Deep Insecurities and Other Common Audition Problems

Acting involves the development of many skills, one of which is auditioning, a skill you can develop in some acting classes in NYC. Gaining acting experience on stage, film or television is an important way to develop acting skills, but that won’t happen if you don’t audition well. Developing auditioning skills may be up to you as some acting classes NYC don’t cover this thoroughly. Being prepared, with a deep set of auditioning skills is necessary if you expect to exploit every opportunity to audition that comes your way. Meisner acting classes in NYC that teach the Meisner technique are known for producing disciplined actors. Meisner acting techniques are suitable for improving your auditioning ability also.

There are several ways you are guaranteed to fail when auditioning. One way to be discounted is to appear overconfident. At the same time you cannot allow yourself to be overly nervous or insecure, unless the role calls for it. Being overly nervous or overconfident is not what will count against you in an audition. Nervousness, overconfidence or any other type of emotional reaction to an audition is an unwanted block to the emotional presentation of the character you are auditioning for.

An overconfident or overly nervous auditioned is usually closed off to far more important emotions, those of the character they are creating in the moment. In essence, “you” and whatever you are feeling needs to disappear, and make way for a fascinating, exciting character to emerge. The many layers of human traits, communicated in a thousand smalls ways is what must shine through, how you feel personally can’t inhibit this.

The slate may not seem important. Stating your name, your agent, at the beginning of the tape helps them track your audition but, it’s also their first impression of you. It seems like a throwaway moment, just a way for the people conducting the audition to keep track. Here’s a shocking fact. Watching past the slate to see the actual audition is not always the norm. Actors must think about how many hundreds of other actors are also turning in tapes our auditions. When wading through these tapes, anything that helps them to more quickly find the best of the best is necessary. A slate needs to take those few seconds, and let them know you are someone worth watching.

This may seem brutal, it does speed up the process. Whether it seems fair or not, the fact remains you had better learn how to slate well. Teaching auditioning skills is not part of every acting academy’s curriculum. Acting classes in NYC may be able to help you practice your slate. Some institutions that offer acting classes in NYC will even ask for a slated audition tape for entry into their program. It’s something you can do on your own, and do quite well with a little help from a friend. Lights, camera action and give it a go. Practicing slates isn’t easy. Communicating to a “presence” or person rather than the camera is important. Record yourself trying several versions of a slate and then assess them. You can get feedback from people you trust, and keep working at it until you feel like your slate is a natural extension of who you are as an actor.

As for the information they want, it’s most often limited to your name and the agency that represents you. Since the slate is the first impression of you-keep it short. When auditioning for commercials a hint of character might be okay. If you fall short of their expectations they may hit the eject button before the actual tape. The real purpose of the slate is for them to keep track of your tape, so just let them know if a few short seconds who you are. Once the slate is done, move quickly into character and give them the portrayal they could never have anticipated, the character they didn’t even know they wanted. Seek out Meisner acting NYC if you want to know more about how to create character with this technique.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides meisner acting classes in New York City. For more information about commercial acting classes visit the studio website where you can get specific answers to any question you have.

Focusing on Developing a Deep Skill Set – Acting Classes in NYC

By focusing on developing a deep skill set, in acting classes in nyc or other qualified institutions are of the utmost importance. There is one thing that acting classes in nyc cannot teach you, for the most part, and that is an auditioning technique that you can use out of the classroom. Audition tapes are a big part of the process now. Auditioning via tape does not mean you need to spend lots of money on a professional production. Just borrow or rent a camera, enlist the help of an aspiring director friend and follow these simple rules.

Lighting is hugely important, because more than anything you want to be “seen.” Poor lighting creates deep shadows in all the wrong places. However, if the lighting is too strong, you will appear completely washed out and “hot” which is just a distracting. Anything that takes away from your performance is lethal and bad lighting is one of those things. Lighting needs to be clean, and completely unnoticeable. If you are enrolled in acting classes in nyc or elsewhere, there is likely a teacher or professional who can assist you. A diagram of a simple lighting plan is something they can help you with.

