Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone!  I hope this season finds you full of joy and peace!  Be sure to take some time over the holidays to relax, unplug, enjoy the festivities, and give yourself time to recharge.  This business we're in is very rewarding but also very demanding, and it's important to take some time off to get refreshed.  2015 is almost upon us, and a new set of adventures await!

In the midst of all the busyness of this season, don't forget to reflect on the greatest gift of all -- a baby boy born in a manger long ago.  God gave us the gift of His Son, and Jesus gave us the gift of His life.  We have so much to be grateful for!  Let us celebrate His birth together and keep our eyes fixed on Him as we go into the new year!

3 Tips for Using Social Media for Professional Networking

Here's another great article from Backstage! As an actor, you have to work hard to market yourself. And where's the best place to do that?  Social media!  Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, and the list goes on...  These are the platforms that provide you with the opportunity to brand yourself and connect with other professionals in the industry.

This article presents three tips for how to present yourself well when making those connections. They are EXCELLENT points, and when the author said the following...

"How many times have you received a Facebook friend request and decided in a millisecond if you are going to actually consider this request or not? Why? Firstly, because you’ve looked at their profile picture. This picture will make you want to look further into the request or delete it. You may not want to admit that, but I’d bet it’s true."

...I wanted to stand up and shout AMEN! Friends, your profile picture is SO IMPORTANT. It is your calling card -- the first impression people will get of you. Make it a good one. I don't want to be judgmental and I almost hate to admit this, but when I see that someone has posted in a Filmmaking group on Facebook, I will choose to go read their post (or not) based on their profile picture. If their picture doesn't present me with an image of professionality, it's hard for me to take them seriously. (Is professionality even a word? My spellcheck doesn't think so, but it sounds like it ought to be.)

The author also touches on the initial contact you make with someone, and the type of content you are sharing. Here's the link to read the article:

http://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/3-tips-using-social-media-professional-networking/

After you read it, come back and tell me what you think!

"Wanted" Official Trailer!

I apologize for my absence over the past few months!  I have been very busy helping with post-production for "Wanted" (particularly in my role as Social Media Marketing Assistant).  We're hard at work gearing up to release the film on March 2nd!

Please like our <Facebook Page> to see fun behind-the-scenes pictures, featured adoption stories, production updates, and more!  (We'll also be doing some giveaways at the beginning of the year, so you won't want to miss those!)

You can also visit our <Website> for more information about the film, and sign up for our <Newsletter>.

Without further ado, I am very excited to present our OFFICIAL TRAILER!

Post by Wanted - The Movie.

  

Casting Call - "Providence"

Shared from The Good Book website:

Mainstreet Productions and Faith Flix Films are excited to begin production on our sixth faith-based feature. PROVIDENCE is a love story that spans forty years. Like our most recent film, The Good Book, PROVIDENCE will be told using only dramatic action, dynamic soundtrack, and no dialogue.

We are currently accepting submissions for the lead and supporting characters (paid). Non-union actors only.

Once these roles are cast, we'll accept submissions for featured and background actors.

Shooting Location: Springfield, TN (Nashville area)
Lodging provided for lead and supporting actors who are unable to work as local talent.
Lead and supporting roles will require 2-5 shooting days.
Shooting Dates: April 13 - June 6, 2015

To submit:
* Complete online application
* Mail headhot (or recent photo) and resume:
Attention: Sharon Wilharm
Mainstreet Productions
305 North Oak Street
Springfield, TN 37172

To read the character breakdown and submit the online application, CLICK HERE.

*Please note: I am not affiliated with this film. I am just sharing the casting call.

Update on "Wanted"

Who wants a sneak peek at some footage from "Wanted" - a short film starring Rusty Martin (Courageous), Andrew Cheney (Seasons of Gray), Eliya Hurt (Polycarp), and myself?  Well, look no further!  I am thrilled to share our new Sizzle Reel with you!  (Be sure to watch it in HD!)

