StarCast Auditions

SPOTLIGHT ON BEST PERFORMERS: CYNTHIA SHAW

STARCAST: How long have you been acting, and what inspired you to become an actor?

CYNTHIA: I have been studying acting since 2005 and started auditioning in 2009.  I had acted in high school, but as a pianist and musical director here in New York I kept finding myself wanting to be on the stage rather than playing the piano for shows.  Eventually I started taking classes and found I just loved it.  My focus has now moved totally away from musical directing and towards theatre and film acting. 

STARCAST: How did you prepare for your StarCast scene? What informed your performance?

CYNTHIA:  I memorized the monologue and tried to imagine the kind of person my character was.  If I knew people like her or people in her situation.  Or times I felt I had been slighted and taken advantage of.  

STARCAST: What kind of acting gigs have you had thus far, if any?

CYNTHIA:  I have been in many student films in leading roles.  I have since moved to feature films and landed supporting roles in about 5 films and will shoot a leading role this fall.  I also perform on stage and recently returned from Kentucky Repertory Theatre where I performed leading roles in two plays, one of which I will be performing here in NY in November.

STARCAST: We know you’ve fantasized about an awards acceptance speech. How does the opening line go?

CYNTHIA: If someone had asked me ten years ago if I would have ever imagined myself up on this stage in front of this microphone talking to all of you and accepting this award, I would have said they were crazy.  But here I am!  

STARCAST: Have you had any notable successes or setbacks you think other actors could learn from?

CYNTHIA: I think one of the hardest things about the business is the unpredictability of it.  One moment you are on top of the world because you have been cast in something, the next moment you are in despair because nothing is going on.  So, I think that trying to not let the ups and downs of the business get to you is very important.  I also think that one must constantly work on perfecting their craft as well as constantly submit for auditions and look for opportunities.  And there are a million ways to learn in this business.  Learn from every source you can.

STARCAST: Have you had any acting training, and can you speak a little bit to the importance of drama programs or acting classes?

CYNTHIA: I think that acting classes are very important.  I think they help a person know that who they are is acceptable and enough.  I think we all feel that successful actors have something special that we don’t have.  No.  I think we all have a gift and a good program can help you fully explore what you have to offer and help you dig deeper to allow it to be available.  Actors have to be vulnerable and available.  A good acting school can help you feel safe about that.

STARCAST: What are your favorite actors’ services and resources?

CYNTHIA: Actors Access, NYCastings, BackStage, Casting Networks, Actors Connection, The Network, Casting About

STARCAST: What’s your dream role, and do you have a favorite actor or actress?

CYNTHIA: I love Meryl Streep, who wouldn’t! 

STARCAST: What are your short term acting goals?

CYNTHIA: To continue to book film and theatre roles and commercials.

STARCAST: The biz can be tough. What motivates you to keep at it?

CYNTHIA: I love the business.  I love the unpredictability.  I love the possibilities.  I love the people I meet and the places I’ve traveled to.  I love the energy of fellow actors.    

STARCAST: Do you have any audition tips for your fellow actors out there?

CYNTHIA: Just keep auditioning.  Don’t place major importance on any one audition.  Just keep doing them. Treat each one as another step towards your goal.  Bookings and castings have come from all sorts of places for me, places I would have least expected.  So, I would say expect the unexpected.  

STARCAST: Do you have a website, YouTube channel or reel you would like us to post? And do you have a Twitter or other social media handle where you would like people to follow you?  

CYNTHIA: Yes. All of the above:  

Website and Reel: wwwcynthiashaw.us

Twitter: @CynthiaSings

FaceBook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cynthia-Shaw/140563899305264?ref=hl#

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/singersoprano?feature=mhee,

IMDB Page: IMDB Page - www.imdb.me/cynthiashaw

Thanks, CYNTHIA! You can view Cynthia’s performance at www.starcastauditions.com/best-performances. Shift the sort function from “Most Recent” to “All.” Industry may request contact with her there. 

