Acting Answers

Tax Deductions

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sun, 13 May 2012 07:17:31 +0000

Q: What can actors take as tax deductions? In the USA, dealing with the IRS and their rules when it comes to deducting expenses to reduce the taxes you owe can be a harrowing experience. Generally, being able to prove the business reason for taking a deduction is almost as important knowing what you can [...]

Why doesn’t my agent get me out more?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Wed, 09 May 2012 07:14:50 +0000

Answer: The quantity of auditions we get can ebb and flow, and sometimes we can go through dry spells of few auditions – compared to the days when auditions seem to pile up, or other actors seem to be far more popular with CDs than are you. When auditions are scarce, it’s tempting…. (continued in [...]

Why do networks cancel shows?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sat, 05 May 2012 07:13:34 +0000

Answer: From losing the creative team to losing stars to losing ratings, the reasons the show you’ve been working on gets cancelled are many in number, but usually, it boils down to…. (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. [...]

What’s the fastest way to get into SAG-AFTRA?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Tue, 01 May 2012 07:10:52 +0000

Answer: Getting into the Screen Actor’s Guild used to involve working hard as an extra, and eventually acquiring 3 vouchers from stingy ADs. Now, getting into SAG-AFTRA is as simple as … (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. [...]

Can I make suggestions to the director?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:09:36 +0000

Answer: When your director is stuck for a solution to a logical or physical problem shooting a scene, and you are a principal character in the scene, if you can solve that problem, don’t be afraid to make a simple, respectful suggestion when appropriate…. (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As [...]

Have you had a coffee date with Kristine Oller?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 07:09:23 +0000

Answer: Why, yes. Yes I have. Admittedly, this isn’t an answer to a question strictly about acting, but Kristine Oller is…. (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers Magnet

What is a monologue?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:09:19 +0000

Hi, David. I really need help with monologues. What is a monologue? I have been trying to understand what it is but i just dont get it. I need help!!! Please. Thank you. Wendy Answer: Understanding what a monologue is is only half the real Acting Answer. Why it’s important for an actor to have [...]

Why did Youtube take down my acting demo?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 07:08:31 +0000

Answer: Since Napster gave the world a taste of easy, media-hyped piracy, a generation of users has felt no need to respect intellectual property rights. To fix that…(continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: [...]

Should I negotiate a commercial contract or use an agent?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:07:17 +0000

David, I was just cast in a National commercial which will be based on my user testimony. I understand that with this commercial I will be eligible for a SAG card. I do not have an agent. This opportunity fell into my lap. I am filming the commercial next week and need advice as to [...]

What is an ingenue?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 07:05:38 +0000

Answer: Producers and casting people have different categories for different types of actors – it’s a quick way to explain to other members of the production team what kinds of roles certain actors can play. One of those is the ingenue, a … (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon [...]

What’s the best way to memorize lines?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 07:04:41 +0000

Answer: There are several ways that actors memorize their lines, including writing them down, covering the script page with their hands, etc. but the best way… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered [...]

When are residuals paid?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:02:16 +0000

Answer: Residuals are paid at various times depending upon what the original production was made for and where it airs. Usually, residuals are sent… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers [...]

Do I pay my agent a commission on residuals?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:57:08 +0000

Answer: When you get paid acting work, your agent gets paid for the work you do that day. But what happens when you work on a project that is covered by union rules and starts to generate residuals? Generally your agent gets paid on all of your residuals – but who actually pays your agent, [...]

Will YouTube affect my career?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 06:56:57 +0000

David, I am studying to become a professional actress at the moment. I have a bunch of friends (who are not actors, but more entertainers) who are YouTube partners are making quite a good amount of money. I am seriously considering starting a YouTube channel, in the hopes of making some revenue off of it. [...]

Where does a French actor start in New York City?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 06:56:51 +0000

Dear David, first of all i would like to thank you for your website, it’s very helping. My name is Ali, i’m 26 years old and i live in Paris. I would like to try an acting career in NYC. I’ll be in NYC end of September to end of January for dance lessons at [...]

Should I list extra or background work on my acting resume?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 06:54:33 +0000

Answer: Extra work and background work can lead to many things: cash to support yourself, a potential to be upgraded, even union eligibility. But being an extra is…. (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: [...]

Do I really need to carry my headshots with me?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 07:53:27 +0000

In an age when Breakdown Services gives casting directors instant access to our portfolio of stored digital headshots and resumes, it might be tempting to abandon the idea of lugging physical headshots around. One fellow acting blogger actually got into a casting nightmare over it. Here’s why I think we shouldn’t be entirely paper free [...]

