 comedy, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. These parts gained Sheridan a loyal following of fans and caused her to catch the eye of plenty of impressed critics. However, it was primetime hits such as The C Word and Cilla which really made her a household name.

After all, what could be a better confirmation of becoming a household name than landing the starring role in a biopic of one of the nation’s sweethearts? Stepping into the shoes of Cilla Black was always going to be a huge undertaking for any actor. Millions of viewers waited with baited breath back in 2014 to see whether Sheridan would do justice to the star whose career spanned more than five decades. She did not let them down.

Reviews for Cilla were overwhelmingly positive, with most critics citing Sheridan Smith’s extraordinary performance as the highlight of the show. Anna Pukas of The Daily Express praised Sheridan for her ability to capture both Cilla’s ambition and her vulnerability. The Guardian critic Sam Wollaston described how Sheridan became the character so much that it was difficult for the viewer to believe that they were not actually watching a young Cilla Black.

As if bringing a genuinely realistic portrayal of Cilla to the small screen wasn’t enough for Sheridan, she even sang all of the musical scenes live on film. This is unusual, as many actors prefer to record musical sequences in a studio and lip-sync the songs in front of the camera.

Triple Threat

Triple threat is a term we tend to associate with stars from the golden age of musical Hollywood; ‘all singing, all dancing’ actors like Ginger Rogers or Judy Garland. Sheridan Smith’s past performances on stage (and on screen, as seen in Cilla) have propelled Sheridan into this league of all-rounders.

From daytime soaps to Shakespeare on stage, there really is no genre that Sheridan hasn’t applied her method acting abilities to and that includes musical theatre. Her starring role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical earned her high critical acclaim and an Olivier Award in 2011.

She then went on to star as Fanny Bryce in the 2015 West End rendition of Funny Girl. For this part, critics raved about Sheridan’s “unforced lovability” as well as her impeccable comic timing, mischievous facial expressions and charming mannerisms. Of course, her singing ability stood out as well, with particular attention being paid to her roof-raising closing song; Don’t Rain on My Parade.

How Sheridan Brings Herself to Every Role

When Sheridan performed on stage as Hedda Gabler, an unprecedented amount of young people packed out the theatre. This is because, whether she’s playing a lairy 19-year-old in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps or a newlywed in 19th century Norway, Sheridan Smith brings her own youthful, down to earth energy. In other words – she always brings herself to the roles. The Guardian theatre critic applauded Sheridan for the “commendable ease and agility” with which she portrayed Hedda Gabler.

All of the most successful actors understand that they give their most convincing performances when they bring as much of themselves to the role as possible. The mistaken belief that actors should fake emotions often leads to over-acting which the audience can see straight through. Getting to know your authentic self and how to stop faking it are among some of the first things you’ll learn when actors start training at Brian Timoney’s Actors’ Studio.

Draw on Personal Memory

The idea that actors like Sheridan can ‘be themselves’ while portraying such diverse characters that they have nothing in common with might sound slightly confusing. But it is much simpler than it seems. This is because it is not the character back story, words or even wardrobe that Sheridan connects with when she inhibits a character – it is the emotions. Even when you can’t relate to what the character is experiencing, you are almost certain to be able to relate to the emotion they are feeling.

For her audition for the ITV drama, Mrs Biggs, Sheridan was asked to portray the scene in which Charmian Biggs discovers that her 10 year old son has died in a car crash. The raw and real emotion she displayed in this audition is said to have blown the producers away and guaranteed her the role. While Sheridan has never gone through this event herself, she did suffer the tragic loss of her brother Julian when she was just eight years old. In order to tap into the emotions that her character was feeling, Sheridan drew on this memory, which is how she was able to genuinely feel Charmian Bigg’s grief and sorrow.

Top Class Comedy Actor

When many people think of Sheridan Smith, the first thing that come to mind are her hilarious roles in sitcoms like Gavin and Stacey and Two Pints. When she took on the starring role in Funny Girl, critics and audiences alike were left in stitches at her memorably funny take on the character. Theatre critic, Cariad Lloyd, said that she had never seen an actor in a musical so committed to comedy or determined to get a laugh out of every line. She even compared Sheridan to a cross between Lucille Ball and Les Dawson.

So don’t be fooled into thinking that method acting techniques can only be utilised in deep, dark and dramatic roles. Method acting has had a profound influence on many good comedy performances – making them both believable and relatable for the audience. Sheridan’s ability to draw upon method acting techniques in many of her comedy roles have played a large part in placing Sheridan as one of the top stand-out comedy actors of her generation.

Act Like Sheridan Smith

It is Sheridan’s understanding of how to get underneath the skin of a character and bring her own memory, experience and emotion to a role that led Dustin Hoffman to tell her that she truly acts from the heart, offering her a role in his directorial debut, Quartet.

What do you think? Would you describe Sheridan Smith as a method actor?

To learn these techniques and bring your own raw emotions to your acting, you can apply for one of our method acting courses. The three-day method acting boot camp is an intense introduction to method acting, while the one year ultimate acting course delves deeper into the skills you’ll really need as an actor to kickstart your acting career. Do you think you’ve got enough acting potential? Get in touch today to find out more.

 

From casting directors to big-time movie directors, all of them hold your fate in their hands, and all of them need impressing.

But how do you make an impact when there are already so many actors out there whose sister’s husband’s cousin is best friends with the guy in charge? Well, the good news is there are many right moves you can make to get in the director’s good books. However, there are also a number of disastrous ways you could get their attention too. From glitter-bombing to bad conversation: here are a few things you should NEVER do when meeting a director.

 

Ask for a part

So you’re at a party, things are going well, and suddenly you spot a huge movie director. Walking through the crowd up to him in disbelief you grab his arm, smile and say, “I’m such a huge fan, do you have any roles you think I’d be good for?” and flash another smile. He turns to you and politely asks you to leave him alone. Congratulations: you just wasted an incredible opportunity.