SPOTLIGHT ON BEST PERFORMERS: JAMES ELLIS

STARCAST: How long have you been acting, and what inspired you to become an actor?

JAMES: I started acting when I was around age eight and performed in various acting troupes. I then found my way onto sports fields and this took me away from the stage for most of my adolescence. I was thrown back into the acting arena after finding my way onto a few movie sets and falling completely in love with the entire energy that makes up a film set. I have been pursuing acting as a career for almost a year. 

What has inspired me throughout the years would be great actors I have known personally, as well as actors whose work has moved me in some way. I was always inspired growing up by my older sister who was an amazing thespian all throughout high school. Her friends as well, who were a pretty talented bunch from a former Miss America contestant to someone who can be seen performing on Broadway today, have all helped to inspire me throughout the years. 

STARCAST: How did you prepare for your StarCast scene? What informed your performance?

JAMES: My scene dealt with a bickering political feud at a family dinner, so I had to put myself at that dinner table and try to find what my emotional state would be during that argument. Once I was at that place emotionally I was able to listen to what my family members were probably arguing about and from there respond with the dialogue given to me, that I truly enjoyed and couldn’t have said any better myself, on the audition page.

STARCAST: What kind of acting gigs have you had thus far, if any?

JAMES: I have done mostly Indie work to date. Independent sets are a great way to cut your teeth in this industry. I have been a photo-double and stand-in on numerous Television and Major Motion Picture sets and I’ve been able to see first hand the speed at which shooting onthese sets moves along. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be a principal actor at the Indie level while I was learning the ropes so that I ambetter prepared for shooting days on larger budgeted sets.      

STARCAST: We know you’ve fantasized about an awards acceptance speech. How does the opening line go?

JAMES: “This award is for all the individuals who truly believed in me throughout the years. I would not behere tonight without each and every one of you… My cup runneth over…”

Or the ’06 Clooney Oscar speech, yeah that’s probably way manlier. 

STARCAST: Have you had any notable successes or setbacks you think other actors could learn from?

JAMES: I have had a little taste of both but I don’t like to dwell on either for too long because I like living in the moment a whole lot more than living in the past. I am an avid golfer though, and one thing I have brought over to acting comes from Tiger Woods. He has said before that after a bad shot he allows himself ten paces to get mad before moving on to the next shot and I try to do the same with setbacks… it’s not always easy but it does work.

STARCAST: Have you had any acting training, and can you speak a little bit to the importance of drama programs or acting classes?

JAMES: I have attended multiple programs from the Chez Group in Atlanta (Ric Reitz taught the hands down best crash course to this business andthe same process that I use today was taught to me by Shannon Eubanks years ago). I have also taken from Shira Sandler who is an absolutely brilliant teacher. Shira transformed my audition technique and way of thinking. Aside from those already mentioned I have attendeda few other regular classes in the area. I am currently researching schools inthe NYC and LA markets.

In my opinion there is nothing more important than class work for beginning actors. It helps with all parts of your craft especially confidence which can at times be one of the most important tools a budding actor can have.

If you are in a market that does not offer classes I highly recommend finding a group of individuals like yourself and meet once a week and just do scenes together. You can also as a group find instructional books and go through them together.  Last thing comes from my last coach, Vince Pisani, and it is to read fictional books constantly. It feeds your right brain which is critical to the acting process…

STARCAST: What are yourfavorite actors’ services and resources?

JAMES: StarCast really has been a cool service that I am so glad to have found. I’ve enjoyed all of the feedback I got from my previous auditions. I also really like reading BackstageNY/LA. There are also a few local mixers where you can get to know others in the industry and get to hear their stories. Aside from that there are also numerous books I have read that are great resources but are far too many to list. To mention a few key books; “The Artist’s Way”, “No Acting Please”, Anything Sanford Meisner related, “The Screenwriter’s Workbook” (even if you are not a writer as an actor it gives great insight into where the screenwriter is coming from).