Two or three small lights will do the trick. A light should be placed in front of the talent (you) one on either side, and far enough away to not cause shadows or hot spots. Then a third light can be used to fill in the background. Audition tapes online sometimes leave the background in the dark. Just be sure the overall tape is not too dark, or the contrast too great between your face and the background. A white balance feature on cameras is used to correct the color.

Different lights sources are different “temperatures” which means they have a different color. They range from being very yellow to very blue. Let’s say you set up the lighting, and you are also near a window. A mix of light sources is possible but, the camera must be “balanced” to correct for these color differences. A simple white balance button will take care of it. A pure white card or sheet of paper needs to be placed in the middle of the lighting sources. If you do not use this feature the color will be completely off, especially your skin tones. You want good clean skin tones, eye color and hair color, so you must not forget this step.

Sound is another very important feature. A good audition tape is only as good as the sound, because your voice is your main instrument. A good way to get quickly dismissed is to have poor sound quality. The mic should be as close to the source of the sound as possible to eliminate stray noise. Camera mounted microphones are not very close to the subject, so looking into the rental of a good quality Lavalier microphone might be worthwhile. Communicating character, and a sense of who you are as an actor depends on what you sound like so make it great. There are plenty of good acting classes in nyc that will help guide you through this process.

With these basics in place now is the time to think about content. An audition prepared for taping has some slight differences. Coaches trained in Meisner acting techniques can help you prepare for those differences. The discipline of Meisner acting is one that helps create riveting, unpredictable performances, which is what you strive for. Keeping important elements under the surface, is something coaches of Meisner acting nyc can teach you how to develop. Of course, you can’t cram every possible emotion that a character “has” into a few moments. The key to great acting is what you don’t present, but leave simmering underneath. If you can get the casting agents, directors, producers to begin to infer things about your character that are being left out then you are doing your job as an actor.

If asked to present something specific, of course you must. More frequently actors are asked to turn in monologue audition tapes, just to give viewers an idea of their range and abilities. Prepare something that plays to your strengths, of course, be it comedy, drama or character driven. However, keep in mind that the best actors have developed strong skills in all of these genres and use it all. Audiences identify easily with a comic figure’s dark moments, and like to laugh briefly to endure intense drama. Enlist the teachers of acting classes in nyc, or wherever you study, to review your practice tapes and incorporate their suggestions. We are not always the best judge of of our own work and being open to direction is a part of being a professional actor.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides acting classes for serious actors. To learn more about commercial acting class visit the studio website.

Here’s Why Your Audition Tape is Part of Auditioning

Of course, your primary concern needs to be the development of good acting skills, which you can accomplish in acting classes in nyc that have experienced teachers and coaches. However, there is one skill you may have to develop on your own if your acting classes in nyc do not include it, and that is auditioning technique. A big part of the audition process are audition tapes. Auditioning via tape does not mean you need to spend lots of money on a professional production. All you need to do is rent or borrow a camera and ask some fellow actors or a director friend to help.

Everyone knows what a bad lighting job can do to someone’s appearance. Poor lighting creates deep shadows in all the wrong places. Lighting can also go overboard, and cause a washed out appearance that seems “lifeless.” This is distracting and will take attention away from your performance. Lighting needs to be clean, and completely unnoticeable. Acting classes in nyc often include people who are experienced at producing tapes. A diagram of a simple lighting plan is something they can help you with.

There should be two or three light sources. The lights should be placed to the right and left and forward of the talent to eliminate shadows and highlight the face. A third source of light can be focused softly to fill in the background and highlight the talent from behind. Audition tapes online sometimes leave the background in the dark. This is okay as long as the overall feel is not too dark. Every camera has a White Balance feature that needs to be set.

The color temperature of lights sources can be different. They range from being very yellow to very blue. If you set up lights near a window the camera must correct for that. If you use both of these light sources the color will be off unless you “correct” it in the camera. A simple white balance button will take care of it. Place a white card where the talent will be standing and hit the white balance feature. If you do not use this feature the color will be completely off, especially your skin tones. It will be evident if you forget to do this, because the skin tones and colors will all be incorrect.

