6 posts tagged “fresh faces”
If there was such a thing as an actor’s toolkit, what do you think would be in it? Of course all actors need a headshot and resume. A Star Search Casting membership is another essential item that every actor should also have. Some might say that every actor should prepare and have committed to memory a song that they can sing well to audition for roles that require both acting and singing. And for actors who are interested in musical theater and audition frequently, a pair of character shoes is a must.
When auditioning for musical theater, many casting notices specify that actors must bring character shoes for their audition. Character shoes are named for their use in theater because they are worn when actresses and actors are performing “in character.” They look very similar to tap shoes, and some actually can be ordered with taps. Character shoes typically come in tan or black, with leather soles, and are designed for rigorous movement and dancing for long periods of time. Directors and casting professionals also prefer character shoes for actors because they provide a sense of uniformity. Character shoes, especially for men, may also be referred to as jazz shoes.
If you’re purchasing a pair of character shoes for the first time, here are a few tips you may find useful:
- Although character shoes are sold widely online, you may consider visiting a retail establishment to try on a few pairs to determine which style you prefer. You can then comparison shop for the same brand and style online.
- Character shoes for women are made with varying heel heights. Be sure to pick a height that you’ll be comfortable with.
- Break your character shoes in by wearing them around the house.
- Wipe the bottoms of your character shoes (if worn outside) before dancing on wooden floors
Character shoes are available at a variety of price points and can range from $30 - $130. One of the most popular brands of character shoes is Capezio, however there are lots of consumer reviews online that can also help you decide which brand would be best for you.
Feel free to discuss brands, prices and the best retail stores and websites to purchase character shoes on our community forum. Log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today to talk to other singers, dancers, actors and models about career related apparel, supplies and more!
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “practice makes perfect.” And no, singing in the shower doesn’t count. If you’ve decided to pursue singing as a career,
then it’s time you develop a consistent practice regimen to prepare
yourself for the road ahead. To develop a successful practice regimen
you’ll need to:
- Make a schedule of the days and times you will reserve for practicing
- Research vocal exercises that you can use during your scheduled practice
- Develop a system for charting your growth
Whether you’ve set aside 20 minutes to practice, or two hours, be sure to begin with a warm up. It’s also important that you prepare the exercises you’ll be working on before your scheduled practice time. If you spend your practice time searching for exercises, or trying to comprehend the instructions, that’s less time that you’re actually working on your voice.
In addition to helping you improve the tone of your voice, committing to a practice schedule will also help you to…
…build endurance. If you’re considering becoming a professional singer, then much like an athlete, you will need to train your voice so that you can sing for long periods of time without your voice fatiguing which can result in pitch problems.
…become a well-rounded singer. Longer practice sessions not only help improve vocal quality, but also help you become a better sight reader, memorize more material, and develop your poise and stage presence.
…gauge your progress. As you practice more often, you will begin to see marked differences in your voice, and begin to note how you’re improving. It’s also advisable to chart your progress on paper so that you can visually see how you’re developing.
Curious to learn more about how other Elite Casting Network members improve their vocal technique? Visit our community forum at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com to network with other singers. And be sure to check out singing auditions in your area!
You recently auditioned for a role and the casting director was so impressed that they want to see you again! Congrats! Getting a callback is great validation for a performer. It means that out of the hundreds of people that the casting director initially auditioned, you were among a small few that really stood out.
While the casting director typically selects a handful of people out of hundreds that he or she thinks would be most suitable for lead and supporting roles – it’s rare that the casting director gets the final say. When you go to your callback, you’ll most likely audition in front of high powered decision makers such as network executives if you’re auditioning for a role on a television show, advertising executives if you’re auditioning for a commercial, or the director if you’re auditioning for a film. Additionally, you may even have more than one callback.
This is your shot to land the role, so make sure you take the opportunity seriously. In order to make the most of your callback:
- Arrive early and ask if there have been any changes to the script. Unfortunately actors can spend hours practicing material they’ve received in advance, only to get to an audition and learn that the material has been revised. If you arrive early, you give yourself an opportunity to prepare for issues like this.
- Don’t alter your look. You don’t have to wear the same thing you wore to the initial audition (though many people do), but you want to ensure the casting director remembers you, and that you reflect the same image that you did initially because based on the fact that you’ve been called back, that’s what the casting staff is looking for.
- Try to get a copy of the entire script so that you have a better understanding of who the character is.
- Be friendly, upbeat, positive and professional. If you’re auditioning in front of the director, he or she will not only be evaluating your talent, but also if you’re the type of performer they will want to work with for the duration of the project.
If you don’t land the job, take it all in stride. By securing a callback you’ve proved that you have something really special and others are sure to see it as you continue auditioning for other roles. Additionally, the influential industry executives who you auditioned for during your callback may be interested in calling you in for upcoming projects.
Curious how other performers have handled the pressure of callbacks? Log in to http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and connect with other members in our community forum.
