1

00:00:01,301 --> 00:00:04,304

You ever noticed that actors can make

anything stressful,

2

00:00:04,804 --> 00:00:05,772

audition

3

00:00:06,72 --> 00:00:06,172

stressful,

4

00:00:07,707 --> 00:00:07,941

call back

5

00:00:09,275 --> 00:00:09,909

stressful,

6

00:00:10,910 --> 00:00:12,812

self tape, stressful.

7

00:00:13,713 --> 00:00:17,450

How about meeting someone who might

know someone in the industry?

8

00:00:18,251 --> 00:00:21,121

Oh boy that's full blown cardio event.

9

00:00:22,489 --> 00:00:25,392

Actors are the only people who can turn

reading

10

00:00:26,426 --> 00:00:30,997

two pages of dialogue in their own

living room into a scene from mission.

11

00:00:31,297 --> 00:00:31,998

Impossible.

12

00:00:33,133 --> 00:00:34,67

Meanwhile,

13

00:00:34,501 --> 00:00:37,103

your acting career just left you a

voice mail.

14

00:00:38,505 --> 00:00:39,639

I, ah, yeah.

15

00:00:39,773 --> 00:00:40,273

It's me.

16

00:00:40,740 --> 00:00:41,608

Could you just

17

00:00:42,75 --> 00:00:42,575

relax?

18

00:00:46,680 --> 00:00:48,14

Let's talk about it.

19

00:01:13,373 --> 00:01:15,942

Well, hello, my wonderful, talented,

slightly overcaffinated

20

00:01:18,578 --> 00:01:24,150

welcome back to casting actor's cast,

the show that brings you insider insight

21

00:01:24,918 --> 00:01:27,787

and a healthy dose of, please calm

down.

22

00:01:27,954 --> 00:01:28,488

Everything's fine.

23

00:01:30,23 --> 00:01:34,894

I'm Jeff driesback, your guide through

the beautifully chaotic world of acting.

24

00:01:35,128 --> 00:01:37,163

I'm a casting director, teacher,

author.

25

00:01:37,630 --> 00:01:41,634

I used to do acting, and now I'm a

professional bluepin user.

26

00:01:42,669 --> 00:01:47,774

And once in 1994, the man who tried to

fix a faulty audition chair in the

27

00:01:47,774 --> 00:01:48,808

middle of a session,

28

00:01:49,476 --> 00:01:51,845

spoil or alert it broke again

29

00:01:52,812 --> 00:01:53,646

in today's episode.

30

00:01:53,947 --> 00:01:55,882

This is something every actor needs.

31

00:01:56,16 --> 00:01:59,619

I think, whether your brand knew,

whether you're seasoned, or maybe

32

00:01:59,786 --> 00:02:00,587

somewhere in the middle.

33

00:02:00,820 --> 00:02:02,88

Because here's the truth.

34

00:02:02,756 --> 00:02:04,24

The biggest killer of confidence,

35

00:02:06,359 --> 00:02:08,161

and bookable performances

36

00:02:08,895 --> 00:02:09,596

is tension.

37

00:02:10,497 --> 00:02:13,466

And actors are Olympic level tension.

38

00:02:13,933 --> 00:02:14,734

Creators,

39

00:02:15,301 --> 00:02:18,71

tension in the jaw, tension in the

shoulders,

40

00:02:18,838 --> 00:02:20,473

tension in the soul.

41

00:02:21,74 --> 00:02:26,880

So today we're talking about why your

acting career desperately needs you to relax.

42

00:02:27,480 --> 00:02:29,749

Well, listen, not chill completely,

43

00:02:30,116 --> 00:02:31,518

you still have to care,

44

00:02:32,18 --> 00:02:37,123

but relax enough to let the real you

show up.

45

00:02:37,957 --> 00:02:40,760

But first, this is that moment of the

podcast where I get to say thank you

46

00:02:40,760 --> 00:02:42,495

for tuning into casting actors gas.

47

00:02:42,729 --> 00:02:46,666

I invite you to check out the website,

casting actors cast all one word dot

48

00:02:46,733 --> 00:02:46,900

com.

49

00:02:47,467 --> 00:02:49,936

Then you'll find all kinds of

information on the website.