Sound is another very important feature. A good audition tape is only as good as the sound, because your voice is your main instrument. A good way to get quickly dismissed is to have poor sound quality. The cleanest sound comes from a mic planted close the source of sound, in this case, you. Camera mounted microphones are not very close to the subject, so looking into the rental of a good quality Lavalier microphone might be worthwhile. You aren’t communicating with the audience if you can’t be heard clearly. There are plenty of good acting classes in nyc that will help guide you through this process.

On to content, the all important piece of the puzzle, the character you are portraying, or a sense of who you are as an actor. Preparing for a live audition is slightly different than preparing for a taped one, of course. Coaches trained in Meisner acting techniques can help you prepare for those differences. An audition tape that is engaging, riveting, and fascinating is easier for actors that have studied Meisner acting. Anyone who has studied Meisner acting nyc will understand that acting is as much about what you leave out as what you put in. Of course, you can’t cram every possible emotion that a character “has” into a few moments. What’s underneath, unspoken, is as important as what’s said and shown, maybe more so. Audiences like to work, think, and look for clues which is a way to engage them in your performance.

Sometimes, the requests are very specific, however a great actor will never be hindered or constrained by those ideas. Casting agents and at times producers, will ask for more general monologue audition tapes. Whether you have the gift of comedy, or a talent for dramatic roles, a great audition includes both. The greatest actors are well rounded and can include many layers of abilities during a short piece. A great comedian always as an underlying sense of tragedy for instance, just like the deepest dramatic performances have moments of light-otherwise it becomes hard to identify with. Enlist the teachers of acting classes in nyc, or wherever you study, to review your practice tapes and incorporate their suggestions. We are not always the best judge of of our own work and being open to direction is a part of being a professional actor.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides nyc acting classes for serious actors. To learn more about commercial acting visit the studio website.

Acting for the Camera and Audition Tapes – Audition Techniques

Acting classes in nyc focus on developing your skills as an actor, especially the foundational skills that are required to practice the craft. A solid auditioning technique is also paramount however and acting classes in nyc do not always include this in their curriculum. A big part of the audition process are audition tapes. There is no need for a professionally produced, expensive audition tape. All you need to do is rent or borrow a camera and ask some fellow actors or a director friend to help.

First is lighting, because everyone has seen what a poor lighting job can do to someone’s appearance. Strong shadows falling in the wrong places can eliminate your chances of producers watching the tape all the way through. Too much light an you look completely washed out. Do not allow poor lighting choices to distract the casting agent or producers from the most important thing, you. Lighting needs to be clean, and completely unnoticeable. If you are studying in a professional acting program, or taking acting classes in nyc, there should be someone who is teaching an “Acting for the Camera” class or something similar. Ask for help creating a simple diagram that outlines a lighting scheme.

It should involve three lights, relatively bright, or a light source from outdoors. Two soft lights can be placed on either side of the camera, about 10′ feet or so away, focused on where you will be sitting. Then a third light can be used to fill in the background. Audition tapes online sometimes leave the background in the dark. While this can work you must be careful to that the overall feel of the tape is appropriate and not distracting. A white balance feature on cameras is used to correct the color.

Light sources, such as lamps, professional lights and daylight all have different temperatures. Incandescent lights are yellow, daylight is very blue. Let’s say you set up the lighting, and you are also near a window. If you use both of these light sources the color will be off unless you “correct” it in the camera. The White balance button on the camera makes this possible. Place a white card where the talent will be standing and hit the white balance feature. If you do not use this feature the color will be completely off, especially your skin tones. You want good clean skin tones, eye color and hair color, so you must not forget this step.

Another very important thing to consider is sound. A good audition tape is only as good as the sound, because your voice is your main instrument. No producer or casting agent has the time to sit through an audition tape with poor sound. The cleanest sound comes from a mic planted close the source of sound, in this case, you. Camera mounted microphones are not very close to the subject, so looking into the rental of a good quality Lavalier microphone might be worthwhile. Let’s face it, acting is a form of communication and you cannot communicate clearly if you can’t be heard. Again, quality acting classes in nyc that include skills on how to be camera ready can help advise you on this.

