Acting

I remember that sword Brandon Keeton!

Brandon Adams ‘Jesse Hall’s’ Hendrix Team USA jersey from D2: The Mighty Ducks

Nas ‘Sincere’ Jean Paul Gaultier glasses from ‘Belly’

2pac’s Styer Aug from the film ‘Bullet’

Woody Harrelson’s red lenses Jean Paul Gaultier’s from Natural Born Killers

That’s such a great choice, Wendy Kay, and a beautiful way to look at it. Luke’s lightsaber isn’t just an iconic prop, it’s a symbol of growth, perseverance, and hope.

That’s an awesome pick! The Sword and the Sorcerer is such a gem of 80s fantasy, Brandon Keeton!

Those are some seriously iconic choices, Jermar Jerome Smith! Each one of those pieces represents such a distinct moment in film and pop culture, especially those glasses. Personally, I would LOVE a Charlie Conway jersey from the original Mighty Ducks.

Suzanne Bronson i haven't done stage work yet but I have a feeling I would prefer that medium. As I said in reply to you in another recent post, I imagine the sense of teamwork is greater amongst theatre actors not to mention the feedback from the audience..

Yes Alexandra Stevens the bond you form with the other actors in the play is unlike any other experience. Also, the energy from the audience fuels me. I feel so alive and present. I miss it so much.

I would also like to add to this question, do you prefer scripted or improv?

Suzanne Bronson I prefer live theater to film. Maybe cuz I've done more. Also, I like scripted BUT I have done improv in a class setting many a time and it can be quite remarkable. I find it keeps me present and engaged with my scene partner.

Alexandra Stevens this topic sounds very familiar” lol. I believe the only way to trust is to be impacted by the work yourself. If it means something to you, it’s likely to mean something to someone else. All of it comes down to, are you doing something that sparks something in you?

Ponce Deleon a great response. I agree entirely. Thanks for reminding me of this :)

I guess for me Alexandra Stevens I trust the process. If I stay true to myself and authentic, that's all that matters. If I worry whether or not I am having an impact, then I find I'm judging myself instead of choosing joy. The Universe will work the rest out. "It's not my problem." keeps in the present and at peace.

Maurice Vaughan hmmm, not sure how to answer that as not done voice acting. However I have done voice acting classes which is enjoyed and found challenging. I was reading out loud "This Is Just My Face' by Gabourey Weaver as if it was for an audio book. It was quite a challenge to get the technique right but the teacher was amazing

Maurice Vaughan Eat a green apple to get rid of wet mouth noises

This is my first time hearing of This Is Just My Face, Alexandra Stevens. I like the title! What was the technique?

That's a unique technique, Langley Coleman. And you get a snack.

Maurice Vaughan it's a great book, i highly recommend it to hear about her experience as a black actress that doesn't fit in the stereotype of how an actress should be. Ashamedly I would need to dig out my acting classes exercise book to remember all the vocal techniques !

I love performances by Frances Mcdormand and Jennifer Lawerence. And, Jeremy Strong and Edward Norton have inspired me lately!

Right now I am watching Billions. The writing is so meaty. I would love to tackle Wendy Rhoades!

Brittany Christine great question. Not strictly within the framework you gave buy I am loving watching live theatre via National Theatre At Home. I just watched People Places and Things with Denise Gough. She is so embodied in her character, it's phenomenal!

Thank you for your always introspective and interesting comments. I think, as I got more comfortable with myself, as a person, I was able to be more in touch with who I am. That helped allow me to see that I bring something unique to the table at auditions and in this world. That is not boasting in any way, just a fact. Thank you so much again for always leaving such interesting and though provoking ideas.

I am in a different boat than many Actors. I'm already retired twice and never have to work again if I don't want to. I do this to keep busy. I think, weirdly enough, that that actually helps me. I'm not dependent on this to pay my bills, so I never walk into an audition with an air of desperation. If I get it, great. If not, I'll get the next one.

I'm always relaxed and that helps a ton.

That makes a lot of sense to me, Brandon. Yes, not feeling desperate really changes your read and the way you are perceived by the casting director. Do you have many in-person auditions, or are most of your auditions self-tapes? Thanks so much for sharing.

Aaron Marcus Most of my first auditions are self tape. Then callbacks are usually on Zoom. I started this whole thing in 2020 so I do not remember a time when the majority of them were in person. For the in person ones I've done, I have a pretty solid booking rate so I can do it either way. But it is weird walking into a room and seeing a bunch of dudes who look just like me! Lol!

It was very different before 2020. Especially, when I would attend a go-see (audition for commercial models) in New York. I would see hundreds of people who could all be cast as the Caucasian doctor. That is when I started learning that you can only do what you think is right and interesting, and understand that after the audition, we have no control or way of understanding why some people book and not get the job.

Fantastic advice, Aaron Marcus!

Thank you so much, Maurice. If you have any suggestions for what to say to an agent when things are slow (even if it isn't an acting agent,) please share it here.

You're welcome, Aaron Marcus. I don't have any experience with agents, but I think your advice is spot on!

Thank you, Maurice.

You're welcome, Aaron Marcus.

Thanks, Alexandra. I knew when creating this video that most people watching it won't be affected much by the information. Still, I think it is great to learn new things about the industry, even if it doesn't pertain to their personal situation. Hope you and your family are well.

This is good to know. Thank you Aaron Marcus

You are very welcome, Suzanne.

Hi Erik, each check will be dependent on its usage. Not sure if you were being serious about the $100 or just making a point.

Thanks for letting me know. Sometimes it is hard to hear the other person's intent in written form. How long have you been in India? Did you grow up in the U.S.?

Acting conservatory in Europe. It was useful in terms of theory, exposure to very good writing and also theater training. I don't really work the way they taught. And in films, of course, it's about your own experience and intuition.

Ivan Doan How were you able to transfer your theater training over to film?

I trained for a little while in New York with a GREAT coach, James Andrew O'Connor. If you've seen a cop show, like, ANY cop show, he's been on it. A working Actor himself, he is also a wonderfully humble guy who seriously takes joy when his students succeed.

After that, I enrolled in a college program here in Central PA. I am the world's oldest film student, learning to write and direct and still Acting on my own. I'm literally doing a commercial in Atlanta on Wednesday. Good times!

Goes to show you are never too young Brandon Keeton

Ive actually just started with the Stella Adler school. So far it's blown my mind with the approach. Very much sticking with Stella's philosophy of imagination which is surprisingly harder then you might first think.

This is very good, Elliot, but be aware of the people around you

I like it Matthew Gross I use ChatGPT for advice a lot. It was free tax expert. No paying H&R Block. I also use it to write my social media posts and create images for my trivia hosting job. I also run sketchy job postings through it. AI is a lifesaver in many ways.

Matthew Gross thanks for highlighting the ways AI can support us, not just mess with us. Like Matthew Gross I use it a lot, it is like my personal assistant. It helps me with tax and accounts and has even helped me to claw back money from Portugese Customs that I was wrongly billed for. Acting wise, I use it to suggest scripts that i might be interested in.

Tony Fisher Definitely a staple for every tv/film actor.

Brandon Keeton love it! Got 20 mins and had to pause but will definitely return. So much gold in those first minutes. What stood out was what he said about believing the camera is your friend and everyone loves you as a way to relax and not over-act. It makes sense. I will bear this in mind next time i'm acting in front of a camera.

great share Brandon Keeton ! a titan at work :)

Thank you for sharing.

His memoirs have a lot of acting gems too. Have you read them Brandon Keeton ?