50

00:02:50,670 --> 00:02:51,538

A book that I wrote

51

00:02:52,572 --> 00:02:54,441

there's also a course that you can

take.

52

00:02:54,741 --> 00:02:58,578

There's also a form that says, dive

into the talent pool, that gives me

53

00:02:58,578 --> 00:02:59,646

your email address.

54

00:02:59,879 --> 00:03:03,316

I don't do anything with that, by the

way, other than maybe maybe an occasional

55

00:03:05,785 --> 00:03:08,188

announcement about a future episode,

something like that.

56

00:03:08,254 --> 00:03:12,125

But when you do fill out, that form

there's a free book, it's a pdf, it's

57

00:03:12,425 --> 00:03:12,992

ninety pages

58

00:03:14,94 --> 00:03:17,564

called the voice over workshop, the

professional workshop for professional

59

00:03:18,31 --> 00:03:18,198

actors.

60

00:03:18,832 --> 00:03:23,803

So there's, that there's also a video

that's also free, called casting

61

00:03:24,104 --> 00:03:25,472

secrets, what they don't tell you.

62

00:03:25,872 --> 00:03:30,276

This is all an effort on my part, just

to get you to stay involved and stay up

63

00:03:30,343 --> 00:03:34,180

with what's going on in the industry

via yours, truly.

64

00:03:34,914 --> 00:03:36,416

So thank you very much for that.

65

00:03:36,416 --> 00:03:38,518

Here's my shoutout to my good friends

at actor's connection.

66

00:03:38,918 --> 00:03:42,756

And as always, I'm thrilled to be part

of the Broadway podcast network.

67

00:03:43,156 --> 00:03:45,759

I hope you're listening to some other

podcasts, because

68

00:03:46,26 --> 00:03:51,31

it really is an amazing place for you

to find out all things show biz.

69

00:03:51,398 --> 00:03:53,433

So do check that out as well if you

would.

70

00:03:54,200 --> 00:03:56,336

Why are actors so tense?

71

00:03:57,470 --> 00:04:00,6

Actors are a fascinating species.

72

00:04:00,907 --> 00:04:02,8

You're creative, you're intuitive,

73

00:04:04,511 --> 00:04:05,278

passionate

74

00:04:06,179 --> 00:04:09,916

and also wound tighter than the guitar

string before a rod concert.

75

00:04:10,550 --> 00:04:11,351

Why?

76

00:04:11,851 --> 00:04:12,485

Because

77

00:04:12,986 --> 00:04:14,888

number one, you care deeply

78

00:04:15,789 --> 00:04:15,955

see.

79

00:04:16,89 --> 00:04:17,390

Actors want to do a good job.

80

00:04:18,91 --> 00:04:19,159

They want to be seen.

81

00:04:19,292 --> 00:04:22,228

They want to be understood, they want

to be appreciated.

82

00:04:22,996 --> 00:04:24,164

That passion

83

00:04:24,898 --> 00:04:26,566

turns into pressure.

84

00:04:27,934 --> 00:04:30,236

Number two, the audience is

unpredictable.

85

00:04:31,371 --> 00:04:35,275

Audition to day hear back in 2037,

86

00:04:37,477 --> 00:04:38,978

you don't control the time line.

87

00:04:39,546 --> 00:04:42,549

You don't control the feedback or the

outcome.

88

00:04:43,717 --> 00:04:44,784

Or here's one,

89

00:04:45,151 --> 00:04:46,252

you get judged

90

00:04:46,720 --> 00:04:47,520

constantly,

91

00:04:48,355 --> 00:04:51,558

sometimes by people who don't even know

that they're doing it.

92

00:04:51,558 --> 00:04:55,829

Like your friend, who says, oh, this

role would have been perfect for you.

93

00:04:56,996 --> 00:04:57,163

Thanks.

94

00:04:57,397 --> 00:04:57,764

Janet.

95

00:04:59,299 --> 00:05:01,935

You're asked to be vulnerable on

command.

96

00:05:02,435 --> 00:05:04,804

That alone is enough to make anyone

tense.

97

00:05:06,339 --> 00:05:08,742

The stories you tell yourself matter.

98

00:05:09,542 --> 00:05:13,113

You say, if I don't get this role, that

means I'm failing.

