Casting Actors Cast
236 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsThe Podcast for Actors from a New York Casting Director with Jeffrey Dreisbach
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Episodes
Take Stock of Summer
April 18, 2024 17:00 - 21 minutes - 16.3 MBWelcome back to Casting Actors Cast your go-to destination for all things theatre and acting. I'm your host, casting Partner with McCorkle Casting, Jeffrey Dreisbach, and today, we're delving deep into the world of summer theatre acting opportunities. Summer theatre isn't just about sunshine and warm nights; it's a vibrant playground for actors to sharpen their skills, explore new horizons, and forge lasting connections. So grab your metaphorical sunscreen and join me as we uncover the magic...
Acting with Authenticity
April 11, 2024 17:00 - 17 minutes - 13 MBEpisode # 306 Acting with Authenticity Air Date: April 12, 2024 Staying authentic in performances is a constant pursuit for actors. Here are several ways they work to maintain authenticity!
Secrets to Acting Success
April 04, 2024 17:00 - 12 minutes - 9.91 MBEpisode # 305 Secrets to Acting Success Air Date: April 5, 2024 Let's chat about the secret sauce that successful actors sprinkle on their careers
Mission Impossible-Finding an Agent
March 28, 2024 19:01 - 18 minutes - 13.7 MBEpisode # 304 Mission Impossible-Finding an agent Air Date: March 28, 2024 Let's chat like we're grabbing coffee and talking about breaking into the acting scene. So, you're all pumped to get representation, right? Awesome. Here's the lowdown
Turn Setbacks into Comebacks
March 21, 2024 17:00 - 19 minutes - 14.6 MBEpisode # 303 Turn Setbacks Into Comebacks Air Date: March 21, 2024 Turning setbacks into comebacks is practically an art form in the acting world. Here are some savvy moves that actors often pull to rise from the ashes of disappointment: Learn and Adapt: Take setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Maybe you didn't snag that role, but each audition is a chance to fine-tune your skills. Adaptability is key in this ever-changing industry.
The Choice is Yours
March 15, 2024 17:00 - 12 minutes - 9.47 MBEpisode # 302 The Choice is Yours Air Date: March 14, 2024 I am often asked the following question. “How do I know if I'm making the right choice?” Actors would like to know how to play the character so that when they are acting, they have good ideas about how to play the character. The insecurity comes from not trusting your instincts. Sound confusing? Let's make it right. The choice is yours. On this episode of Casting Actors cast, the podcast and videos for actors from a casting profes...
The Truth About EPA's
March 07, 2024 18:00 - 17 minutes - 13 MBEpisode # 301 The truth about EPA’s Air Date: March 7, 2024 Equity Principal Auditions (EPAs) are auditions organized by the Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the labor union representing actors and stage managers in the United States. These auditions are specifically for actors seeking principal roles in Equity productions, which are professional theater productions that adhere to certain labor standards and conditions set by the union. The question that needs to be answered is, “are the...
What, Me Worry?
February 29, 2024 18:00 - 22 minutes - 16.9 MBEpisode # 300 What, Me Worry? Air Date: February 28, 2024 New actors often have several concerns as they enter the world of acting. It can seem quite daunting and stressful. Many of these concerns can be solved, however, if we look at each one and say, “What, me worry?” We’ll tackle some of the common concerns right now on Casting Actors Cast.
Strike Back!
February 22, 2024 18:00 - 15 minutes - 11.5 MBHow to get back to work after the strike STRIKE BACK! Air Date: February 22, 2024 So, every task we take on has its own set of challenges. We know this. Everything worth doing contains the “what if’s”. “What if It doesn’t happen? (the role you’ve auditioned for)”, “What if I can’t find the time? (start auditions again)”, What if it doesn’t work out? (finding a new agent)”. It is built into the actor’s DNA to “what if” just about every career issue. It can really affect u...
Becoming an Actor in NYC
February 15, 2024 18:00 - 21 minutes - 16.1 MBBecoming an actor in NYC Air Date: February 15, 2024 Becoming an actor in New York City involves a combination of education, training, networking, and perseverance. Of course, there is risk involved. Anything worth doing has risks. You can, however, increase your chances for success if you approach your planning in a straightforward way. I will assume you have a place to live, some form of income and some acting training. Having these in place, we can now address the next phase of your New...
The Callback
February 08, 2024 18:00 - 12 minutes - 9.02 MBAir Date 2/8/2024 You got a call back? Now What! I find it quite humorous when I call an actor to offer a callback after their audition. Sometimes the actor seems genuinely surprised. As if they are caught off-guard with unexpected news. I know that auditions come with their own set of doubts, nerves and issues but the callback should be a happy event and not a surprise. That said, when the callback happens it is time to take a breath and take the next step. Preparing for a callback on ...
