The Working Actor

Should Actors Tolerate Un­professionalism?

When actors are surrounded by bad choices in a theater production, you can choose to treat it as a life experience.

When Should Actors Write Thank You Notes?

Working Actor Michael Kostroff gives advice on when actors should write thank you notes.

When Should an Actor Go Nude for a Role?

Michael Kostroff takes on the naked truth about roles that require nudity and what kind of actor it makes you.

Does Literally Kicking Butt Help Your Career?

Michael Kostroff talks to a few professionals in the know about which martial arts are most effective when it comes to impressing casting directors and stunt coordinators.

How to Handle an Unprofessional Scene Partner During an Audition

When someone is ruining your audition be polite but firm, Michael Kostroff stresses—and ask for another partner.

Benefits of IMDbPro

Working Actor Michael Kostroff explains the benefits of adding IMDbPro to performers' list of subscriptions.

How to Survive Your First Cold Read

Don’t get hung up on what the casting directors may or may not want; just go in and do some acting, says Working Actor Michael Kostroff.

How to Handle a Casting Director’s Bad Line Readings

If a CD isn’t giving you much to work with during an audition, you have to rise above it, according to Working Actor columnist Michael Kostroff.

Kiss and Don’t Tell?

Michael Kostroff delves into the issue of audition respect—and the kiss-happy readers who don’t give it to you.

The East Coast Versus West Coast Debate

Can one’s career be made faster in L.A. or NYC? Michael Kostroff weighs in.