99

00:05:14,247 --> 00:05:15,48

No,

100

00:05:15,715 --> 00:05:17,751

it means they picked some one else.

101

00:05:20,754 --> 00:05:23,189

You think tension equals effort

102

00:05:23,790 --> 00:05:28,628

as if clenching every muscle magically

enhances your performance.

103

00:05:29,129 --> 00:05:29,929

Guess what?

104

00:05:30,430 --> 00:05:30,864

It doesn't?

105

00:05:32,198 --> 00:05:37,103

It just makes your neck look like

you're trying to win a bodybuilding championship.

106

00:05:38,505 --> 00:05:44,44

The real reason tension is such an

issue because it blocks your instincts.

107

00:05:44,511 --> 00:05:45,478

It blocks your connection

108

00:05:46,746 --> 00:05:48,14

and your presence.

109

00:05:49,382 --> 00:05:51,317

What tension does to your performance?

110

00:05:51,785 --> 00:05:52,819

Let's talk about that.

111

00:05:52,986 --> 00:05:56,656

Let me walk you through what tension

actually does to your acting.

112

00:05:56,956 --> 00:05:57,757

One

113

00:05:58,191 --> 00:06:01,494

tension shuts down emotional

availability.

114

00:06:02,595 --> 00:06:07,834

You see, when you're tense, your body

literally restricts emotional flow.

115

00:06:08,668 --> 00:06:10,203

This is why your tears disappear.

116

00:06:10,670 --> 00:06:12,172

When you try

117

00:06:14,107 --> 00:06:16,309

tension blocks listening.

118

00:06:16,976 --> 00:06:18,445

You're not hearing your party partner.

119

00:06:18,812 --> 00:06:21,281

You're listening to the critic in your

head.

120

00:06:22,982 --> 00:06:25,485

You say to yourself, oh, that line

sounded weird.

121

00:06:25,785 --> 00:06:26,720

Do it again.

122

00:06:27,320 --> 00:06:28,655

Why are my hands doing that

123

00:06:29,956 --> 00:06:31,991

tension causes performance mode.

124

00:06:32,425 --> 00:06:36,596

This is the dreaded state where you

stop behaving like a human being and

125

00:06:36,730 --> 00:06:39,833

start behaving like you're doing an

impression of an actor.

126

00:06:41,701 --> 00:06:44,4

Tension shrinks your charisma.

127

00:06:44,804 --> 00:06:45,71

Charisma

128

00:06:46,172 --> 00:06:47,841

is relaxed focus.

129

00:06:48,808 --> 00:06:52,112

You cannot be charismatic while

clenching your molars.

130

00:06:53,613 --> 00:06:54,681

Tension tells casting.

131

00:06:55,215 --> 00:06:56,649

I don't trust myself.

132

00:06:57,851 --> 00:06:59,352

You see, when we see tension,

133

00:07:00,186 --> 00:07:01,287

we see fear

134

00:07:03,623 --> 00:07:05,291

is not bookable.

135

00:07:06,659 --> 00:07:07,694

Honesty is

136

00:07:09,229 --> 00:07:11,664

tension makes preparation useless.

137

00:07:12,599 --> 00:07:13,800

You can prepare for hours.

138

00:07:14,601 --> 00:07:16,2

But if you walk in tense,

139

00:07:16,569 --> 00:07:19,839

your preparation evaporates like it

never happened.

140

00:07:20,740 --> 00:07:23,476

Actors often think the problem is their

technique.

141

00:07:24,177 --> 00:07:26,713

But many times the real problem

142

00:07:27,147 --> 00:07:28,14

is tension.

143

00:07:29,549 --> 00:07:30,250

The secret.

144

00:07:31,151 --> 00:07:32,652

I'm going to give you the secret.

145

00:07:33,553 --> 00:07:34,554

The secret is,

146

00:07:35,388 --> 00:07:36,790

oh, i'll tell you right after this.

147

00:07:38,892 --> 00:07:39,459

Welcome back.

148

00:07:39,559 --> 00:07:40,527

So here's the secret?

149

00:07:40,827 --> 00:07:41,828

Relaxation

150

00:07:42,595 --> 00:07:43,830

creates confidence.

151

00:07:44,898 --> 00:07:46,366

Now let me be clear about this.