Post production is almost done!  The final edit is locked and color corrected, so now the film needs to go to our sound artist and have a score composed by the amazing John Campbell, and then it will be done!  I'm busy working on the marketing side of things (a new undertaking for me that I'm really enjoying so far!), and we're also researching lots of film festivals.

If you want to learn more about the film, please visit the website that I designed!  You can read about the story, learn about our cast and crew, and sign up to receive our newsletter so you'll be the FIRST to hear our big updates (not only about this project, but future projects from Roundtable Productions)!  Also, there's still time to donate and get some fun rewards while helping with post production costs. 

If you'd like to connect with us on Social Media, here are the links!
  

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Google+ ~ Pinterest

  

Actors Rusty Martin, Eliya Hurt, Stacey Bradshaw, and Andrew Cheney

   

Movement in Auditions

Have you wondered about how much movement you should incorporate into your audition video, especially when the script calls for something drastic?  What about using props?  Here's a short video from casting director Erica Arvold to answer those questions!

Recent Film Releases

There have been a lot of Christian films released this summer, but I want to highlight three in particular that released this week (and that carry my personal endorsement!).

1) Ace Wonder.  I have been waiting eagerly for this film since it was shot 4 years ago!  It's a very fun movie that will entertain your whole family.  It just hit Walmart, so go grab your copy!  (And when you do, post a selfie with the DVD on Facebook or Google+ with the hashtag #acewonder) Watch the trailer HERE.

Website: www.acewondermovie.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/acewondermovie

2) The War Within.  This is a powerful film that has won several awards.  I was very impacted by the message and their unique approach to the story.  Everyone should see this film.  You can buy a copy in Family Christian Bookstores or online on Amazon or the film's website.  (If you purchase the film, the filmmakers would love for you to take a picture of you with your DVD and post it on their Facebook page with the hashtag #TheWarOnTour)  Watch the trailer HERE.

Website: www.thewarwithinmovie.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/twwmovie

3) Touched by Grace.  Yep, this is my big movie!  And I'm super excited that it is finally on DVD!  I starred in this film with Ben Davies (Courageous) two years ago.  It has premiered in three countries overseas - England, Spain, and Singapore - and now you can watch it in your living room!  Buy your copy on Stonetable Film's website on in Family Christian Bookstores!  (And...you know the drill...be sure to post a picture of you with your DVD on my FB acting page, with the hashtag #touchedbygrace)  Watch the trailer HERE.

Website: www.stonetablefilms.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SeniorPranktheMovie

Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival 2014

I have wanted to attend the Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival for several years, but I've always been on a film set or didn't have enough money when the time rolled around.  This year, however, I found out they were going to be screening "Touched by Grace" and I knew I had to try and get there.  What more perfect time to make connections and network with the fine folks at Gideon than when my biggest film was showing there?

Long story short, in about a week's time, God had worked out all the details and I had my plane tickets to Orlando!  I can't even tell you how huge this was for me.  My heartfelt thanks go out to Rodney and Lori Marett, who run the festival, for making this experience possible.

Rodney, Lori, and my friend Nate

Okay, now to tell you about Gideon...

First of all, I flew into the wrong airport.  Haha!  In my defense, the airline that provided the cheapest flights from VA to Orlando only flew into Sanford International, and I didn't realize there were TWO international airports in Orlando.  But once again, the Lord provided!  A taxi was going to cost $80 to the hotel (about as much as my flight!), so I called a friend at the conference and he asked around to see if there was anyone with a car who could come and get me (32 miles away).  No one could get away, so I put myself at the mercy of the nice taxi manager who had been so helpful to me, and right after I got settled in a taxi, my friend called back with good news.  A lady had been sitting at his table and overheard my plight, and her husband was out getting supper with their little girl and would be able to drive down and pick me up.  Yay!  The taxi driver was very accommodating and let me back out (I kept apologizing - I felt so bad!).

When Mr. Davis came to pick me up, he asked me where I was from.  The crazy thing?  He lives 40 minutes away from me!  He and his wife just started a community theater, and I came all the way to Florida to meet them!  So even though I was feeling like a complete idiot for landing at the wrong airport and needing someone to pick me up, God was working in the details.

The next four days were amazing.  Truth be told, I was sick in my room almost every morning (thanks to some health problems we're working on figuring out), but every afternoon I was able to go downstairs and talk to people and attend a few workshops, including:

How to Build Your Communication Platform - Gary Zelasko
Screenwriting: Maximum Emotion - Gary Voelker
The Virtual Audition - Katrina Cook
Marketing for the Actor - Jenn Gotzon

Gary Voelker teaching about maximum emotion in screenwriting

Saturday night, I attending the screening of "My Name is Paul," a feature film made by my friend Vanessa Ore and her husband Trey.  I had a lot of friends who worked on this project and I was glad to finally see it!  Great job, everyone!

Trey and Vanessa Ore doing a Q&A after the film

Sunday was the big day for me!  At 4:00, we screened "Touched by Grace."  I did a Q&A afterwards, which was a lot of fun!  I enjoyed being able to answer questions and interact with the audience.  I'm so thankful to everyone who came out and watched the film!  (And honestly, I was just so excited to see it again because I've only seen it once in the two years since we filmed it, and that was 13 months ago.)  Watch the recently released official trailer and get ready to buy your DVD on August 19!

My friends Allen and Grace drove down from Jacksonville to attend the screening!

Romans XIII reunion!  (Sincerity, Jason, and Ariana) 

Sunday night, I attended the late-night screening of "The War Within".  Producer/co-writer/actor Gary Varvel did a Q&A afterwards.  The film was incredible!  It's no wonder it won 4 awards at the Christian Worldview Film Festival in March.  I've never seen a Christian film like it.  DVDs will be available on August 19 (the same day as Touched by Grace)!  Meanwhile, I urge you to watch the trailer.

I didn't get any pictures on Monday, so we'll fast-forward to Tuesday...

Brazilian actor/writer/producer Regis Terencio

Christina Lee Storm gave the keynote address at the awards ceremony.  Christina is an international independent producer who has collaborated with filmmakers from around the world.  She was Production Supervisor for the highly acclaimed, 2012 Oscar-winning film The Artist.   Currently, Christina is Executive Director of Act One, Inc. where she provides leadership and vision for the 15 year faith-based, innovative training and incubator for writers and producers in film, television, and digital media.

My new friend David Helling won the best screenplay award for "In the Beginning"!

After the awards ceremony, I managed to get pictures with most of my friends...

Kyle and Kenny Saylors, of Saylors Brothers Entertainment

Casting Director Katrina Cook, of KatzKasting

Actor/Comedian/Writer Torry Martin (My Name is Paul, Skid)

Producer/writer and editorial cartoonist Gary Varvel (The War Within)

Actress Francine Locke (Stand Your Ground)

Director Gary Voelker (coming down to "my level", haha!)

 Actress Jenn Gotzon (Alone Yet Not Alone, Doonby, God's Country, etc.)

Group picture!

Actor/director/writer Nathan Jacobson (Wanted, Polycarp, Princess Cut)

Producer Del Baron (Adrenaline)

 Gideon president, Isaac Hernandez

Tuesday night was so bittersweet.  It was hard to say goodbye and realize that the festival had come to an end.  I am so thankful for all the connections I was able to make in my short time there.  I was even able to start outlining a new feature film with Nate, my collaborative writing partner, during some down-time.  What a blessing to spend time with old friends, meet new friends, learn from the workshops, swap story ideas, watch films, and enjoy the sweet fellowship of other believers who are passionate about making films that honor the Lord.  I truly hope I will be able to attend Gideon again next year, and I encourage all of you to do the same!

The Art of Networking

If you hear it once, you'll hear it a hundred times.  "It's all about networking."  "It's all about who you know."  Some people will even counter with this clever remark: "It's all about who knows YOU."

And you know what?  They're right.

But how do you network?  How do you walk up to a director/producer at that next film festival and "sell yourself" to them without being merely one out of a hundred actors who wants to hand them a business card and hopefully impress them enough to have an edge the next time they're casting?

My friend Torry Martin is a Master Networker.  Some of his sage advice is to make it not about YOU, but about THEM.  Focus on the relationship, not what you can get from the person.  How can you help them?  How can you invest in their life?  Start a conversation.  Ask questions.  Listen.

To hear Torry expound on this subject in a fabulous podcast, click HERE.  The best 20 minutes of networking advice I've heard.  (And some great humor thrown in, too!)

I remember the first time I met Torry.  We were at an Arts and Entertainment Conference in April 2013.  Right away, he started asking me questions all about myself.  It took me by surprise.  He was a speaker at the conference.  He was a highly experienced actor and comedian.  He was a *somebody.*  And he was showing a very genuine interest in ME and asking me to TALK about myself.  Let me tell ya, folks, that's a nice feeling.  I knelt down and swore my allegiance on the spot.  (Haha, okay, not really.)  But what was he doing?  He was starting a friendship.  And I'll never forget how kind he was.

With Torry a year later at the Christian Worldview Film Festival.

Maybe you're shy.  Maybe the thought of "networking" terrifies you and you're tempted to throw in the towel right now, because if that's what it takes, your ship is sunk before you can even leave port.  Well, I've got some good news for you.  THERE'S HOPE!  Because that's exactly how I felt a few years ago.

People keep telling me I'm good at networking.  I used to look at them like they were crazy and I'd laugh in derision.  "Psh!  Who, me?  You've got to be kidding."  I would go to a filmmaking event specifically to network, then walk into a room full of strangers and suddenly I'd be as scared and as mute as rabbit.  I would leave without meeting anyone new.  Networking FAIL.

"But you know so many people!" my friends counter.  "You have connections all over the place."

"Well, yeah," I reply with a shrug.  "I have a lot of friends in the film industry."

Then I started to think about how I met those friends.  On film sets.  At film festivals through other friends.  On Facebook.  You know what?  I have a HUGE network.  And it keeps growing!

At this year's Christian Worldview Film Festival, George Escobar (founder of Advent Film Group) even singled me out in his keynote address as being a great example of a good networker.  Well, at that point, I couldn't argue it anymore.  If Mr. Escobar says it, it must be true.  :-)

This is why there's hope for you.  I grew up PAINFULLY SHY.  I'm an extrovert, but deep inside, I am SO shy.  (None of my friends believe it, but it's true.)  However, I do love connecting with people!  By now, I'm actually ADDICTED to networking.  It's so much fun to meet people and help connect them to other people!  ("Oh, you need a special effects artist?  I know three that are really good at what they do!  Let me give you their contact information.")  I LOVE IT!!!

The more you do it, the easier it gets.  And the more people you meet, the more people you can get introduced to without having to approach a total stranger (that part is still hard for me).

The key is to make it about them, not about you.  When I put pressure on myself ("I have to meet this director because I want to be in their next movie"), I freeze up.  If I can actually force myself to talk to them, I'm tense.  I'm awkward.  But if I'm just out to make friends, to get to know people, to see how I can help THEM, it's so much fun!

So relax.  Go start a conversation.  And start building that network.  (And don't forget to listen to Torry's podcast because it's really worth it!)

How to Format an Acting Résumé

For everyone who wants to know what your acting résumé should look like...  Here's some advice by industry professionals! 

Source: Project Casting

Trivia Tuesday - Liebster Award

I've been nominated for the Liebster Award by my friend and fellow actress McKenna Rosen of Cherishing my Role!  Since it's not related to acting, I figured it would be perfect for a Trivia Tuesday post so you can get to know a little more about me.

