When God gives you a call, does He get right through?
Or does He get a busy signal? 

Keeping the line clear takes work sometimes. Decluttering of noise, of distractions and desires and thoughts vying for our attention. Too often the urgent overtakes the critical. Spiritual triage falls forgotten in the wasteland of looming work deadlines and constant barrage of social media notifications.

                              And our souls shrivel.

But Busy Is Good!

Western culture reveres "busyness" as the measure of success. The laws of supply and demand insist that the less time someone has for us, the more it is worth pursuing their attention. The heavier someone's workload, the better their skills must be. And the more exhausted we are chasing our version of a dream, the more applause we should earn. Because "busy is good!" But is it really?

Our excuses make sense. I mean, especially in the entertainment and film industry, you gotta hustle. