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[actorchristianjames]

Always keep your ears open...

So I had an audition I needed to get put on tape today. Went to Gary’s and knocked it out. After taping we went out for coffee with our good friends all of which are actors.

So… we get to this quaint little coffee shop and say our hello’s, keep in mind Gary and Tony have over 35years of experience in between them. So as you can imagine I kept quiet as we listened intently to there advice and their past experiences. I also gained some great tips from an amazing Actor Erin Elizabeth Burns who is an absolute angel!

Gaining knowledge about what certain casting directors like, when to slate and when not to slate, it’s the little things that make a huge difference.

I guess what I’m trying to say is… When you have 3 Amazing Actors that are all constantly working, keep quiet and listen.

[actorchristianjames]

You Never Know When You Will Gain Knowledge

So its 10:40pm and I get a phone call from my good friend and one of my coaches Tony…

and the conversation begins…

All of a sudden I’m receiving an in depth look at what is to come with Acting! Not only that but I am gaining more knowledge about the business and what I as an actor need to do to always be prepared and ready.

Tony starts giving me one piece of advice after another: (Always have headshots, resumes and business cards on you) was one for instance. For an hour I listen intently to him tell me stories about his experiences and I keep thinking to myself, this is amazing!

I have truly been blessed to have someone care so much about my future and who is looking out for me. Any way long story short 1 hour and 20 mins later we are saying are goodbyes and I am thanking him for everything he has done for me.

[actorchristianjames]

Never Take An Audition For Granted

I had an audition due Monday a 10am, I waited until the last minute to do it... Why though? Well I am a very selective person and I like to work with people I trust. So, I text my coach Gary and we agree on 9:30pm Sunday. Now it was late and Gary was tired from a long trip he had literally just returned from but that didn't stop him! We went to work, I had 3 scenes to tape and Gary wouldn't let me stop until they were all perfect. He had me go through different emotions when delivering each line to see what best fit the character breakdown. Finally after an 2 1/2 hours I was done. 

Now, what you have read so far doesn't really meet the criteria of the title posted above... Well let me correct that... In between each take Gary would sit with me and watch what I had done, always giving me pointers: "Make sure you don't use your hands" or "Practice staying still and work out the ticks you have". He was always giving me advice and all I had to do was SHUT UP and LISTEN. Just as trconsults aka: Anthony Reynolds always tells me " God gave you one mouth and two ears for a reason"

So, when you go tape an audition listen to what they are saying! That being said make sure your coach is a WORKING Actor or a Highly credible coach. The reason I say this is because if they aren't they probably are not the coach you need to be working with to advance your talent.

But remember to always keep your ears open and your mind ready to learn. You never know when amazing knowledge will come!