On what do I pay commissions to my agent?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:52:23 +0000

Answer: When you get paid acting work, your agent gets paid. Not everything listed on your pay stub is eligible for the 10% that your agent is due. In general, your daily pay, your overtime, session fees and… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting [...]

How do I choose an acting class?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 07:51:40 +0000

Answer: Acting classes should have a strong committment to your professional success, a strong faculty and a strong track record… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers Magnet

Should I do casting workshops? A show runner weighs in

David H. Lawrence XVII — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:47:59 +0000

Answer: My friend, the late Bob Fraser, has been working in the business for a long time. The phrase “show runner” was first used… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers [...]

How do I get SAG or AFTRA health insurance?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:44:06 +0000

Answer: One of the most valued benefits to belonging to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) or the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) is the opportunity to get great, inexpensive health insurance. How you get that insurance… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an [...]

What do I do in the audition waiting room?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 07:42:04 +0000

Answer: Sitting in the audition room, waiting to audition for a paid acting job is a unique position to be in, and can be a nerve-wracking experience. By keeping… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! [...]

Should I pay up front to get acting jobs?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:39:44 +0000

Answer: The economies of the major media centers can often be made up of lots of products and services designed to simply separate actors from their all to scarce dollars. The phrase “advance fee talent service” has been coined to describe businesses and individuals that charge you money before they perform a service. You should [...]

Should I bring props to an audition?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:34:40 +0000

When stepping into the audition room, you should be extremely well prepared, ready to adjust and be as realistic to the script as you can be – but props aren’t part of that realism. Especially props that can scare the casting director. It’s good practice to look for every edge when auditioning for a role. [...]

What should I carry in my actor’s kit? Part 2

David H. Lawrence XVII — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:34:03 +0000

Answer: As I mentioned in the first article in this series, in my car, you will always find two things: a cold bottle of water and my actor’s kit. Some actors carry…. (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. [...]

What do I do when I land in LA? Part 2

David H. Lawrence XVII — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:29:07 +0000

Answer: You’re now here in Los Angeles and you want to know the actions to take the moment you get here, to provide a strong, solid base that will … (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's [...]

How do I prepare for an audition?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:26:17 +0000

Answer: Preparing for an audition is all about preparing to perform, but for a very select audience. By doing … (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers Magnet

How do I become a SAG or AFTRA signatory?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:23:37 +0000

Answer: There are a couple of strong reasons to signing production contracts with SAG and/or AFTRA, one of which has to do with being a multi-hyphenate actor/producer, and the other to do with… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via [...]

What does being “pinned” mean?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:22:15 +0000

Answer: After an audition, you may get a phone call from your agent with the news that the casting office has “put a pin in you.” What this means is… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's [...]

What do I do when I land in LA? Part 1

David H. Lawrence XVII — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:09:13 +0000

Answer: You’ve made the decision to move to Los Angeles and pursue acting as a career, with your goal being a life filled with paid acting work, union theatrical acting work for networks and studios, and union commercial acting work. But what do you do first, the moment you get here, to provide a strong, [...]

What is a dirty shot?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:08:33 +0000

Answer: Your director has any number of choices of how to shoot a particular scene, and one of them is to shoot an actor “dirty,” or … (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: [...]

What is a drive on pass?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:07:01 +0000

Answer: A drive on pass allows you as an actor, visiting a studio for an audition or for paid acting work, to… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers Magnet

What is a boom?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:04:10 +0000

Answer: There is more than one pertinent definition for the word “boom” when used in the world of acting. The most common definition is… Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers Magnet

How do I fire an agent or manager?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:00:32 +0000

Answer: Finding the right representation in the form of a strong, smart agent and/or manager can be difficult enough – but when faced with having to move on… Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers Magnet

How do I get paid acting jobs?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:53:19 +0000

Answer: Paid acting jobs are the Holy Grail of your acting career. With preparation, persistence and skill, you can follow… Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers Magnet

David, do you remember me?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:50:43 +0000

Answer: I love getting email like this. Once we finally get through the acting audition process, the call backs, the pinning and on to an actual acting job itself, it sometimes feels like … (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it [...]

Should I send gifts to casting directors?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:49:49 +0000

Answer: After an audition, or a booking, it’s a nice gesture to send a note or small gift to a casting director. It’s not… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers [...]

