Ask an Insider

Learn About Acting as a Director?

Once I began directing, I became more fully cognizant that what is truly engaging is the energy that exists between actors, or between an actor and the audience or the camera.

Repeating a Great Moment Night After Night?

Stanislavsky discovered that the way to recall a past experience and express the emotion elicited by that experience is to be relaxed and in touch with your five senses.

How Important Is Typing for an Actor? 

When you know who you are and how other people see you, it transcends the nuts and bolts of acting technique and becomes about the true you.

Unmasked

Sure, it's not impossible that a "Freaks and Geeks" spinoff will land at your feet, but for most auditions, acne is not considered an asset.

Important to Like Your Client as a Person?

There is no possible way I could represent actors I didn't care about deeply, from an artistic love of their craft to who they are as people. 

Can an Actor Infer from a CD's Thank You?

I try to be kind and warm. I wouldn't quite say neutral, but I don't want to lead someone on. I try to give an honest assessment but at the same time be kind.

How to Approach Script Analysis?

I think that as actors, it's a relief to know that the answers to how we should approach the text are in the text.

Grieving for Natasha

I have been very upset over Natasha Richardson's death. It's like someone in my family died, but I didn't even know her. Is there anything wrong with me?

What Is the Appropriate Make-Up for an Audition?

The first thing guys have to realize is everything's just intensified. So the main thing -- unless you're a real character actor -- is to keep the brows with less girth. Brush them and trim the tips off. That makes a big difference.

What's a Typical Meeting with a Prospective Client Like?

A typical meeting is sometimes like a blind date: You sit down, make some pleasantries, then talk about what you want for the future. If I've seen someone at a showcase or in a show, we'll obviously talk about that.