STARCAST: What’s your dream role, and do you have a favorite actor or actress?

JAMES: That is a really tough question I don’t have just one, so if you’ll forgive me I’ll give a few. Darcyin Pride and Prejudice, Rick Blaine in Casablanca, and any role in anything written by Sorkin.

Two of my favorite actors came about from watching their episodes of Inside the Actors Studio (where I’d give my left arm to train); George Clooney and Bradley Cooper. They are both incredible actors and what I respect most about them are the choices they make. As far as actresses that I admire would include: Rooney Mara, Natalie Portman, and Shailene Woodley.

STARCAST: What are your short term acting goals?

JAMES: I am currently in the Atlanta market and while this market is starting to really explode I would love to open up the LA and NYC markets in the near future. I will be seeking representation in both markets and from there just keep training as much aspossible and moving forward. 

STARCAST: The biz can be tough. What motivates you to keep at it?

JAMES: It sounds funny and if you’ve never acted you are about to have absolutely no clue what I’m about to talk about, but simply being a part of a story is what always brings me back. As actors we’ve all had those moments on set when the director yelled ‘Action’ and you and the character are one and you get so lost in the scene that the next thing you know you hear ’Cut.’ In those moments you’re not acting you are just being. That is what keeps me motivated and it is the most addictive feeling I’ve ever felt. I’m also seriously motivated by great scripts. 

STARCAST: Do you have any special or funny skills we should know about?

JAMES: Accents: I don’t speak withone day to day but I was born in Mississippi, grew up in Alabama, and went to high schooland college in Georgia… believe me I can do a Southern accent.

I also played football in college and my position was as a Long Snapper. Google it. Your only job is to be able to throw a football 15 yards between your legs. I think that qualifies for both special and funny.

STARCAST: Do you have any audition tips for your fellow actors out there?

JAMES: Don’t give up, don’t ever give up. The toughest distance an actor can face is the six inches between theirears. Don’t let the ‘No’ inside your head ever win. Keep trying, if you don’t get it this time try that much harder next. Every ‘No’ is just that much closer to a ‘Yes’. Lastly, hard work always wins. If you work harder than the actor across from you eventually you will win out. To quote the legendary College Football coach Bear Bryant, “I’m no miracle man. I guarantee nothing but hard work.”

I wish you all nothing but success! Thanks, James Ellis

STARCAST: Do you have a website, YouTube channel or reel you would like us to post? And do you have a Twitter or other social media handle where you would like people to follow you?

JAMES: My website is www.JamesEllisActor.comand my twitter handle is @NotThatJimEllis ß There is a car dealer with seven dealerships in Atlanta named Jim Ellis that I get asked all the time if,”I am that Jim Ellis…” I’ll let you guess the answer.

Thanks, JAMES! You can check out James’ StarCast performance at www.starcastauditions.com/best-performances. If you don’t see his video, shift the sort function from “Most Recent” to “All.” Industry may request contact with him there. 

SPOTLIGHT ON BEST PERFORMERS: MIYAH RIVERS

STARCAST: How long have you been acting, and what inspired you to become an actor?

MIYAH: I took my first drama class in 8th grade, but it was not until 9th grade that i became serious about it and developed a true passion for the craft, I’ve been involved ever since, and it has been almost 4 years. The ability to become someone else and tell a story, to mesmerize people into a different but very believable world, change people’s views on aspects of life and just tell a story that may connect with someone or everyone on a personal level inspires me to become an actress. I want to tell stories through the screen or stage.

STARCAST: How did you prepare for your StarCast scene? What informed your performance?

MIYAH: To prepare i cold read the script. I read the description and then automatically get into my character voice and give it a try. I don’t attempt to memorize it, i read it numerous times deciding which persona is best fit and by the time the perfectionist in me finds the best fit I have it in my head.

