One of the habits you can create that helps get rid of nerves and allows you to do your best work under pressure is to value every acting experience equally.

Do you research BEFORE you meet people.

Nov 7th, 2017 4m 33s

As an actor, you're your own business. When you're going to meet an industry professional, find out all you can before the meeting.

If it's working, invest more in it.

Nov 1st, 2017 2m 33s

When you start to see tangible proof of the value of something that is the time to invest more in it.

Actors and the relationships that help or hinder them

Oct 15th, 2017 6m 15s

Honest conversations to determine if your relationship is supporting or hindering your acting career.

Owning your niche

Oct 6th, 2017 5m 32s

If you're a specific type, be fully prepared to own that niche.

Watching yourself in the monitor

Sep 30th, 2017 3m 26s

Learn to put your attention somewhere else than on yourself.

Your friendliness may be OVERfamiliar

Sep 26th, 2017 5m 10s

Know the boundary between overfamiliarity and professional courtesy.

For the Women - thoughts on sexism in the industry

May 26th, 2016 12m 21s

Sexism in the acting industry is a huge topic and takes a lot of time to discuss. It can also be really complicated. It's not as simple as "standing your ground." If you want to have a career and not be a victim of sexism, you'll have to cha

Stop letting other actors intimidate you!

May 25th, 2016 4m 52s

If you've ever felt intimidated by the actor who walks in exhibiting that "I already know these people" air, let it go. Regardless of how they might come across, the actors who you find intimidating are possibly terribly insecure. You can bea

Accents or other physical adjustments in your auditions

May 24th, 2016 4m 14s

Best practices for your auditions when it comes to using accents or other physical adjustments.

Using your voice well or manipulating to your disadvantage

May 24th, 2016 3m 16s

An actor's voice can be one of his or her most attractive traits. It can also become a great disadvantage when it is too manipulated, overly character-y or obviously projecting the sound of feeling when no real feelings are present.

When getting a day job is the best thing you can do

May 24th, 2016 8m 56s

Yes, there comes a time when actors need to identify themselves as working actors. There are also plenty of times when making more money is a reality that actors need to face. It takes a certain type of confidence to take yourself out of the

Basic tips from Robin Williams

Oct 3rd, 2014 4m 50s

During his many interviews with Charlie Rose, Robin Williams shared some basic tips he learned from others in the industry. They are the same skills we strive to create in Meisner courses -- be reminded of how important they are.

When you've got some dream killers in your life

Aug 7th, 2014 7m

It's not your job to change the atmosphere of where you are. It is your responsibility to manage your own feelings and get through the difficult times. There are people who are dream killers. Don't try to convince them of anything. My advic

When you're not excited about or not meeting your goals

Jul 29th, 2014 7m 36s

Don't understand why you're not enthused about shooting your new webseries? Wondering why you don't feel like going out and auditioning? Everyone goes through those down times when we can't figure out why we aren't more excited about stuff we

A brief lesson on playing comedy

Dec 17th, 2013 2m 58s

You've heard it before, "Don't try to be funny." Don't.

Fragility of actors

Dec 13th, 2013 4m 46s

I've been teaching 25 years and I see actors becoming more and more fragile. It's not helpful. It hinders greatness. Actors need to understand that just like athletes they have to toughen up to get on their game.

Character versus caricature

Dec 10th, 2013 2m 38s

If you play the adjectives, you'll end up with a caricature and that's never believable.

Another brief etiquette lesson for actors

Nov 8th, 2013 3m 16s

Using endearments like "love," "dear," "sweetie," etc. is just wrong in this industry. Please don't do this until you are least on a first name basis with someone. Even using a person's first name can be presumptuous. Better to err on the co

You are not Mickey Rourke

Oct 31st, 2013 5m 10s

Mickey Rourke was given a second chance but do not romanticize the stories you hear on the Actor's Studio and think that your bad behavior will be tolerated. Being difficult to work with can sabotage your career.

When to quit

Oct 28th, 2013

It’s really hard to know when to quit. If your pursuit of an acting career enriches your life, I say ‘keep going.’ But when it becomes a drain — when it is preventing healthy living and actually...Wendy Ward, Director and Founder of the W

Take 48

Oct 23rd, 2013 2m 20s

Sometimes being ready to shoot the best take just takes some time.

Meisner -- not a cult, but a craft

Oct 9th, 2013 6m 21s

Sometimes students complain about friends who disparage their Meisner training by saying things like "Sounds like a cult!" When actors make a commitment to training, sometimes it means giving up Friday nights out with friends in favor of rehea