Approaching directors as if they are mere stepping stones is a fatal mistake. Treating them in this way and failing to recognise them as human beings with lives outside of the studio will only make them look at you like one of a thousand desperate actors, barely worth talking to.

Unsurprisingly, if you want to give yourself a better shot, you only need to strike up a genuine conversation. Ask them questions, find out about their interests and talk to them about any shared interests you learn about along the way. Just make sure it’s something unrelated to the industry, at least at first. If you get on well and strike up a rapport, then you never know where things might lead. When a role next comes up, you might be the one that springs to mind.

I recently talked about how this really happened for a lucky actress, who bumped into Quentin Tarantino and managed to strike up a conversation about politics with him. They got on so well he ended up casting her multiple times later down the line. Good and lasting relationships are what makes things happen in this industry, and it could all start with, “so, where do you stand on the election results?”.

 

Send annoying gifts

Trying to get the attention of casting directors can seem almost impossible at times. So much so, that is has led some actors to resorting to rather unconventional methods to try and win them round. One such story involved sending a casting director a card filled with glitter! However, there’s a thin line with this sort of thing. Doing something to get their attention like writing a funny note or sending in impressive references is fine, and may even be beneficial to you. Sending them something that will distress them or result in their office being covered in tiny little shiny stars, as in the example above, will only result in them never wanting to see your face again.

Casting directors actively seek new talent by attending numerous performances, so your best bet at getting cast in something bigger is to keep working wherever you can – even if it’s something you don’t want to do. If you get yourself out there you will be seen and your CV will go right to the top of the list- no confetti needed.

 

Let them sleep through your audition

OK, of course they won’t actually be asleep, but they might be on standby. With so many actors to get through, anyone could be forgiven for starting to get a little bored and disinterested. It’s up to you to switch them back on and ensure they pay attention to you – this is your only chance after all. Slam the door as you come in, apologising of course, and speak slightly louder than what you might deem appropriate under normal circumstances. A nice loud vocal warm up will sharpen their senses. Engage them in conversation and if you get it right, not only will you be the ‘wake up call’ they’ve been waiting for, but you’ll leave a lasting impression and as more as is likely – you’ll get the part.

 

Be afraid to use your words

Rudyard Kipling once said

 

“Words are the most powerful drug used by mankind.”

 

You should never underestimate the power of words and the importance of using them well. In an incredible clip featuring hypnotist Derren Brown and actor Simon Pegg, this is demonstrated with the use of hypnotism. In a ploy to get Simon to like a gift Derren has bought, Derren makes Simon want it desperately, through a series of suggestive words and reinforcement. Now while it would be ridiculous to state that you need to go out and become a hypnotist to get a director to want to cast you (although apparently, that might help), what you can do is use a few hypnotist tricks to improve your chances.

Smuggler phrases are words you can sneak into a conversation to subconsciously persuade a casting director to hire you. When you go into an audition and state your name, instead of saying “reading for the role of…” say “I am (the character)”. You can even try something a little more intense: if the director says, “could we ask you to try…” jump in and say “you can cast me anything”, substituting ask for cast, and so on. It may seem strange, or a little unconventional, but risks and tricks such as smuggler phrases do have a tendency to make you stand out, which is often a good thing.

 

Neglect to practice the art of conversation

Whether you’re meeting big players in the industry or trying to get an agent, you should never underestimate the importance of being a great conversationalist. No director will be interested in you if you rarely have anything interesting to say or contribute, even if you could be suitable for a role.

Practice speaking clearly in a pleasant voice people will like listening to. Keep up to date with the news and goings on in politics, as well as industry-specific events and news. To build up those relationships with directors you need to be able to get them interested in you and who you are as a person. Ultimately at the end of the day if you can be charming and craft your conversation carefully- it may very well get you a job.

 

Miss the chance to build contacts

Attending the right parties, having friends in the know or being a descendant of an acting dynasty are all legitimate ways you can build relationships with directors. But for those of us who haven’t yet made these connections or who need to make an impression, trying to meet directors after a showcase or a performance can work wonders. With my One Year Ultimate Acting Programme, students have the chance to meet and network with Hollywood casting directors as well as agents, previous students, and many more big names in the industry. You never get a second chance at a first impression, and with our programme, you can help yourself to make the right kind of impact.

 

To make it as a professional actor you need more than just acting ability, you also need to know how to promote yourself effectively. These days, an acting website is one of the most essential ways to market yourself as it allows you to put all of your promotional material in one easily accessible place that you can simply point new contacts towards.

But does every actor need a website? How do you know whether it’s going to be worth the time and effort? And what exactly does your acting website need to contain? We have the answers.

 

Who needs an acting website?

Pretty much anyone working as a professional actor should have their own website, but it’s important not to get ahead of yourself. The key is that your site has to look professional and do a good job of convincing people that you are a serious, professional-quality actor ready to be hired.

As such, it’s no good thinking you can simply throw a website together with your name and a couple of pictures and think that is going to get you anywhere. If anything, this approach is likely to do more harm than good. Remember, you only have one chance to make a good first impression, so it’s better to wait until you can make a great site than make one as soon as possible just for the sake of it.

Before deciding whether it’s the right time to make a website, you need to understand what it needs to achieve and how this can be done. This will then give you a good indication of whether you should make your site now, or wait until you have the necessary resources to make something more impressive.

 

What is the point of an acting website?

One thing to understand is that just having an acting website probably isn’t going to generate work for you. It’s highly unlikely that casting directors will just stumble upon your site randomly and decide to give you a shot. What is much more likely is that people will be following a link you have sent them or from social media. Alternatively, they might have heard your name and want to look you up (in which case, if you don’t have a website, they may quickly lose interest!).

