wpadmin | The Actor's Scene

Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

You can spot Jai this year in Tiny Fugitives and Superman.

Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed at The Actor’s Scene, but we also love to share their successes with the world! One student that has really caught our attention lately is Jai Soundar. Jai has a background in theatre and commercial, but is getting ready for a big launch on the film scene this year. You will spot him in Seth Rogan’s upcoming film, Tiny Fugitives, and the new Superman film.

Let’s hear more about his acting journey so far:

Jai, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with us! It's an honor to speak with a young actor who is filled with purpose and vision. Let's start at the beginning, what made you want to become an actor?

What made me want to become an actor is that when I was about five or so I was watching a movie, and I asked my mom, “Why doesn’t anyone on TV look like me?”. In response my mom said that I should be the change I wanted to see, which is a quote by an Indian major leader, Gandhi. I didn’t understand what she said at first, but as I grew up and became an actor I could interpret what she said all those years ago. I think she meant I could either sit at home and keep wondering or get up and try to be THAT kid on TV; that way other kids wouldn’t have to ask that question anymore.

This is so cool! Acting is already a wonderful experience, but it is much more meaningful knowing that you get to be a part of the change you wanted to see when you were younger. What do you think 'little Jai' would have said if you told him that he would one day be acting in movies?

What I think little me would most likely feel in that moment is a sense of excitement and determination- and for a young little boy, a little excitement can go a long way! I’d also be excited because I had found a way to time travel in a later part of my life. You don’t know how much I wanted to learn how to time travel!

What would you say to those who want to make a positive change in the world, but feel overwhelmed by getting started?

To those who want to make a big change to the world through acting make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons; such as because you love it or because you were inspired. Be wary, though, of the other reasons some people go into acting. You should never do acting if you don’t want to or if you’re forced to. Don’t act for the popularity because if you act for popularity you mix up your career life and your personal life.

Also even though it’s scary, just try and push through the fear because it’s better than not attempting it at all!

What is it that you love about being an actor?

I can express my feelings and emotion through acting in ways I couldn’t if I wasn’t an actor. I also really like acting because I can inspire kids of all ethnicities to do what they want to do. The stories out there should include people who look different. I think that’s meaningful and makes people feel like they belong in this world.

What was something that surprised you about first working on a set?

The first time I ever went on a set my role was a small role, but even the smallest role can have a big impact! Although my role was small, I had to stay there for a week- which just shows that there are no small roles, only small actors who don’t feel blessed about acting in any role (no matter how big or small).

I was also surprised by how much was involved in making film and TV. The crew on every set work SO HARD. They are the best, and I always try and remember to say Thank You to them.

Yes! Staying grateful and thankful are so important! Tell us, what are some of your favorite types of acting moments?

Some of my favorite moments in filming are probably scenes with stunts because they give me a sense of exhilaration. I love doing things that are built around the concept of exhilaration, such as rollercoasters, competitions, and exhilarating video games. Also some of my favorite moments are acting with other people. I love watching other people act and I love laughing or smiling with them after Cut is called.

So many actors are curious about what it's like doing stunts on a set. Can you tell us more about what you did (or what you saw) and what the process was like?

Since the movie I did a stunt in is not released yet I can’t say too much, but what I can say to those who don’t know what the stunt process is like, it is very safe since we have stunt doubles. Stunt doubles do stunts so that the actual actor is safe from all the trouble. Everyone on set always made sure I was comfortable and fine with everything I was doing, which was really nice.

Very cool. Let's switch gears and talk about about your acting training. What is some of the best acting advice you have been given?

Most of the tips that have been given to me have morphed me into the actor I am now. An example of one of those tips is the One-to-Ten Energy Scale, ‘One’ meaning use very low amounts of energy (nearly the amount of energy people use when they sleep) and ‘Ten’ means go all out, be energetic, like the life of the party.

Another tip I will always remember is when someone told me to act in a way people can connect with you. I don’t know if I always do that, but I try.

You know that at TAS, confidence is very important to us. So, we have to know, what makes you feel confident?

When it comes to acting I feel confident in a quiet place while practicing lines because I have room for error. When it’s quiet I can increase my knowledge on acting while also being able to get to know my character.

Making space to be quiet is wonderful advice! Tell us more about your process for 'getting to know your character'. Tell us the steps you take and what you find helpful.

I mark up all my scripts with the emotions I’d use for each line, the way I will move my body, and the level of energy I will use. It takes the longest part of my prep, but it’s the most helpful for me. I also try not to get too set in stone on my ways, in case the director wants me to change my tone or approach.

What would be your dream role or acting project?

My dream project would be, to be in the expected Third Avatar the Last Airbender series because I love the series concept. I’m also a huge fan of the Sci – Fi genre.

Two other films I’d like to be in are Pokémon (the anime) and The Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie. And any DCU or Marvel movie would be icing on the cake.

Finally, what advice do you have for other young actors just getting started?

I’d give them the advice, “No matter who you are or where you’re from you can do anything you want… you just have to put your mind to it” As well as to do what you want to do, if you want to be an actor that’s great and if you don’t want to be an actor, that’s okay. Don’t let anybody pave the way for you.

I also learned something important from Johnny Knoxville when I worked with him on a recent film. He told me that if there isn’t a movie or a role you’re getting out there, MAKE a role for yourself. Create something and make yourself unique. I will never forget that.

Parent's Corner

Parents know that it takes a lot of hard work to make sure their babies shine brightly in the spotlight. We are so thankful to have Jai's mother, Devi, join us with some tips and advice for parents of young actors.

Devi, thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions. To start off, what is some advice you’d give to other parents of young actors?

We are fairly new to this ourselves, but I would say what has helped us as a family is:

We check in with Jai often on his feelings about the industry. We often ask him if he is enjoying himself, as this process can be very confusing when you submit tapes and are not expected to hear feedback- especially at such a young age!
We also reassure him that we are just here to support him and if at any point he wants to stop, we can! That way, he doesn’t feel a certain pressure or harbor a feeling that he is letting us down.
We rely heavily on advice from his wonderful acting/music coaches, as they’ve navigated this much more than we have as his parents.
We listen to podcasts about how to help support child actors in such a tough industry (Parenting in the Spotlight by Denise Simon) is a great one.

That is wonderful advice! Do you have any helpful tools you picked up along the way?

My husband and I poured into all the research we could regarding how to properly support a child actor. We have watched a few helpful masterclasses on voice and acting, as we ourselves have no personal background in performing arts. In our family, we keep it simple by asking Jai 3 questions after every set day.

1. Are you gaining joy out of this? We remind him a ‘win’ is not booking. He should enjoy the character breakdown, self-tape, audition, and callback process too–because they are all a part of his craft. We also tell him that every part of acting is just self-betterment. If he doesn’t end up an actor, at least he will have an immense understanding of emotional intelligence, confidence, public speaking skills, etc.

2. Do you feel like you’re using your own voice? Through our research, we noticed child actors can especially be overlooked or feel the pressure of acting in a way unnatural to them to impress adults. Even during our self-tapes, I try to remind myself that I can’t ask Jai to change the way he’s acting, because he’s the experienced one in it, not me! And if he’s not using his own voice and own approach, it just won’t come out authentic.

3. Are you giving back? It’s pretty unconventional for a 10 year old to have a job in general! After a project he did in school, Jai really felt compassionate about donating to Smile Train, a nonprofit organization and charity providing corrective surgery for children with cleft lip/palates. Jai came to us and said he wanted to donate some of his last earnings from his film to the charity, and we were proud to hear it.

Honestly this is a side of acting that you don't hear talked about very often. There is such a tremendous opportunity to spotlight those in need; you must have been incredibly proud to hear your young actor want to get involved and help. How did you foster that conversation and desire to make a difference?