Once the basics are set up, content becomes the focus. Preparing for an audition tape is the same as preparing for a live audition. A coach trained in the Meisner acting technique should be able to offer a lot of great tips on how to prepare. If nothing else, you need to be interesting, unique, and studying the Meisner acting technique can help. In Meisner acting nyc, a key thing to keep in mind is what is left “out.” Of course, you can’t cram every possible emotion that a character “has” into a few moments. Leaving some elements of the character out, is one way to engage your audience immediately. Doing your job as an actor is not presenting everything and making it easy for them, but drawing them in by making them think about the work.

At times, actors are asked to include something very specific, but it should still have your own ideas incorporated. More frequently actors are asked to turn in monologue audition tapes, just to give viewers an idea of their range and abilities. It makes sense to prepare something that involves your strengths. The best actors are those that are fluid and can show quickly how capable they are of acting in any genre. The best comedians always have an underlying sense of tragedy, and the most dramatic performances are capable of lighter moments. Enlist the teachers of acting classes in nyc, or wherever you study, to review your practice tapes and incorporate their suggestions. We are not always the best judge of of our own work and being open to direction is a part of being a professional actor.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides acting classes for serious actors. To learn more about commercial acting class visit the studio website.

Stop Wasting Your Time with Poor Audition Tapes – Audition Techniques

Developing excellent acting skills, especially in professional level acting classes in nyc, can help build a great foundation. A solid auditioning technique is also paramount however and acting classes in nyc do not always include this in their curriculum. Audition tapes are a big part of the process now. Auditioning via tape does not mean you need to spend lots of money on a professional production. Just borrow or rent a camera, enlist the help of an aspiring director friend and follow these simple rules.

How you appear is key, and lighting is a big part of this. Shadows look like a ravaged complexion or dark circles under the eyes. Too much light an you look completely washed out. This is distracting and will take attention away from your performance. Lighting needs to be clean, and completely unnoticeable. If you are enrolled in acting classes in nyc or elsewhere, there is likely a teacher or professional who can assist you. A diagram of a simple lighting plan is something they can help you with.

Two or three small lights will do the trick. Lights can be placed on either side of the talent to help illuminate the face. Then a third light can be used to fill in the background. Some audition tapes have chosen to leave the background dark. Just be sure the overall tape is not too dark, or the contrast too great between your face and the background. Every camera has a White Balance feature that needs to be set.

The color temperature of lights sources can be different. They range from being very yellow to very blue. If you set up lights near a window the camera must correct for that. If you use both of these light sources the color will be off unless you “correct” it in the camera. A simple white balance button will take care of it. Just focus the camera on a white card or sheet of paper and it should correct for color. If you do not use this feature the color will be completely off, especially your skin tones. You want good clean skin tones, eye color and hair color, so you must not forget this step.

How you sound is also very important. A good audition tape is only as good as the sound, because your voice is your main instrument. No producer or casting agent has the time to sit through an audition tape with poor sound. Keep the mic as close to the talent as possible. While easy, the camera mounted microphones are usually not very high quality. Communicating character, and a sense of who you are as an actor depends on what you sound like so make it great. Acting classes in nyc sometimes have ways to help with this.

On to content, the all important piece of the puzzle, the character you are portraying, or a sense of who you are as an actor. Preparation is key for both live and on camera auditions, but they are somewhat different. A coach trained in the Meisner acting technique should be able to offer a lot of great tips on how to prepare. An audition tape that is engaging, riveting, and fascinating is easier for actors that have studied Meisner acting. What you leave “out” of a performance is just as important as what you leave in, according to expert coaches of Meisner acting nyc. Of course, you can’t cram every possible emotion that a character “has” into a few moments. Edit, put only a few ideas in at a time and let the rest emerge in the imagination of the audience. An audience (which in this case is the auditors) will automatically begin to infer and look for clues they can infer about your character which engages them in your performance.

At times, actors are asked to include something very specific, but it should still have your own ideas incorporated. More often, casting agents and producers ask for monologues not scenes. Prepare something that plays to your strengths, of course, be it comedy, drama or character driven. However, keep in mind that the best actors have developed strong skills in all of these genres and use it all. Tragedy and comedy always work together, for instance and its good to include a sense of both. Enlist the teachers of acting classes in nyc, or wherever you study, to review your practice tapes and incorporate their suggestions. Professional actors are always open to direction, certainly as an up and coming actor it’s smart to remain open to input regarding your audition tape.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides nyc acting classes for serious actors. To learn more about nyc commercial acting classes visit the studio website.

