Category: Acting Tips

Unleashing Your Talent: Navigating Acting Auditions in Austin, Texas

acting auditions in Austin TexasHow do you navigate acting auditions in Austin, Texas?

Welcome to the blog of the DuPuy Acting Studio! If you’re an aspiring actor in Austin, Texas, you’re in luck.

Known for its vibrant arts scene, Austin offers a plethora of acting audition opportunities for actors of all levels.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the auditioning process in Austin, providing valuable insights and tips. Let’s make the most of your acting auditions in Austin, Texas and showcase your talent in this dynamic city.

  1. Research and Preparation:

Before diving into the acting audition scene in Austin, it’s essential to do your research. Familiarize yourself with local theaters, production companies, casting directors, and acting agencies.

Keep an eye on their websites, social media, and audition postings to stay updated on upcoming opportunities. Take the time to thoroughly understand the specific requirements, formats, and expectations for each audition.

  1. Polishing Your Materials:

Your acting audition materials should reflect your skills and showcase your unique talent. Ensure your headshot and resume are up-to-date and professional. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, training, and skills.

Consider seeking guidance from industry professionals or coaches to ensure your monologues, songs, or scenes are well-prepared and effectively demonstrate your range and abilities.

  1. Networking and Community Involvement:

In Austin, building connections and becoming involved in the acting community can significantly enhance your auditioning experience. Attend industry events, workshops, and classes to meet fellow actors, directors, and casting professionals.

Join local theater groups, improv troupes, or acting associations to expand your network and gain exposure to casting opportunities. Collaborating and networking within the community can lead to valuable connections and insider information about upcoming auditions.

  1. Acting Audition Etiquette and Professionalism:

When attending acting auditions, it’s crucial to present yourself professionally and respectfully. Arrive on time or even a few minutes early to allow yourself ample preparation time. Be courteous and attentive to casting directors, staff, and fellow actors.

Take direction well and adapt quickly to changes during auditions. Remember, even if you don’t land a particular role, leaving a positive and lasting impression can lead to future opportunities.

  1. Embracing Rejection and Learning Opportunities:

Auditioning is a journey that involves facing both acceptance and rejection. Embrace rejection as a learning experience rather than a setback. Take feedback constructively and use it to improve your craft.

Each acting audition provides an opportunity to grow as an actor and refine your skills. Stay resilient, persistent, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the process.

Make the Most of Acting Auditions in Austin, Texas

Auditioning in Austin is an exciting and rewarding experience for aspiring actors. With a thriving arts community and a range of opportunities, this city offers a vibrant platform to showcase your talent and make your mark in the industry.

By conducting thorough research, honing your materials, networking, and embodying professionalism, you can navigate the audition scene with confidence and increase your chances of success.

Hone Your Skills at the DuPuy Acting Studio

At the DuPuy Acting Studio, we are dedicated to providing aspiring actors with the tools, training, and support necessary to excel in auditions and pursue their dreams. Join us to unleash your talent and embark on an exhilarating journey in the world of acting!

For more information on our acting programs, classes, and workshops, visit our website or contact us at austinactingclass@gmail.com. We look forward to helping you thrive in the Austin acting scene!

DuPuy Acting Studio

The Transformative Power of Acting: Unleash Your Creative Potential

The Transformative Power of Actingpower of acting

Welcome to our acting school blog! Here at the DuPuy Acting Studio, we believe in the incredible transformative power of acting. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a seasoned performer, or simply curious about the world of acting, this blog is here to inspire, inform, and ignite your passion for the dramatic arts. In this post, we will explore the profound impact acting can have on individuals, both on and off the stage. So, let’s dive in and discover how acting can unleash your creative potential!

  1. Self-Expression and Authenticity:

Acting provides a unique platform for self-expression, allowing individuals to tap into their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Through the process of embodying different characters, actors can explore different aspects of their own identity, embracing vulnerability and discovering new layers within themselves. The power of acting is that it empowers individuals to embrace their authenticity, shedding societal expectations and embracing their true selves.