152

00:07:46,433 --> 00:07:48,168

Relaxation is not laziness.

153

00:07:48,802 --> 00:07:48,902

Relaxation

154

00:07:49,936 --> 00:07:51,204

is readiness.

155

00:07:52,105 --> 00:07:53,239

Athletes do it.

156

00:07:53,306 --> 00:07:54,341

Musicians do it.

157

00:07:54,341 --> 00:07:55,308

Dancers do it.

158

00:07:55,308 --> 00:07:55,842

Actors,

159

00:07:56,743 --> 00:07:58,878

actors get nervous and drink iced

coffee.

160

00:08:00,413 --> 00:08:01,448

When you relax,

161

00:08:02,349 --> 00:08:03,850

several things happen.

162

00:08:04,250 --> 00:08:05,318

One, your instincts

163

00:08:06,353 --> 00:08:06,886

sharpen.

164

00:08:07,620 --> 00:08:08,288

You're not thinking.

165

00:08:08,588 --> 00:08:09,589

You're responding.

166

00:08:10,890 --> 00:08:13,593

Also your creativity returns

167

00:08:14,361 --> 00:08:17,931

relaxed actors make better choices

without trying

168

00:08:19,232 --> 00:08:20,333

your presence expands.

169

00:08:21,401 --> 00:08:22,569

People feel

170

00:08:23,136 --> 00:08:23,303

relaxed.

171

00:08:23,770 --> 00:08:24,304

People,

172

00:08:25,238 --> 00:08:27,507

they want to be around relaxed

performers.

173

00:08:28,808 --> 00:08:30,877

Your truthfulness increases

174

00:08:31,378 --> 00:08:34,547

relaxation allows you to reveal, not

perform.

175

00:08:35,148 --> 00:08:36,750

Your confidence becomes visible.

176

00:08:37,217 --> 00:08:37,951

Relaxed actors,

177

00:08:39,152 --> 00:08:39,552

they radiate.

178

00:08:40,587 --> 00:08:41,454

They radiate

179

00:08:42,188 --> 00:08:42,589

the following.

180

00:08:43,156 --> 00:08:44,124

I know who I am.

181

00:08:44,657 --> 00:08:47,27

I'm not trying to prove anything.

182

00:08:48,28 --> 00:08:50,563

Relaxation is the foundation

183

00:08:50,997 --> 00:08:52,966

of compelling acting.

184

00:08:53,867 --> 00:08:54,34

Ok?

185

00:08:54,200 --> 00:08:55,68

Somebody write that down.

186

00:08:55,68 --> 00:08:56,2

That was really, really good.

187

00:08:58,271 --> 00:09:01,908

Let's move on how to relax before a

self tape.

188

00:09:02,575 --> 00:09:03,777

Here's where we get practical.

189

00:09:04,577 --> 00:09:05,612

Step by step.

190

00:09:06,413 --> 00:09:09,449

Actors make self tapes harder than they

need to be.

191

00:09:10,16 --> 00:09:11,51

So let's fix that.

192

00:09:11,618 --> 00:09:12,485

Number one.

193

00:09:12,919 --> 00:09:16,956

Tip number one, do the one minute shake

out.

194

00:09:18,191 --> 00:09:20,93

Loosen your shoulders, hands, face,

tongue.

195

00:09:21,161 --> 00:09:21,327

Yea.

196

00:09:21,795 --> 00:09:21,961

Yes.

197

00:09:22,195 --> 00:09:23,229

The tongue holds tension.

198

00:09:23,863 --> 00:09:26,66

Shake out the tension literally.

199

00:09:26,733 --> 00:09:27,667

Tip number two,

200

00:09:28,501 --> 00:09:30,870

breathe like a real human,

201

00:09:31,471 --> 00:09:34,74

not the dramatic pre performance breath,

202

00:09:34,974 --> 00:09:36,309

just real, breathing

203

00:09:37,143 --> 00:09:41,448

in through the nose, out through the

mouth, let your ribs expand naturally,

204

00:09:42,515 --> 00:09:44,784

tip number three, use a 32nd,

205

00:09:45,51 --> 00:09:46,720

what I call connection trigger.

206

00:09:47,320 --> 00:09:52,959

Pick one thought or image that puts you

in the emotional world of the scene.