The Liebster Award exists to help bloggers get to know each other and spread the word about your blog and the blogs you love!

Here are the Liebster Award rules:

Acknowledge the blog that nominated you. 

Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger created. 

List 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers that deserve some recognition. 

Write 11 questions for them to answer. 

Notify them they've been nominated.

Okay, now to dive into McKenna's questions...

 

1. (Hardest Question Ever) How would you describe yourself?
Wow, that is really hard! Ummm, first of all, I'm a shy extrovert. Yes, I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but somehow it's possible. :-D I have a somewhat dramatic personality (not like "drama queen" dramatic -- I can be really quiet and very calm most of the time, but I tend to react to things a little more dramatically than my mother cares for. Haha!) Maybe "expressive" is a better word to use. I'm very expressive when I'm talking. I'm also short, creative, loyal, protective, gullible, old-fashioned, easily-excited, and a total romantic (okay, and stubborn and prideful and selfish if I must be honest). :-) There are many facets to me, but this is what first came to mind. :-)

2. How would you describe your sense of fashion?
Unique. Classy (well, I try, anyway). Retro/vintage (as much as possible). Modest.

3. Favorite Music Artist Ever? (Aren't these questions easy?)
Ahhhhhh, I can't do favorites! Everything I like is my "favorite"! Haha! Well, if we're talking about one artist instead of a group, then it would probably be a hot competition between Bing Crosby, Josh Groban, and Deanna Durbin.

4. Favorite Snack?
Chocolate!!! (Okay, that was an easy one. Whew!)

5. What is your favorite Non-Fiction Book?
If I have to pick, I'd say "A Praying Life" by Paul Miller.

6. Favorite Fiction Book?
Impossible question! I was a voracious reader back in the day when I had time to read, and I have SO many favorites. The Scarlet Pimpernel, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and The Count of Monte Cristo to name a few. (As you can tell, I love the classics.)

7. What is your favorite historical era fashion-wise and why?
The 1940's and '50's!!! Such classy, feminine styles. And the fashion silhouette works great with my figure. :-D

8. Tea or Coffee?
Both and neither. I have equal amounts of dislike and tolerance for each one. I'm more of a hot-chocolate type of girl.

9. What are your thoughts on the mismatched sock epidemic?
I've never actually worn mismatched socks, and honestly I haven't had many thoughts on the matter, except I do find it fun and humorous when my friends realize their socks don't match. :-)

10. What Bible Verses have jumped out at you recently?
So many of my devotionals lately (and the sermons at church!) have been about God helping us to grow through suffering. Here are some of the verses that have been used... Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." John 18:11 - "Shall I refuse to drink the cup of sorrow which the Father has given me to drink?" Psalm 107:27-28 - "At their wit's end, they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out."

11. Where in the world would you travel to if you could?
Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, and New Zealand are at the top of the list. :-)


And...as soon as I think I'm done with the hard part, I remember I have to nominate 11 people and come up with 11 questions!  Oh boy...   Here we go...

I nominate...

Grace of By God's Grace
Stephanie of Our Journey of God's Faithfulness
Hannah of Glory and Grace
Karissa of Clothed in Scarlet
Alyssa of Days to Remember
Amy of Pressing Toward the Goal
Courtney of Courtney Comments
Michelle of Singing FarmGirl
Bethany of Bethany's Blog
Elanee of Elanee's Endeavors
Julie of A Lily Among Thorns

Okay ladies, here are your 11 questions (and feel free to elaborate):

1. What is a ministry that you're really passionate about?
2. Random childhood memory?
3. Favorite animal?
4. Favorite ice cream flavor?
5. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
6. Have you traveled abroad? If so, where?
7. What is your favorite historical era?
8. Do you have a favorite author of classic fiction?
9. Do you have a favorite author of contemporary fiction?
10. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up (and how does that compare to what you're doing now that you ARE grown up)?
11. What motivates you?

Have fun!  I look forward to reading your answers if you choose to do this!  Be sure to link your post in a comment below.
   

Becoming an Actor & Asking the Right Questions

Today, I want to share some words of wisdom from my friend, professional actor Josh Murray.  I met Josh on the set of "Alone Yet Not Alone" almost four years ago.  He played the role of young George Washington.  In 2012, we acted together in "Touched by Grace" (formerly "The Senior Prank".) 

At the Premiere of "Touched by Grace". Haha, this pretty much sums up our relationship. 

Josh has a ton of credits to his name (check out his IMDb page!), and has always been an inspiration to me as someone who works hard and is dedicated to mastering his craft. 

I also want to give a shout-out to my friend Arel Avellino, who has started a brilliant podcast series to help filmmakers THRIVE instead of just survive.  Arel is a filmmaker living in Northern VA, and I am constantly impressed by his innovative ideas and his desire to help other filmmakers succeed.  I had the pleasure of acting in his short film "Trafficked: A Model Story" last year, and it was a fantastic experience.  I would work with Arel again in a heartbeat.

With Arel and his wife Sheila on the set of "Trafficked".

For everyone who wants to make films - LISTEN TO HIS PODCASTS.  He interviews tons of successful people in all areas of filmmaking, and there is a wealth of knowledge available to you for free.  For the full list, click HERE.

For everyone who wants to be an actor, I highly recommend listening to this particular podcast where Josh Murray talks about becoming an actor and the right questions to ask going in.  Click HERE.  There is also a list of resources linked on the page that he mentions in his talk.

Seriously, I can't give it to you any better than he does, so listen and learn.  :-)

Casting Call - "Mayflower II"

The makers of the Remember movie are bringing us another sci-fi film, called Mayflower II!

Synopsis: When Miles O’Rourke’s brother shows him the hidden Mayflower Two, a ship designed to transport families off the planet to escape persecution, he dismisses it as extremist paranoia. Soon, however, he finds that persecution is real and personal as the authorities come after him. Caught off guard, he “borrows” the new Mayflower to flee to a paradise colony on Mars where he learns he hasn’t left all his troubles behind. Mayflower Two is an action packed futuristic thriller highlighting the need for faithfulness and courage in the face of opposition.

The film is being made by my friends the Lammimans in Canada.  I have known the Lammimans for four years and enjoyed their first film, "Remember"!  I am so excited to see Christian filmmakers tackling the sci-fi genre!

They are accepting video auditions until June 15.  For all the necessary information and a character breakdown, visit the casting event on Facebook (be sure to read the event description and the first pinned post).
  

Trivia Tuesday

Patrick Hussian and Kera O'Bryon, the actors who played my parents in "Touched by Grace," were only 9-11 years old than me.  (I guess that's what happens when you have a 26-year-old playing a 17-year-old.)  Haha!  Most people on the set actually thought I was 17 or 18 until they learned otherwise.  In fact, I had more than one 16-year-old boy have a crush on me, whether on set or on the internet.  In some ways I suppose it's a positive thing to look 10 years younger than you are...but in other ways...not so positive...  :-)

It was delightful to work with Kera and Patrick!  They were so much fun.  We would be laughing outside about something one minute, then instantly switch to being sad when we received our cue to walk into a sad scene.  It was my first time working with professional actors and it made my job so much easier!  I could just relax and play off of them.  I learned a lot.

Actor/Director Interaction

Let's face it.  All directors are different.  Some will be fundamentally the same, but as unique individuals, they will have their own quirks and ways of doing things.  If you've never acted before, you may have a preconceived notion of what film directors are like and how they will interact with you.  I certainly had a preconceived notion when I went onto my first professional film set, and it was drastically different than I expected.  Since then, I have worked with MANY different types of directors, and I want to share a little about my experiences so you can have a few ideas about what to expect.

First of all, my idea of a director was someone who would communicate with me a lot and take the time to pull the best performance out of me.  At least, that's what I HOPED, since I only had one speaking role under my belt before I walked on set to play the LEADING ROLE in "Touched by Grace."  I memorized my lines, I felt like I understood my character, I had been on several film sets before, but other than that, I felt like a total rookie.

Director Donald Leow blocking a scene with Patrick Hussion and me for Touched by Grace

The first couple of days went by on Touched by Grace, and I was surprised at how little "direction" I was getting from director Donald Leow.  He would give me blocking, then settle down behind the monitor at video village and let me do my thing.  The scene would finish, and I'd wait expectantly for notes, feedback, adjustments...but usually it was just an announcement that we'd do the scene again, or it was good and we could move on.

By the second and third day I was thinking, "I know I'm not THAT good!!!  I can't possibly be doing it just right every time!"  Granted, at the end of every day, Donald would ALWAYS tell me what a great job I was doing and pour affirmation and encouragement into me (which meant a LOT!  It's so important to affirm and appreciate your actors!), but I still couldn't imagine that I was really nailing it in every scene.

By the end of the first week of filming, I started approaching Donald at video village after any scene that I felt slightly questionable about, and ask him if it was okay or if he wanted me to do anything different.  Invariably, I got a thumbs up and a "great job"!

By the end of the shoot, I learned that Donald always directs that way.  He brings on actors that he has faith in to perform the role, and he lets them do their thing.  If there are problems, he'll step in and make adjustments (I think he only gave me a note or reminder once or twice during 18 days of shooting), but otherwise he gives you the space to do your job.  He respects his actors and their ability to bring characters to life.

Before I launch into a few more examples, here are a few lessons you need to know:

1. Do your homework. Come prepared. Filming is always on a tight schedule, and the director shouldn't have to do more than tweak your performance if necessary.

2. TRUST the director. You're in a vulnerable place, and it's really hard to gauge how your performance is reading on the other side of the camera. Sometimes you'll feel like you're not getting it right. But trust the director when he tells you it's good. You will usually see he was right when you watch the film.

3. Don't be afraid to ask questions. But don't be constantly barraging the director either. Trust the director to fix a problem if it's there, but it's also okay to ask for feedback if you're really feeling unsure of something.

Waiting for direction from Director Nathan Jacobson on the set of Wanted

Here's a quick rundown of some other types of directors...

• Some won't talk to you about your character until you walk on set.  Others will offer to meet or Skype with you before the shoot to discuss the character and address any questions you have.

• Some won't give much (if any) feedback on specific takes or scenes.  Others will provide feedback virtually every time the camera cuts.

• Some are so busy wearing other hats (on smaller budget films) that they won't have as much time to devote to their actors as you (and they) would like.  Others have the luxury of focusing almost entirely on the actors.

A note to directors -- Please understand that we have NO idea what you're seeing on the monitor, or how our performance is reading. Feedback is really appreciated, and if a scene has to be taken again because of a technical error, it's really helpful for us to know that.  I am always grateful when a director says, "Going again. You're doing great. We need another for camera."  That lets me know it wasn't my fault and eliminates that concern from my mind, which helps my performance.  When a scene is taken several times over and over with no mention of WHY, an actor's mind can become crowded with doubt - "Am I messing it up? Is this my fault? Why are we doing this so many times? Do I need to make an adjustment?"  Those thoughts will negatively affect the performance.

This video really nails what a director should say to an actor after calling "cut":

Monologues

I don't know about you, but I went a long time without finding a good resource for monologues.  I've had several people ask me if I knew where to find monologues for auditioning, and I couldn't help them.  But now I have found a website with LOTS of good options!  Yay!  (There are lots of bad options, too, so just wade through and look for the good ones.)

http://www.actorpoint.com/monologue.html

When you're using a monologue to audition, try to find one within the same type of genre (don't use a tragedy to audition for a comedy), and try to find a character similar to the one you're auditioning for.  You want to make it as easy as possible for the casting director to picture you in that role.