Double your exposure this year! Purchase an annual Diamond membership at Star Search Casting & get 12 months for the price of 8, plus a one-year Diamond membership at Elite Casting Network. There’s no better way to let your talent shine!
HOLLYWOOD – If you’ve got the look, the personality and the talent, we can help you get the exposure! An entire year’s worth! Star Search Casting (www.StarSearchCasting.com) is helping aspiring actors, dancers, singers and models launch the career of their dreams by offering them an annual Diamond membership, for only $199.95 when they purchase an annual subscription. The subscription starts at just $24.99 a month, but by paying for a full year upfront, members can save $100. Additionally, as a special bonus they’ll also get a free, one-year Diamond membership at Elite Casting Network (www.EliteCastingNetwork.com). That’s two memberships from two leading casting websites, for the price of one – a $600 value.
Star Search Casting has been a leader in providing casting notices and other online resources for aspiring entertainers seeking acting, singing, dancing and modeling jobs for 10 years. The website has helped thousands of Hollywood hopefuls launch successful careers in the entertainment industry, and book the jobs of their dreams. This year, in an effort to help actors, singers, dancers and models get the most exposure for the best value, Star Search Casting is now offering Diamond memberships for both Star Search Casting and Elite Casting Network, a $600 value for only $199.95. That’s 12 months for the price of 8, plus two memberships for the price of one. It’s the best deal in the industry bar none.
An annual Diamond level membership at Star Search Casting includes: 100 photos in your personal profile; five customizable web addresses linking to your profile; eight documents; three audio files; three video files; 100 free SMS credits; a hit counter; unlimited contacts from casting directors and other industry professionals; and the exposure of a lifetime for aspiring singers, dancers, actors and models! For a limited time only, when members sign up for an annual Diamond level membership at Star Search Casting, they will enjoy the same benefits at Elite Casting Network.
Singers, actors, dancers and models who purchase an annual Platinum, Gold or Silver membership at Star Search Casting will also get a one-year membership for the cost of eight months! They’ll also get the same level membership at Elite Casting Network and instantly double their exposure.
For more information on these amazing savings, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and click on 'Membership Levels'. There’s no better time for singers, dancers, actors and models to shoot for the stars!
Ever wonder how your talent compares to other aspiring performers? Participating in competitions is a great way to gauge how you measure up in the industry, as well as increase your confidence and get additional performing experience. It’s also a great way to get exposure and boost your resume.
To make the most out of your competition experience:
Target competitions that are geared towards helping performers launch a professional career – especially competitions that either have celebrity judges or have a reputation of being well attended by industry professionals.
Make sure you’re aware of all scheduled deadlines, rehearsals and performances. You don’t want to blow your big break because you didn’t get your application in on time or because you missed your audition.
Be sure that you’re aware of all of the requirements - especially any required fees - so that you’re prepared. Whether it’s a singing, modeling, acting or dance competition, be sure that you have everything you’ll need from your repertoire to your wardrobe – and if you don’t have something, make sure you take care of it well in advance.
Take advantage of opportunities to network. Remain focused on the competition, but be sure that you build relationships with participants, staff and other individuals that could potentially help you in the future.
Have fun! Winning isn’t everything. If you don’t win your first competition, there are lots more out there. And with all of the experience that you get from your first competition, you’ll be even more prepared for the next.
For a list of talent competitions, visit our ‘Talent Resources’ page at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com. You can also visit our community forum to ask other Star Search Casting members which competitions they’ve participated in to help them boost their careers. Good luck!
The year is off to an exciting start at Star Search Casting and we’re excited to see how all of our members progress as they pursue their dreams of working in the entertainment industry. We’re always exceedingly proud when we hear of the great opportunities that our members seizing in order to make their dreams come true.
One Star Search Casting member is really taking the industry by storm. Lianne Lin is a multi-talented actress, model, writer and makeup artist. While she has a number of interests, she has managed to juggle them all and successfully land opportunities in all of her fields of interest. Lianne has appeared on a number of popular television shows including How I Met Your Mother, Ugly Betty, Entourage and CSI Miami. What great exposure! These are some of the most highly rated shows on television! Additionally, Lianne has appeared in several films including Super Sweet 16: The Movie and Norbit.
Like many models, Lianne has completely immersed herself in her craft and in addition to a long list of print modeling jobs, modeling competitions and promo modeling opportunities, Lianne has also become an experienced photographer and makeup artist as well. It sounds like there’s nothing that Lianne can’t do!
We’d like to congratulate Lianne on all of her success. It’s always inspiring to hear how Star Search Casting members are taking Hollywood by storm and doing what they love best. If you ever get discouraged, remember that if other Star Search Casting members are paving their way toward stardom – there’s no reason that you can’t too!
For more information on Star Search Casting members or to learn more about other members’ experiences in the entertainment industry, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today. Good luck to all of you!
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