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.
NYCastings-The-Art-of-Cold-Reading-for-Actors-Tips-and-Tricks

Cold reading is the art of delivering a performance with minimal preparation, often reading directly from a script without having had the opportunity to study it in advance. For actors, ...
NYCastings-Medical-Simulations-The-Role-of-Actors-in-Shaping-Tomorrows-Doctors

In the world of medical education, there’s a unique crossover with the realm of theater. No, medical students aren’t being trained to take up the stage, but actors are stepping ...
Producers and Directors

The film and television industry is known for its complex hierarchy and multitude of roles. Producers and Directors are way up there on the ladder. Before we get into examples, ...
Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool

In today’s interconnected society, ahem, The Digital Age, acting has evolved into a multifaceted art that extends well beyond conventional stages and screens. Modern actors face the task of mastering ...
NYCastings-Navigating-High-School-Drama-Building-Your-Acting-Foundation

During the high school years, teenagers experience a whirlwind of emotions, embark on exciting journeys, and encounter countless opportunities. This period holds immense significance for many individuals, especially those who unearth their ...
Zurin Villanueva as Tina Turner.

NOTE: This interview was conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike. True New Yorker actress, Zurin Villanueva, plays Tina Turner in TINA: The Tina Turner Musical. But it wasn’t all cupcakes ...
Horizon Forbidden West

Virtual Reality (VR) has continued making waves across various sectors – from gaming to education to real estate. As the world steadily shifts from conventional experiences to digital encounters, the ...
Zoe Saldana and Chris Pratt in Guardians of the Galaxy

Being an actor requires an immense amount of skill, dedication, and persistence. While the allure of bright lights, acclaim, and artistic fulfillment draws many to the acting avenue, it’s equally ...
Astronomical Theater

The vast expanse of the cosmos, with its twinkling stars and celestial mysteries, has long captured the human imagination. Through art, literature, and now theater, we have endeavored to interpret ...
SAG-AFTRA Strike Demands, Impact, and Industry Reshaping

“In a perfect world, I would like someone on the other side to say, ‘We have to make this a more employee-friendly industry. It behooves us all to take that ...
How Actors are Revolutionizing Law Enforcement with Micro-Expression Training

Making a living as an actor is not easy. One solution to keep your chops up is Micro-Expression Training for Law Enforcement and Security. While traditionally we might think of ...
Dacre Montgomery of Stranger Things

In cinema and theater, there exists a fascinating field known as underwater performance acting. This form of art requires actors to immerse themselves, quite literally, to bring characters to life ...
NYCastings-Understanding-How-Your-Character-Relates-to-Adults-vs-Children

One of the most captivating elements of our art is the capacity to explore the inner workings of our characters and bring them to life in a manner that connects ...
Michael D. Cohen and Cooper Barnes

This interview with Michael D. Cohen was conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Meet Michael D. Cohen, actor and passionate LGBTQ+ advocate, best known for his captivating portrayal of Schwoz ...
Hugh Jackman as Wolverine

The art of playing a tough character goes beyond simply portraying anger or sternness; it’s about unraveling the layers that create a complex and multidimensional individual. Understanding the psychological hint ...
NYCastings The Do's and Don'ts of Introducing Your Newborn to Show Business

Parents across the globe have varied dreams and ambitions for their newborn babies. For some, the allure of show business, with its glamour, fame, and financial benefits, is irresistibly captivating. ...
NYCastings-Mastering-Monologues-for-Teens

The art of delivering an impressive monologue is a skill often neglected, especially amongst teenagers. Yet, in a world increasingly valuing effective communication, this talent is more essential than ever. ...
The Great Balancing Act Between Personal Life and Acting

“Cut!” the director yells for the 23rd time that day. Just another day in the park, eh? Welcome to the fabulous world of acting, where you need to cry on ...
NYCastings-Mastering-Physical-Comedy-for-Child-Actors-Charlie-Chaplin

Oh, the dramatics of being a child actor! Remembering lines, hitting marks, smiling on cue—and that’s just for the family photo. But once you step onto the stage or in ...
Mastering the Art of Voice Modulation: A Guide for Actors

Acting is an art form that involves the entire being, and the voice plays a pivotal role in it. Voice modulation is the ability to adapt one’s voice which can breathe life ...