What does “plus 10″ mean?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:49:32 +0000

Answer: The standard for an agent’s commission is 10%, paid out of the gross wages you get paid as an actor. Plus 10 means that… Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers Magnet

What should I carry in my actor’s kit? (Part 1)

David H. Lawrence XVII — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:47:28 +0000

Answer: One never knows when an audition will arrive, or how it will arrive, or from what source: agent, Internet, fellow actor, former colleague, an actor’s mailing list and who knows where else. Making sure you’re always well stocked with…. (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers [...]

Why should I volunteer as an intern?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:47:04 +0000

Answer: If you want to increase your chances of acting success and landing acting jobs, having quiet confidence about the way show business operates – all facets of it – is key. Interning…. (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via [...]

What kinds of acting classes are there?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:46:17 +0000

Answer: Each acting class is slightly different from every other, in tone, in content, in teaching style and in metrics for success. The different acting classes you might take during the course of your acting career will… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, [...]

What is copy-credit-meals?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:43:58 +0000

Answer: When starting off your career as an actor, you might find it a bit difficult to get that series regular role right off the bat. It happens, but more likely, you’ll start with… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it [...]

How do I create the perfect acting resume?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:42:19 +0000

Answer: An acting resume should inform the casting director quickly about your performance experience, training and skills. How your acting resume is… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers Magnet

What is deferred pay?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:41:33 +0000

Answer: Getting paid acting work is a very satisfying accomplishment, especially when that paycheck shows up. Getting paid acting work where you have to wait anywhere from a few weeks to forever to get paid is slightly less satisfying, but… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers [...]

Thank you, Backstage readers!

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:41:32 +0000

This website chronicles the acting and teaching career of David H. Lawrence XVII – and the readers of a legendary industry magazine have named him their favorite in two categories: best VO demo producer and best VO class or workshop. I am absolutely stunned that the LA readers of Backstage have decided I’m the best [...]

What if another actor starts to direct me?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:41:09 +0000

Answer: When presented with a request (or demand) by another actor in a scene where you’ve been given conflicting direction by the director… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers Magnet

What does ADR mean?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:40:57 +0000

Answer: ADR stands for Automated Dialog Replacement. And it stands for Additional Dialog Recording. And all variations of these. What it really is about is…. (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by [...]

What is a casting associate?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:40:31 +0000

Answer: Casting directors rarely work alone. They usually have a team of people working in the casting office, most notably a casting associate, who does…. (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by [...]

What is a casting director?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:39:21 +0000

Answer: “We are diplomats; we are counselors; we are negotiators. We are teachers; we are artists and visionaries. We are a key element in the creation and success of every theatre, film and television project ever made…” (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, [...]

What is a script supervisor?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:38:20 +0000

Answer: Besides being the source of all dialogue and stage direction, the script is the final arbiter of what results in the finished, edited product. And the person keeping track of everything recorded, to make the editors’ jobs a bit easier, is… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as [...]

How are audition scripts marked up?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:36:18 +0000

Answer: Getting an audition notice involves getting not only directions to the audition location, the nature of the project and what character you’ll be reading for, but also a copy of the piece of the script you’ll be reading for the casting team. These are called… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via [...]

Walkaway meal

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:34:27 +0000

Q: What is a “walkaway” meal? Actors have negotiated for and won very clear requirements for being fed when on set. But from time to time, and at the discretion of the production company, the cast and crew will be given an hour to go to nearby restaurants, or just munch from the craft services [...]

What is a “table read”?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 19:27:48 +0000

Answer: Table reads are employed in several different acting scenarios, from plays to episodic television to films and even, on occasion… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And it's free! Email: Powered by Subscribers Magnet

What does ‘copy’ mean?

David H. Lawrence XVII — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:27:03 +0000

Answer: The word “copy” has a special meaning in the world of on-camera and voiceover performance. It doesn’t usually mean a physical copy of something (although, it can) – it means… (continued in David’s answer below) Get new articles via email As soon as David answers an acting question, you'll get it via email. And [...]

Acting Schedule

David H. Lawrence XVII — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:25:51 +0000

Q: What is a “day-out-of-days,” or DOOD? When planning shots for a production, a document called the “day out of days” is generated. It lists what actors are working on what days, whether they are starting, working and/or finishing and gives the production team a clear picture of the density of their shooting schedule. The [...]

Acting Wardrobe

David H. Lawrence XVII — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:23:56 +0000

Q: When should I get into wardrobe? When you’re about to go on set, don’t wait to get into your wardrobe – do it as soon as possible to get one more thing out of your detail filled day’s way, and to avoid the potential for scheduling disaster. So, you’re finished rehearsing and marking, and [...]