Either way, your site needs to act as a one-stop shop that shows off exactly what you have to offer as an actor. Its aim should be to clearly establish your acting credentials, which can have a big impact on when you decide to launch your site. For example, if you have no professional training or acting credits with just a few amateur productions to your name, your site is unlikely to convince people to give you professional work. You are therefore better off waiting until you have done some acting classes and got a few decent roles under your belt before putting a website together.

It’s also important that your site contains the right kinds of promotional materials to give a professional impression as there are certain key things casting directors and other industry gatekeepers will expect a professional actor to include on their site.

 

What makes a good acting website?

A good actor’s website will have a clean, easy-to-navigate, professional-looking design. Anything less will make you look like an amateur. The site’s content should include all the standard things people will need to see when making a decision about whether to offer you an audition as well as information about what you’re up to and how to get in touch.

Your acting website should contain:

• Head shots
• Actor’s CV
• Showreel
• Bio (including what acting training you have undertaken)
• News (keeping people up-to-date with your latest and upcoming work)
• Additional images (showing you in action)
• Social media links
• Contact details (email and phone number)

When planning your website, it is a good idea to get these materials together first, rather than thinking you can create the site and add the rest later. As these are the bare minimum agents and casting directors will expect, then there is little point having a site that doesn’t contain them as people will not take you seriously and you will be wasting both your time and theirs.

One thing you definitely should not overlook is making sure your site is mobile-friendly. Casting directors tend to be very busy, so are highly likely to look up your site on their smartphone or other mobile device. It would therefore be really unfortunate if they weren’t easily able to read and navigate your site, so mobile-friendliness is essential!

 

Is it worth spending money on?

If you are just starting out and struggling to make ends meet, splashing out on a professional website design might seem like an unaffordable luxury. The problem is, if you simply try to make your website yourself, it is likely to end up looking rather amateurish. This is absolutely not the impression you want to give off, so it really is worth spending money for a professional web design if you can.

It’s important to remember that your website is an investment, just like your head-shots and showreel. A good acting website will help to generate work by effectively showing off what you have to offer as an actor, so the sooner you can put one together, the sooner you can start reaping the benefits.

 

Find out how to crack the business of acting

Acting is a career like any other – you need to learn how the industry works if you want to get ahead. It’s not enough simply to know how to act, you also have to know how to get out there and find paid work using your acting talent. Our method acting tuition is second to none because we don’t just focus on the artistic side of acting, we also teach you all about the business side of the industry. From making your own acting website to putting together your showreel, learning to ace auditions and how to network effectively, we teach you everything you need to find work and build a viable career.

Our 1-Year Ultimate Acting Programme covers everything you need to succeed as a professional actor, so if you want to turn your acting dreams into your everyday reality, please don’t hesitate and apply today!

To find out more or to enquire about our 3-Day Introduction to Method Acting Bootcamp, please get in touch.

 

 

It would be impossible to have a conversation about history’s great method acting legends without mentioning Heath Ledger. The acclaimed Australian actor rose to fame in the late 1990s and over the next decade, he went on to receive high praise from film fans and critics around the world.

Heath Ledger starred in an incredibly diverse array of films during his career, and won a huge amount of prestigious awards in the process. One role stood out from the rest and that was also, tragically, his last. This was, of course, Heath’s performance as The Joker in the 2008 superhero thriller, The Dark Knight.

Heath’s dedication to this character is possibly the most famous example of method acting in film history. The final months of his life were devoted to the character of The Joker, something that clearly paid off as this ended up being one of the most critically acclaimed film performances of all time. After his tragic and untimely death, this incredible display of acting earned Heath the extremely rare posthumous Best Actor Academy Award.

 

It all begins with research

Heath Ledger was famously committed to the method and used method acting techniques for every role he undertook, one of the most important aspects of which is character research. In fact, it is possible that one of the reasons that his performance as The Joker was so groundbreaking was the sheer amount of time he had to prepare and research for the role.

Director, Christopher Nolan, cast Heath before the script had even been written. This meant that he had an unusually long amount of time to obsess over his character, conduct thorough research and get to know and create a back story for The Joker in an unprecedentedly detailed way.

Apparently, Heath’s character research included isolating himself, beginning an in-depth character diary (which we’ll talk more about later on) and studying other bodies of work which depicted psychopaths similar to The Joker. Christopher Nolan said that Heath closely read A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess and studied the painting of Irish artist, Francis Bacon.

When asked about his preparation process and how he got into character for his role in The Dark Knight, Heath himself said that he locked himself away in his London hotel room for around a month, writing a character diary and constantly experimenting with different voices. It was extremely important to Heath that he created a truly iconic voice and laugh for The Joker, something that anyone who has seen The Dark Knight will agree, he definitely achieved.

All of this intense research and preparation led Heath to create a truly unique character which he described as a

 

“Psychopath – someone with very little to no conscience towards his acts.”

Get under the skin of the character

Method acting techniques teach actors how to draw on their own real life experiences, memories and emotions, and use them to whatever role they are playing. Heath Ledger was fully aware of the importance of seeking his own emotional awareness and applying it to his performance as The Joker.

After conducting all of his in-depth character research, Heath had created a deep and fully dimensional character that he could get under the skin of and understand. This allowed him to become that character for the time that he was filming, and meant that he could invoke the most natural reactions and mannerisms possible.

One of the biggest myths about method acting is that performers have to stay in character at all times. In fact, every performer is different and must utilise method techniques in the way that best suits them. Heath Ledger remained in full costume and make-up all day every day during production of The Dark Knight; however, he did not remain in character. Instead, he would keep the character diary close to hand and when it was time for the cameras to start rolling, he would consult this journal in order to get straight back into the mindset of The Joker.

Of course, The Dark Knight is not the only example of Heath Ledger displaying legendary levels of method acting skill. He also won multiple awards for his trailblazing performance in the 2005 romantic drama, Brokeback Mountain.