  1. Empathy and Understanding:

One of the most remarkable aspects of acting is its ability to cultivate empathy. Actors learn to step into the shoes of diverse characters, gaining a deep understanding of different perspectives, backgrounds, and motivations. This heightened sense of empathy extends beyond the stage, enriching personal relationships and fostering a greater sense of compassion and acceptance towards others.

  1. Confidence and Self-Assurance:

The power of acting is that it nurtures confidence and self-assurance like no other art form. As actors conquer the stage, they develop a strong presence, command attention, and learn to trust their instincts. Through rigorous training and performance opportunities, actors learn to embrace failure, overcome challenges, and believe in their own abilities. These invaluable skills extend far beyond acting, empowering individuals to face any situation with poise and self-assuredness.

  1. Effective Communication:

Acting is rooted in the art of communication. Actors develop exceptional verbal and non-verbal communication skills, honing their ability to convey emotions, intentions, and messages effectively. By mastering the nuances of body language, voice modulation, and active listening, actors become adept at connecting with others, both on and off stage. These communication skills are transferable to various areas of life, enhancing personal relationships, professional interactions, and public speaking abilities.

  1. Collaboration and Teamwork:

The collaborative nature of acting fosters teamwork and cooperation. Actors learn to work harmoniously with directors, fellow performers, and production crews to bring a story to life. By valuing the contributions of others, respecting diverse perspectives, and embracing collective creativity, actors develop invaluable teamwork skills that translate into success in any collaborative endeavor.

Explore the Power of Acting at DuPuy Acting Studio

Acting is more than just a craft; it is a journey of self-discovery, empathy, and personal growth. Through self-expression, empathy, confidence-building, effective communication, and teamwork, acting has the power to transform lives.

At the DuPuy Acting Studio, we are committed to providing a nurturing and empowering environment where students can explore their creative potential, hone their skills, and embark on an extraordinary artistic journey.

So, join us and unlock the transformative power of acting today! For more information about our acting programs, classes, and workshops, visit our website or contact us at austinactingclass@gmail.com

We can’t wait to see you shine on and off the stage!

DuPuy Acting Studio

How to Find Theatre Auditions in Austin, Texas

Theatre auditions in Austin, Texas

There’s nothing like live theatre. It’s an exciting, dynamic, and immersive experience for the audience and performers. Do you dream of being a theatre actor? It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding, and you will grow as an actor.

Austin has great opportunities for theatre actors, and after a long hiatus due to COVID-19, the Austin theatre community is finally coming back to life. In this guide, we’re going to discuss how to find theatre auditions in Austin, as well as other tips you need to know to become a great theatre actor. Let’s get started. 

How to Find Theatre Auditions in Austin

The best online resource for theatre actors and audiences is ATXtheatre.org. You can find information about all 85 theatre companies in Austin, as well as production dates and info. They also spotlight a theatre every month that you can learn more about.

In their actor’s tab, you can learn about local Austin theatre actors, like award-winning actor Marc Pouhé.

To find upcoming auditions, you need to make a free account in the “members hub.” With an account, you can stay up to date with future productions and learn more about the theatre industry in Austin. They also have an Austin TV and film guide for theatre actors, and they are working on a page with other theatre job listings.

If you want to dive into theatre in Austin, I encourage you to take full advantage of this resource. 

Tips For Becoming a Great Theatre Actor

If you’re new to theatre, get prepped for success with these tips:

  1. Get in acting class. In my scene study class, we do several theatre scenes. It’s a great way to learn how to break down a scene, find your character’s objective, and emotionally prepare a scene. You can take what you learn in class into auditions with you, so start taking classes now to sharpen your skills.
  2. Read plays. To be great in theatre, you need to study the craft. You can find several scripts for both classic and contemporary plays online. Try to read one play a week. 
  3. See live theatre as much as you can. Use ATXtheatre.org to keep up with productions in Austin, and see as many as you can. You can even find last-minute deals on tickets in the “members hub.” Seeing local theatre is a great way to get to know the various theatre companies you can audition with, and you will learn by watching great theatre actors.

When you’re ready to start auditioning for theatre, use my audition tips to make a great impression.

Start Studying to Become an Austin Theatre Actor Today 

Are you itching to perform on stage? Start your career and get ready for theatre auditions in Austin with scene study classes at the DuPuy Acting Studio, where serious actors go to learn. You will grow your skills as an actor, develop as a person, and have fun. 

Register for a class today or contact me to schedule a private coaching session to discuss your goals.

 

Tips For Auditions: Make the Reader Shine

tips for auditionsAll new actors want to know the major do’s and don’t’s for auditions, and we’ve heard the horror stories about auditions gone wrong. Luckily, I have one major tip that will make the whole process simpler for you: make the reader shine.

This tip comes from Vancouver-based acting coach Matthew Harrison of The Actor’s Foundry. Matthew has coached several major actors that you see in TV and film today, and he is my personal acting coach. 

In this guide, I’m going to break down what it means to make the reader shine, as well as other audition tips you need to book jobs. Let’s dive in.

Who is the Reader?

Regardless of whether your audition is in person or online, there will be a person there whose job it is to be your scene partner. This person is called a reader because they typically read the lines straight from the sides.

Focus On the Reader, Not the Auditors or the Camera

For all auditions, you need to be prepared, polite, and present. This means you have worked on your script and memorized it; you are open and generous –  directors and producers want to work with you! And you have the capacity to truly listen and be present in stressful situations. 

When the camera starts rolling, however, the most important person in the room is the reader. Your job is to be in a relationship with the reader and effect change in them. When you make the reader great, you are great, and your scene comes alive. That’s when your performance “pops out of the camera” and you become memorable.

When you are finished with your audition, always thank your reader before you leave.

More Tips For Auditions

Focusing on the reader is your job in the audition room, but your prep work should start way before you step foot in there. You should always analyze your scene and be completely off-book for every audition.

To analyze your scene, use the same method that we use in class. Find the two conversations, your character’s objective, character statement, emotional core truth, and realizations and decisions. 

If you need help with this process, you can schedule a one-on-one session with me to break down your scenes before your audition. Check out my guide to memorization blog to get completely off-book. 

The more you prepare beforehand, the more confident you will feel in the audition room, and the more you can set yourself aside and focus on making the reader shine.

Get Started With Classes Today

Every great acting career begins with foundational training. In my classes, you will learn the vital tools you need to feel confident in any audition room. Register for classes today to get started on the right foot, and stay tuned for more blogs with tips for auditions and acting. 

What All Actors in Austin Need to Know About Working in Texas

actors in austin

The film and TV industry is full of opportunities for actors in Austin; however, working in Texas is different from working in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and other major industry hubs. In this guide, I’m going to break down what every new actor needs to know about working in Texas and becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible.

Texas is a “Right to Work” State

The first thing to know is that unlike California and New York, Texas is a “right to work” state, which means unions work differently here. Essentially, Texas has union prevention laws, which means you aren’t required to pay dues to a union even if you work in a unionized workplace.

There are right-to-work pros and cons, but for the most part, union prevention laws favor the guys at the top more than workers. Unions can still fight for you, but they have limited resources.

In spite of this, your goal as an actor should still be to get into the SAG-AFTRA union when the time is right.

Should Actors in Austin Try to Become SAG-AFTRA Members?

If you want to have a successful long-term career as an actor, becoming a SAG-AFTRA union member is important. Joining the union means you can go out for better auditions for better paying jobs, and it makes you more impressive to casting directors and agencies. 

However, timing is everything. Joining the union comes with some limitations, like not being allowed to work non-union jobs anymore. That includes independent films and student films, which are a major avenues for new actors to gain experience in Austin thanks to small producers and the University of Texas RTF program.