Thank you, we are so very proud! To be honest, I don’t know how, but Jai has always been very emotionally aware. When we travel to India, he is always overwhelmed with the disparities he sees in some of the areas we travel. What made him specifically passionate about assisting children with cleft lips is after a discussion at his school when he saw pictures and heard stories of kids who struggle, not just with physical appearance but with some abilities to speak due to the disability. We like Smile Train because they do so much more than surgery–they also help children with nutritional, speech, orthodontic support, hearing care and psychosocial counseling.

Tell us what makes it all worth it? Why do you keep going, even when things get hard?

Jai looked up at us when he was five and asked us- point blank- why no one else on TV looked like him. We were shocked and didn’t know what to say at the time, mainly because it was so young for him to pick up on that. Fast forward to now, what makes it all worth it is when we see Jai get so excited about seeing diversity on the screen.

We keep going because his mission is to tell stories and work with actors/directors who want to cast all ethnicities. Even though he gets half (if not a third) of the auditions his peers receive, because he doesn’t always fit the description, he works several hours a day because he wants kids watching him at home to feel they can be a part of any narrative, too. Though acting is a completely new territory for our family, we do it for that five year old Jai who taught us how impactful representation can be.

That is amazing! Way to go Jai, and thank you Devi, for taking the time to answer these questions for us. We know that other parents will find your input a valuable part of their own journeys.

Want to keep up with Jai?

Check him out on:

IMDb

Instagram

Actor’s Access (Resume)

Jai and his family support Smile Train, a charity that benefits children around the world who are born with cleft lips.

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Read The Latest

Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

You can spot Jai this year in Tiny Fugitives and Superman. Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed at The

Where will you be this time next year?

Have you got dreams for your acting career? What are you doing to get there? Are your New Year’s acting resolutions already feeling out of

Taped Auditions 101

Are you making the most out of every opportunity? As we come to the end of 2024, one thing is for sure: taped auditions are

Where will you be this time next year?

Have you got dreams for your acting career? What are you doing to get there?

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.

The deadline to register for classes this year is January 25th. Read on to find out how to register, or how you can audit a class for FREE!

"While nearly half of Americans make New Year's resolutions, only about 25% of people actually stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days, according to Columbia University. And even fewer, less than 10%, accomplish their goals."

CBS News

By this time next year, you could book real work in the industry!

We know students need to learn not only how to act on-camera or on stage but also how to navigate this wild industry. That’s why each class combines acting lessons with camera or stage specific techniques and industry information. Students will discover things like: preparing and taping industry standard auditions, researching local agents and casting directors, and paying attention to what’s happening in the Southeast film area. With class discussion time they are also taught why it’s important to know all of this information which gives our students the skills to navigate the industry with ease and book more roles!

If you just look at our recent post on Feature Friday (found monthly on Facebook or Instagram) you’ll see numerous examples of how this knowledge helps our students right away. For instance, take TAS students: Audrey Lyn Marie and Devyn Millsap. They are just two examples out of many who have booked industry work recently. Audrey Lynn-Marie had a co-star role in the new Lifetime movie “Don’t Let Him Find You” or student Devyn Millsap who had TWO recent bookings; a Winter Beach Club commercial and the “Wild Robot Egg Drop Challenge” on Peacock.

By this time next year you could have an acting career!

Sometimes you need a little extra help with your audition tapes or want to focus on a specific aspect of your acting career. TAS also has taping services and private lessons to help you! Our taping equipment and set up is top notch and with the help of our trained taping coaches your auditions will be of the highest quality. You can book a private coaching session with one of our talented coaches to work through tough or important auditions. You can also book a bundle of private lessons to really focus on what you need to do to enhance your personal career.

At TAS, we are not just an acting school; we are a place to identify and achieve your dreams! A big part of this is through acting training, but we strive to provide our students with knowledge, tools, and opportunities.

By this time next year you could be signed with an agent!

Signing with an agent is a HUGE step in an actor’s career and we have made it easier to do so here at TAS. All of our on-camera based class students also get to participate in Showcase. Showcase is an opportunity for our students to perform for agents, casting directors, managers, and production companies who are looking to sign eager actors. This is HUGE! In fact that’s how many of our students get an agent or book their first project. Students have a chance to not only sign with agents from our market here in the Southeast, but also with agents from LA, New York, the Midwest, and several places in between. Instead of going through the traditional process of submitting and waiting our students get the chance to show their talents to multiple agents at once!

By this time next year you could be in a community of like-minded creatives.

This is the beauty of our 32 week classes. You get knowledge, understanding, and skills; yay! But you also get a community. Week after week you will work with the same coach and students, learning and growing together. Remember, this industry is tough and it is so important to have a support group that will not only encourage you when you’re down, but also celebrate your wins with you, and keep you focused and guided towards your goals. Just look at what this parent said about a couple of our coaches:

Christy Shubert: Aaron’s mom from Creator’s Lab: “There have been a few times where the class as a whole needed to be given constructive criticism, and I think Coach Leah’s approach to that is spot on. She acknowledges the kids’ successes first, but also reminds the students that a part of growth in the industry is learning how to take constructive criticism in order to improve. Even in needing to call out a course correction, Leah leads with professionalism and curiosity first and foremost. Challenging situations offer opportunities for growth and development. Aaron’s [very smart!] brain has been sufficiently engaged and challenged in this class through the help of Adam and Leah’s knowledge, expertise, and leadership! We love and appreciate you guys so much!”

By this time next year, you could be a more confident YOU!

To be a successful actor you need all the things already mentioned: a support group that will be honest with you, knowledge of the industry, skills in acting, understanding camera/stage technique. But to really make it in this industry you need confidence. That’s what TAS is all about! What better way to showcase our motto of ‘Confidence Makers’ than with some awesome quotes from our students or parents of students:

Parent Megan Ross of Callie Ross in On Camera Foundations with Rick: “Every time that Callie comes out of class she is so excited to tell me what she learned…Coach Rick has been great! Callie feels like she has a good connection with him and he always makes her feel good about her abilities.”

Jiyun “Quinn” Shim’s mom Meg about On Camera Foundations with Adam: “We are absolutely thrilled with how the class has been going for Jiyun! It’s been incredible to see how the sessions inspire her and bring out her creativity and confidence. She genuinely enjoys every aspect of the learning experience, and it’s been wonderful to watch her grow and develop new skills.”

Carol Terry in Kristi’s Adult Improv Foundations class: I’m loving my time at the actor scene, gaining more confidence and knowledge with the nuances of improv. I’m very thankful for the feedback I’ve received from Coach Kristi, Coach Rick, and Coach Molly big shoutout to them they have really helped me grow! I appreciate all that you guys do and I’m very thankful for the time and care you’ve provided us students. I’m very happy to be a student of the actors scene!!

Does any of this sound like where you want to be next year? Check out our classes today! You can STILL sign up to be in our 32 week classes AND participate in Showcase. But you have to hurry! The deadline to register for classes is January 25th!

Call our Front Desk at 770-904-6646 or check out available classes on our website to get started. You can even audit a class for FREE. Give us a call or click on the links below to get started. Let us help you get to your goals!

Ready to get started? Reach out today!

TASFRONTDESK@GMAIL.COM

770-904-6646

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About The Author

Kirsten Krehbiel

Kirsten Krehbiel is an Atlanta based actress, director, and writer who enjoys bringing people new truths through the art of storytelling. She has a love of acting both on camera and on stage, having been lucky enough to be a part of incredible productions in both worlds. Kirsten joined the TAS team in 2020 as a coach, a job she loves because it lets her watch first hand as students grow and gain self confidence as actors. When she is not creating or coaching, you can find Kirsten hanging out with her grumpy cat on their back porch.