STARCAST: What kind of acting gigs have you had thus far, if any?

MIYAH: Besides the plays and musicals in my high school, and the Shakespeare and poetry recitations i have competed in I have had no acting gigs thus far. I’m hoping to change that soon though!

STARCAST: We know you’ve fantasized about an awards acceptance speech. How does the opening line go?

MIYAH: “In 10th grade, my drama teacher Mrs. Walker asked me how my acceptance speech would go once I won an award for acting. I told her I  had no clue. She looked at me and said, ‘Well you’d better start figuring it out for when you do!’…”

STARCAST: Have you had any notable successes or setbacks you think other actors could learn from?

MIYAH: I’ve competed in numerous Shakespeare recitation and Poetry Out Loud competitions, although I did not win “First Place” sometimes, I was still complimented and regarded as excellent at my craft. There was never a feel of “this isn’t for you.” I think losing causes a lot of people to quit their dream and take it as a sign. This is not true, you’re not always going to win but that setback does not mean you aren’t good! There will be rejection, there will be second place, there will be a “just not the right fit” in your career, but you do not let it make you quit. You perfect your craft, you get better, you come back, and you show everyone and yourself that it wasn’t a sign.

STARCAST: Have you had any acting training, and can you speak a little bit to the importance of drama programs or acting classes?

MIYAH: I have never had formal training, however I will be the strongest advocate for high school drama programs. The high school arts are seen as just a “get by” class but I can’t tell you how many people like me have garnered a passion for theatre and acting through the class that they never knew they had. Acting classes help you come out of your shell, teach you basic skills you never thought of needing to perfect, and force you to become comfortable with yourself and others. You learn how to develop your character, how to portray a real person and make it believable. There are so many basic skills that classes and programs help you to excel at. Whether you are a big time actor or actress or an unknown high school student, classes and programs allow you to practice and perfect your craft.

STARCAST: What’s your dream role, and do you have a favorite actor or actress?

MIYAH: My dream role would be to play in a teenage “coming of age” piece. Something raw, gritty, and realistic about teenage life. The confusion, the happiness, the depression, the pressure, the finding ones self. Yes, there are many movies like that, but if I could portray my own view, from an actual teenager going through it, it’d be a dream. Connecting with my age group is important to me, giving them a light, but I’d also want to do it in such a mature way that it gets through to adults as well and leaves both groups with a better understanding.

My favorite actor and actress, this is a really hard one. I’d have to say my favorite actress would be, Meryl Streep. She is a true master of the craft. She can play any role and play it well, become that character, make you believe that is completely her, then star in another movie and make you believe something completely different! She is timeless. My favorite actor would have to be the astonishing Denzel Washington. He’s broken barriers and has accomplished one of my dreams - starring in a Victorian/ Shakespearean era film even as an African American. He can transform right in front of your eyes, like the aforementioned.

STARCAST: What are your short term acting goals?

MIYAH:  At the moment my short term acting goals would be to find a theatre company or troupe and do plays and musicals in my community. Lots of them.

STARCAST: The biz can be tough. What motivates you to keep at it?

MIYAH: My motivation is actually watching films. When I watch a film I often have a moment when I sit back and smile in pure bliss and think to myself, “I cannot wait to do something like this” or “I’m going to make something amazing like this someday”. I want it that badly, it is something that makes me truly happy. I also stay motivated in remembering the barriers I want to break, the people I want to inspire, and the people I have rooting for me that I wouldn’t dare let down, including myself. It is tough to even get started, but if you truly love it I think you can find one way or another to be involved.

STARCAST: Do you have any special or funny skills we should know about?

MIYAH:  Funny? haha well I can do a number of cartoon like voices, and I consider myself somewhat good at impressions!

I’m good at taking on different accents and fast at learning them. Watching the well known Skins UK series there is a character Minnie who is Irish and I went around for a good week while watching the season impersonating her accent. I can also sing and dance.

