Acting

Thanks, Aaron Marcus.

Thank you Aaron Marcus It is a good reminder that getting asked to audition is success. There have been a couple different posts about A listers, saying, that auditioning is our job.

That is so true. Auditioning is the job. Working on set is vacation. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and ideas here.

Aaron Marcus thanks for your words. Such an encouraging perspective to treat each audition as a 'win'. I think that would give me more motivation to keep trying rather than telling myself i've failed.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts here, Alexandra. I used to be very hard on myself about getting the audition but not booking. It took me a long time to really understand how getting the audition is the real win. Thanks again.

What a powerful and important reminder, Leo. Your daughter showed incredible self-awareness and integrity in that decision, and I think that’s something every creative, especially actors, has to learn at some point.

I’ve seen so many artists wrestle with that same question: “If I say no, will I miss my shot?” But the truth is, protecting your boundaries protects your longevity. Saying no to something that compromises your values or emotional well-being isn’t closing a door; it’s making space for the right opportunities to find you.

Thanks so much Ashley Renee Smith - nicely said! And I wholeheartedly agree!

Leonardo Ramirez 2 sounds like your daughter did the right thing and I can totally see what it could be viewed as a test that she passed. I have said 'yes' but then further down the line changed my. mind and said 'no' to a creative project. Like Maurice Vaughan it boiled down to realising that I did not have the resources to give it my best and I needed to focus on other stuff.

Sometimes an actor has to play a role they dislike. This uncomfortable and unpleasant work can help the actor attract attention and eventually get a bigger, more worthy, and significant role. To reach heaven, one must go through hell. The road to heaven lies through hell… IMHO )

I'm a big believer in following your intuition. The one time my intuition said "no" to what looked like the perfect opportunity, it was hard to turn down. The next one, the one I said "yes" to, made a wonderful impact on my life.

Hi, Alexandra Stevens. Hope you're enjoying your weekend! I play it small when I write scenes sometimes. When I realize it, I rewrite the scenes.

This is a good question Alexandra Stevens because when I first read it, my instinct was to say, "I'm not," when it comes to acting. But as far as BEING an actor, making career choices, I have recently come to see how I am playing it small. I allow other things, relationships, non acting money opportunities, to take precedent. Even in selecting which auditions I submit for. I didn't bother if it didn't pay. I told myself I'm past that point. Now, I see that is playing it small, being selective. I chose to audition for a student film because I miss being on set, the shoot wouldn't be that time consuming, and the auditions were improved, in groups of four, and improv is an area I need to work on. Let's just say, I had a blast and I will do it again. No more making small choices when it comes to my career. I choose to do what will bring me the most joy.

I'm curious Maurice Vaughan how do you play it small when you write? What does that mean exactly?

Plain scenes (not a lot of conflict, twists, etc.) and cookie-cutter scenes that have been done over and over in movies, Suzanne Bronson.

Suzanne Bronson woah, way to go with not playing small and choosing joy. Your student film sounds like such fun and a very aligned. choice. Look forward to hearing more about it one time

Amanda Toney This is such an exciting and forward-thinking move from SAG-AFTRA! Vertical and microdrama formats are opening up entirely new avenues for storytelling, especially for emerging actors, filmmakers, and creators who want to experiment with shorter, serialized formats without massive budgets. It’s great to see the union recognizing how fast the landscape is evolving and creating protections that still allow flexibility for indie-level productions.

oh that's interesting Amanda Toney . We had an acting lounge conversation about this a few months ago. I can't remember now which member pointed out that they were not backed by SAG. Seems like things have changed quickly.

Joseph Cooper in Interstellar, Ashley Renee Smith. What a performance!

I love watching documentaries such as this. So fascinating to hear more about the inner and outer workings of someone such as Matthew. I have to admit that I haven't watched many of his films however what I am struck by is his certainty, confidence and self-trust. I think these are vital ingredients to do well.

Congratulaitnos Ryker Baloun This movie looked gripping. And i liked what i saw of you although shame it was only a short bit so difficult to comment on the acting. How much do you do/say in the film. Very impressed with you!

Very good!

It's going to be amazing. I am in a few episodes, but my main episodes episode 106.

Congratulations, Ryker Baloun!!

It airs all 8 episodes in about an hour. Yes!

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!