Director Ang Lee was completely blown away by Heath’s dedication to this role and has been quoted as describing his preparation as “really deep”. Ang even went so far as to say that the actor kept his teeth clenched and his face scrunched up for around two months, and that he refused to let go of the character. During this time, Heath also became very deeply immersed in the gay rights movement.

One anecdote about the filming of Brokeback Mountain came from Heath’s co-star, Anne Hathaway. She played Jake Gyllenhaal’s wife, Lureen, in the film and has been quoted talking about the incredible devotion Heath Ledger had for the script and for his character.

The story told by Anne Hathaway was that Heath almost broke his hand during filming. During one scene where Heath’s character walks away from his partner, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, he takes a sharp turn into an alleyway and – according to the script – cries with his face in the wall. However, according to Anne, Heath

 

“Really wanted to go there”,

So he ended up punching the brick wall with all his strength. Anne would go on to describe this scene as the moment she realised that Heath Ledger was one of the greatest actors that has ever been.

This is an incredible example of just how much raw emotion actors can process when they use method techniques such as affective memory and sense memory in their performances.

 

Act like Heath Ledger

There is no question that Heath Ledger has made a name for himself as one of the most iconic and celebrated actors of all time. He is a perfect example of someone that all new actors in training should aspire to emulate. If you’re inspired by Heath’s legendary performances, then you will need to study the method for yourself.

Brian Timoney Actors’ Studio offers world class tuition on method acting to suit every student’s availability. Whether you opt for the weekend Method Acting Boot Camp or the year long Ultimate Acting Course, you will learn everything you need to know to use your emotions and senses and transform them into a genuinely convincing performance in the same way that Heath Ledger himself did. We can help you master the method and show you the ropes in the acting industry so you can get started pursuing your dream of being a professional actor.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

 

For anyone wanting to train as an actor, it can be hard to know which kind of training to choose. One of the first questions you need to ask yourself is, what kind of actor do you want to be? There are a number of different popular acting techniques you can learn, so how do you know which types of acting are right for you and your career ambitions?

 

Types of Acting

When making your decision about the type of actor you want to become, you need to think about the types of acting you want to do – theatre or TV and film? Comedy or drama? You then need to assess the different acting techniques and work out which is the best fit for the requirements of your chosen type of acting. Crucially, you need to find out what directors and casting directors are looking for when hiring actors for the kinds of roles you are interested in.

To help you make a decision, we have taken a look at some of the most popular types of acting so you can see what they have to offer.

 

The System

This style of acting can be seen as the root of pretty much all modern acting. The System, sometimes referred to as “classical acting”, was developed in the early 20th Century by Konstantin Stanislavski, one of the most acclaimed actors and theatre directors of his day. His aim was to take the knowledge the most elite actors he had worked with had acquired by trial and error over a lifetime in the theatre and break it down into a methodology that could be taught to students. That way, students could quickly become consistently excellent performers without having to spend decades learning their craft.

Before Stanislavski, actor training had mostly focused on vocal and physical training. Stanislavski’s revolutionary idea was to help actors develop their inner life so they could produce more grounded, realistic performances. He wanted actors to really feel the emotions their characters were feeling each time they gave a performance.

 

“Every person who is really an artist desires to create inside of himself another, deeper, more interesting life than the one that actually surrounds him.” – Konstantin Stanislavski

 

Students of the System are required to become proficient at studying and understanding scripts, so they have a clear idea of the emotions their characters are feeling at any given moment. They then need to be able to consistently summon up those same emotions in themselves on demand. The System therefore has a heavy focus on script analysis and techniques for stimulating the actor’s emotions.

Although the System was first created with regard to the theatre, it became popular with early film stars as the subtler, more nuanced performances it produced were ideal for the close-up acting required on camera. It is still used by some modern stage, film and TV actors, although has mostly been superseded by more modern equivalents, such as the Method.

Famous practitioners of the System include Sir Alec Guinness, Orson Welles and Basil Rathbone.

 

Michael Chekhov

“Real inspired acting is never DOING, it is always HAPPENING” – Michael Chekhov

 

Michael Chekhov was a Russian-American actor and director (and nephew of the famous playwright Anton Chekhov) who studied under Stanislavski before going on to devise his own approach to acting. Chekhov’s techniques also focused on actors creating a rich inner life for their characters, but relied more on imagination than using real experiences.

Chekhov’s approach relies heavily on developing the physical side of a performance, moving away from Stanislavski’s more restrained “real” style towards something bigger and more demonstrative. While the Chekhov technique is still concerned with achieving emotional truth, it relies on the cumulative life experiences of the actor to fuel their imagination, rather than recalling specific experiences to generate each specific emotion.

Considered by some to be a less subtle approach to acting than the System and other modern methods, Chekhov’s techniques were still highly popular within the mid-20th century, used by actors such as Marilyn Monroe, Yul Brynner and Clint Eastwood. It is now more commonly used by stage actors than on screen as its more demonstrative style suits certain types of theatre acting.

 

The Method

Devised by Lee Strasberg, the Method was initially based on Stanislavski’s System, offering a more advanced, modern expansion on Stanislavski’s techniques. As TV and film were increasingly becoming the main media for professional actors, an approach to acting that worked particularly well for the requirements of these media was essential. The Method’s enduring popularity is in large part down to its versatility, allowing actors to produce exceptional performances both in theatre and on film.

Like the System, the Method puts a lot of emphasis on developing an actor’s ability to really feel the emotions they are required to portray. By refining and building upon Stanislavski’s ideas, Strasberg was able to come up with advanced techniques that actors could use to reliably produce real emotions with a depth and nuance unmatched by other acting techniques.