STARCAST: Do you have any audition tips for your fellow actors out there?

MIYAH: Be confident! You have no clue how visible lack of confidence on stage and on screen is to the audience. You have to have confidence in the character you are becoming or it won’t be believable and that is the goal. Nobody can believe you if you don’t believe yourself. Don’t get discouraged by mistakes or not making it, if you want it, do not stop until you get it. ALSO, character choices! When creating your character give it life, give it some kind of unique habit or reaction, we should be able to see you have made some kind of quirky subtle choice to add to your character that makes it full of life, and unique!

STARCAST: Do you have a website, YouTube channel or reel you would like us to post? And do you have a Twitter or other social media handle where you would like people to follow you?

MIYAH: I will soon start being active on my youtube channel: ItMustbeMiyah 

Thanks, MIYAH! You can view Miyah’s StarCast video at www.starcastauditions.com/best-performances. If you don’t see her video, shift the sort function from “Most Recent” to “All.” Industry may request contact with her there. 

SPOTLIGHT ON BEST PERFORMERS: SERGE HOUDE

Great advice from veteran actor and StarCast best performer Serge Houde. You can catch him in recent hits such as 50/50 with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Read on! 

STARCAST: How long have you been acting, and what inspired you to become an actor?

SERGE: I began acting at age of 35 (25 years ago), fulfilling my childhood dream of ‘being in the movies’.

Prior to that, I had been an award winning Advertising Executive (IKEA) 

and a Internationally Published Wildlife Photographer (National Geographic) specializing in Bears.

Strange as it may seem, my Inspiration came from watching Katharine Hepburn in THE LION IN WINTER. It was the first time that I fully appreciated the fact that I was watching an Actor’s Performance.

It dawned on me that someone had written the lines that Ms. Hepburn was now saying,

but that it was her interpretation and the creativity she infused into those lines that made her scenes spellbinding. After that, I would often go see a movie twice:  first time to see and enjoy the story; then the second time to focus and study the performances.

STARCAST: How did you prepare for your StarCast scene? What informed your performance?

SERGE: I simply let Amy Jacobson’s writing guide me and remained open to whatever emotions surfaced. I also just so happened to be staying with a friend who has a daughter, 

and over the years I’ve watched her grow up from a child into a girl and now a young women.

So all I had to do was put myself in my friend’s shoes and imagine what I’d feel and think and say.

Empathy. Caring about people and caring about your Character.

STARCAST: What kind of acting gigs have you had thus far, if any?

SERGE: Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB.com) credits me with over 130 Film & TV Productions.

Primarily: Good Guys and Bad Guys.

STARCAST: We know you’ve fantasized about an awards acceptance speech. How does the opening line go?

SERGE: “So many people to Thank; so little time!”

STARCAST: Have you had any notable successes or setbacks you think other actors could learn from?

SERGE: I began as a Stand-In, then gradually got bigger and bigger roles.

I was a Series Lead on 39 episodes of a TV Show (Paramount’s LARGO WINCH)

and had ‘Above The Title Billing’ on a feature film (MANNERS OF DYING).

I’ve also had more auditions than I can count, where I never heard back from anyone!

So I’ve had my fair share of Ups and Downs.

It’s all a Learn Experience. 

STARCAST: Have you had any acting training, and can you speak a little bit to the importance of drama programs or acting classes?

SERGE: Initially, I took a few Weekend Workshops with local Casting Directors. 

But essentially I’m self-taught. I learning from watching Actors I admire. 

STARCAST: What are your favorite actors’ services and resources?

SERGE: The TV program: Inside The Actor’s Studio. You can search for past episodes on YouTube.

STARCAST: What’s your dream role, and do you have a favorite actor or actress?

SERGE: Recently I played one of the most notorious and dangerous men in America, 

Chicago Mafia Boss ‘Sam Giancana’ in the mini-series THE KENNEDYS,

then in the film 50/50 I played Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s confused father suffering from Alzheimer’s.