Read The Latest

Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

You can spot Jai this year in Tiny Fugitives and Superman. Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed at The

Where will you be this time next year?

Have you got dreams for your acting career? What are you doing to get there? Are your New Year’s acting resolutions already feeling out of

Taped Auditions 101

Are you making the most out of every opportunity? As we come to the end of 2024, one thing is for sure: taped auditions are

Taped Auditions 101

Are you making the most out of every opportunity?

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.

"Georgia is the top state in the country for film production, and Atlanta is its center. In 2024, Georgia hosted 273 productions, including 25 feature films, 30 independent films, 166 television productions, 37 commercials, and 15 music videos."

According to GA.org

Script/Character Information
- Synopsis of Script
- Who is your character?
- Sides (which are the pages from a script given to an actor during the audition process)

The character you are playing is key to a good performance. Each audition you get should have enough detail about the script and your character to guide you to who this character is. It is up to you to do as much research and discovery of this character before your audition.

A strong character setup is one of the best ways an actor can bring a script to life- and help your audition stand out. We recommend that actors seek training in Script Analysis and Characterization to continually grow these vital skills.

Audition Information
- Due Dates
- Film Dates
- Framing
- Slate
- Labeling
- Submission notes

Before you set up your camera or head to TAS to tape you need to know these important details.

When does the audition need to be in?

Are you even available for the shoot dates?

What do you need to say in your slate?

How close up should you be framed for both the audition and the slate?

These details are listed because that is what Casting needs to see from you to hire you. Make sure you get these details right!

Here are two terms that can trip up those who are new to the audition process. We recommend reaching out to a professional coach or your agent if you are not sure what to do about an upcoming audition. A lot of times, it’s helpful to run ideas by someone in the business or hear a new point of view before moving forward.

Knowing your taped audition rights is important as well.
Take a look here at SAG-AFTRA’s Self Tape Guide:

Once you get all these details squared away and you’ve practiced your scene you are ready for taping. There are a couple of options here. You can tape from home. This means getting the right set up, having a reader, and editing/submitting your audition by yourself. Taping from home is more flexible for your time, but you are also in charge of getting everything done yourself.

Taping at home is more acceptable and feasible than ever before. If you want to tape at home, we recommend this article from Backstage.com on how to get the perfect setup.

The other option is to book a taping session at a taping studio like ours here at The Actors’ Scene. This requires you to schedule an appointment ahead of time that will cost you money, but a booked taping session will get you a professional coach/reader, high quality setup, and editor on your finished product. Basically all you have to do is book the appointment and show up prepared to tape.

Now that the important things have been covered let’s dive into the nitty gritty of taped auditions and how to stand out in them. For this, I recruited the help of two of our TAS Taping Coaches: Nyah Bass, who has taped here for two years, and Molly Pass, who has taped here for four years.

Spotlight on TAS Coach, Molly Pass:

What is a trick or tip you have that always enhances an audition performance?

Molly: “Have a ‘fun’ take. I find it’s usually your best one.”

What is something a student has done during a taped audition that stood out to you as unique and totally them?

Molly: I had a student come in and do a ‘fun’ take with hair rollers as if her character had just woken up!

When someone feels nervous about their audition, what is something they can do to get out of their head?

Molly: Shake it out! Play a song and jam, it helps.

A lot of auditions are “Under 5” (meaning 5 lines or less) and ask for 2 Takes (2 different versions of the same audition scene). What’s a tip for getting two very good and different takes of the same scene?

Molly: I prefer to do 2 opposite character types or 2 opposite motivations to differentiate my 2 takes.

Spotlight on TAS Coach, Nyah Bass:

What is a trick or tip you have that always enhances an audition performance?

Nyah: “I always like for actors to see their performance during their tapings; the strong moments we should keep, as well as the moments we should continue to work on. It’s always hard to “fix” something if you don’t know what you need to fix”

What is something a student has done during a taped audition that stood out to you as unique and totally them?

Nyah: A student had an audition where they were arguing at the dinner table. My favorite part of this audition was the pacing. Even though the argument was very big and strong, the conversation itself was slower, giving time for the words to linger in the air from time to time. The student’s tone along with the overall contrast of the scene really stood out to me.

When someone feels nervous about their audition, what is something they can do to get out of their head?

Nyah: My top recommendations to nervous actors are breathing exercises, finding your calming “go-to’s”, and to trust & believe in your foundation/ preparation.

Nyah: For two takes, I always like to start with finding different possible situations to put into the scene, therefore creating various emotions through the performance.

A 2 take happened to me recently! I had an audition for an employee talking to their boss. Since it was an Under 5, I submitted 2 takes. The first situation was walking in as a loyal employee, doing their regular routine. However, for the second situation, I was an employee on their first day, going into their boss’ office, who they have never met. I’m a very visual person, so even describing this situation, it already creates that imagery in my head. My goal is to strive for that imagery.

Thank you both for these helpful answers!

If you’re looking for even more details, tips, or tricks for your taped audition, consider one of our audition support private lessons:

Booking a taping shift here at The Actor’s Scene. Booking a session with extra time is always a great way to get some coaching tips inside of the taping process.

If you are planning to tape from home, but want to speak with a coach or even have them read for you, check out our Audition Prep services. We have both in person and online options available.

If you want to figure out ways to enhance every audition you get, check our our Private Coaching sessions. These can be done in-person or over zoom. Go from average auditions to stellar ones with one of our professional coaches now!

Ready to get started? Reach out today!

TASFRONTDESK@GMAIL.COM

770-904-6646

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About The Author

Kirsten Krehbiel

Read The Latest

Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

You can spot Jai this year in Tiny Fugitives and Superman. Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed at The

Where will you be this time next year?

Have you got dreams for your acting career? What are you doing to get there? Are your New Year’s acting resolutions already feeling out of

Taped Auditions 101

Are you making the most out of every opportunity? As we come to the end of 2024, one thing is for sure: taped auditions are

Get to know TAS Coach (& Front Desk Assistant), Madison Stuckey

All of our acting coaches are highly qualified working actors who participate in the Film/TV industry in a variety of ways, in addition to coaching acting classes. But we want to give you a more in-depth look at who they are as people.

This month we are sharing some insights that will help answer the question,

“Who Is Madison Stuckey?” Read on to find out!

What Makes You Feel Confident?

Preparation is always a great place to start. I feel most confident when I’m passionate about what I’m doing and I can have fun with it. At the end of the day, reminding myself of where I’ve come and trying to be authentic and in the moment keeps me sane.

How did you first get into acting?

Through theatre first, like many other actors! I have always loved telling stories and admired how they can connect people.Through storytelling, I can live a thousand lives and get to play and build worlds with other people.

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

Learning the technical differences between theatre acting and on camera acting and putting it into practice was definitely a challenge. I started in theatre, then focused mainly on acting for Film/Tv at SCAD, and I’ve been trying to practice switching between the two regularly ever since. I would also say developing myself as an artist and individual has been a journey, but that’s life.

What advice do you have for others who are in the process of developing their skills as an actor?

I still am tackling it! Practice helps a lot, but so does personal growth and life-experience. I hope to be a life-long student and never stop growing and learning. Additionally, improv is an incredible tool that changed my life. I urge everyone to give it a chance, I believe it helps make people more connected with the world and those around them.

Check out Dad's Garage take on The Christmas Carol in a family friendly matinee.

December 14, 21, & 22. Click below for more details.

Besides acting, do you pursue any other interests in the entertainment industry?

