Taped Auditions 101

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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.

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? 

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! 

Check out our Audition Prep and Taping Services Here

Ready to get started? Reach out today!

TASFRONTDESK@GMAIL.COM

770-904-6646

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CLASSES
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CLASSES
SIGN UP TO AUDIT A CLASS FOR FREE

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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. 

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

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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.

Madison's First Headshot

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.

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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:

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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!)
  4. The Great Acting Teachers and Their Methods by Richard Brestoff. A great overview!
  5. Tips: Ideas for Actors by Jon Jory. It is also packed full of information!
  6. 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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A Discussion About Filmmaking

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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

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CLASSES
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CLASSES
SIGN UP TO AUDIT A CLASS FOR FREE

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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. 

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Get to know TAS Coach: Jemarcus Kilgore

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Get to know TAS Coach: Jemarcus Kilgore

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 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: 

  1. 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.
  2. 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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Get to know TAS Coach: Kirsten Krehbiel

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Get to know TAS Coach: Kirsten Krehbiel

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 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:

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Keeping Your Child Safe On Set

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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 .
TAS Owner and Founder, Nicolle Campell

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

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CLASSES
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CLASSES
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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. 

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A Special Showcase Follow Up

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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?

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.  

WANT TO FOLLOW DANIELLE? CHECK OUT HER:

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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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Choosing a Group Class

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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. 

On Camera Foundations: If you are a brand new actor or a beginner in film-style acting, On Camera Foundations is for you. (Click picture to go to On Camera Foundations Page for more information).
Improv Foundations: Grow in your confidence, critical thinking, and creativity with this beginner course (Click picture to go to Improv Foundations page for more information).
Theatre Foundations: Our Theatre Foundations class has an educationally-based and skills building focus where students learn all of the foundational elements of a top-notch stage performance (Click picture to go to Theatre Foundations page for more information).

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”. 

The Taped Audition: This class trains working actors to produce standout audition tapes through mock auditions and one-on-one feedback. (Click the picture to go to the Taped Audition page for more information).
Script & Set Study: This class trains working actors to dive deeper into their performance and their careers. (Click on the picture to go to the Script & Set Study page for more information).
Improv Expanded: Are you ready to take your improv skills to the next level? Sign up for this advanced improv course and get ready for a challenge! (Click on the picture to go to the Improv Expanded page for more information).

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.

The On-Set Experience allows students to break into filmmaking by learning every step of the filmmaking process. They even create a full short film!= over the year! (Click on the picture to go to the On Set Experience page for more information.)
The Creator’s Lab: This follow-up to the “On Set Experience” class gives students even MORE hands-on filmmaking experience and allows them to dive deeper into “above-the-line roles” also known as the head creatives on set.
Dive into advanced technique with this 32 week conservatory style course. (Click on the picture for more information on Meisner and Beyond).

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

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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CLASSES
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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. 

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Happy 10 Years to TAS Coach Rick Goins

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Happy 10 Years to TAS Coach Rick Goins

We want to wish a very Happy 10 Year Anniversary to Coach Rick!
 
 
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 Rick Goins?” and below you will find out why Rick is such a beloved coach! 

How did you first get into acting?

I have two older sisters who were into acting, so I started getting involved vicariously through them. When I was in middle school I got picked on and bullied a lot, so theatre became sort of therapeutic for me. You get the chance to play pretend, escape for a little while and walk in the shoes of someone else.

When I auditioned for AMDA I did it on a whim. It was a surprise to me, and my family, that I even got accepted. After New York I moved to Los Angeles on another whim. It was a true leap of faith. I knew no one when I moved there and didn’t even know where I was going to stay when I got there. As I was driving through Texas, on my way to California, a friend of mine from New York called and said he had a friend in Burbank, CA and I could stay with him when I got there.

Ultimately, I am glad I made that move because my wife is from California. I would have never met her had I not trusted God and just moved out there.

What has been your biggest struggle in the industry?

Booking! I have been pursuing acting for 20 years and, like most actors, my goal has been to be able to make a living off of acting. There has been moments where that was achieved, but I can’t say I have ever been consistent.

Aside from having talent, networking is a very important attribute to be successful. I’m an introvert and am still challenged, as an adult, with being shy- going to networking events are often my own personal nightmare. But my advice for the introverts is to be friendly, meet people and get to know them for who they are not what they might be able to do for you one day. Also be genuine. Recognize that we are all peers, wanting to do great work together.

