All posts by : wpadmin

In this post-pandemic world, we have found ourselves thrust even further into technology. Some of this is a positive, like the convenience of doing taped auditions (which has become the film industry standard), but reliance on technology also has its drawbacks, like our lack of comfort with daily tasks- such as having face-to-face conversations.

Even basic skills have become a source of anxiety. We see this in studies that show 60% of millennials struggle to make phone calls, like setting up a doctor’s appointment. Or that 70% of American workers feel fear about speaking up at a business meeting even when they have valuable insight. This hits hardest for the generation that finds itself newly joining the workforce: Generation Z. 

“A new General Assembly survey found that over a quarter of executives wouldn’t even consider hiring a recent college graduate today…surveyed managers feel the most significant shortcoming for Gen-Z workers is a lack of critical interpersonal skills, often referred to as ‘soft skills.’” –Forbes

Luckily it’s The Actor’s Scene to the rescue! We realize that not only is Gen-Z struggling with “soft skills”, but generations older than them were affected as well. That’s why this fall we are introducing the Offline Communications class for ages 9 and up. 

You did it! You booked a role! Now what? 

Going to set is a thing to be celebrated, but being on set is like being in a new country complete with its own rules and language. As an actor, specifically one that wants to have a long career, it is important that you understand this new “country’s” rules. That’s why today we are looking at having proper on set etiquette.

Proper on set etiquette starts before you even get to set. That’s right, the work begins when you are cast. There are three areas you need to prepare around before getting on set: Script/Character, Who’s on Set, and Shoot Date Plans. You can prepare these in any order as long as you get them done. 

Are your New Year’s acting resolutions already feeling out of reach? You even set your sights on some realistic acting goals, but a few weeks in and you’re feeling doubtful you’ll ever get there. Don’t worry because The Actor’s Scene has got your back! 

We at TAS know that this career can be tough, intimidating, and indeed overwhelming at times which is why we are focusing on your goals for next year. Let’s look at where you could be next year and what you can do now to get there. 

As we come to the end of 2024, one thing is for sure: taped auditions are here to stay. The majority of the auditions that come to us are still asking for actors to self tape their initial audition. A far-cry from the pre-Covid days when we were all in person. If the idea of self taping is new to you, or if you’re ready to level up your personal auditioning method, then you’ve come to the right place because today we are talking all about the Taped Audition. 

Let’s start with our basics (and save the nitty-gritty until later). The number one thing you need to do when you get any sort of audition is to read over all of the details. Let me repeat: read over ALL of the details!  There is quite a bit of information given to you with each audition and it is your job to know all of it before taping. This includes information like:

Production Information:

Producers

Writer

Director

Casting Directors

Type of project

It is important to know your production details as your performance will change with different people.

For example: an audition for director Wes Anderson would be far different than for director Quentin Tarantino.

Is this a commercial or a feature film?

Many things will change about your performance depending on these details.

TAS has been preparing actors to confidently walk onto set for over 20 years! But what about the other aspects of filmmaking? Not all actors want only to act. Many of them also find joy in writing, producing, and directing. A fact that is not only true for our students, but true for our coaches as well. That’s why we decided to open the door to the challenging, creative, and fun world of filmmaking.

Last year we, at TAS, broke our own mold by adding the “On-Set Experience”; a course which gives students firsthand knowledge of working behind the camera. This new class gave middle and high school students a way to explore more movie magic than ever before- from writing, to directing, to filming, and even editing their own short film. Students not only gained knowledge of the craft of filmmaking, but they also grew close bonds through collaboration, goal setting, and product production. And the venture was a hit! So much so, that we launched a more advanced version for year two; introducing the “Creator’s Lab” this year. The Creator’s Lab class allows students to take the lead on creating their own shorts and provides ongoing filmmaking challenges to test their skills.

Today we will discuss these classes, and filmmaking in general, but first, let’s introduce their coaches: Leah (Merritt) and Adam Breazeale.