Here’s How To Create Your First Audition Tape – Audition Techniques

Developing excellent acting skills, especially in professional level acting classes in nyc, can help build a great foundation. There is one thing that acting classes in nyc cannot teach you, for the most part, and that is an auditioning technique that you can use out of the classroom. A big part of the audition process are audition tapes. There is no need for a professionally produced, expensive audition tape. Just borrow or rent a camera, enlist the help of an aspiring director friend and follow these simple rules.

Everyone knows what a bad lighting job can do to someone’s appearance. A poor lighting job will cast shadows and can make you look completely different. Lighting can also go overboard, and cause a washed out appearance that seems “lifeless.” If the lighting serves as a distraction to your performance you’ve wasted your time. A well lit subject is one in which the lighting just “disappears.” A professional acting program, especially acting classes in nyc, should have someone on staff that has experience producing tapes. Ask for help creating a simple diagram that outlines a lighting scheme.

Two or three small lights will do the trick. Lights can be placed on either side of the talent to help illuminate the face. The background can lit using a third light. Audition tapes online sometimes leave the background in the dark. Just be sure the overall tape is not too dark, or the contrast too great between your face and the background. Correcting the color with a white balance feature is the important next step.

Light sources, such as lamps, professional lights and daylight all have different temperatures. They range from being very yellow to very blue. If you set up lights near a window the camera must correct for that. The white balance feature is used to make this correction quickly and automatically. Just place something white in the approximate place where you will be standing and hit White Balance. If you do not use this feature the color will be completely off, especially your skin tones. Forget to do this and skin tones and all other colors will be “off,” which is very distracting.

Another very important thing to consider is sound. If you cannot be heard clearly, or if there is distracting static or white noise, you have wasted your time. No producer or casting agent has the time to sit through an audition tape with poor sound. Keep the mic as close to the talent as possible. Camera mounted mics might be convenient, are not the best choice, renting a Lavalier would be better. You aren’t communicating with the audience if you can’t be heard clearly. There are plenty of good acting classes in nyc that will help guide you through this process.

With these basics in place now is the time to think about content. Preparing for an audition tape is the same as preparing for a live audition. A coach trained in the Meisner acting technique should be able to offer a lot of great tips on how to prepare. If nothing else, you need to be interesting, unique, and studying the Meisner acting technique can help. Anyone who has studied Meisner acting nyc will understand that acting is as much about what you leave out as what you put in. Editing the performance, leaving some elements of the character underneath the surface is key. What’s underneath, unspoken, is as important as what’s said and shown, maybe more so. An audience (which in this case is the auditors) will automatically begin to infer and look for clues they can infer about your character which engages them in your performance.

If asked to present something specific, of course you must. More often, casting agents and producers ask for monologues not scenes. Prepare something that plays to your strengths, of course, be it comedy, drama or character driven. The greatest actors are well rounded and can include many layers of abilities during a short piece. Audiences identify easily with a comic figure’s dark moments, and like to laugh briefly to endure intense drama. Acting classes in nyc are led by experienced professionals who can help give constructive feedback. The best audition tapes are those which have had input from lots of sources with the most constructive criticism incorporated.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides nyc acting classes for serious actors. To learn more about nyc commercial acting classes visit the studio website.

Showing Your Range and Abilities on Your Acting Audition Tape

Of course, your primary concern needs to be the development of good acting skills, which you can accomplish in acting classes in nyc that have experienced teachers and coaches. A solid auditioning technique is also paramount however and acting classes in nyc do not always include this in their curriculum. Casting directors and producers will often ask for audition tapes, and of course you must be able to create a stand-out at a moment’s notice. An expensive, professional video is okay for an audition tape but, certainly not necessary. Just borrow or rent a camera, enlist the help of an aspiring director friend and follow these simple rules.

