Advice

Jeff Asbell

Jeff Asbell calls himself a novice performer, but in reality he had been practicing improv for decades before being cast as a member in aNew York City improv troupe.

Worst Acting Conditions?

"Once I hit the stage and experienced the hot glare of the lights, the oppressive heat transformed me into a fountain of sweat, with my leather pants sticking to every inch of my lower body."

Choreographing a Career

“Most of the performances of my choreography come about because I’m doing work that crosses the path of someone who then invites me to become involved in a project with them."

Timing Tiff, Sexist Stiff

"I’m acting in a short film and I’m having a problem with the director. He is really dismissive of me and makes weird, sexist comments about me, right in front of my face."

Technology and Imagination in the Acting Process

At first it was subtle, a few students expressing their frustration at not being able to come up with a new idea in acting class. Then the dissatisfaction of some became more open.

Spreading Their Wings

"We’ve got great memories for talent. One or the other of us will remember someone that we’ve seen two years ago that came in to audition."

VIDEO: Voice-Over Voice Acting (Pt. 1)

Actors Yuri Lowenthal and Tara Platt talk to Backstage.com about their work and experiences as voice actors.

Innovative Marketing Tool for the Actor

In my 30-year career as a director, casting director and former actor, I have never once come across an actor who had a reduced, easy-to-pocket, up-to-date resume on them at all times.

Pretending It's Chocolate

I don't have 'showmances' as a rule. Getting involved with your romantic opposite is not only messy, it is a breach of a professional relationship—one which inevitably interferes with your performance.

Casting Myself

I was willing to make one last big effort, and go out with a bang, so to speak. Making a feature film could be just that: One that I wrote and in which I appeared as the lead.