For new actors in Austin, building up your resume credits through non-union jobs and staying in acting class are essential ways to getting an agent. And you have to have agent to audition for SAG projects.

But know this, a union card is not a golden ticket to success in the industry. You still have to work hard, network, understand your brand, and nail your Texas acting auditions. 

How to be SAG-AFTRA Union Eligible

If you’re ready to pursue union membership, there are a few ways you can become eligible. The first is by booking a part on a union job. If casting directors aren’t finding the actor they’re looking for in the union, they’ll open up auditions to non-union actors. 

Another way to become union eligible is to do background acting on union sets. You can either collect three union background vouchers or get upgraded from background to a speaking role. For more ways to become union eligible, check out this Backstage article.

I think the best goal for a Texas actor is to become “SAG-Eligible” because you can still work non-union jobs AND  be eligible to audition for union jobs. If you book a union job, you will pay your dues then, but not before then (and they are expensive). To learn more why being “SAG-Eligible” is the best of both worlds, read Bonnie Gillespie’s article.

Continue Growing Your Skills

It’s easy for new actors in Austin to get caught up in becoming union eligible instead of growing their acting skills. Joining the union is a huge stepping stone in your career, but you must have the right skills first. The more you invest into your training, the more it will pay off in your career. 

To join an acting class this month and continue growing your skills, contact me today. 

How to Start Acting in Austin, Texas

A photo of a female actor holding a slate for a blog about how to start acting

As an acting coach, one question I always get is how to start acting with little or no experience. I’m going to break it down for you in this step-by-step guide on how to become an actor in Austin, Texas. 

Whether you are pursuing acting as a hobby or career, these tips will set you on the right path. By the end of this guide, you will feel confident about diving into acting. 

1. Start Taking Acting Classes

 Acting is a craft that requires study and practice to gain the skills you need. If you don’t have any acting experience, or even if you do, the first thing you need to do is sign up for an acting class. No matter how advanced you are, you should never stop working on your skills in class.

You will learn helpful acting techniques, analyzing a script, working with a scene partner, and more. Register for in-person and online acting classes in Austin, Texas at DuPuy Acting Studio today.

2. Book Background Acting Jobs in Austin

A great way to experience a real film or TV set is to book a job as an extra or background actor. You’ll get to observe the pros, learn how a set works, and you might be on TV! Plus, you’ll be paid for your time. 

To book background acting jobs in Austin and surrounding areas, sign up for the Texas Film Commission job hotline. You can also sign up with Vicky Boone Casting and Beth Sepko Third Coast Casting on Facebook to find out about available roles.

3. Get Headshots Made

When you’re ready to start auditioning, you will need high-quality headshots to submit to casting directors. Trust me, they can tell the difference between a professional headshot and a cheap one that your amateur photographer friend took for you. 

It’s tempting to save money on headshots, but I promise you that paying for a professional photo shoot will pay off. My favorite headshot photographer in Austin is Kathy Whitaker. 

4. Start Auditioning

After you’ve spent time in class building your skills, it’s time to start auditioning. In the beginning, you will go out for roles in student films, community theatre, and non-union projects. No role is too small; the goal right now is to build up your resume and demo reel. 

To find auditions, you can create an account on Backstage and filter your search to Austin. Film students at UT always need actors for their projects, so this is a great place to start.

5. Get Involved in the Austin Acting Community

It’s always a good idea to connect with other people in your craft. The acting community in Austin is growing, and you can find out about tons of opportunities when you get involved. 

Here are some Facebook groups you should join:

  • Austin Actor’s Studio
  • Austin Actor’s Group
  • Texas Castings (USA)
  • Texas Actors
  • UT RTF Austin

Turn your notifications on for this group so you are the first to find out about new acting opportunities in Austin.

Final Thoughts on How to Start Acting in Austin, Texas

Are you ready to jump in with acting? The road to becoming an actor is not a straight path, but the best thing you can do is just start.

Hopefully, this guide made you feel more confident about how to start acting. For more info on acting classes, contact me today.