Oh my gosh, yes. I have always enjoyed writing, and it was going to be part of my degree at one point during college, until I switched into a Film/TV minor. Most of my writing has been comedy and sketches, but I would love to branch out into writing plays and longer films/episodic content! Producing (mainly pre-production) was what I had the most experience in when it came to working crew in college. I love the team-building and organizational aspects of it, and as hard as it is to pull off, it sure is rewarding! Directing wasn’t something I realized I wanted to do until I started working at TAS, actually. Coaching actors through our taping services has made me realize how much I love to direct, so it’s one of the many hats I would like to try on in the future.

How did you come to The Actor's Scene?

I first found TAS as a private student (Shoutout to my former coach, Sanna Erica!) while still in high school, because of my long-time best friend and current TAS Coach Molly Pass! Fast forward to earlier this year when I started my current position as a Front Desk Assistant. Since then, I have also become a Taping Coach, and I’d have to say that’s my favorite part of the job. The joy I get from helping students grow in their careers and hearing of their successes is unmatched. We have so many talented students!

What is one bit of advice that you always love to share?

Please do not be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone, both in life and in your creative choices. Embarrass yourself often in the name of comedy! Find a way to practice self-taping and “play Casting Director” with other actors. Coaching students in tapings fundamentally changed the way I approach on camera acting and self-tapes and taught me many invaluable lessons. Try not to do more than three takes when self-taping. It will save you from a lot of frustration in the audition and headaches when you go to edit.

What is an acting accomplishment that makes you proud?

Reflecting on all of the projects I’ve been able to be a part of and where I’ve come as an artist in general over the last five years brings me a lot of joy and pride! I’m very proud to have worked with so many talented creatives. At TAS, I’m overwhelmed with pride anytime students report back to me with their successes or tell me about what projects they’re working on!

What do you hope that your coaching legacy will be?

I would love to help grow confidence in the students at TAS and help them achieve success not only as well-rounded actors, but also as well-rounded artists. I want to foster a fun, safe space where everyone is welcome to have a seat at the table. The community that I have always found in theatre and creative spaces changed my life, and I hope that students at TAS can find that community here.

Finally, do you have any acting resources that you love?

I’m a big reader, so most of these will be books. For those looking for non-book resources, I recommend the Armchair Expert podcast. They always have a rotation of phenomenal guests. I also recommend an app called Actions: The Actor’s Thesaurus. I still pull this app out from time to time when I’m breaking down my action verbs in a script and I need synonyms that either are stronger or will make my choices more specific.

Book List:

The Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual by Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh. My copy is super worn from how much I’ve used this over the years. It’s an easy read and funny!
Directing Actors by Judith Weston. Despite the name, this is definitely a book actors will benefit from. It is sectioned into small parts, which makes it easy to read, and it has so much helpful information packed in it.
Producer to Producer by Maureen A. Ryan. Not an acting book, but a FANTASTIC resource for anyone interested in producing or filmmaking in general. (Hint hint: OSE students!)
The Great Acting Teachers and Their Methods by Richard Brestoff. A great overview!
Tips: Ideas for Actors by Jon Jory. It is also packed full of information!
How to Audition On Camera by Sharon Bialy. The industry has definitely changed since this book was published, especially post-Covid, but this is still a great read.

Madison Stuckey Bio:

Since a young age, Madison has held a strong passion for all forms of art, but she was particularly fascinated with movies and the characters within them. She fell in love with theatre in high school and began to search for any way to keep herself involved- whether onstage or in the wings. She was introduced to TAS by Coach Molly in 2017, and was amazed by the welcoming and supportive environment fostered by all of the coaches at TAS.

In 2023, Madison received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts with minors in Casting and Film & Television from the Savannah College of Art and Design. In her time at SCAD, Madison further discovered her love of voiceover, improv and comedy. Madison was heavily involved with the improv department from 2018-2023, taking on leadership roles and becoming a student coach under the supervision of David Storck. She worked on SCAD animated projects, short films and in multiple sketch groups over the years. In her senior year, she was a part of a student-written and performed sketch show directed by Matt Walsh.

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Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

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A Discussion About Filmmaking

and why our new filmmaking classes are a success at TAS!

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.

"The Most Honest Form of Filmmakings is to Make a Film For Yourself"

Peter Jackson

What are students getting out of 'The On-Set Experience' and 'Creator's Lab' classes?

Leah: “There is so much that feels mysterious about the filmmaking world- especially when you are first getting into it and start booking your first acting gigs. When we created this program we really aimed to demystify the filmmaking process and empower students to create their own films. In this class, students are given full creative control to tell the stories they want to tell, while us coaches are there to guide them and answer questions along the way. By taking such a hands-on approach, students leave class with a deep sense of pride in the films they made together AND a new confidence every time they walk onto a set, or even just have a story idea in their head – they now know how to make that come to life. Plus, they have quality demo reel footage to show for it!”

What do you enjoy about coaching these classes?

Adam: “I love giving the students a new perspective on the art form they’re interested in. Such as: giving them a new way to watch movies, having them think about the blocking, camera angles, lenses the filmmakers might have used, the techniques they employed to get the finished product. Then also seeing them try and develop their own unique creativity through that new knowledge, all in the making of their own film.”

Leah: “It’s truly amazing the stories that young students create when you simply step aside and let them explore their own creativity. Our students are all between the ages of 11-17 years old which is a really vulnerable time in everyone’s life. You go through a lot of changes and self discovery in those years, and watching our students find a place of belonging and inclusion is by far my favorite part of this class. We teach them about how filmmaking is a collaborative art form that requires creatives of all different types to work together towards a single unified vision. So watching the kids really take that and run with it, supporting and encouraging each other throughout the class, is just so amazing to see.”

Why would taking a filmmaking class be good for someone who strictly wants to act?

Leah: “So, I am a self-proclaimed “just an actor”, funny enough! But as an actor we are so often out of the loop on set – there’s just so much happening that doesn’t directly involve us! That was intimidating to me at first as I’m a person who always likes to see the whole picture. So once I started learning about the behind the scenes process, I felt like a much more capable and direct-able actor. I was just recently on set for a network TV show, which is a fast paced environment, but because I was listening and understanding everything that was going on around me, I could anticipate changes the Director needed me to make – things like being aware of the camera, or understanding where my light is coming from, or being conscious of continuity – all of these things make me a better actor to work with (and made the experience much more relaxed and fun!)”

Adam: “This class is great for actors for a few reasons, but I think most pivotal being they gain knowledge on the roles on set that are much more obfuscated. When they arrive on set as an actor they won’t be as confused by the chaos of all the different jobs, lingo, and equipment.”

What do you think are the most important parts of filmmaking?

Adam: “The most important parts are safety then collaboration. Filmmaking is a very diverse job, maybe the only job in the world that will take you from simply talking at the dinner table to dangling off the side of a building. In all those cases there are chances for danger; you need to know how to work with others and use the professionals around you to maintain that safety. It’s about getting everyone home to their own dinner tables that night.

Really film is a huge job and being sure you are safe, and tackling it with all the resources at hand, is I think most important.”

Leah adds: “Collaboration and respect. We all bring our own ideas and interpretations of the script to the table, but it’s so important to be able to listen and respect each other’s opinions during the filmmaking process. And just throughout life!”

What is your biggest highlight from the past year?

Both: “We are THRILLED to announce that our inaugural year of On Set Experience had not just one but BOTH of their films accepted into the Georgia Film Festival!

Not only was it an honor to launch this amazing program for young filmmakers at The Actor’s Scene, but watching that program collide with real world opportunity in our community was really cool.

We are excited to see what this year holds for our students!”

Not only are our coaches raving about these classes, but our students are too!

Meet Peyton Cooper, one of Leah and Adam’s students from last year who loved the class so much she came back for “The Creator’s Lab”.