Strasberg devised many innovative techniques, such as affective memory, sense memory and substitution so that any actor, with sufficient training and effort could learn how to produce elite-level performances. The Method also teaches key practices such as speaking out and private moment, which help actors take their skills effectively into a professional performance context. This is particularly important for professional actors as it means they can deliver the goods on stage or in front of a camera, not just in a classroom!

 

“Work for the actor lies essentially in two areas: the ability to consistently create reality and the ability to express that reality.” – Lee Strasberg

 

Method acting continues to be taught and used by actors all over the world, including some of the best-known names in the industry, such as Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio.

 

Stella Adler

Another student of Stanislavski’s System, Stella Adler was also involved with Lee Strasberg’s Group Theatre where she learned about the Method and took on board many of its core ideas. However, like Chekhov, Adler preferred to focus on using the imagination, rather than real experiences, feeling that this was sufficient to produce realistic performances.

Adler’s teaching requires students to put a lot of time into developing the physical and vocal side of their performance, producing actors who are often very proficient at creating realistic body language and strong vocal performances. As with the Method, she also taught her students to develop the link between their senses and their emotions, understanding that senses like smell and hearing have a strong, instinctive connection to our emotions.

 

“Acting is in everything but the words.” – Stella Adler

 

Well-known adherents to Stella Adler’s school of acting include Marlon Brando, Salma Hayek and Warren Beatty.

 

Meisner Technique

A student of Lee Strasberg, Sanford Meisner, produced his own variation on the Method. The Meisner Technique has a very strong emphasis on improvisation and works on a basis of focusing your attention firmly onto the person you are acting with. The idea is that, by carefully paying attention to your acting partners real behaviour, you can react truthfully to them. This means that you are, in a sense, not acting, but simply reacting honestly to your co-star.

 

“Don’t be an actor. Be a human being who works off what exists under imaginary circumstances.“ – Sanford Meisner

 

The one downside with this approach is that it means you are highly reliant on your co-stars in order to be able to give a good performance. Unlike the Method or the System, where your inspiration comes from within, the Meisner Technique requires you to take your inspiration from other actors. This can lead to very naturalistic, truthful performances when two or more highly skilled actors are working together, but can also lead to less reliable results than other approaches when working with less adept co-stars.

Because the Meisner Technique relies so much on improvisation to create a good performance, it is perhaps most suitable for the theatre where there is often more time for a lengthy rehearsal process.

Famous students of the Meisner Technique include Grace Kelly, Gregory Peck and Peter Falk.

 

Theater Games

“Everyone can improvise. Anyone who wishes to can play in the theater and learn to become stageworthy.” – Viola Spolin

 

Devised by American actress and director Viola Spolin, the “Theater Games” [sic] is a series of improvisation games designed to help actors develop their improv skills for use primarily in theatre acting. Spolin taught actors as young as six with her approach, which emphasises fun, creativity and adaptability.

The games involve concepts such as speaking in gibberish, acting like various animals and incorporating emotions suggested by onlookers into a performance. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this approach is highly popular for actors wishing to develop their comedic performance skills.

Building on Spolin’s ideas, her son, Paul Sills, was one of the founders of legendary The Second City improvisational comedy group which has produced such notable talents as Bill Murray, Tina Fey and John Candy.

 

Practical Aesthetics

The creation of celebrated playwright David Mamet and the actor William H. Macy, practical aesthetics takes inspiration from the work of Stanislavski, Meisner and the ideas of ancient Stoic philosopher Epictetus.

This approach breaks the acting process for any scene down into finding answers to four fundamental questions:

1. “Literal” – what, in the most basic terms, is happening in the scene?
2. “Want” – what does the character want the other character/s they are interacting with to say or do?
3. “Essential action” – what key action is the character trying to achieve in the scene?
4. “As if” – what situation from the actor’s own life can they relate the situation to, to help them find the appropriate emotional response?

Practical aesthetics can be seen as a more externalised approach to acting than techniques derived from the System. Although the “As if” approach is also used in Method acting, practical aesthetics is otherwise much more focused on characters’ wants and actions, rather than attempting to create a realistic inner life for the character.

Adherents of practical aesthetics are William H. Mac (unsurprisingly!) and Rose Byrne amongst others.

 

Learn to become a professional actor in a single year

Method acting is one of the most popular types of acting and has been used by 80% of Oscar-winning actors this century. By learning The Method, you can become an elite actor, able to deliver results on demand every time. This is exactly what directors, agents and casting directors are looking for in a professional actor, which is why method acting is so popular in the industry.

At the Brian Timoney Actors’ Studio, you will learn the Method to a level few other acting schools can offer. Not only that, we also focus on the business of acting, teaching you how to find and win roles and build a sustainable acting career. This is what sets us apart from so many of our competitors – we not only teach you how to act, we also teach you how to get regular paid acting work so you can truly become a full-time professional actor.

Our 1-Year Ultimate Acting Programme covers everything you need to succeed as a professional actor, so if you want to turn your acting dreams into your everyday reality, please don’t hesitate to apply today!

To find out more or to enquire about our 3-Day Introduction to Method Acting Bootcamp, please get in touch.

 

 

Your phone rings – it’s your agent. The casting director has been in touch and you’ve been called in for an audition. You should be over the moon – but all you can think of is how scared you are!

What do you think of when you imagine a casting director? If you’re new to the acting industry, probably a shadowy, mysterious figure, quietly deciding which aspiring actors will get their big break and which will go home disappointed. ‘How can I ever impress them?’ you might think. ‘I’m nobody compared to them’.

This mindset is where you’re going wrong. With a few simple tricks that’ll give you a new perspective, you can learn the skills you need for approaching casting directors with confidence. You’ll be wowing them in auditions and doing everything you need to keep your profile fresh in their mind, so when they do have a role that is right for you, you’ll be at the top of their contacts list.

 

Put yourself in their shoes

The first essential step to approaching casting directors is to get past the huge, scary reputation you associate them with, and remember to treat them as people.