Everyone knows what a bad lighting job can do to someone’s appearance. A poor lighting job will cast shadows and can make you look completely different. Looking completely washed out from lights that are too strong or close doesn’t work either. If the lighting serves as a distraction to your performance you’ve wasted your time. Nice, bright yet completely unnoticeable lighting is the goal. Acting classes in nyc often include people who are experienced at producing tapes. They should be able to diagram a simple lighting scheme for you.

There should be two or three light sources. Lights can be placed on either side of the talent to help illuminate the face. Then a third light can be used to fill in the background. Some audition tapes have chosen to leave the background dark. While this can work you must be careful to that the overall feel of the tape is appropriate and not distracting. The all important next step is the white balance on the camera.

This reads the color temperatures of the combined light sources. Daylight, for instance, has more blue in it. If you set up lights near a window the camera must correct for that. If you use both of these light sources the color will be off unless you “correct” it in the camera. The White balance button on the camera makes this possible. A pure white card or sheet of paper needs to be placed in the middle of the lighting sources. If you do not use this feature the color will be completely off, especially your skin tones. It will be evident if you forget to do this, because the skin tones and colors will all be incorrect.

Sound is another very important feature. If you cannot be heard clearly, or if there is distracting static or white noise, you have wasted your time. With so many good tapes to watch an audition with poor sound will be quickly rejected. Keep the mic as close to the talent as possible. Camera mounted mics might be convenient, are not the best choice, renting a Lavalier would be better. If you aren’t being heard clearly you aren’t able to communicate who you are as an actor or the character. Acting classes in nyc sometimes have ways to help with this.

Of course, content is truly what will set you apart from the other actors. An audition prepared for taping has some slight differences. Meisner acting techniques can be helpful when preparing, especially for a specific character or role. An audition tape that is engaging, riveting, and fascinating is easier for actors that have studied Meisner acting. In Meisner acting nyc, a key thing to keep in mind is what is left “out.” Of course, you can’t cram every possible emotion that a character “has” into a few moments. Edit, put only a few ideas in at a time and let the rest emerge in the imagination of the audience. An audience (which in this case is the auditors) will automatically begin to infer and look for clues they can infer about your character which engages them in your performance.

Of course, if you are asked to prepare an audition tape of something specific, some sides or a scene, the tape will consist of this. More frequently actors are asked to turn in monologue audition tapes, just to give viewers an idea of their range and abilities. Whether you have the gift of comedy, or a talent for dramatic roles, a great audition includes both. The best actors are those that are fluid and can show quickly how capable they are of acting in any genre. Tragedy and comedy always work together, for instance and its good to include a sense of both. Videotape your chosen material several times and enlist friends and teachers from your acting classes in nyc to review it and make constructive comments. The best audition tapes are those which have had input from lots of sources with the most constructive criticism incorporated.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides acting classes for serious actors. To learn more about nyc commercial acting classes visit the studio website.

The Problem With Being Over Rehearsed – Common Audition Mistakes

Auditioning is just another skill on the roster, but a skill that is just as critical as scene study, emotional preparation or any other acting skill you might pick up in acting classes in NYC or elsewhere. Working actors know that gaining experience is critical, and that won’t happen if you tend not to audition well. Developing auditioning skills may be up to you as some acting classes NYC don’t cover this thoroughly. Landing the right role, is part luck, part good timing but, above all you must be prepared when the opportunity comes to audition. Acting classes in NYC that specialize in Meisner acting, offer one of the most respected acting disciplines in the business. Meisner acting techniques are suitable for improving your auditioning ability also.

There is no such thing as “failing” an audition unless you have fallen into one of these traps. One way to be discounted is to appear overconfident. At the same time you cannot allow yourself to be overly nervous or insecure, unless the role calls for it. Directors and producers are used to seeing overly confident or insecure actors and this is not what will count against you. Nervousness, overconfidence or any other type of emotional reaction to an audition is an unwanted block to the emotional presentation of the character you are auditioning for.

An overconfident actor may come across as being too rehearsed, without enough room for spontaneity to emerge during the audition. Too nervous, and it’s too distracting to you and the auditors and you run the risk of not being open to the performance and the emerging character. It is the character, with all his or her flaws, energy, sorrow, tension, humor, really a balance of all of these human traits, that must be present.

