The DistantPlay Project

  Take note of the time you are asked to come in. If you are scheduled at a specific time, make sure you arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes before it. This gives you time to relax and prepare yourself. If the caster mentioned a time range, let's say 9:00 am to 2:00 pm; be in the venue at the earliest possible time for you. For most actors, they prefer to be in the first 10 auditionees since casting can also  be tiresome for the selecting panel. (Photo by Ross Snedon, unsplash.com) Always carry a print of your headshot or set card in case someone asks for it. (Learn to make a setcard and headshot here.) Wear plain colored clothes. You may dress for the role you are auditioning for but do not take this literally. For example, if it is a doctor's role, you may opt to wear a light-colored long-sleeve button-down shirt and slacks. Bring a tumbler or bottled water, a pen, make-up for a quick touch-up, breath spray/mint candy.  Relax by doing a quick breathing exercise. Inh...

        You have your set card, your headshot and a video of a sample monologue. Now how do you get enough acting projects to produce an acting reel?  (Photo by Andrew Neel, unsplash.com) Apply to student film productions. Almost all-year round, film students are producing short films for their school requirements. Be on the look-out for casting calls online. Join Facebook groups dedicated to Castings and Auditions.  Use your contacts and networks. Ask your friends who are in the same industry to introduce you to agents or add you to Facebook and Viber groups.  Read the casting requirement carefully. Make sure that you qualify for the role they are looking for. Follow directions. When casters request you to email your set card, don't send it via messenger or Viber. Not being able to follow casting instructions may give a negative impression that you may be hard to direct as an actor.  Be patient. Don't focus and wait on one project. Casters have a...

            We often hear that acting is reacting. But what happens when you do not have a co-actor to react to? How do you do this in a monologue and what can you use to trigger your emotions? This is where our imagination becomes our most important tool. Below is a very basic and simplified way for you to quickly analyze a scene. (Photo by Mike Palmowski, unsplash.com) Where are you? When you read the script, take note of the location of the scene. Knowing the location affects how someone speaks and moves. For example, if you are in a crowded restaurant and someone is arguing with you, you will more likely speak in a hush than openly shout. Who are you speaking to? Now let's say the person you are arguing with at the crowded restaurant is your mother. Imagine how you will speak to her. But the way you speak will likely be different if we change the mother to another character like let's say you are talking to your son or a family lawyer. What is happ...

      It may sound surprising to some people but being in front of the camera can be nerve-racking. In fact, the camera lens can be more distracting than having a live audience watching your performance. So how do you make yourself accustomed to acting in front of the camera? (Photo by Skycraft Studio, unsplash.com) Work on your focus and concentration.  Find a quiet place where you can be alone, undisturbed and preferably with a blank wall at a comfortable distance in front of you. Put a marker like a piece of tape or a post-it on the wall.   Sit on a chair or on the floor (whichever is comfortable for you) and keep your back straight. Start by making deep and controlled breaths. You may close your eyes if you need to. Once you feel relaxed, open your eyes and look at the marker.  Continue taking deep breaths and pay attention to the calmness it brings your body. Try not to pay attention to any noise around you.  Do this for a minute every day. ...

         (Photo by NordWood Themes, unsplash.com)    “What is a setcard?” is a question I see frequently on the comment sections of casting groups and so I thought it is best to talk about the materials we need to start a career in acting. Besides, before you can meet agents or casting directors face-to-face, these materials are what they will ask you to send them so they can decide if they will call you in for an audition. A.     Headshot        A Headshot is a close-up photo printed on 8R-size (8 x 10 inches) photo paper with your name placed on the bottom center or bottom corner and your 1-page resume pasted at the back. Things to consider when creating your own headshot: 1.      Do not overdo your make-up. The very first thing to remember is that your headshot should look like you so use minimal make-up. You will also be advised to update your headshot if there’s an obvious change in your hairstyle like...

We always hear the saying that being an actor is like wearing other people’s skin. And it is. Portraying a character can require not only wearing make-up and costumes because for a character to be effective, he/she also needs memories, personal thoughts, culture, beliefs, etc… but we’ll get on to that in another class. For now, let’s get to know yourself. As a first step towards your journey to becoming an actor, I need you to ask yourself two important questions. (Photo by Jon Tyson, unsplash.com)   1.       What is your own definition of an actor? Forget about Webster definitions. In your heart and in your own words, define what an actor is? What makes it special to be one? What purpose does it serve? Write it in your acting journal and once you’re done, I need you to ask yourself…   2.       Why do you want to become an actor? Write down why you are passionate about it, what personal goal(/s) you have that is in-line with this ca...

(Photo by Timothy Eberly, unsplash.com) When I decided to start a career in film acting, I didn’t have anyone to guide me on what to do or what to prepare. Equipped with a bit of courage and acting tools I got from way back in school theater, I went to audition after audition until I finally booked gigs.  This workshop includes practical tips and information I gathered along the way, combined with useful tools I learned from acting workshops. This is only an alternative for anyone who wants to have an idea of what to expect in an acting class, for those who want to attend a class but are experiencing financial and transportation challenges, or for those actors who need a quick review of their basic acting lesson. Keep in mind that in-person workshops are a different experience and still very highly recommended. Enjoy learning and thank you for letting us become a part of your journey! Go to Beginner's Guide to Acting - Part 2: Knowin...