Instead of looking at the audition through your eyes, as an actor – try stepping into their shoes and think about what they want. By understanding what they want and tailoring your audition technique to helping them get that, gives you the best chance at making sure they remember you.

Let’s look at what a casting director does, to get some insight into their problems.

 

What does a casting director do?

Casting directors are essentially the bridge between the actor and the director. Often, you won’t even meet the director before you’ve got the job – they can review your showreel and make a decision about whether to hire you based on that. The casting director’s job is to shortlist the best actors for a role.

Casting directors have established working relationships with a selection of trusted agents. When they’re casting a production, they’ll call up these agents and hand over a cast breakdown. This gives information on what kind of actors the director or production company is looking for. The agent will call up anyone on their books who meets these specs, and send their CV’s, showreels and photos on to the casting director.

Based on this information, the casting director shortlists a handful of potentials for the role and calls them in to audition. These will determine who they recommend for the role to the director and producer.

The key takeaway here is that the casting director’s reputation is on the line with every actor they select. They need you to be the best you can be as not only does it make you look good, but it makes them look good too!

Just like you, casting directors are under huge pressure to perform well. You’re more alike than you think.

Not so scary after all, right? With this in mind, your mission walking into the audition room is simple:

Make their job easy.

If you can show up at the right time and bring your utmost to the audition room by going prepared, you’ll be giving yourself the best possible shot when approaching casting directors.

 

Get the timing right

To give yourself the best chance at being hired onto a project, you need to show up on the scene just when the casting director needs you. Casting directors are incredibly project-focused- this means they will be absorbed in whatever show or production they are currently casting, and will only be interested in actors who can fit the roles they’ve currently got.

How do you find out what projects a director is currently casting? Use your detective skills and head to Google. IMDB Pro is a reliable first port of call. You can also leverage your network- ask around and see if anyone has any inside tips on upcoming castings that they think will suit your character and acting type.

If you hear word that a casting director is looking for actors of your type, that’s your chance to go for it. This is the time they’ll be most receptive to you.

 

It’s all about preparation

 

“There are moments in time when you do get very lucky; but you have to be prepared when that door opens for you.”
David Rapaport, casting director (“300″ “The Matrix Reloaded” “Final Destination”)

 

You’ve heard this a million times, but the number one way to stand out from the crowd and show respect for a casting director and their project is to come prepared to your audition. Yet, no matter how many times you may have heard it, there are still countless numbers of actors who turn up to auditions unprepared. Don’t be one of them. Never make excuses.

No matter how little time you have, you can always find the time to prepare properly. If you don’t, you’re risking your reputation as a professional actor. Imagine you were a plumber – would you turn up to unblock a sink without bringing the equipment you need to get the job done? The same applies to acting. Make sure you come equipped with what you need to deliver and keep these three guidelines in mind:

• Read the script as soon as you receive it
• Research your character and the production
• Think about ways you can bring a unique and creative angle to the script.

The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you’ll be – and this means you’ll be able to let loose and show off your skills. Check out Brian’s podcast on preparing for auditions for some more hints.

Preparation has a huge impact on who gets selected, especially for smaller roles where professionalism plays a big part in the selection process.

Commercial castings are also highly dependent on preparation. They need to make a very quick decision- if you make things easy for them by showing up on time and being at the top of your game, you’re in with a considerable chance.

 

No effort is wasted

Even if you don’t land the particular role you’re auditioning for, if you’ve prepared well you can be sure the casting director has made a note of your professionalism. Chances are they’ll remember you, shift your name closer to the top of their contacts list, and call you back to audition when they think they have a role that fits. You’ve shown them you will put in your all for any project, and that’s what they need to see.

As you build a relationship with a casting director, you’ll become more and more comfortable auditioning in front of them. You’ll feel empowered to try new things and find more creative twists for your characters – and this means you’ll be more likely to land the part!

 

Approaching casting directors- Mistakes to avoid

Understanding the casting director’s mindset will help you avoid small mistakes that might cost you the audition. A great example of this, mentioned on Brian’s podcast, is showing up and saying you didn’t have time to read the script as you only got it the night before.

Chances are, the casting director is under the same time constraints and hasn’t had the script much longer than you! Blaming a lack of preparation on when you received the script therefore, is unlikely to wash. You’ll only come across as disinterested and unprofessional.

Don’t apologise or make excuses for your performance – get in front of the camera and perform your best, whatever your best is on that particular day. From there, it’s out of your control, so there’s no reason to be nervous!

Another key tip is to ensure that the audition runs as smoothly and quickly as possible. This shows understanding for the casting directors busy schedule. To do this, make sure you avoid:

• Bringing bags, books or other items with you into the audition room- these take time to pack up afterwards, when you want a smooth exit
• Wasting time with unnecessary small talk- get in, do your piece, and give it your all in the moment
• Asking questions that you could answer with a bit of research beforehand- this shows you haven’t fully prepared for the audition.

 

Finally- Believe in yourself!

 

“Be fearless..If this is your passion, then go for it…You don’t need our approval!”
– Victoria Burrows, casting director (“King Kong”, “The Hobbit”, “Castaway”, “Flight”)

 

If a casting director chooses to call you in, you’ve got a chance! Don’t cheat yourself out of it by not having confidence in yourself. Dismiss negative thinking- bring your best game to the auditions. All you can do is your best – and if you’ve followed our tips to get inside the casting director’s head, you’ll be in with your best possible chance.

If you’re serious about transforming your passion for acting into a career, Brian’s courses can propel you into the world of showbusiness successfully. For an intensive kickstart, sign up for his next Method Acting Bootcamp. Alternatively, Brian’s one-year Ultimate Acting Programme has its next intake in May 2017. This course includes a week spent in LA, where you’ll meet two Hollywood casting directors! You’ll also get an exclusive private screening of your work with a leading UK casting director at the end of the year. Contact Brian for more information, or sign up for the course here.

