Advice

How Do You Cast Superheroes?

"With Peter Parker [in "Spider-Man"], it's interesting because he's sort of the anti-superhero. He's the nerd who becomes powerful against his will."

Playing Iconic Roles

Shakespeare, Ibsen, Chekhov, Williams, Miller—all these playwrights and many more wrote memorable roles that over time have become iconic.

Icelandic Villain, Anyone?

In Iceland I had made a name for myself as an actor, but out here I was nobody—and rightfully so. There was, frankly, less than no demand in Hollywood for an Icelandic actor.

The Root of Good Acting (Pt. 4)

The first common mistake that will lead you down a very bad path is judging the character.  To me, the root of all prejudice stems from our inability to see ourselves in other people.

Finding an Agent: Timing

For unrepresented actors—or those wishing to change agencies—this is the most wonderful time of the year for finding your champion.

The Root of Good Acting (Pt. 3)

What are you doing when you act on the line?  You read the script and think, "This is what the line is telling me to do."

The Root of Good Acting (Pt. 2)

If you are emotionally blocked, please be aware that such blockage is not your natural emotional state.  The natural state of every human being is the way the baby is in the crib.

Tough Type, The Card Fairy

"I've been an actor for 20 years. I just moved to New York from Chicago, where no matter what I did—and I tried everything—I couldn't get into the union."

Don't Be a Stranger!

A lot of actors think that once they find representation, they can just sit back and wait for the auditions to start pouring in. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company: Serenade/The Proposition

In its New York premiere, the pithy 60-minute work is splendidly rendered by the remarkably diverse and talented Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company.