The slate, as it is called, may not seem important at first. Remember this will be the first impression you make. It seems like a throwaway moment, just a way for the people conducting the audition to keep track. The harsh reality is this. Many times, directors and producers never even get past the slate. For any given part there are likely hundreds of folks auditioning. They are on the lookout for the best of the best and a so-so slate will indicate that your tape is not worth their while. A quick dismissal of an actor’s tape because of a lackluster slate gets them to their goal more quickly.

This is challenging for the actor, but challenging is what spurs growth. Fair or not, this is the way it is more often than not. While some acting classes deal with auditioning, many don’t. Acting classes in NYC may be able to help you practice your slate. Slating on an audition tape is sometimes required to enroll in acting classes in NYC. This skill can be practiced much like any other. Have a friend set up a camera, some lights and give it a go. Here are some things to consider when practicing slates. True communication is connecting with someone even if through a device, like a camera. By recording several versions and playing them back you can begin to get a feel for you how you are presenting yourself. Feedback from people you trust is also important, the slate should communicate who you are.

As for the information they want, it’s most often limited to your name and the agency that represents you. First impressions should be short and sweet. It won’t hurt in commercial auditions to put a hint of the character in your slate but avoid going over the top. If you fall short of their expectations they may hit the eject button before the actual tape. Mainly, the aim is to give a slate that represents you as a person and as an actor. Slate and then, give them a brilliantly original, fresh fascinating character that will make their project soar. if you want to know more, look into Meisner acting NYC, for tips on how to create character, emotional preparation and scene study for auditioning.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides meisner acting classes in New York City. For more information about commercial acting classes visit the studio website where you can get specific answers to any question you have.

Here’s Why Your Audition Tape is Part of Auditioning

Developing excellent acting skills, especially in professional level acting classes in nyc, can help build a great foundation. However, there is one skill you may have to develop on your own if your acting classes in nyc do not include it, and that is auditioning technique. Audition tapes are a big part of the process now. Auditioning via tape does not mean you need to spend lots of money on a professional production. Just borrow or rent a camera, enlist the help of an aspiring director friend and follow these simple rules.

First is lighting, because everyone has seen what a poor lighting job can do to someone’s appearance. Shadows look like a ravaged complexion or dark circles under the eyes. Looking completely washed out from lights that are too strong or close doesn’t work either. This is distracting and will take attention away from your performance. Nice, bright yet completely unnoticeable lighting is the goal. If you are studying in a professional acting program, or taking acting classes in nyc, there should be someone who is teaching an “Acting for the Camera” class or something similar. Ask for help creating a simple diagram that outlines a lighting scheme.

Two or three small lights will do the trick. Two soft lights can be placed on either side of the camera, about 10′ feet or so away, focused on where you will be sitting. A third source of light can be focused softly to fill in the background and highlight the talent from behind. In some instances audition tapes leave the background completely dark which creates a certain mood. Just be sure the overall tape is not too dark, or the contrast too great between your face and the background. The all important next step is the white balance on the camera.

Light sources, such as lamps, professional lights and daylight all have different temperatures. Daylight has a lot of blue in it and is very “cool.” If you set up lights near a window the camera must correct for that. A mix of light sources is possible but, the camera must be “balanced” to correct for these color differences. By hitting the White Balance button you can adjust the camera to “balance” the color between those two light sources. Just place something white in the approximate place where you will be standing and hit White Balance. If you do not use this feature the color will be completely off, especially your skin tones. Forget to do this and skin tones and all other colors will be “off,” which is very distracting.

Another very important thing to consider is sound. Distracting static, muddy tones in your voice, are all ways to kill what might otherwise be a good audition tape. With so many good tapes to watch an audition with poor sound will be quickly rejected. The mic should be as close to the source of the sound as possible to eliminate stray noise. Renting a good quality microphone is a good idea, as the camera mounted variety are usually prone to pick up lots of static and stray noise. You aren’t communicating with the audience if you can’t be heard clearly. Again, quality acting classes in nyc that include skills on how to be camera ready can help advise you on this.