As a Character Actor, the challenge of playing such polar opposite characters is what I live for.  

Favourite actors: The list is very long but I’ll sum it up with one name: Anthony Hopkins.

STARCAST: What are your short term acting goals?

SERGE: To attract the attention of US Casting Directors 

and be given the chance to expand my working opportunities into the American Market.

STARCAST: The biz can be tough. What motivates you to keep at it?

SERGE: I love the challenge of it. Pure and simple. 

STARCAST: Do you have any special or funny skills we should know about?

SERGE: I also have Acting Career in French: SergeHoude.ca

STARCAST: Do you have any audition tips for your fellow actors out there?

SERGE: When you go to an Audition, consider it as an opportunity to have fun and be creative.

You’re an Artist and Artists are supposed to be Creative!

Do your prep work before hand and then go in and do the ‘Best that You Can Do’,

then drop the project as you walk out.Try not to remain focused on the Audition after it’s done

and all the: Did I get it?, Did they like me?, Why didn’t I get it. It’ll drive you and those around you nuts.

If people appreciate your unique talent and want to play with you, then give them and their project your 100%.If people don’t want to play with you, then that’s their loss.

There is no ‘set way’ or formula for doing this work. Commit to what you do, be creative with your choices and have fun doing it. And don’t forget to Smile every once and awhile.It is a “People Business” after all.

And one last thing, Silence can be your friend. In a scene, a moment of silence can allow the audience to lean forward in their seats and think “What’s happening?”; if they do that, them you’ve got them, their engaged in what you are saying.

STARCAST: Do you have a website, YouTube channel or reel you would like us to post?

And do you have a Twitter or other social media handle where you would like people to follow you?

SERGE: Reviews I’ve received: http://serge-houde.com/SergeHoude/Reviews_2_3.html

Official Website: http://Sergehoude.com/    or use: www.SergeHoude.com

TV Interview on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3MXJ6ar41Q

Thanks, SERGE! To view his StarCast performance, visit www.starcastauditions.com/best-performances (shift the sort function from “most recent” to “all” if you do not see his video). Industry may request contact via our site. 

SPOTLIGHT ON BEST PERFORMERS: CHRISTINE CHAN

Best performer and funny girl Christine Chan drops a whole bunch of wisdom…on focusing on the craft rather than fame, staying in the moment, Asian stereotypes and a whole bunch more. Read on!

STARCAST: How long have you been acting, and what inspired you to become an actor?

CHRISTINE: Since freshman year of college, so just a few years ago. I was, at the time, a lost and confused chem. major and forced myself to take a basic acting/improv course for a semester, because I really wanted to “let go.” I wanted risk, adventure, and I wanted to feel. I had convinced myself, even before the first day of class, that the more you let go here, the better grade you’ll get. And thus, the less you let go, you’ll just fail. Logic. Now THAT’S the kind of urgency I wanted; I wanted my GPA hanging by a thread.

STARCAST: How did you prepare for your StarCast scene? What informed your performance?

CHRISTINE: First, I make sure to pick the best script for me. I’ll read through several different scripts briefly to listen for the one that comes out most natural.

Then, I get a snack….or some meal/carbs. It’s important to eat. Food. Then, I pump up some jams and get myself psyched. I’ll try not to record more than a couple times to keep the audition funky fresh. I also realize that being able to record an audition, in lieu of auditioning in person at an open call, is a luxury. If I get tired in between takes, I’ll eat again. That’s why I look pretty jolly in my videos.

STARCAST: What kind of acting gigs have you had thus far, if any?

CHRISTINE: Local theater. I’ve been Cow Girl #2 or #3—don’t remember. I’ve been Jewish and engaged. I’ve sung and danced seriously about jewelery.  

STARCAST: We know you’ve fantasized about an awards acceptance speech. How does the opening line go?

CHRISTINE: Any acceptance speech during which Kanye West interrupts you is my kind of acceptance speech. It’s a very fine level of fame that I’m aiming for.