Ready to join in the fun? We have a brand new “On-Set Experience” class for ages 11 to 17 starting this month! Give our Front Desk a call to find out more! The deadline to register is October 13th.

You can also read more about OSE, HERE.

Ready to get started? Reach out today!

TASFRONTDESK@GMAIL.COM

770-904-6646

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About The Author

Kirsten Krehbiel

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Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

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Get to know TAS Coach: Jemarcus Kilgore

This month we are sharing some insights that will help answer the question,

“Who Is Jemarcus Kilgore?” Read on to find out!

What Makes You Feel Confident?

Confidence, for me, comes down to two factors.

1. Practice. Through practice I build not only my acting abilities but also a knowledge that helps me feel at ease when needed. Through practice I learn more about myself and also feel ready for what’s ahead of me.

2. My faith. Faith helps me remember what is really important in all that I do. It’s the reassurance that even if things don’t turn out the way that I want them to, then they will still turn out the way they are supposed to be.

How did you first get into acting?

I told my mom I wanted to be a Power Ranger. She explained to me that they were just actors, so I settled on the next best thing 🙂

That is pretty much how it happened. At the time, Power Rangers were on Disney, who held the rights to the series. The Red Ranger was a black man and I thought, “Yo, cool. That guy. I want to be a Power Ranger!” So my mom decided to take my newfound interest in acting and sign me up for plays at church. The director saw something in me that stood out and continued to cast me in church plays. Eventually I began taking formal acting lessons and got my first professional gig at 12 years old; just a little featured extra role playing Tyler Perry’s son in Single Mom’s Club. It was a good experience that helped me see that anything was possible.

At 16 I began doing live community theatre. My first role was Prince Eric in the show, The Little Mermaid, at CYT Atlanta. After reading a book where CYT was mentioned, I decided to google them and found out that they were launching auditions. I showed up with the only Disney song I knew, which was, ‘Proud of Your Boy’ (from the theatrical version of Aladdin). I only knew that song because I sang it to my mom for Mother’s Day. And I got it! I got the main part! That really got the ball rolling for my career.

**Imagine how I felt later on when they told me that they would have cast me either way because they didn’t have enough boys audition. They were ecstatic that I could actually sing and act!

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

Two things:

Dealing with the era of self tapes, and only self tapes. I have never had the gift of auditioning in person for film or TV. I have only auditioned in person for theatre. I have heard stories from my friends of how amazing it is to audition in person for an industry project, and I really want to try it. I feel like I can sell myself better than I can sell any character, and I would really like the opportunity to do just that. It would be cool to have a personal connection with a casting director.
Learning that, “What is for you is for you”. Not every, ‘No’ means No; it just means not right now. I’ve learned to take every audition with a grain of salt. It’s taught me resilience and persistence.

It’s not easy, especially as my career has grown and the parts that I have started auditioning for have gotten bigger and more well known. Recently I have been auditioning for some IP’s that I am familiar with; projects that, if booked, would take me out of the country to film. It’s like a whole new level of giving it my all, seeing the potential, and still being okay with the fact that that at the end of the day it may not be right for me.

That mental struggle is something that all actors must learn to confront and contend with. Do you have any advice for new actors or maybe those who are feeling that sense of pressure right now?

I feel like once auditioning becomes fun, and you learn to enjoy the process of auditioning, you realize what a Win it is in itself.

It could be that thousands submit for a breakdown, while only hundreds get to audition. Out of that only ten get a callback, two get pinned, and only one person gets the job. So if you think about all of the numbers that are in the audition process, you realize how much of a win it (the audition itself) is.

Accept the small wins, no matter how small they may seem. And know that the booking is just the sweetest bonus that you can get.

-Coach Jemarcus Kilgore

Besides acting, do you pursue any other interests in the entertainment industry?

I write for film and TV. I have written two pilots, one feature film, I’m halfway through my second feature film, and I have the breakdowns ready to start on a third. I want to be able to tell my own stories one day, so having these ideas laid out and ready to go, has always been beneficial for me.

Outside of that I also sing. I have an EP that I am ready to record, and I enjoy both writing and performing music. I play seven instruments. Being able to take that avenue (music) whenever I want to, gives me something creative and artistic to fuel me in the days ahead.

Why did you get into coaching?

I never got consistent coaching in my career, and I think that is something I look back on and wish that I had. A lot of the learning that I was blessed to receive was in the latter part of my career. There is so much to learn when it comes to the industry and about our craft, most of which I had to be proactive in learning for myself. I think that the gift of that knowledge is something that you want to pass on.

I want to give back to the next generation of storytellers, whether they are my age, younger, or older. I want to give back and be the gift of knowledge and mentorship that I wish I had when I was just getting started. And as actors, we never stop learning, or growing. Even since I started coaching at TAS I still find myself in learning mode, which inspires me all the more to make it a shared experience with my students.

What is one bit of advice that you always give your students?

Have fun. At it’s core, we get to play make believe for a living and there is nothing more cool than that. As long as you’re having fun the other pressures of the work don’t matter as much.

I had an audition a couple of weeks ago where I got to practice this very thing; having fun in the audition process. I had a blast taping it and I fell in love with acting all over again.

If every audition we do, or every class that we take, or every piece that we write is fun to do, then it is worth doing. Even if we are not winning Oscars, or starring next to Denzel Washington, we should focus on having fun doing it, just like they are having fun doing it.

What is your proudest coaching moment?

Recently I got an email from a parent that my student would be out of class for a few weeks due to a booking. Best feeling ever! It is so cool to work alongside your students, to watch them grow, to know their dreams, and be there as those dreams start coming true. Another similar moment was taping a student’s audition for a major network and hearing from his mom 3 days later that he booked it! Those moments are almost as satisfying as booking a project for yourself.

I also want to share a proud moment that I have as an actor. This is one of my favorite stories to tell and it takes us back to the earlier discussion of performing The Little Mermaid for CYT. I will never forget that it was after the last show, a Sunday matinee, when a tiny girl came running up to me. She said, “It’s Prince Eric! Hi!”. And I was taken aback, mainly because I wouldn’t expect a little white girl to accept my character that easily (since the Eric that she was familiar with was the Disney version). That alone almost had me in tears. I was like, “Hi sweetheart, how are you?” to which she replied, “I’m good now”. After I asked what she meant she replied, “I was sad when we got here, but when you started singing it made me happy”.

In that moment, I realized that my gifts and talents were not given to me FOR me. Rather, I use them now to tell stories to help people get away from what they are going through or find a moment of escape. To give back those gifts to people who need them the most.

My dream role has always been to play the older version of T’challa’s son in MCU. I think one of the coolest things about stepping into the role of a superhero is your potential to inspire millions of people; kids, adults, anyone who loves these characters and look to them to be better people.

What do you hope that your coaching legacy will be?

I hope I get to leave a little bit of LIght in the world. We are in dark times in the entire world. I think that people go to the movies to escape, even for just a couple of hours. I love the idea that I can be a part of something that brings people joy- even if I am the bad guy! If people feel good because I lose at the end, and they’re like, “Yeah! He got what he deserved! Yay” Cool. Because I got to contribute to that feeling of joy that good overcomes bad. We all need to be reminded from time to time about the message of hope, and I want to be a part of projects that help people remember it.

A lot of actors say that they would never want to be famous. I won’t say that fame is my goal, but if I were (famous), I wouldn’t mind it. I always think about the opportunity to make someone’s day when they see me at the airport or out on the street. But ultimately, I try to be a person who brings light to people no matter what.

Finally, do you have any acting resources that you love?

Yes! I love Actor’s Access. When I first got started, I spent hours on actor’s access and think it’s a valuable resource that actors should utilize.