Which Acting Method?
February 01, 2024 18:00 - 11 minutes - 8.56 MBAir Date: February 2, 2024 Episode #296 Which Acting Method? There are various acting techniques that actors use to approach their craft. Different techniques appeal to different actors, and often, actors may use a combination of methods. Here are some specific types of acting techniques on this episode of Casting Actors Cast!
Rejection Direction
January 25, 2024 18:00 - 17 minutes - 12.6 MBAir Date: January 25, 2024 #295 Rejection Direction Handling rejection is an essential aspect of an actor's journey, and it's something that every actor faces at some point. Moving forward in the right direction will make the difference when experiencing rejection. Here are eight strategies that actors use to cope with rejection, happening right now, on this episode of Casting Actors Cast
College Showcase Breakdown
January 18, 2024 18:00 - 17 minutes - 13.1 MBAir Date: 1/18/2024 #294 College Showcase Breakdown I’ve had a bunch of interactions with many actors in training from colleges, universities and professional training programs of late. It’s typical this time of year, for many of these schools to “showcase” their graduating talent. Often, the schools rent space in New York, or LA, Chicago or elsewhere and offer an hour or so of their aspiring talent to perform for invited agents, managers and casting directors. The purpose is...
Self-Tape Tweaks
January 11, 2024 18:00 - 28 minutes - 20.8 MBAir Date: 1/11/2024 #293 Self-Tape Tweaks We’ve seen a ton of self-tapes come in for our film and theatre projects of late. I have to say, the submissions are getting so much better than during COVID. There are still some actors that should review the way they are submitting themselves. I think it’s time to let you in on some power tips that can up your on-camera game and move you into the yes column. Here is a reminder podio (podcast video) that we are calling self-tape tweaks. C’mon,...
Oh No! Another New Year?
January 04, 2024 21:34 - 24 minutes - 17.6 MBAir Date: 1/4/2024 #292 Oh No! Another New Year? I think every time we bring in a new year, we have the best of intensions to make the upcoming year even better than the year before. We “resolve” to do things better or make commitments to our self-improvement. The beginning of a new year brings the hope and optimism of what might be waiting for us in the weeks and months ahead. Well, as an actor, I am sure you have thought about next year’s, role’s and performing opportunities. The que...
Being Punctual
December 28, 2023 18:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBAir Date: 12/28/2023 #291 Being Punctual In case you haven’t noticed, many episodes of this podcast have been about acting choices we can use to create our characters. We’ve shared the value of vocal pitch, the beauty of pace and making moments with beats. The last of these tools in our tool kit is often overlooked and underappreciated. I’m talking about the writer’s emotional/technical shorthand found in every script. That is, punctuation. The title of this episode is being punctual b...
Perfect Pitch
December 21, 2023 18:00 - 20 minutes - 15 MBAir Date: 12/21/2023 #290 Perfect Pitch Of all the tools actors can draw upon when working on playing a role, the voice is possibly the least thought of yet most valuable. Sure, we all remember our vocal training and maybe even our singing lessons as being a core component of our education. But many times this is thought of as foundational and not part of our professional journey quite as much as, say, other tools in our acting arsenal. Of course, if you are a singer, this is not the c...
Change of Pace
December 14, 2023 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBAir Date: 12/14/2023 #289 Change of Pace Here’s a question for you; Have you ever had a director or teacher tell you to slow down? Maybe it’s something like, “Watch your pacing” or “don’t rush it”. If you have, you’ve probably been annoyed or frustrated at the note because to you, it was fine. It didn’t need adjustment. Or better still, exactly HOW are you supposed to slow down without it be an exercise in mechanics. A switch you can just click and wham, you’ve slowed down the dialogue...
Right Place-Right Time
December 07, 2023 18:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBAir Date: 12/7/2023 #288 Right Place, Right Time “Some people have all the luck”. Is that something you’ve said? I know I have. Even in my young acting career, I was always made aware of how hard it was to, “Make it”. Having the talent is one thing but being in the right place at the right time still seems to be the explanation for having a successful acting career. Sure, we can be fatalistic and assume that “everything happens for a reason”. But do we really believe that? Do we really...
Get More Auditions
November 30, 2023 18:00 - 18 minutes - 13.5 MBAir Date: 11/30/2023 #287 Get More Auditions We’ve talked a ton on this podcast about the many layers of being a successful actor. Sometimes it’s tips about acting, other times it is about the business of show. We’ve even covered opportunities that are available for actors that don’t include acting! Today, it’s time we took a realistic approach for the actor to consider. That is, finding more auditions. With the actors’ strike now over, there is a feeling that the flood gates will ...