 

To develop a successful professional acting career, you have to know how to effectively promote yourself. In effect, you can think of yourself as a one-person business where the commodity you are selling is your acting ability. No business succeeds without good marketing and the actors who build sustainable careers are usually those with the right combination of acting talent and self-promotion skills.

Learning how to market yourself may not seem like the most exciting part of working as an actor, but if you overlook this key part of the profession your career is likely to suffer significantly. It’s no use being a fantastic actor if nobody ever finds out about you, after all!

All of the most successful actors you can think of at one time or other figured out how to market themselves to the right industry gatekeepers in order to get ahead. If you want to make a living as an actor, you need to learn how to market yourself too. Fortunately, we have some essential pointers to help you on your way.

 

Putting together a promotional package

If you are aspiring to be a professional actor then at the very least you need to have three key marketing tools: an actor’s CV, head shots and, ideally, a showreel. These three things show agents and casting directors your previous acting experience, whether amateur or professional, your “look” so they have an idea what kind of roles to put you in for and your actual acting ability. With these three different types of information, agents and casting people can make an informed decision about where you might fit and what kind of opportunities they may want to offer you.

It’s also worth putting together a press kit as soon as you have enough to fill one. This will contain more detailed evidence of your achievements to date, such as photos and press clippings, plus useful information such as your website and social media profiles. This can be highly effective when selling yourself to agencies and gives them something to talk about when promoting you for potential projects.

 

Internet marketing for actors

What’s the first thing most casting directors and agents will do when considering a new actor? Head straight to Google and see what they can find out about them. This is why it is absolutely essential that all aspiring professional actors have a strong online presence. The more visible you are online, the more of a serious, “real” actor you will appear to be.

So what do you need to do online? The first step is to create a professional-quality website. There are all sorts of things to consider when creating your acting website, but perhaps the most important ones are that it looks and reads like it has been professionally produced, it contains all the key information from you promotion package and it can be easily updated by you. This last one is easy to overlook, especially if you pay someone else to make your site for you. Unless you are particularly good at coding websites, you should have your site built using an easy to use content management system such as WordPress. This will let you make updates yourself when you have new acting credits, photos or clips to upload without having to pay the original developer extra to do this for you.

It’s also increasingly important to know how to use social media to promote yourself and to connect with other industry players, including fellow actors, directors, agents and casting directors. Social media can allow you to stay up-to-date with all of the latest opportunities and is also a chance to keep reminding key people in the industry that you exist so they are more likely to think of you when a suitable part comes up.

 

Old-fashioned networking

As valuable as online marketing can be, you shouldn’t neglect good, old-fashioned face-to-face interactions. Knowing how to network can allow you to build much stronger connections with people than you will purely online. Most people are more inclined to remember and think positively of someone they have met in real life as they will see you as more of a real person, rather than just another name on a screen.

So where can you go to network with the right people? Industry events, premieres, launch nights, parties – essentially anywhere that industry insiders are likely to be can present an opportunity to get your face and name out there and make a positive impression. Just remember, never be too pushy as that will put people off and don’t forget the golden rule of networking – always have something to offer other people before you start asking for favours from them.

 

Choosing your targets

All forms of marketing rely on choosing a specific target audience and tailoring your efforts towards them. Ask yourself: what are you trying to achieve and who will help you achieve it? If you are trying to find an agent, what they need from you will be different to what casting directors are looking for. If you are looking to connect with other actors who might be able to put in a good word for you or let you know about opportunities, your approach will likely be quite different to how you would interact with a casting director.

If you understand who you are targeting your marketing towards, you can adjust your tactics to give those people the information they need in a way that they are likely to find useful and engaging. This massively increases your chances of success and shows that you understand how the industry works, enhancing your image as a real, professional actor.

 

Do your research

Marketing, for actors and any other industry, is much more effective when informed by detailed research. Find out which agents represent actors of your type and who has been most successful at placing those actors in the kind of roles you are interested in. Get the names of every casting company in your area and make sure you are following them on social media. Likewise look up production companies, audition listing sites and anywhere else that can give you information on upcoming opportunities.

When approaching agents and casting people, find out how they like to be contacted and exactly what information they require. These days, virtually everyone will want you to get in touch via email and they will expect to see your CV, head shots and showreel (and potentially your press kit). However, everyone has their own quirks, so it’s always best to phone up first and speak to someone so you can make absolutely sure you are sending through everything they need to make a decision.

 

Build your professional reputation

This might not sound like marketing, but having a good reputation can have a strong impact on your chances of making it in this industry. Whether you are going for an audition, rehearsing for a role or performing, always make sure you behave in a respectful professional way towards everyone you meet. Don’t underestimate the value of being seen as someone who is pleasant and easy to work with. This can be just as important as your actual acting ability when it comes time for people to decide who to work with.

And never forget that just because someone is bringing you cups of tea or photocopying scripts today, doesn’t meant they won’t be someone with the power to make or break your career in a few years’ time.

 

Create your own portfolio

It is becoming increasingly common for actors to create their own opportunities by writing and/or producing their own material. Whether it is a play, short film, web series or any other kind of production you can develop yourself, nothing helps you sell yourself as effectively as good quality work on your CV and in your showreel.

If your experience is a bit thin on the ground, get proactive and start looking for people to collaborate with. By creating your own work, you are not only producing valuable examples of your acting ability for your portfolio, you are also showing that you are a dynamic, hard-working person with lots of initiative. This can make you much more attractive to agents and casting people.

Creating your own work is also likely to give you a much better understanding of all aspects of the production process, which can only benefit you as an actor. It’s worth bearing in mind that some of those projects may even take off, meaning they could be a road to success in their own right. After all, nothing helps you market yourself more than previous successes.