I really enjoy movies. I think we underestimate how much we can learn from just sitting down and watching a good movie. My family hates watching movies with me now because I will sit there and call out what’s about to happen. And my girlfriend is starting to, as well. I both hate and love the fact that I can see what’s coming, just from watching so many other movies. Over time, you build up a sixth sense.

I love being able to dissect the filmmaking elements and seeing how those play into the overall big picture, on top of the actor’s choices. Right now I am going through the Lord of the Rings trilogy for the first time, and I am loving it. (Shoutout to Andy Serkis! He is crazy talented.) The fact that you can see the acting under the CGI. The average watcher doesn’t understand that when you are performing motion-capture, your performance has to be turned up to like, 12, because if the (tracking) dots don’t move on your face, then the expression is not going to get picked up in post. These actors are standing around in goofy looking suits, looking at nothing, and giving these believable performances based on imagination alone. It’s incredible. To me that’s the purest form of acting.

Lastly, I love Self Management for Actors, by Bonnie Gillespie. As actors we love the creative side but we have to learn the business side as well. I think this book has been really helpful in teaching me those aspects of the industry which I did not know before.

Jemarcus Kilgore Bio:

Jemarcus is an actor who’s been acting in the TV/Film and Theatre Industries for the past 12 years. He’s worked on several projects and including hit shows Black Lightning on The CW and BMF on STARZ. He’s beyond excited to bring his years of skills and knowledge to TAS and to help mold minds that are eager to learn more about acting.

Would you like to work with Coach Jemarcus?

Coach Jemarcus is currently teaching On Camera Foundations, Improv Foundations, Taped Audition, and Scirpt & Set Study.

Coach Jemarcus is also a vocal coach offering private singing lessons!

To sign up for a private lesson with Coach Jemarcus, click HERE.

You can also give our Front Desk a call at 770-904-6646.

Want to keep up with Coach Jemarcus?

Check out his:

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Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

You can spot Jai this year in Tiny Fugitives and Superman. Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed at The

Where will you be this time next year?

Have you got dreams for your acting career? What are you doing to get there? Are your New Year’s acting resolutions already feeling out of

Taped Auditions 101

Are you making the most out of every opportunity? As we come to the end of 2024, one thing is for sure: taped auditions are

Get to know TAS Coach: Kirsten Krehbiel

This month we are sharing some insights that will help answer the question,

“Who Is Kirsten Krehbiel?” Read on to find out!

What Makes You Feel Confident?

Confidence is key to everything! In my day to day, a good outfit and a bright lipstick makes me feel confident. As far as acting goes, being PREPARED! Learning as much information about a project as you can and knowing your character inside and outalways leaves me feeling confident walking on set.

How did you first get into acting?

I’m from a small town. So naturally, in high school I participated in all the extracurricular activities, including drama. I’m so thankful for this, too, because I don’t think I would have had the confidence to try acting had I been at a bigger school.

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

Managing time to grind and also have selfcare. Constant and consistent hard work is key in this industry, but you also have to find time to take breaks, rest, and just enjoy yourself. If I start getting bogged down, I find things to do that will help me reset (ex: picnics with my cat or long facetimes with my sisters).

One thing that concerns many actors is rejection. How have you handled rejection in this industry?

I got to sit in and help cast three other roles for one of the first shorts I did here in Atlanta. It changed my perspective infinitely. I realized rejection in this industry isn’t the same as in anything else. Not getting a part could be one of a million things that has nothing to do with you or what you did in your audition. I had to change my thinking from it being a rejection, to it having been an opportunity and challenge. Don’t get me wrong, it still stings when I don’t get the role “I was meant to play”. But now, I cry for a bit, then take it as a learned experience and a challenge to work harder on the next one! You can never practice something too much.

Practice your script 100 times, then try it 100 different ways. Always play with your script!

-Kirsten Krehbiel

Besides acting, do you pursue any other interests in the entertainment industry?

Yes! Covid really brought this out in me. I had created a few shorts and a Youtube show prior to Covid, but the lockdown made me realize how much I love the “bigger picture”. I love writing down the vision I see and making it come to life. Through my comedy group Feminine Odor, I’ve been able to write, direct, and edit films which has been a wonderful new discovery in this industry for me!

TAS has also changed the game for me! I am now the monthly blog writer, which has been so much fun! I get to chat with our coaches, students, and staff about different industry related topics. Hearing all of their stories and advice really brings me joy. Plus, I’ve got to write or update some of our syllabuses including one of our newest classes Theatre Foundations. My background is in theatre so I LOVED creating this AND write an original script for it! I cannot wait to see it performed live!

Why did you get into coaching?

I started coaching with the comedy group Sketchworks Comedy a few years ago. In all my years of childcare, coaching has been the most inspiring. To watch these kids find their confidence, their voices, their abilities; it’s pretty amazing. So when I learned there was an opening at TAS, I jumped on the opportunity!

What is your proudest coaching moment?

It’s common that students don’t rush to perform first in class, and it’s always in the back of my head that it’s a confidence issue. I learned recently that one student likes to go last so that she can listen to the notes I give other students and make adjustments to her own performance. And I must say, she always comes across very prepared and professional.

What do you hope that your coaching legacy will be?

Joy. Even when I have to cry in a scene, I am filled with joy because I’m getting to act. I hope to always have that, and to get to see it in others.

Kirsten Krehbiel Bio:

I’m from a small town in Kansas, the middle of three girls. I fell in love with being on stage in high school and continued to pursue it into Tabor college. Post graduation, and not sure where I was wanting to go, I bounced around for a few years before finally settling here in Atlanta. I did a few shows here and there in those days, but Atlanta was my move to make acting a career.

My two biggest passions are acting and teaching which brings me great joy to be a part of The Actor’s Scene’s coaching staff. I love watching students discover and grow in their own unique talents.

After years of writing shorts for myself, I’m thrilled to have started my writing journey with TAS as the blog writer and syllabus creator. When I’m not creating or teaching, you can find me snuggled up with her cat and a good book.

It’s been an interesting journey, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

Would you like to work with Coach Kirsten?

Kirsten is currently offering virtual private lessons

To sign up for a private lesson with Coach Kirsten, click HERE.

You can also give our Front Desk a call at 770-904-6646.

Also, Kirsten is our chief Blog contributor. Check out Kirsten’s blogs HERE.

Want to keep up with Coach Kirsten?

Check out her:

Actor’s Access

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Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

You can spot Jai this year in Tiny Fugitives and Superman. Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed at The

Where will you be this time next year?

Have you got dreams for your acting career? What are you doing to get there? Are your New Year’s acting resolutions already feeling out of

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Keeping Your Child Safe On Set

Advice for parents of child actors to maximize their on set experience.

Here at TAS we pride ourselves on being confidence makers. Whether it’s encouraging a shy student to boldly perform their lines or educating students about how to navigate this industry, our main goal is to help students feel confident in whatever part of their acting journey they find themselves.

It’s not just for students though! We believe that parents should feel the same confidence when bringing their child to set. As the parent of a child actor you have the normal responsibilities of your child as well as making sure you are professional on set and that your child is safe.

It’s a lot. Thankfully our TAS staff is here for you and I could think of no better person to talk to about it than TAS Owner and Acting Manager Nicolle Campbell. Nicole’s knowledge of the industry will empower you to have the confidence to keep your child safe and professional on set!

Being new to set can be scary. What are some simple steps that parents can take to feel comfortable and confident bringing their child to set?