207

00:09:54,361 --> 00:09:54,728

Hold it,

208

00:09:56,96 --> 00:09:56,796

then feel it.

209

00:09:58,264 --> 00:09:59,666

Now, begin the tape from there.

210

00:10:01,401 --> 00:10:03,303

Tip number four, remove the pressure.

211

00:10:04,104 --> 00:10:04,838

Say out loud.

212

00:10:05,238 --> 00:10:06,606

I don't need to be brilliant.

213

00:10:07,240 --> 00:10:09,275

I need to be truthful.

214

00:10:10,176 --> 00:10:13,279

This rewires your nervous system

instantly.

215

00:10:14,114 --> 00:10:15,48

Tip number five,

216

00:10:15,382 --> 00:10:17,751

don't start the tape until you feel

ready

217

00:10:18,184 --> 00:10:18,351

listen.

218

00:10:18,585 --> 00:10:19,319

You're allowed to reset,

219

00:10:20,353 --> 00:10:21,221

you're allowed to breathe.

220

00:10:21,388 --> 00:10:23,990

You're allowed to sit for a moment.

221

00:10:24,991 --> 00:10:26,393

Rushing is the enemy.

222

00:10:27,627 --> 00:10:28,628

Tip number six,

223

00:10:29,129 --> 00:10:30,397

set a time limit.

224

00:10:31,398 --> 00:10:34,734

Perfectionism thrives in unlimited time

225

00:10:35,135 --> 00:10:40,473

limit yourself taping window, and your

relaxation will improve instantly.

226

00:10:41,708 --> 00:10:45,111

Tip number seven, reward yourself for

showing up,

227

00:10:45,879 --> 00:10:48,14

even if it's a gummy bear.

228

00:10:48,581 --> 00:10:49,716

You know I'm talking about the candy

229

00:10:51,317 --> 00:10:51,718

or walk,

230

00:10:52,819 --> 00:10:54,721

or a high five in the mirror.

231

00:10:55,789 --> 00:10:57,424

Your brain loves rewards.

232

00:10:58,892 --> 00:11:02,195

Now that we've covered self tape, let's

look at how to relax before an in

233

00:11:02,195 --> 00:11:02,595

person audition.

234

00:11:03,797 --> 00:11:07,400

In pus person auditioning brings their

own special flavour of stress.

235

00:11:07,934 --> 00:11:10,570

Here's how to maintain ease in the room.

236

00:11:11,638 --> 00:11:13,606

Arrive early, but don't hover.

237

00:11:14,841 --> 00:11:16,810

Listen being too early creates anxiety.

238

00:11:18,411 --> 00:11:19,312

Being on time.

239

00:11:19,546 --> 00:11:20,347

I promise you.

240

00:11:20,814 --> 00:11:20,980

Creates.

241

00:11:21,548 --> 00:11:22,82

Calm

242

00:11:23,216 --> 00:11:24,818

here's another tip I think is

important.

243

00:11:25,318 --> 00:11:25,719

Don't overrehearse

244

00:11:26,986 --> 00:11:28,154

in the waiting room

245

00:11:28,822 --> 00:11:29,556

that's kind of crazy.

246

00:11:29,856 --> 00:11:30,23

Honestly.

247

00:11:30,590 --> 00:11:31,291

Nothing kills spontaneity

248

00:11:32,492 --> 00:11:34,661

like whispering your lines to the

bathroom.

249

00:11:35,61 --> 00:11:36,62

Plant

250

00:11:38,98 --> 00:11:38,832

here's another one.

251

00:11:38,898 --> 00:11:40,500

Use your doorway breath.

252

00:11:40,734 --> 00:11:41,568

This is a great technique.

253

00:11:41,935 --> 00:11:46,439

So right before entering the audition

room, I want you to pause, want you to

254

00:11:46,439 --> 00:11:47,674

inhale, deeply,

255

00:11:48,274 --> 00:11:48,441

exhale.

256

00:11:48,908 --> 00:11:50,877

As you cross the threshold,

257

00:11:51,311 --> 00:11:53,446

the breath signals your body

258

00:11:54,14 --> 00:11:56,16

were entering with ease

259

00:11:56,316 --> 00:11:56,950

literally.

