Kerry Beyer

HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHY HOUSTON

acting

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THE ALLIANCE AUDITIONS: 8 SECRETS TO SUCCES!

Alliance Auditions - 8 Secrets for Success

Want to nail your audition at the Alliance Auditions? (Formerly known as the Co-op auditions.) Here’s some invaluable tips to help you WOW one of the toughest audiences you’ll play for.

If you’re not in the know, the Houston Theatre Alliance coordinates and intense 2 days of general auditions for a about 45 Houston area theaters. For an actor looking to work in theatre, it’s one of the best opportunities around.

My film production company, Kerosene Films, joined the legions of theatre companies, and sat in on the auditions this year. We have found so many amazing theatre actors that have transitioned well to our film productions that we couldn’t pass up the chance to find great new talent.

After sitting in a theatre seat for 2 days straight, watching 400, 2 minute monologues, I have some helpful hints.

1. Rehearse with a timer. Thirty to forty percent of the actors exceeded the time limit, and did not get to finish their routine. Producer’s see this as a lack of discipline, or an inability to accurately estimate your time on stage, both of which are concerning to producers.

2. Actually show up for your allotted time. If you can’t make it, call to cancel. “No shows” and cancellations are noted. If you can’t make the audition, you can’t make the job.

3. Make sure you’re headshot is updated and looks like you! Don’t be scared to update your headshots if they are old. It’s not a glamour or wardrobe contest. Your headshot must be an accurate representation of you.

4. Pick the right monologue for YOU. If you’re 20, you are probably not going to be cast as a 60 year old.  If you’re 60, your not going to be cast as 20. Your monologue should reflect your character type. If you don’t know your character type, ask your friends, instructors, etc.

5. Walk to the stage quickly, entering the room with a smile and good attitude. Greet the audience briefly and let them see your great personality. Give the producers a moment to settle, as they may be looking over your headshot and resume.

6. Begin your routine quickly, and if you are doing 2 monologues, transition between them with no more than a brief pause. You only have 2 minutes, remember? The timer starts once you begin “acting” but don’t wast too much time fumbling around, or getting into character.

7. If you are going to do two monologues… make sure they are contrasting. One dramatic, one comedic. Showcase your range. End with the comedic. …and it’s okay to make people laugh in a dramatic monologue.

8. The single most important piece of advice I can give is to entertain your audience. The producers have been sitting in these seats for two days, seeing hundreds of actors… entertain them! Make them wish you had 3 minutes instead of 2. Pick a monologue that is a crowd pleaser. After all, the job of the actor is to entertain the audience. Time and time again I heard other producers whisper “Oh, I like him/her.” Give off great energy.

Hope these tips help, and remember, every producer wants you to succeed. They are just waiting for you to come in and be amazing. Kudos to everyone who has the guts to get on stage and express themselves! Break a leg!

 

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BRIGHT IDEAS WITH JEREMY LONDON

Just wrapped my work on Bright Ideas, starring Jeremy London (7th Heaven, Party of Five, Mallrats).    Currently in production in Houston, the film is about a small lighting store trying to keep their doors open in the face of a mega-corp pushing them out of business. I play the role of an extremely devious and mean spirited banker trying to foreclose on them!

It was great to work with such a talented cast and crew – director Ronn Head ran an amazing set, and he gave the actors the freedom to bring their unique perspective the characters. It was so much fun working with Joe Grisaffi, and it was hard not to laugh at his comic genius during takes.

Of course, Jeremy London is a phenomenal talent, and a pleasure to work with. I’m excited to see the film, and look forward to what Ronn and company has in store next!

Check out my IMDb page, and give it a like. Contact me when you need talent for your next film!

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WANT MORE AUDITIONS?

I have too many auditions – said no actor ever!  The lack of auditions is probably the single biggest complaint made by actors. Yet I routinely see the same actors turn down legitimate reads. Is it self sabotage? Insecurity? Or arrogance?

If you are not a household name, you need to take every audition offered. Because, lets face it, you need the practice.  We all do. An audition is a chance to practice your craft – and you love acting, don’t you?

It’s not about getting the job, or how much it pays… it’s about becoming the best actor you can be, and making the connections that will help you succeed. When the major studios offer you millions for a franchise sequel, then it’s about the money. Until then, it’s about getting yourself in a position to be able to “open” a franchise.

If this is just a hobby for you, get out of the business… there are too many dedicated actors that need a real shot.

I was recently coaching an acting student about booking the room, not necessarily the job. Say you get called in for a read… and you don’t book it – well, if you came in and made interesting choices, and gave off a positive, professional attitude – chances are the casting director, or director, will keep you in mind for future projects. You never know when that “nobody,” will become a “somebody,” bankrolled by a studio.

I’ve cast several actors for projects other than what they auditioned for. There are so many factors that go into casting that have nothing to do with you or your talent. How do you match up with the appearance of the other actors? Will audiences confuse your look with that of another characters? Are you a local hire? The list goes on.

If you’ve auditioned for me and not gotten a part, don’t be offended. It doesn’t mean I didn’t love your work.

The point is… Never, ever, ever, ever turn down an audition. Besides the practice, it’s an opportunity to make a connection. If booked, the project will likely expand your fan base and generate exposure. Most of the great actors toiled in low or no paying productions for years building their skill, connections, and fan base.

As a director, I look at auditions as a pre-rehearsal – it lets me see what someone is going to bring to the role, and how they will matchup with the rest of the cast. I ask even well established actors to read so we have a frame of reference when we get to set.

When you become an “offer only” actor, you can turn down auditions… but lets get one thing straight – a few local short films, or a one liner on a tv show, don’t make you “offer only.” So, to reach that status, you need to be a team player and do everything possible to get your work out there.

Here’s a few tips:

– When asked to submit self taped auditions (more on that later) – get them in as soon as possible. The more you wait, the more chance someone else will come in and steal the role.

– If you say you are going to turn in an audition… you better turn one in. Part of a directors job is to assemble a talented, reliable cast. Not holding to your word is a red flag for reliability.

As a director, I have the mantra that I must cast the best actor for the role, despite my preconceived notions. Casting comes down to these important details… Is this person a team player? Will they help promote the film? Can they take direction?  If I put them in a scene with another talented actor, will they take it to the next level? Are they the best choice?

In this business, work begets work… don’t despise small beginnings. Hope this helps, and I’ll see you in pictures!