Just knowing that a parent has the right to be within eyesight of their minor child at all times during their time on set should bring comfort to the parent.
Also it’s good to have an understanding of what being onset is like. There are going to be moments where you’re going to be idle for long periods of time. Be prepared for that. There will not be a day where you’re active the whole time. So bring things for you and your child to do during that idle time. Simple things that will keep your child’s attention and help them stay calm and occupied during that time. If it’s a union job there will be craft services on set so there will always be food available. If it’s a nonunion job bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you and your child hydrated and hunger abated.
The other thing to understand is to come with an attitude of patience above all else. You may have an early call time and arrive at that time, but they may not be ready for you for hours. You may wonder why did they have you arrive so early. The call time is the best approximate guess of when they will need you. However shots or takes before you could go longer than expected, equipment can fail, it can take longer to set up lighting. All kinds of things can happen that can delay when you get sent to film your scene. Once your time comes they need you right then. So you have to be there and be ready to film at the exact time they need you. Please understand that you have to be patient and understand the full process. Knowing this will help you not get aggravated because you’re waiting a long time. That’s why you have to prepare ahead of time .

If a parent feels uncomfortable about something happening on set who should they talk to? And how should they go about speaking up for their child?

If something happens on set that you feel uncomfortable with contact your agent or manager immediately. Do not try to handle the situation on-site yourself. Your agent or manager is the best advocate for you in the moment. They are the ones who can take care of things for you and get things done. Then you are not the problem or the “bad guy”. This is one of the jobs and responsibilities of your representation. If your agent or manager is not immediately available there are child advocates on set on a union job that can help you handle the situation. On a nonunion job your best bet is to contact your agent/manager and to know that you are the best advocate for your child. You can always say that you need to talk to your agent or manager about something you feel uncomfortable with before agreeing to film a scene.

What are some red flags parents should note once they are on set?

Red Flags on set can include: taking the parents off where they are not within an eyesight of the child, not allowing you to converse with your agent or manager if there is a situation, or having the child do a stunt or activity that places them in danger. These are all things that should alert the parent and have them contact their agent or manager immediately.

"Helicopter Parenting" how do parents avoid this while feeling confident about their child's safety?

A parent should never interrupt filming or give advice to the Director on how to do something even if their child is misbehaving or not following direction. This is helicopter parenting, and the Director will not like this. If the Director needs help, they will ask the parent. The Director has to establish a connection or bond with the child, and if the parent interferes, the child will learn to always look towards the parent instead of the director. That is not good. Allow the Director and the child to work out any kind of bumps along the way. Do not be that parent that complains about how long things take, or things that go wrong on set. A parent can easily ruin a child’s career, even if the child is really talented. Directors won’t want to deal with a ‘difficult’ parent’s behavior. There is a difference between advocating for your child’s health and safety and overstepping your bounds and being a complainer.

Thank you so much Nicolle for all of this amazing advice. When it comes down to it, the best thing you can do is educate yourself. If you still feel a bit insecure or have more questions about being on set with your child, contact us here at TAS. We would love to book a Career Coaching or Private lesson with you to get you feeling as confident as possible on set!

Ready to get started? Reach out today!

TASFRONTDESK@GMAIL.COM

770-904-6646

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About The Author

Kirsten Krehbiel

Read The Latest

Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

You can spot Jai this year in Tiny Fugitives and Superman. Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed at The

Where will you be this time next year?

Have you got dreams for your acting career? What are you doing to get there? Are your New Year’s acting resolutions already feeling out of

Taped Auditions 101

Are you making the most out of every opportunity? As we come to the end of 2024, one thing is for sure: taped auditions are

A Special Showcase Follow Up

We are always impressed at the amount of awesome work our students do each year for The Actor’s Scene Showcase Callbacks. They have each worked hard on their personal showcase piece, plan out their callbacks, and performed them like pros.

This year we wanted to highlight a few such students who really went above and beyond.

Hi Trey! Tell us, what class did you take this past year?

This past year I took foundations with Coach John and I have taken improv for the past few years. I am also in broadcasting club at school and my schools Lead news anchor. I have taken video production for the past 2 years

Wow, you are busy! But all that hard work paid off. What was your highlight for the TAS Showcase?

The highlight of the TAS showcase was getting to write and create your own commercial with Coach John. I felt confident because we spent weeks building it and rehearsing. I was able to make changes to make it flow perfectly. I felt like it prepared me for future commercials.

Trey, you got callbacks from 28 out of the 30 VIP's! That is incredible! How did it feel?

It felt AMAZING getting as many callbacks as I did. I am so grateful for the opportunities. I am so proud of how far Ive come and look forward to my next opportunity.

Do you have an update since Showcase?

I did sign with J Pervis Talent Agency Inc. I cannot wait for them to lead me to reaching my next goals.

Speaking of journeys, what do you have planned?

My next goal is to get a job on a TV series or a film. I also would love to be in a few commercials. I am going to continue learning skills and improving my talent to push myself to reaching my goals.

Finally, tell us what makes you feel confident?

I feel confident because of all of the feedback I received from the TAS showcase. It helped to show me if I put in the work I can achieve my goals.

WANT TO CHECK OUT TREY’S ACTOR’S ACCESS? CLICK HERE.

Hi Javian! Tell us, what class did you take this past year?

I took Working Actor Taped Audition with Coach John

We want to know, what was your highlight for the TAS Showcase?

Getting a callback and offer from Osbrink Talent Agency in California!

That is really cool! How did it feel to receive a Callback from such a prestigious LA Agency?

Very exciting and exhilarating!

Did you have an interview with your LA agent as part of the callback?

Yes, Osbrink requested to meet with me virtually.

How did you prepare for that meeting?

Outside of my parents scheduling the call, I really didn’t prepare because I wanted to give them my natural self. Prior to the meeting my parents and I had discussed that they either want me or they don’t…

Sooo.... What's the update?

I have accepted the offer from Osbrink, and am awaiting for the contract. I am now bicoastal!

Yay! Congratulations. Just last year you signed with your Atlanta agent at the TAS Showcase, and this year you signed with an LA agent! So what is your next goal?

My next goal is to book a recurring role on a TV show, or a more substantial role in a movie.

Tell us what makes you feel confident?

I feel confident because I have been invited to audition for several projects, have received callbacks, and booked several commercials. I have even done some voiceover work.

Finally, what do you do for auditions, interviews, callbacks that gets you in the right headspace so you perform with confidence?

Prior to auditions I like to review the scripts so that I am comfortable with it. Usually my mother and I practice lines to increase my confidence.

Hi Danielle! Tell us, what class did you take this past year?

This year I took coach Kirsten’s class Working Actor: TheTaped Audition via Zoom

You've been through several TAS Showcases. What was your highlight about this one?

Honestly, getting to see everyone in person! It’s so fun and convenient on zoom classes, but I have to say, spending time with everyone in person really gives you that connection.

What did it feel like to receive multiple callbacks?

It’s great to even receive just one, and I’m grateful the VIPs took the time to view my performance and enjoyed it as much as I did making it!

Do you have an update since Showcase?

Yes! I recently booked a huge opportunity that I can’t share quite yet, but it was so amazing and I can’t wait to do it again and be back on set. It’s absolutely my happy place.

Congratulations! That is great news! So what is next for your acting career?

My next goal is to book a lead or maybe a series regular role. Really, whatever comes next is going to be amazing and I’m ready! I want to keep up my outside acting skills too. I recently took up archery and hope to be able to use it on set someday!

Let's talk about confidence. You have had multiple coaches rave about the confidence you bring to every opportunity and your positive attitude. What helped you reach this level of confidence?

After participating in Showcase for the last couple of years, you learn what to generally expect. Give or take the upgrades or minor changes to the process, the team at The Actor’s Scene really makes it so easy to adapt and have fun! Plus, just knowing I’m amongst friends makes it all the more easy to be relaxed.

