Hey amazing friends, welcome to Episode 401 of Casting Actors Cast! Wow. Three digits starting with a four. That’s not just a podcast catalog — that’s a whole archive, a resource, a library of love and practical tools for actors around the world. And I am thrilled, honored, and deeply grateful that you are here with me for this milestone moment. Four. Hundred. Episodes. Some people can’t even commit to a gym membership for four weeks — and you and I have been meeting here s

self tape auditions acting for film and television acting career advice

EPISODE #399 Stop Overthinking the Moment: Start Owning It Hey amazing people — welcome back to Casting Actors Cast. It’s me, Jeff Dreisbach, here to help you unlock your potential as an actor and a creative human with big dreams and an even bigger heart. Today — we’re tackling one of the sneakiest acting problems on this Earth. One that has taken down even the most talented people. One that shows up at the worst possible time, usually right when you hit record. We’re talking

Have you ever walked into an audition and thought, “Okay… I’m confident. I’m confident. I’m confident,” while your body is screaming, “We’re absolutely not confident!” Meanwhile, casting directors are looking at you like, “Are they… are they okay?” Confidence is one of those weird acting ingredients you can’t fake, can’t force, but absolutely need — even though most actors have no idea what real confidence looks like. Well, today we’re pulling back the curtain. Because what

Today’s episode is one I wish I could just loop on a monitor in every waiting room at every audition everywhere. You know, like a public service announcement but with less fear and fewer warnings about shampoo recalls. It’s called: How to Be the Actor Everyone Wants to Work With  — and I promise, this is the episode that will change your career faster than any new headshot or acting class ever could. Because the truth is this: the actor everyone wants to work with is the acto

You ever notice that actors can make anything  stressful? Audition? Stressful. Callback? Stressful. Self-tape? Stressful .Meeting someone who might  know someone in the industry? Oh, that’s a full-blown cardio event. Actors are the only people who can turn reading two pages of dialogue in their own living room into a scene from “Mission Impossible.” Meanwhile, your acting career just left you a voicemail: “Hi… yeah, it’s me… could you just… relax?” Let’s talk about it.   INTR

Have you ever done a self-tape, watched it back, and thought, “Wow…that was almost good. Let me just do… 47 more takes. ”Yeah. You know who you are. You’re the actor who ends up in a full existential crisis surrounded by discarded wardrobe choices, empty coffee cups, and a ring light that’s now judging you silently. Today, I want to talk about one of the biggest fairy tales in the actor kingdom: the perfect take. Spoiler alert — it doesn’t exist. What does  exist? A truthful,

Hey actors, it’s Jeffrey Dreisbach — and this is Casting Actors Cast ! Today’s topic is one that’s become a big part of our industry: self-tapes. You know them, you probably do them a lot, and maybe — just maybe — you wonder what they’re really saying about you. So buckle up, because I’m going to tell you what your self-tape reveals before you even start reading your first line.”   Segment 1: First Impressions in a Digital World “When your self-tape hits my inbox, it’s your f

Welcome to Casting Actors Cast , where we turn good intentions into great auditions. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach — casting director, teacher, and today, your guide through one of my favorite acting truths: stop trying to be good. Be specific.”   Segment 1: The Trap of “Being Good” “Let’s face it. Actors are perfectionists. You want to be good. You want validation. You want to walk out thinking, ‘That was solid. I nailed it.’ But here’s the thing: ‘Good’  is boring. It’s vague. It’s

“Hey there, actor friends! Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast , the podcast that helps you prepare smarter, act better, and book more. I’m your host, Jeffrey Dreisbach — casting director, teacher, and your friendly guide through the wonderful, weird, and sometimes wobbly world of show business.” “Today’s episode is one I think you’ll really appreciate, because it answers a question I get all the time: What do casting directors actually remember about you?  Spoiler alert — it

Okay, let’s be honest. We’ve all seen those New Year posts from actors that sound something like —“This is my year! Manifesting series regular energy! ”Or “Big bookings only in 2025!”And listen — I love the optimism. But sometimes, our acting goals start to sound… a little cringe. Why? Because they’re about results — not process. In today’s episode, we’re going to fix that. We’ll talk about how to create acting goals that actually move your career forward  — without the fake

You know that moment in an audition when your scene partner says their line… and you feel pressure to do something ? You nod. You blink. You shift your face. You give a tiny “actor reaction” — because silence feels dangerous. Here’s a little secret: sometimes, the best reaction… is no reaction at all. Today, we’re going to uncover one of the most overlooked audition skills — the ability to listen without performing your listening . This is the subtle art that separates actors

You finally get the message: “We’d love to offer you the part. Congratulations!” And you freeze. Do you take it? Do you need to ask your agent? Do you even want  it? Here’s the thing — actors are told from day one, “Say yes to everything.” But what if saying yes too quickly is the one thing that keeps you from leveling up? Today, we’re diving into a topic every actor wrestles with: Should you take that role? (beat) Because sometimes the smartest career move you can make… is l

Episode #387   It’s Not “Typecasting”- Why I Say ‘Brand’ Instead Air Date:      “When you hear the word ‘typecast,’ do you cringe? Maybe...

Episode #386 What Famous Actors Aren’t Telling You! “What do Jennifer Lawrence, Denzel Washington, and Zendaya all have in common? Yes,...

Episode #384 September 15, 2025 Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast ! Every actor has been there—you get a script with dialogue so flat...

Episode #383 Emotional Access on Demand Air Date: September 11, 2025 “Directors want it, casting directors expect it—you need to access...

“Sometimes the most powerful acting happens when you’re not speaking at all. Silent moments can make or break your performance, and today...

Episode #381 “Rom-coms and Hallmark movies may look effortless, but don’t be fooled—there’s a very specific acting skill set behind all...

Episode #380 Film Script preparation Air Date: "Welcome, friends and fearless performers, to another episode of Casting Actors Cast, the...