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-Viewpoints-Ensemble-Based-Theatre-A-Guide-to-Using- Time and Space

Dance and acting are two distinct art forms that have been combined in various ways throughout the history of theatre and performance. The combination can create a powerful experience for ...
Kristen Stewart in Crimes of the Future

In Part I of this series, we discussed Conquering Weaknesses and Celebrating Strengths. No actor is without weaknesses or areas in which they can improve. It’s important for actors to ...
Michael-Douglas-in-The-American-President-Conquering-Weaknesses-Celebrating-Strengths-A-Guide-for-Aspiring-Actors

To be a successful actor, it’s a must to have a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing your strengths will help you to showcase your talents and stand ...
Navigating-the-Social-Challenges-of-Show-Business-children-standing-on-exercise-mat-practicing-yoga

One of the biggest challenges for children in show business is maintaining a healthy social life. From time constraints to geographic barriers, there are many obstacles that can prevent children ...
Behind the Curtain: What Families of Child Actors Go Through

Behind the curtain — the real lowdown of what show biz families go through — is a topic rarely discussed. From the early days of Hollywood to the present, child ...
Shomari Love in Homicide City

Shomari Love is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, with a reputation for excellence as an actor, producer, and director. His passion for the craft and his dedication to delivering ...
Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie

Drag acting is a form of performance art that involves performers, often members of the LGBTQ+ community, dressing up in exaggerated costumes and makeup to portray characters of a different ...
The Great Gatsby. Photo Credit Mark Senior, Helen Maybanks, Sam Taylor

Immersive theater is a form of live performance in which the audience members are not mere spectators but active participants in the unfolding of the story. In immersive theater, the ...
Grant Hall. Photo Credit Audrey Slinger.

Many of you may recognize Grant Hall from his role as Kyle on Freeform’s hit series, Grown-ish. What you may not know is that Grant’s journey to success has been ...
Steal-Inspiration-From-Your-Favorite-Actors

Actors are often inspired by the performances of other actors, and it’s not uncommon for aspiring stars to imitate their favorite actors in order to build their own acting techniques. ...
Lurking-in-the-Background-Gets-You-Nowhere-and-Everywhere

Shhhh. That’s my first thought that comes to mind when I think about lurking in the background. Call it sneaky, creepy or dirty, but to me, staying quiet is a ...
Hayley Sales. Photo Credit: George Holz

Hayley Sales is a singer-songwriter, actress and advocate who has made it her mission to promote a healthier world through her art and activism. In this candid interview, Hayley opens ...
Industrial-Acting-101-What-It-Is-and-How-to-Succeed

Industrial acting continues to be a growing industry that provides actors with the opportunity to showcase their talents in a unique setting. Industrial productions are typically created for businesses to ...
The-Art-of-Puppetry-Bringing-Inanimate-Objects-to-Life-Jim-Henson-The-Muppets

To become a puppeteer, an actor needs to learn specific techniques that are unique to puppetry. While there is some overlap with traditional acting skills, such as creating character and ...
The-Thrill-of-the-Fight-A-Look-at-the-World-of-Action-Films-Sylvester-Stallone-in-Rambo-Bandana

Action films have been a staple of cinema for decades, offering audiences thrilling and exciting experiences through adrenaline-fueled sequences of explosions, car chases and hand-to-hand combat. These films have captured ...
Taraji P. Henson, Ron Clinton Smith, Octavia Spencer & Janelle Monáe in Hidden Figures

Acting is an art form that has been around for centuries, yet, in my opinion, its potential has not been fully tapped. For all I know, it may remain fully ...
This Is Good Training

As an actor, achieving peak performance requires more than just talent and skill. It takes consistent effort and dedication to develop habits that support your craft. What is a habit? ...
3-Things-Aspiring-Actors-Should-Learn-Shakespeare-To-Be-Or-Not-To-Be

If you’re an aspiring actor, you’ll want to develop a range of skills to help you stand out in auditions and bring your characters to life in compelling performances. Three ...
Elliot Page in The Umbrella Academy

The entertainment industry is notorious for placing a high value on image and reputation. In an industry where success is often measured by popularity and public perception, celebrities and performers ...
The-Power-of-One-Embracing-Your-Independence-as-an-Actor

As an actor, it can be easy to fall into the trap of waiting for opportunities to come your way. It’s natural to feel like you need to rely on ...