Finally, what word of advice do you have for new actors whose confidence isn't so high?

WANT TO FOLLOW DANIELLE? CHECK OUT HER:

Congratulations to you three! And to all of our students who came through the 2024 Showcase.

If you too want to experience the confidence and connections you gain from the TAS Showcase, check out how you can get in for the next one. Our 32 week classes start in August and are designed to get you ready for real opportunities!

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Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

You can spot Jai this year in Tiny Fugitives and Superman. Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed at The

Where will you be this time next year?

Have you got dreams for your acting career? What are you doing to get there? Are your New Year’s acting resolutions already feeling out of

Taped Auditions 101

Are you making the most out of every opportunity? As we come to the end of 2024, one thing is for sure: taped auditions are

Choosing a Group Class

Why do group classes remain a popular choice for actors?

What she was missing was knowledge found in a great acting class! Had she not taken an acting class, the world may never have been graced with the humor that is The Carol Burnett Show. This kind of discovery is exactly why this month at TAS we are focusing on our upcoming group classes. Let’s dive in together to see what the benefits of joining a group class are!

Discovery

Taking a group class is an excellent way to discover more about yourself as an actor. Take our Improv Foundations class where a lot of the class time is spent doing group exercises and playing games. We focus on games that get actors to create personal characters, think and react quickly, and explore ways to tap into their emotional ranges. Acting is inherently a collaborative art form, and practicing in a group setting allows actors to learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses. You can discover as much about yourself from what choices you make in class as watching what others chose in a moment.

There’s more to discovery than just self-discovery. It is also important to experience the discovery of technique and of the business side of the industry. If the idea of self-discovery through improv games excites you, but you also want to want learn about the business, you need something more like the other two TAS Newcomer courses: On Camera Foundations and, introducing this year: Theatre Foundations. These courses begin the process of helping you discover who you are as an actor while getting you familiar with the ins and outs of working on camera or working on stage.

Community

Being an actor means you will be collaborating with people constantly and who you are working with will constantly change on top of that. You will get to be a part of a tiny community that develops quickly. Being part of a group class can help you find the start of that community. For example, the On-Set Experience class bridges the gap between education and experience by giving students the tools to produce, write, direct, and act in their own short film! Just like on a real set, you may not know who you are working with beforehand. Students learn skills and how to work together with new people and people with different backgrounds and capabilities. The success of your project is due entirely to the success of your community.

Choosing the actor life can also be incredibly difficult. It doesn’t work the way a traditional 9-5 job does which can be hard to for your traditional support network, who may come from outside of this industry, to understand. That’s what makes having an acting community or “family” so important. One of the easiest ways to find an acting family is to take a group class. Working closely with others week after week creates bonds and relationships which for many actors can lead to finding “your people”.

Above and Beyond Competition

Let’s face it, the more you know the better equipped you are to succeed and participating in group classes puts you above and beyond the competition. Through self discovery, proper training, and education for how to navigate your career, you are putting yourself ahead of the rest.

Take our Meisner & Beyond class for example. The Meisner & Beyond class is designed to introduce seasoned actors to a variety of classical techniques in order to help them personalize their craft. Actors study the greats while working to become great! Taking this course with a group allows you to hear the questions asked by other actors and to watch them succeed or fail which is crucial exposure to learning you cannot receive by yourself.

Also try really diving into working with a proper film crew by taking The Creator’s Lab, a class that cannot function without a group. It relies on people working together just like a film/TV set or theatre production.

These are merely a few of the benefits of taking a group class. If it’s your time to discover, find community, or get above and beyond the competition, (click on the class of interest for more information) or contact the TAS Front Desk today. Get your future started with one of our amazing 32 week class today!

Ready to get started? Reach out today!

TASFRONTDESK@GMAIL.COM

770-904-6646

Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

Jai, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with us! It's an honor to speak with a young actor who is filled with purpose and vision. Let's start at the beginning, what made you want to become an actor?

This is so cool! Acting is already a wonderful experience, but it is much more meaningful knowing that you get to be a part of the change you wanted to see when you were younger. What do you think 'little Jai' would have said if you told him that he would one day be acting in movies?

What would you say to those who want to make a positive change in the world, but feel overwhelmed by getting started?

What is it that you love about being an actor?

What was something that surprised you about first working on a set?

Yes! Staying grateful and thankful are so important! Tell us, what are some of your favorite types of acting moments?

So many actors are curious about what it's like doing stunts on a set. Can you tell us more about what you did (or what you saw) and what the process was like?

Very cool. Let's switch gears and talk about about your acting training. What is some of the best acting advice you have been given?

You know that at TAS, confidence is very important to us. So, we have to know, what makes you feel confident?

Making space to be quiet is wonderful advice! Tell us more about your process for 'getting to know your character'. Tell us the steps you take and what you find helpful.

What would be your dream role or acting project?

Finally, what advice do you have for other young actors just getting started?

Parent's Corner

Parents know that it takes a lot of hard work to make sure their babies shine brightly in the spotlight. We are so thankful to have Jai's mother, Devi, join us with some tips and advice for parents of young actors.

Devi, thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions. To start off, what is some advice you’d give to other parents of young actors?

That is wonderful advice! Do you have any helpful tools you picked up along the way?

Tell us what makes it all worth it? Why do you keep going, even when things get hard?

That is amazing! Way to go Jai, and thank you Devi, for taking the time to answer these questions for us. We know that other parents will find your input a valuable part of their own journeys.

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Where will you be this time next year?

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About The Author

Kirsten Krehbiel

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Taped Auditions 101

Knowing your taped audition rights is important as well. Take a look here at SAG-AFTRA’s Self Tape Guide:

Spotlight on TAS Coach, Molly Pass:

Spotlight on TAS Coach, Nyah Bass:

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About The Author

Kirsten Krehbiel

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Get to know TAS Coach (& Front Desk Assistant), Madison Stuckey

What Makes You Feel Confident?

How did you first get into acting?

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

What advice do you have for others who are in the process of developing their skills as an actor?

Check out Dad's Garage take on The Christmas Carol in a family friendly matinee.

Besides acting, do you pursue any other interests in the entertainment industry?

How did you come to The Actor's Scene?

What is one bit of advice that you always love to share?

What is an acting accomplishment that makes you proud?

What do you hope that your coaching legacy will be?

Finally, do you have any acting resources that you love?

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A Discussion About Filmmaking

What are students getting out of 'The On-Set Experience' and 'Creator's Lab' classes?

What do you enjoy about coaching these classes?

Why would taking a filmmaking class be good for someone who strictly wants to act?

What do you think are the most important parts of filmmaking?

What is your biggest highlight from the past year?

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About The Author

Kirsten Krehbiel

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Get to know TAS Coach: Jemarcus Kilgore

What Makes You Feel Confident?

How did you first get into acting?

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

That mental struggle is something that all actors must learn to confront and contend with. Do you have any advice for new actors or maybe those who are feeling that sense of pressure right now?

Besides acting, do you pursue any other interests in the entertainment industry?

Why did you get into coaching?

What is one bit of advice that you always give your students?

What is your proudest coaching moment?

What do you hope that your coaching legacy will be?

Finally, do you have any acting resources that you love?

Share This Article

Read The Latest

Get to know TAS Coach: Kirsten Krehbiel

What Makes You Feel Confident?

How did you first get into acting?

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

One thing that concerns many actors is rejection. How have you handled rejection in this industry?

Besides acting, do you pursue any other interests in the entertainment industry?

Why did you get into coaching?

What is your proudest coaching moment?

What do you hope that your coaching legacy will be?

Knowing your taped audition rights is important as well.
Take a look here at SAG-AFTRA’s Self Tape Guide: