Acting for Business

500 Voice Over Gigs: An Interview with Andy Cooper

Meet Andy Cooper, a gifted actor who just booked his 500th voice over job. Yes, you heard that right. Within just a few years, Andy booked 500 voice over jobs. Most of those he recorded right inside his own home. Andy is a Dearing student, and we are so proud of his success. Once too …

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I’m Bad At Improv

I had a singing coach who insisted that the reason she was a good instructor was that she had to work so hard to be good. Her vocal talents were not purely intuitive. She found her technique through pure grind; carved it out of a marble slab with some painter’s tape, a straight edge and a hand chisel. She …

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An Anthropologie Treasure Hunt. (Or Why Imagination Matters)

It was a Tuesday at 3pm. And much like every Tuesday at 3pm, I had dreams. Dreams of sitting at my table with a coffee and the newest anthropologie catalogue, gazing at a laced funnel neck bell-sleeved pullover. (Too many descriptors, anthro. Whatever. I still want it.) OH! Or this! This tutu is perfect for say,  leaning against the crumbling …

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How to Become a Commercial Actress? 3 TIPS

So you’re wondering how to become a commercial actress, right? A good question, especially if you live in a small acting market where commercials will become your primary source of income as an actor. After all, whichever market you’re in, you’ll need to know where to find auditions. Well, I’m here to tell you that you …

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It’s All about Relationships

There are many fascinations in life, but it seems the human species is wired to make life about connections, about relationships. True, film and television in particular create a whole lot of expertly choreographed action sequences, invent futuristic technology, explore theoretical physics, weave intricate plots, and introduce concepts believed to be new. And while these …

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The Importance of Cold Reads Training

Mastering cold reads is essential to auditioning, especially in this commercial market. Taking classes that focus on cold reads will provide you with the tools you need to deliver a great first impression every time. Practicing at home keeps you sharp and prepared for last-minute auditions. When you are handed a script, you might have five to ten minutes (if you …

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But Improv Is Scary…!

Oh, improvisers! Those rascals are out of their minds! They’ve achieved some unattainable and enviable level of confidence. Maybe they’re just better actors than I am. Improv is crazy and weird anyway… So what is your excuse for avoiding doing some improvisation training? Whatever it is, it cannot outweigh the benefits of studying this energetic art form. You may fall in love with …

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How Can I Prepare for an Improv Audition?

Let’s break down the Improv Audition shall we? We get asked questions about acting all the time! I’ve been an acting coach for almost two decades now. At the same time I’ve also had the privilege of working as a casting director, so I often get asked about acting techniques and auditions from young actors. The …

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