Summary In this conversation, Ryan Duncan discusses his experiences with video conferencing platforms during the pandemic and reflects on personal growth. He shares the impact of COVID-19 on health and well-being and the effects it had on the entertainment industry. Ryan also talks about the transition to self-tape auditions and his journey from early interest in acting to Broadway. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in auditions and offers advice for early career actors. In this part of the conversation, Ryan Duncan and James Larson discuss various themes related to navigating the entertainment industry and building a successful career. They […]
Click here to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. In this episode, host James Larson interviews headshot photographer Vanie Poyey. They discuss the importance of headshots as a marketing tool for actors and the need to define your brand and target specific marketing looks. They also explore the process of determining the number of looks for a headshot session and the common mistakes actors make in headshot preparation and photographer selection. Vanie shares her journey in the industry and the evolution of headshots from film to digital. They also discuss the importance of context and framing in headshots and what […]
Click here to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. In this conversation, DJ Salisbury, a director, choreographer, and writer, discusses the protocol for regional shows, the importance of creating unique productions, and the challenges of replicating choreography. He also shares insights on casting, auditioning, and navigating typecasting in the theater industry. DJ emphasizes the value of creating your own work and getting it out there, and he reflects on his own journey from acting to directing and choreography. DJ Salisbury discusses the creation of immersive experiences and the concept behind his show, Whisper Darkly. He shares insights into directing an […]
Click here to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Kevin R. Free, the artistic director of Mile Square Theater, shares his journey from actor to director and audiobook narrator. He discusses the difference between directing and acting, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and embracing failure as part of the creative process. Kevin also talks about his casting criteria and the need for actors to be authentic and human in the industry. He shares insights into regional productions and the challenges of set design. Finally, Kevin offers advice for early career actors, encouraging them to become part of a community and […]
Click here to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Jim Johnson, founder of AccentHelp.com and professor of voice and dialects, shares his journey and expertise in teaching accents and dialects. He discusses the importance of authenticity and cultural awareness when learning and performing accents. Jim also emphasizes the integration of accents with acting and the need for trust and collaboration between actors, directors, and dialect coaches. He provides tips for beginners learning accents and highlights the significance of phonetics in accent work. Jim addresses the ethical considerations of accent representation and the responsibility of actors to make informed choices. He […]
Click here to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Brian Kurtas, the Associate Artistic Director of the Walnut Street Theatre, shares his journey in the theater industry and his role at the theater. He also discusses his freelancing business, Kurtas Creative, and the importance of being an informed actor. Brian provides insights into auditioning, developing relationships in the industry, and the future of the Walnut Street Theatre. He emphasizes the value of the people and the high production values at the theater. In this conversation, Brian Kurtas, the Casting Director and Associate Artistic Director of The Walnut Street Theatre, discusses […]
Summary In this episode, James Larson discusses the seven steps to becoming a working actor. He covers topics such as training and education, gaining experience, building a professional toolkit, networking and exposure, auditioning and casting, securing representation, and professional work. Takeaways Training and education are important for actors to develop their skills and techniques.Gaining experience through student productions and community theater can help actors build their resume.Building a professional toolkit, including headshots, resumes, and reels, is essential for actors to showcase their work.Networking and exposure can help actors connect with industry professionals and create opportunities for themselves.Auditioning and casting are […]
RJ Magee, a casting director, talent manager, director, actor, and educator, shares his journey and experiences in the entertainment industry. He discusses his interest in casting and how he started as a casting intern at the Arden Theatre Company. RJ also talks about his work as a talent manager and freelance casting director. RJ provides insights into the auditioning process and the qualities that make an actor stand out. He also discusses the significance of networking and the difference between auditioning and performing. The conversation explores the synergy that happens when you show up to auditions, and the importance of getting representation, and of course, much more! 00:00 Introduction and Background00:51 Interest in Casting02:50 Partnership with Manager04:17 Freelance Casting Office06:12 Pursuing MFA and Teaching09:01 Current Work at Longwood University11:07 Motivation for Pursuing Multiple Roles13:52 Transition from Actor to Casting Director15:38 Challenges and Saturation in the Industry16:53 Key to Longevity in the Acting Career18:01 Importance of Having Other Skills19:23 Getting a Degree in Business Administration20:53 Bridging the Gap Between Graduation and Becoming a Working Actor22:55 Changes in Auditioning Process24:32 Standout Qualities in Auditions32:11 Importance of Special Skills38:02 Networking in the Industry40:47 Auditioning as a Different Skill than Performing43:18 Importance of Preparation and Doing Good Work in Auditions44:50 The Synergy of Different Roles45:08 The Importance of Having an Agent46:52 How to Get Representation47:28 Success Rate of Getting Representation47:58 The Role of Agents and Managers48:25 Tips for Getting Representation49:46 Targeting Shows and Roles50:42 Creating a Cover Letter51:50 Casting a Wide Net52:40 Building Relationships54:11 The Difference Between Managers and Agents54:43 The Financial Aspect of Representation56:04 When to Get an Agent58:09 Navigating the Non-Union World01:01:02 The Role of EPAs and ECCs01:02:09 Audition Opportunities Outside of New York01:03:04 Preparing for Combined Audition Events01:04:10 The Impact of Social Media01:05:14 The Influence of Social Media on Casting01:06:40 Using Social Media for Networking01:07:50 Reaching Out to Industry Professionals on Social Media01:08:24 The Importance of Being Social01:09:53 The Value of In-Person Connections01:11:18 Being Proactive in Networking01:11:58 Balancing Multiple Interests01:13:11 The Reality of Pursuing a Career in the Performing Arts01:14:39 The Importance of Loving What You Do01:15:30 Theality TV Show01:17:20 Contact Information01:17:53 Conclusion James (00:00)Hey, everyone. Welcome to the Actrazilla podcast. I’m James Larson and on the podcast today we have RJ McGee. Welcome, RJ. Thanks for joining me today. RJ Magee (00:13)Thank you for having me. James (00:14)Yeah, of course, RJ is super talented, and he is a casting director. He’s a talent manager. He’s a director. He’s a career coach, a creative producer, an educator, and I know he is a talented actor as well. Yeah, we were we were talking about how we met at auditions and I asked the question before about. Yeah. how, you know, just about all these different roles that you do. It’s been fun to kind of see on Facebook, kind of the interplay between all of them. And I would just love to know more about your journey between them. RJ Magee (00:50)Yeah, well, it’s a great question. And again, thank you for having me. So I finished my undergrad in 2012 at Temple University. And I was in a performance program. But while I w...