 

Learn how to make it as an actor

Becoming a successful professional actor requires a combination of elite acting ability and a strong understanding of how the industry works so you can land the auditions and roles you need to build a career. Our courses include world-class method acting training, so you have the acting chops to stand out. They also equip you with a deep understanding of the industry so you can effectively take your news skills to the market and start getting work. So, whether you want to learn about marketing for actors or any other aspect of the acting industry, we can teach you everything you need to know.

Our 1-Year Ultimate Acting Programme covers everything you need to succeed as a professional actor, so if you want to turn your acting dreams into your everyday reality, please don’t hesitate and apply today!

To find out more or to enquire about our 3-Day Introduction to Method Acting Bootcamp, please get in touch.

 

 

 

“You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” Walt Disney

 

Every good actor should be prepared to face rejection, and every single one will have been knocked back at one time or another- even the most successful actors. It’s just the way it goes sometimes, but it should never be a reason to give up. In fact, audition rejection can be a very important learning tool, particularly when you’re just starting out and can be vital for your professional development.

Ultimately casting directors are going to choose the actor best suited for the role, and if that isn’t you, you have to remain positive and keep trying. There are good ways and bad ways to deal with audition rejection, and as a newcomer, one of the best things you can do is learn how to be graceful about it.

 

Take it Like a Pro

It is important to remember that show business is a business and those in it depend on their work to make a living – the same as in every other industry. Audition rejection is a part of this: if you aren’t cast then there will be someone more suited to the role who is. Good casting means a higher chance of a successful production and a good payday for those involved. It’s not something to be upset about- it’s just business.

That, of course, doesn’t mean to say that acting is not still an artform and those going for roles don’t care about being rejected. It can be upsetting to miss out on a desirable role, and there are some great do’s and don’ts you can follow to help you deal with it like a professional.

 

Don’t be afraid to show your feelings

However much you rationalise it – rejection feels bad, whatever form it takes. Internalising your disappointment and sadness will only lead to feelings of worthlessness, so it’s best not to try and dwell on it for too long. Talk to those around you about how you feel, cry if you need to, go on a fun night out. Express your emotion and give yourself the chance to move on and get over it.

 

Don’t assume you did a bad job

Just because you didn’t get a call-back doesn’t mean you gave a terrible audition. If you thought it went well but have been rejected from the process it might feel confusing and upsetting. In that case, it’s probably just as simple as you weren’t what they were looking for. They might be looking for someone who is, say, slightly taller, or maybe gave a better accent or was just a different type of actor.

 

Don’t get angry and fight your corner

Throwing a tantrum and verbally abusing the casting director will get you in hot water very quickly. At the end of the day they are in charge and they get to make the decision. Demanding a re-read or openly criticising their choice will not only cement their decision not to cast you, but will also make them increasingly unlikely to cast you in anything in the future. Keep your cool, remain professional and don’t lose your temper, failing to do so could end your career before it’s even started!

 

Don’t let it dissuade you from acting

Self-pity can get the best of all of us sometimes, but letting rejection affect the way you feel about yourself and your chosen career is not a path you want to go down. If you feel like you’re consistently facing rejection and are often told that you aren’t good enough, there are other options aside from giving up entirely. You can invest in some professional training and acting courses to get your skills back on track or give yourself a short break to assess your goals and career aspirations. If you’ve chosen to become a professional actor that means you’ve invested time, money and energy, so it’s important you keep trying despite how difficult it may get sometimes. Audition rejection is a universal ailment amongst actors that everyone has gone through at some point. It’s only by staying resolute and refusing to give up that you can finally get through to the other side.

 

Focus on what went well

After each audition try to think of three things you did that were positive. Whether that was getting a compliment on the particularly powerful delivery of a line, a confidently delivered slate or mastering a difficult verse. Congratulate yourself – they are all achievements that show how well you’re developing in your audition technique.

 

Make rejection your motivation

Being rejected after an audition feels bad, so why not turn some of that disappointment into determination never to let it happen again? Build yourself up, and put all of that energy into working towards your next audition. If you want to make the casting director feel like they should have chosen you – make it happen! Blow everyone in your next audition room away and make them wish they’d realised how great you are!

 

Do make plans afterwards

Not getting a part can leave you feeling down and depressed. Do yourself a favour and make sure you have plans to meet friends or do something after an audition. It’s hard to dwell on disappointment if you go straight from the audition room to a trendy restaurant or art gallery with friends or a partner to distract you.

 

Analyse your performance

While it’s important to keep your motivation up and move on after an audition, it is crucial that you make sure you take some time to analyse it. Whether you believe it was your fault or not that you missed out on the part, you will never be able to improve as an actor if you don’t look over your work and find points for improvement. Even if it went well, just as you should make notes on positive points, make a list of negative points, or things that you believe could have gone better. It may be tough at the time, but it’s only by realising your weakest points that you can work on them and turn them into strengths.

 

ALWAYS take something from it

The great Walt Disney once said:

 

“You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

 

Harsh? Maybe, but the truth is, audition rejection happens for a reason, and most of the time there is something you can get out of it. Whether that’s learning a few things you might need to improve on in your performance, or realising that you need to aim for slightly different roles, there’s a good chance that whether you get the part or not- there’s always going to be a benefit to your time in the audition room.

Sometimes you need to face audition rejection to fully realise what you’re doing right – and what you’re not. Thinking of it as a learning experience is the best way to deal with being turned down for a role. Taking some time to think about what you could do better next time will ensure you continue to develop as an actor and increase your level of professionalism.

You can learn more about giving a great audition and navigating the acting industry in my Ultimate Acting Programme. If you find yourself frustrated and lost in your career, or want to realise your dream of becoming an actor for the first time, our world class acting training could be just the thing to give you the break you’ve been waiting for and equip you with the skills you need to ace those auditions.