With these basics in place now is the time to think about content. Preparing for an audition tape is the same as preparing for a live audition. A coach trained in the Meisner acting technique should be able to offer a lot of great tips on how to prepare. The discipline of Meisner acting is one that helps create riveting, unpredictable performances, which is what you strive for. Anyone who has studied Meisner acting nyc will understand that acting is as much about what you leave out as what you put in. Editing the performance, leaving some elements of the character underneath the surface is key. What’s underneath, unspoken, is as important as what’s said and shown, maybe more so. An audience (which in this case is the auditors) will automatically begin to infer and look for clues they can infer about your character which engages them in your performance.

If asked to present something specific, of course you must. Casting agents and at times producers, will ask for more general monologue audition tapes. Let your strengths dictate your choices but you can also use your weaknesses. The best actors are those that are fluid and can show quickly how capable they are of acting in any genre. Audiences identify easily with a comic figure’s dark moments, and like to laugh briefly to endure intense drama. Videotape your chosen material several times and enlist friends and teachers from your acting classes in nyc to review it and make constructive comments. The best audition tapes are those which have had input from lots of sources with the most constructive criticism incorporated.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides nyc acting classes for serious actors. To learn more about nyc commercial acting classes visit the studio website.

The Problem With Being Over Rehearsed – Common Audition Mistakes

Auditioning is a critical skill you can develop, much like scene study or emotional prep, and it’s an acting skill you can learn in acting classes in NYC. Working actors know that gaining experience is critical, and that won’t happen if you tend not to audition well. If you are considering acting classes in NYC, look for an institution that helps its students build auditioning skills. Being prepared, with a deep set of auditioning skills is necessary if you expect to exploit every opportunity to audition that comes your way. Acting classes in NYC that specialize in Meisner acting, offer one of the most respected acting disciplines in the business. Meisner acting techniques are strongly connected to powerful auditioning skills.

There are one or two ways that are common reasons actors “fail” to turn in arresting auditions. The first way to fail is to enter the audition with overconfidence. However, being insecure or overly nervous will not count in your favor either unless it suits the character. Directors and producers are used to seeing overly confident or insecure actors and this is not what will count against you. Being nervous or confident projects a sense of “self awareness” which can kill a great acting performance.

An overconfident or overly nervous auditioned is usually closed off to far more important emotions, those of the character they are creating in the moment. In essence, “you” and whatever you are feeling needs to disappear, and make way for a fascinating, exciting character to emerge. The character can’t emerge and deliver that great audition.

The slate, as it is called, may not seem important at first. But, as you state your name into the camera for the auditors to keep track of your tape, you are already communicating a lot about who you are. It seems like a throwaway moment, just a way for the people conducting the audition to keep track. The bad news is this. Many times, directors and producers never even get past the slate. With hundreds, perhaps thousands to see for a role, it’s an overwhelming process. If a slate is poor, or overdone they may not even get past it. They need any excuse to move through the auditions as quickly as possible.

This is challenging for the actor, but challenging is what spurs growth. The fact remains that learning to slate well increases your chances of being seen. While some acting classes deal with auditioning, many don’t. A good resource for learning about slates are often acting classes in NYC. Acting classes in NYC in some institutions, may ask for a slate and audition tape for entry into their program. It’s something you can do on your own, and do quite well with a little help from a friend. Enlist a friend to help record your efforts on tape and you will instantly see how well you are doing. Here are some things to consider when practicing slates. Communicate to someone, not the camera, which is an art form unto itself. Record yourself trying several versions of a slate and then assess them. Feedback from people you trust is also important, the slate should communicate who you are.

The information you include need not be lengthy, they really just want your name and possibly your agent. First impressions should be short and sweet. It won’t hurt in commercial auditions to put a hint of the character in your slate but avoid going over the top. You could be wrong in your assumption about what they are looking for, and lose them before they even view your real work. The real purpose of the slate is for them to keep track of your tape, so just let them know if a few short seconds who you are. Once the slate is done, move quickly into character and give them the portrayal they could never have anticipated, the character they didn’t even know they wanted. Classes that offer Meisner acting NYC are a great place to develop the skills that can be used to build excellent auditioning skills.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides meisner acting training in New York City. For more information about audition techniques visit the studio website where you can get specific answers to any question you have.

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