Turkey Day!
November 23, 2023 18:00 - 19 minutes - 14.6 MBAir Date: 11/23/2023 #286 Turkey Day I am not a huge fan of turkey-the bird I mean. I have it at Thanksgiving because it is there. But usually, the rest of the year, I skip having the foul. For actors, the word turkey can be synonymous with an inferior show or failure and started in 1927 as show business slang, probably from the bird's reputation for stupidity. I have had my share of experiences with acting in some turkeys and watching a fair amount of turkeys as I recall. So lets take...
The Agent Interview
November 16, 2023 18:00 - 24 minutes - 17.3 MBAir Date: 11/16/2023 #285 The Agent Interview You’ve done it. After months of emails, invitations, and research, you’ve just received a call that the agent you’ve been wanting to work with now wants to meet with you! Congratulations! Oh wait. What exactly does a meeting mean? What do they want to know? What if you say the wrong thing? OMG what should you wear? Here is the opportunity you’ve been looking for now turned into a mosh pit of anxiety. Hang on. Help is on the way. There’s no ...
Finding Flaws
November 09, 2023 18:00 - 17 minutes - 12.5 MBAir Date: 11/9/2023 #284 Finding the Flaws I think we can all agree with the following statement, “nobody’s perfect”. As much as we like to think of ourselves in a positive light, there is no denying that we possess qualities that need improvement. Be it anger, jealousy, greed or lust, there is always something we think of as a flaw. Some part of us that we wish we could fix. Being self-aware is a good way to keep our, less than admirable, traits from taking over. Well, the same can be...
#283 Actors Survival Gear
November 02, 2023 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.6 MBAir Date: 11/2/2023 #283 Actor’s Survival Gear There’s a lot of stress going on right now. It feels like more than the usual, “Day to Day” issues we are familiar with. What’s going on? Well, there’s much we have no control over; conflicts, social unrest, strikes, you name it. We are in a really bizarre space, I think. One of the few choices I have, when I reflect on the situation, is being clear about what I have control over. What options are immediately available to me? I think of it...
#282 Improvise and Realize
October 26, 2023 17:00 - 15 minutes - 11.4 MBAir 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...
#281-Scents of Humor
October 19, 2023 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MBAir 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 o...
#280 Acting on Purpose
October 12, 2023 17:00 - 13 minutes - 9.85 MBAir 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!
Defining Your Character Part 2
October 05, 2023 18:42 - 20 minutes - 15 MBAir 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...
Defining Your Character
September 28, 2023 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MBAir 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 charact...
Memo for Demos
September 21, 2023 17:00 - 18 minutes - 13.4 MBWhen 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.
Coming to Terms
September 14, 2023 17:14 - 21 minutes - 16.1 MBTelevision 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!
#275 Beats Me
September 07, 2023 17:00 - 11 minutes - 8.15 MB#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 acto...
#274 How to Remain Teachable
August 31, 2023 17:00 - 10 minutes - 7.89 MB#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.
Working With a Partner
August 24, 2023 17:00 - 17 minutes - 13 MB#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 act...
#272-Making the Best Choice
August 17, 2023 17:00 - 15 minutes - 11.6 MB#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 unsur...
#271 You Need New Pictures!
August 10, 2023 17:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB#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 im...
#270-Back Into It!
August 03, 2023 17:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MB#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 ...
Encore-Back To Business
July 27, 2023 17:00 - 21 minutes - 16.3 MBAn Encore presentation from 2020!
Encore_ Your Top 5 Questions Answered
July 13, 2023 17:00 - 18 minutes - 13.8 MBJeffrey Answers your top 5 questions about being an actor!
Encore: Get Curious With PAW
July 06, 2023 17:00 - 24 minutes - 18.2 MBThe 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!
#269 Representation Regrets
June 29, 2023 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.9 MB#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 D...
#268 Act As If
June 22, 2023 17:00 - 21 minutes - 15.8 MB#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...
Self-Tape Power Tips
June 15, 2023 17:00 - 24 minutes - 16.5 MB#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, ...
Give Time, Time
June 08, 2023 17:00 - 16 minutes - 10.7 MBGive 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 p...
Casting Actors Cast LIVE!
June 01, 2023 17:00 - 47 minutes - 33.5 MBRecorded 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.
Live promotion EventAnnouncement
May 24, 2023 15:03 - 1 minute - 1.08 MBThis 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!
The Actor ”On-Hold” #263
May 18, 2023 17:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBThe 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.
The Organized Actor #262
May 11, 2023 17:00 - 21 minutes - 15.4 MBThe 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!