260

00:11:58,351 --> 00:12:00,920

Then when, let the room be your scene

partner.

261

00:12:01,321 --> 00:12:02,489

Don't fight the environment.

262

00:12:03,623 --> 00:12:04,124

Use it.

263

00:12:04,357 --> 00:12:05,291

Lean into it.

264

00:12:06,259 --> 00:12:09,295

And assume that the people on the other

side of the table, they are on your

265

00:12:09,396 --> 00:12:09,562

side.

266

00:12:10,263 --> 00:12:11,664

Because guess what, we are.

267

00:12:12,265 --> 00:12:14,601

Audition rooms aren't designed to break

you.

268

00:12:14,901 --> 00:12:16,803

They're designed to

269

00:12:17,70 --> 00:12:17,904

discover you.

270

00:12:19,539 --> 00:12:23,777

Here's the mindset shift that will

absolutely last a lifetime.

271

00:12:24,511 --> 00:12:29,115

If you Embrace these tips, I promise

you an accelerated

272

00:12:29,849 --> 00:12:31,951

um energy boost and understanding

273

00:12:32,986 --> 00:12:36,156

that will show your work off to the

best of its ability.

274

00:12:36,756 --> 00:12:38,725

This is the heart of the episode.

275

00:12:39,559 --> 00:12:40,326

Listen up.

276

00:12:41,61 --> 00:12:43,396

Relaxation isn't something you do.

277

00:12:45,231 --> 00:12:46,866

is something you allow

278

00:12:48,101 --> 00:12:49,135

when you stop

279

00:12:49,469 --> 00:12:50,670

gripping your career.

280

00:12:50,970 --> 00:12:52,639

So tightly, guess what happens?

281

00:12:54,274 --> 00:12:55,508

You free your confidence,

282

00:12:56,676 --> 00:12:57,877

you free your instincts.

283

00:12:58,345 --> 00:12:59,546

You free your presence.

284

00:13:00,180 --> 00:13:01,481

You free your joy.

285

00:13:02,115 --> 00:13:02,816

And guess what?

286

00:13:02,982 --> 00:13:04,351

You start booking from authenticity

287

00:13:05,719 --> 00:13:07,53

instead of effort.

288

00:13:08,321 --> 00:13:08,421

Relaxation

289

00:13:09,689 --> 00:13:12,25

is not the absence of preparation.

290

00:13:13,793 --> 00:13:14,494

is the expression

291

00:13:15,862 --> 00:13:16,796

of preparation.

292

00:13:18,431 --> 00:13:18,865

Come on,

293

00:13:19,632 --> 00:13:20,166

wasn't that

294

00:13:20,467 --> 00:13:20,600

good?

295

00:13:22,102 --> 00:13:24,137

I think it was command.

296

00:13:24,738 --> 00:13:25,138

All right.

297

00:13:25,238 --> 00:13:26,339

So let's go vide from there.

298

00:13:27,374 --> 00:13:29,943

Give your starting to day let's just

start to day.

299

00:13:30,510 --> 00:13:34,414

Give your acting career what it has

been begging for.

300

00:13:35,215 --> 00:13:35,715

A little exhale,

301

00:13:36,750 --> 00:13:38,551

a little humor, a little faith.

302

00:13:39,319 --> 00:13:43,857

Your best work comes when you show up

with ease, confidence and curiosity,

303

00:13:45,392 --> 00:13:46,393

not pressure.

304

00:13:49,229 --> 00:13:49,396

Listen.

305

00:13:49,696 --> 00:13:51,931

I hope that this episode has been

helpful for you.

306

00:13:51,931 --> 00:13:52,832

If you found it helpful,

307

00:13:53,867 --> 00:13:58,38

please share it with another actor who

needs a reminder that relaxing is part

308

00:13:58,38 --> 00:13:59,205

of the job description.

309

00:13:59,873 --> 00:14:03,543

And if you haven't already, I want you

to hit that subscribe button so you

310

00:14:03,710 --> 00:14:06,846

never miss a new episode of casting

actor's cast.

311

00:14:06,980 --> 00:14:12,485

I'm Jeff driesback, reminding you to

prepare smarter, act better and book more.

312

00:14:12,986 --> 00:14:14,254

We'll see you next