How have you learned to maintain a healthy outlook when it comes to the slow seasons?

There are a lot of variables involved in booking a job, other than just your talent. Many of them you can’t control. Work on the ones you can control (talent, professionalism, networking) and don’t waste your life on the things you can’t control. Fame or money can not be your motivation. You do it because you love it. Also, work on your own content! If people won’t hire you, you hire yourself.

Besides acting, do you pursue any other interests from behind the camera?

I got the chance to produce a talk show, a couple of Christmas specials, and full length feature. Producing is a lot of hard work and is under-appreciated by most people. As an actor you have a lot, mentally, on your plate but ultimately you are concerned about your job.

As a producer my job was to be concerned about the cameramen, the sound, script, actors, all the cogs of the machine. If someone doesn’t/can’t do the job correctly, the producer has to go in and correct it, however deemed fit. If the show does great people applaud the actors but if the show falls flat, only then, does the producer get any attention. But my favorite part about being a producer was giving someone that first opportunity. I wanted to be that person who gave someone their first break. That was a cool feeling.

A few years later I was commissioned to adapt a book into a screen play, which was later sold to Sony. The project got stuck in development, but it was exciting that executives were putting money on something I wrote!

Why did you get into coaching?

Acting was a way for me to shine, get out of my shell of insecurities. Making it a profession was icing on the cake. I hope that I can turn and give the same inspiration to the next generations.

What is one important bit of advice you always give the students in your class?

My favorite piece of advice I ever got and that I like to pass on to my students is: “You’re a banana, but they want apples. You’re not going to get the job because of that but you have to keep at it. One day they’re going to want a banana and you need to be there.”

Also, I often remind students to remember their externals in performances. Externals can be defined as surroundings or any other “external” factors that contribute to our movement. Examples of these could be what one wears, the people surrounding us, the weather, etc. So often we forget all of the little habits we build as humans due to our externals. It is important for our characters to have these as well to make them more relatable to the viewers!

What is your proudest coaching moment?

I love watching everyone at the TAS Showcase. Most of them, from kids to adults, have their nerves getting the best of them- but they push through it. Some of them, their goal isn’t to get signed with an agent but just to be able to perform (under pressure)- and they do it. I love seeing the ones that have that “Ah ha” moment where doing a great performance was the reward. If someone gets interested in them professionally… that is just icing on the cake.

Coach Rick with his family

What do you hope that your legacy will be as an acting coach?

My goal is not for students to have fun, although I hope they do. I can’t even say that I want them to be working actors. What I want is for all of them to grow. I want them to be more self-aware, to be more confident. I hope they get excited about the mundane. These make you a better actor, but they also make you a better human being.

Lastly, tell us what makes you feel confident?

To be confident I have to make sure I’m in the moment… and that doesn’t just speak to scene work. It’s great to have goals, but if you are so focused on your goals that you are not enjoying the moment you’re in- you’re doing it wrong. The times I’ve wanted to give up I have to remember to have a purpose bigger than myself; give a ‘Why’ to my wants.

Rick Goins Bio:

I was born in Marietta, GA. After attending college at Truett McConnell in Cleveland, GA I got accepted into the American Musical Camp: Dramatic Academy in New York City. While in Manhattan I performed in various Off (and way off) Broadway shows, including a 3 season national tour of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” as the Tin Woodsman, for the Theatre for Young Audiences. Shortly after I found myself in Los Angeles and getting the chance to appear in various TV shows and movies. I co-founded, managed, and toured with a short-form improvisational troupe, Fishes and Loaves. Got married and moved back to Georgia where I produced a live talk show for a local TV station for 4 years and produced a full-length theatrical released film. I now am a Stay-At-Home-Dad with three kids. As of April I have been coaching at The Actors Scene for ten years!

As a coach you learn that everyone who walks through these doors have different back grounds and different goals in mind so they can not all be trained the same way. Everyone is at a different point in their journey and no one’s path looks the same, recognizing that is what helps make a great coach.

Would you like to train with Coach Rick? 

This year he will be coaching a variety of programs, including:

Adult On-Camera Foundations

Improv Expanded

Meisner & Beyond

He also works with private students on working actor techniques and improv.

To book an appointment, call 770-904-6646.

