Backstage Experts

26 Reasons Why You Didn’t Get The Part

Since this is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive and the one that hangs you up the most and twists you into knots as an actor and a creative being, let’s get into it.

15 Things Actors Do That Make Me Happy

Risa Bramon Garcia shares characteristics of actors that make her happy as a casting director and acting coach.

3 Reasons a Theater Degree is Important

We need a new and more effective way of talking about the value and power of a degree in the performing arts. Here are three reasons why a degree in theater is important.

The Top 5 Mistakes Actors Make in Auditions

Casting Director Danielle Eskinazi shares the top five mistakes she sees actors make in auditions.

10 Sacrifices an Actor Makes

If you’re lucky, you can earn a very good living at acting. But there are also some sacrifices that an actor makes as she pursues a career.

8 Steps to Actor Happiness

Our business brings with it heartache, and many of you allow that heartache to rob you of your happiness and forget the joy that comes with doing what you do. Here are a few tips on how to be a happy and fulfilled actor.

10 Things You Wish The Casting Director Had Told You Sooner

Casting director Caroline Liem shares insight into what every actor should know about pursuing a career in acting.

A Casting Director's Note to Actors: Stop Waiting for Permission

In order to succeed in Hollywood, you honestly do have to get yourself an MBA in marketing. The truth is you will probably spend 99 percent of your time pounding the pavement and 1 percent of your time doing what it is that you were born to do.

6 Books Every Actor Should Have on the Shelf

Between my Kindle and my bedside table, I have perused and read far too many books to list in one article. However, I’d like to recommend six “must haves” for aspiring and working actors alike.

How To Find the Perfect Day Job

Actors need to "get real" about what it actually takes to make it as an actor. I’ve waxed philosophic about training to the point of being an expert, and making a real commitment of time and energy. So, you can guess my position on day jobs.