STARCAST: Have you had any notable successes or setbacks you think other actors could learn from?

CHRISTINE: No. I’ve had no successes. But setbacks, yes. Well, “perceived” setbacks. I thought going to college would be a MAJOR setback. I wanted to start off this career in performance as young as possible. Every time a birthday would go by, I’d be like, “Dangit, I’m already 12. I’m old. I’m getting old. Britney Spears was 11 when she appeared on the Mickey Mouse Club. 11!” College would just add even more years.

But school was probably the best thing for me. It made my work, any acting I did, so much more profound and meaningful. I wasn’t just a young lil’ somethin’ trying to get on TV. Though there’s nothing wrong with being a young little Britney, school actually made me not want that. It made me not care about fame. I was humbled. I gained insight into the experiences of others by going to school—something which I thought was going to be a burden. I’m still learning. 

STARCAST: Have you had any acting training, and can you speak a little bit to the importance of drama programs or acting classes?

CHRISTINE: Just that one semester of improv in college. I plan to take more. Hone your craft people! Don’t be too proud to take classes. Don’t be afraid that once you start taking classes you’ll no longer be able to say, “I’ve never had training! This is ALL raw talent.” It’s okay to be trained. But seriously, take them. If you get a good instructor and you’re open, it makes you a better person. Play.

STARCAST: What are your favorite actors’ services and resources?

CHRISTINE: Finding casting directors’ Gmail addresses and spamming them. Just kidding. StarCast has actually been the most reliable so far. 

STARCAST: What’s your dream role, and do you have a favorite actor or actress?

CHRISTINE:  A role that I wrote for myself. I don’t fit many mainstream roles currently out there; I’m a little difficult to typecast. Asians have been portrayed, in American cinema, as high school sidekicks and confused, foreign comedic relief. Kung Fu. Geisha. Submissive and weak. 

Linsanity. I want to be the Jeremy Lin of acting, except with better knees and a little more longevity. Steve Carell, Conan O’Brien, and Kristin Chenoweth are real artists to me. Zooey Deschanel and that girl in HBO’s “Girls.” Very talented. The Fempire.

STARCAST: What are your short term acting goals?

CHRISTINE: Get going on some more acting classes and maybe making another Best Performance video.

STARCAST: The biz can be tough. What motivates you to keep at it?

CHRISTINE: That one acting class I took my freshman year of college.

STARCAST: Do you have any special or funny skills we should know about?

CHRISTINE: I like to rap but not in the funny way. I just like to rap. I sing (alot) and took Hip Hop dance for a number of years. I play instruments. I do a mean impersonation of Cher’s “Believe,” Shakira, Fat Albert, Fran Drescher, Celine Dion, Macy Gray, any kind of raspy hipster singer out there. 

I keep an old CVS receipt in my bag that I take everywhere with me and written on the back of it is a list of my go-to karaoke songs. Some gals can’t go anywhere without their bronzer or fragrant lotion; I need my karaoke songs.

STARCAST: Do you have any audition tips for your fellow actors out there?

CHRISTINE: Stay present during the audition. Don’t look back, don’t look forward.

STARCAST: Do you have a website, YouTube channel or reel you would like us to post? And do you have a Twitter or other social media handle where you would like people to follow you?

CHRISTINE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVpnrQ1R9ldZ3ZUt41ze7OQ

Thanks, CHRISTINE! You can check out her StarCast video at www.starcastauditions.com/best-performances. Shift the sort function from “Most Recent” to “All.”

SPOTLIGHT ON BEST PERFORMERS: PETER MITCHELL

SPOTLIGHT ON BEST PERFORMERS: DANIEL COSENTINO

SPOTLIGHT ON BEST PERFORMERS: ANA RODRIGUEZ

Home town: Costa Rica, Cartago 

STARCAST: How long have you been acting, and what inspired you to become an actor?