As another helpful resource, Backstage published an article with 8 tips for mastering a monologue:

http://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/8-tips-mastering-monologues/

Do you have any resources or tips about monologues that you'd like to share?  Comment below and I might add them to the post!  :-)

"Polycarp: Destroyer of Gods"

Are you ready for something SUPER EXCITING?!?  Then check out the new teaser trailer for "Polycarp: Destroyer of Gods"!

It was such a privilege to be a part of this film.  I was cast in the small role of Sabina, a bread seller in the market.  I was only in Ohio one day to film all of my scenes because I was currently in the middle of filming "Uncommon" for the whole month of July in Virginia.  Thankfully, I was able to take three days off from that so I could hop out to Ohio.

I was EXHAUSTED from three weeks of filming "Uncommon," so my saintly mother came to my rescue and drove me the 9 hours to Cincinnati.  My youngest brother and his best friend came along, so while I was filming on Monday, they all went and visited the Creation Museum.

We arrived at our hotel near Cincinnati early Sunday evening, then freshened up and drove over to the Henline's house, where Jerica proceeded to dye my hair darker (after she extracted me from all the hugging and chatting with dear friends I hadn't seen in a long time).  I had never dyed my hair before, and I loved the darker look!  It was a one day rinse, though, so it washed out the next night.

Monday morning, I was up really early and headed to set.  I ate breakfast with my friends, then went through wardrobe.  I learned a few new lessons about women's fashion of the day (particularly the undergarments *cough*), then it was time for hair and makeup.  My hair was curled and pinned back a little, and for makeup, I was coated with a darker foundation to make me look more tan, as befit someone who spent many hours in an outdoor market place.  :-)

Next?  The green room!  (a.k.a. the holding room for actors when they're not needed on set.)  All of the scenes for that day were supposed to be outdoors, but it started to rain, which was causing problems and delays.  They ended up shifting some scenes around, and I didn't get on set until about the middle of the afternoon.  But for most of the time while I was waiting, I had good company in the green room to keep me entertained!

Garry Nation, who played the title role of Polycarp

When I did finally walk on set, it was like I had stepped out of the 21st Century and into the 2nd!  The market place was bustling with activity, and I was amazed by the detailed sets they had constructed and decorated!  We were under a tight time crunch not only because of the rain, but also because I HAD to leave early the next morning and head back to Virginia.  All of my scenes had to get done before the light faded.  There were no options.  Rain kept coming in spurts and we'd rush back inside and pray for it to stop.  The crew worked hard, kept things tight, and by God's grace we got it all done!

Screen grabs from the film. Rusty Martin (Germanicus) and Garry Nation (Polycarp).

We all drew a deep breath of relief and enjoyed our dinner that night.  I relished every moment surrounded by so many dear friends.  I had worked with most of the crew members on previous films, and I enjoyed making new friends among the rest that I had not met before - including actors Rusty Martin and Garry Nation, as seen above.  We didn't have any scenes together, but I'm so glad they came to set the day I was there!

Other new friends included Eliya Hurt (who recently played my daughter in "Wanted"), and Nathan Jacobson (who wrote and directed "Wanted").  Just think...if I hadn't met Nate on the set of "Polycarp," I probably wouldn't have had any part in helping to make "Wanted," much less an acting role in it.  When you meet people on a film set, you never know where those friendships might take you down the road!  Networking can take you so many places!

Eliya Hurt in the leading role of Anna. This girl is so sweet and so crazy talented!

With the writer and director, Jerica and Joe Henline

I was sorry to say goodbye that evening.  The next morning, we headed back to Virginia (and after 9+ hours on the road, I went to a 3-4 hour dance rehearsal for "Uncommon" that night!  Talk about exhausted!).

If you haven't seen it yet, here's a featurette about the making of Polycarp!  You'll get to see lots of fun behind-the-scenes action and get a taste for what it was like on set!