All posts by "Ilana Rapp"

Senior Writer
Ilana Rapp is a media-savvy Generation Xer with instinctive wit, quick humor and a taste for deep human emotions. As a former (child) actress with Broadway, film and television credits, she is adept at, well, lots of things. She currently blogs on The Huffington Post and writes entertainment pieces for NYCastings. She is a huge fan of the television show V. Ask her why her favorite number is 22. Follow Ilana on Twitter @LizardLadyNJ.
A Guide for Actors on Finding the Right Balance - Mastering Subtlety and Extravagance

Achieving a successful performance hinges on finding the right equilibrium between subtlety and extravagance. Going overboard with either can disconnect the audience or render the portrayal insincere. Actors aiming to ...
8 Techniques for Child Actors to Shine on Stage and Screen

Child actors who are involved in acting on stage and screen encounter a range of distinctive obstacles. Confidence plays a vital role in their success, as their capacity to communicate ...
NYCastings-Child Actors-Keep-Your-Skills-Sharp-During-Summer-Break

During the summer break, child actors can relax and enjoy themselves while also using the time to improve their acting abilities and prepare for future roles. Whether they are beginners ...
7 Lessons to Learn from Actors Who Have Not Had Acting Lessons

There are countless tales of actors who have reached great heights without undergoing formal training. Starting from modest origins and eventually basking in the glow of the limelight, these performers ...
NYCastings-How-To-Steal-the-Hearts-of-Your-Audience

Stealing the hearts of your audience is an art that requires a blend of skill, empathy, and authenticity. Being an actor isn’t just about going through the motions; it’s about ...
Beyond the Big City Finding Talent Representation in Smaller Markets

Major hubs like Los Angeles and New York are considered top choices for aspiring actors. They offer a wealth of opportunities in various entertainment fields such as film, television, theater, ...
The Agent Interview -- Questions Every Actor Should Ask

Choosing the right agent is one of the most important decisions an actor can make in their career. An agent not only helps find auditions and negotiate contracts but also ...
Acting Across Mediums: Theatre, Film, and Television

Acting is a craft that spans various mediums, each offering unique opportunities and challenges The three primary mediums where actors showcase their talent are theatre, film, and television. While the ...
Mirandas Victim - Mireille Enos, Abigail Breslin, Emily Van Camp

Michelle Danner stands out in a league of her own, boasting a multifaceted career as a performer, teacher, storyteller, entrepreneur, and expert. As the legendary acting teacher and founder of ...
How-to-Prepare-for-and-Ace-Your-Next-Audition-A-Step-by-Step-Guide.

Auditions can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can showcase your talents effectively and increase your chances of success. Whether you’re auditioning for a play, musical, ...
5 Ways to Cultivate a Versatile Acting Range

A Guide for Actors Versatility is key. A versatile actor can seamlessly transition between different roles, genres, and mediums, making them invaluable in the industry. But how does one cultivate ...
7 Tips to Elevate Your Acting Skills with Improv Techniques

The art of acting requires continuous growth and adjustment, with improvisation being a valuable asset for actors seeking to elevate their skills. Improvisation goes beyond mere humor in the moment; ...
NYCastings-Empowering-Female-Actors-Barbie-Ryan-Gosling-Margot-Robbie

Over time, movies have acted as a mirror reflecting societal standards and beliefs. In the past, female characters in films and TV were frequently confined to roles that upheld conventional ...
Balancing Act - Managing a Day Job while Pursuing an Acting Career

For many actors, the road to success is often paved with auditions, rehearsals, and the inevitable day job. It’s a balancing act — juggling the demands of an acting career ...
NYCastings-Andy-Serkis-Judy-Greer-Max-Lloyd-Jones-Devyn-Dalton-War-for-the-Planet-of-the-Apes-1

Are there unique challenges actors face when portraying non-human characters, such as animals and mythical creatures? You bet there are! This kind of work also involves a range of techniques ...
NYCastings-Sir-Anthony-Hopkins-Jodie-Foster-The-Silence-of-the-Lambs-Twentieth-Century-Fox

Sustainable acting careers. Is there really such a thing? The commonly held perception of an actor’s profession is one of glamour, featuring red carpet events, accolades, and high-profile film debuts. ...
Auditioning Is a Full-Time Job

Auditioning: The Unseen Performance of Every Actor In the acting world, the focus is usually on the glitz and glamour of stage and screen, but there’s a lesser-known side to an ...
10 Innovative Strategies for Actors to Stand Out in the Industry

True or false? Actors continually find themselves navigating a highly competitive landscape. We all know the answer is true. Standing out in such a saturated market demands not only talent ...
NYCastings-The-Power-of-Observation-The-Key-To-Authentic-Acting

Acting goes beyond simply reciting lines and performing; it requires exploring the inner complexities of the characters. An aspect of this exploration is astute observation, enabling actors to infuse their ...
Mastering the Art of Acting in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

You may have noticed that the entertainment industry is undergoing a significant transformation as a result of the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies. These immersive technologies ...