ANA: Well, it’s pretty funny, I think. I suppose I’ve acted my whole life, but I never counted it as acting.Since I was a kid, every time I saw a movie I liked, I would wish my life was like that. I could never let go of how awesome if would be to be as brave as the main character, or as smart, as funny. So I would always re-watch the movies and learned the “script”, which in my mind was that awesome event I wish would happen to me. I would go somewhere where nobody could hear or see me( garden, the park, and even the bathroom) and just… act. That went on and on, until I realized what I enjoyed to do so much was called acting. Then, I realized I wanted to be an actress :)

STARCAST: How did you prepare for your StarCast scene? What informed your performance?

 ANA: At first I imagined how I would feel if I was the girl I was representing. How I would react if I had found the first person to understand how I felt. Then I told myself I wasn’t me, but the girl, and focused on what I knew of the character and added my personal touch, I guess :) 

STARCAST: What kind of acting gigs have you had thus far, if any?

 ANA:  I performed to an audience for the first time last year, on November. I was Porcia, of Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice”. It was super exciting, since I never though my secret hobby would come handy when I tried out for the main character of the play… But hey! I got it :) I was really nervous, but everything turned out really well, everyone loved it!  I chose drama as the technology class at school, so I have performed to my class a couple of times, but that’s pretty much it.

STARCAST: We know you’ve fantasized about an awards acceptance speech. How does the opening line go?

ANA: It would definitely go like: “Well, who says dreams don’t come true?” ;) 

STARCAST: Have you had any notable successes or setbacks you think other actors could learn from?

ANA: I think what has never failed me up to now is my instinct. I believe that everyone should follow their heart, even though that sounds cheesy and cliché. Become the character, make it your own and follow your instincts. 

STARCAST: Have you had any acting training, and can you speak a little bit to the importance of drama programs or acting classes?

ANA: I’ve never had any serious training. In drama class I have a kick-ass teacher, but he’s always busy with everyone else when I see him, which is once a week. I haven’t had the chance, but I really want to take some training! I definitely believe it can come handy when it comes to shyness and fear, technique also of course. I don’t suffer from shyness that much, but still, my hands get tingly when I have to perform in public ha ha :)

STARCAST: What are your favorite actors’ services and resources?

 ANA:  I’m not really experienced in this sense, but of all the ones I’ve tried up to now, StarCast is my favorite :) 

STARCAST: What’s your dream role, and do you have a favorite actor or actress?

 ANA: My dream role? Tough one. There’s so many things I’d like to do! I definitely want to try everything, but I guess I really want something fearless and strong… Or maybe someone who’s really fragile and scared, that grows into a stronger person.

I absolutely love Sandra Bullock. My impression of her is that she’s a down-to-earth and incredible woman. I really crave her acting abilities and an acting career like hers :) Of course, the one and only Johnny Depp  I wish to achieve his versatility in acting!  I also really like Rachel McAdams very much.

STARCAST: What are your short term acting goals?

 ANA: I want to get an agent/manager.

Improve my acting skills, but I think that’s something that I’ll be working on forever. Who knows, land a role? :)

STARCAST: The biz can be tough. What motivates you to keep at it?

 ANA: My happiness. 

STARCAST: Do you have any special or funny skills we should know about?

ANA:  I sing and play the piano… Funny skills.. hum, don’t think so. I can twist my fingers in weird way but I don’t think that counts haha.

STARCAST: Do you have any audition tips for your fellow actors out there?

 ANA:  Always add your personal touch.

STARCAST: Do you have a website, YouTube channel or reel you would like us to post? And do you have a Twitter or other social media handle where you would like people to follow you?

ANA: My twitter username is: xAnaVix 

I’d love and appreciate if anybody wants to tweet me some of their tips :)

Thanks, ANA! You can check out Ana’s StarCast performance at www.starcastauditions.com/find-scripts. Switch the sort function from “Most Recent” to “All.”