Or you can register HERE

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A Coach In Your Corner

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A Coach In Your Corner

You don’t have to go through this journey alone…

“My acting career is overwhelming.”

“I don’t know where to start.”

“This audition is confusing.” 

Have you uttered any of these statements, or any like them? I can’t blame you! These are all things I myself have said at different points in my career.

Acting usually begins with a dream in your heart, but in this fast paced industry many actors are left feeling disoriented in the mountains of information. For new actors, it’s the heap of options to comb through, skills to build, scams to avoid. For working actors, it’s networking, audition fatigue, branding adjustments… have you made the right choices? Is there more you should do? 

These questions, and struggles, can take the JOY out of your acting journey.

But guess what? No matter where you are in your acting career, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Every actor needs a mentor that can lock arms with them and point them in the right direction. Luckily, The Actor’s Scene has got your back! No matter what issues you’re facing, we have a simple solution that can help: Career Coaching or a one-on-one meeting (private lesson). 

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“How will these private lesson options help?” I have enlisted a few of our hard working coaches who specialize in private lessons and career coaching to answer that very question.

Let’s start by introducing our coaches:

Coach Molly Pass

Coach Kristi Taylor

Alright coaches, let’s get into it. When should an actor get into continued Private lessons or Career Coaching lessons?

Molly’s answer: An actor can really benefit from ongoing Privates/Career Coaching lessons at any point! I think a good indicator that you’re ready for private coaching is when you need help with a particular skill or want an extra expert opinion on what your next right steps should be.

Kristi’s answer: The moment an actor feels overwhelmed with an audition…maybe they don’t know how to make appropriate decisions for their character for the audition, or if the casting director is requesting something unique, like improv or various takes, a coaching session should be done.  This can help clarify the necessary information and give a new perspective on choices that would be appropriate for the audition.

 Or, on the other hand, if they are not receiving auditions, a general career coaching is conducted and can help identify any issues that may be preventing the actor from progressing.  We can look at updates for the casting portal sites, resumes, reels, and general information that can help further their careers.  Career Coaching to me is a necessity! The best of the best utilize career coaching when the opportunity arises.

What are the benefits of private lessons versus learning in a group environment?

Molly’s answer: In private lessons, students can work at their own pace and skill level. We can go as in-depth as the student wants to go, or spend longer on concepts that may be harder to grasp!

Sanna’s answer: Private lessons can be form-fitted to YOU, the actor. You can choose exactly what you would like to focus on.

How do you go about your initial Career Coaching lesson?

Molly’s answer: I love essentially interviewing/chatting with my new students to assess their level, goals, and create a plan to move towards their next right thing!

Kristi’s answer: Upon meeting someone for the first time in a career coaching, I tend to take a few minutes and get to know each other…what their acting history is made of…their goals short and long term.  And, also identify the specific areas that may be helpful in furthering their careers.

Can you share some good moments or stories from Private or Career Coaching?

Molly’s answer: My favorite part of Career Coaching is getting to see my students improve in their own ways and helping them develop confidence in themselves, their abilities, and their processes. One stand-out memory was seeing one of my vocal students perform in front of others for the first time at her school showcase. I could tell how proud she was of herself after the performance, and she did an amazing job!

Kristi’s answer: I’ve had a few private students that have booked major projects.  I think it’s also important to mention that even if a student doesn’t book a project, but they are auditioning for speaking roles in these productions…that is still great!!  It shows the actors how they are imagined by casting directors for productions.  Just the fact that the casting directors or agents took their time to consider them a possibility is a huge compliment.

Taylor Smitherman is a 9 year old that has been doing private lessons with me for a little over a year.  We have worked on various topics in her lessons ranging from nerves in front of the camera, to dialects, to voiceovers, to singing, to crying, and showing extreme ranges of emotion.  She has only been acting for close to two years.  Since I’ve started lessons with her, she has booked several very large roles on short films, and even booked a voiceover role on the Daily Wire Network for a cartoon character.  Super proud of her!! 

We appreciate our coaches at TAS and their insights!

As we have learned, there are many reasons people choose to do a one-on-one session. We hope that if you are reading this and thinking of your own concerns, that you will reach out and chat with our team. It may be that investing in some quality time with a professional is just the step you need to get your career to the next level. 

Our TAS Front Desk can listen to your concerns, and help you find the best match in one of our coaches. Get your career started, get out of a slump, or just get the extra help you need today.

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. 

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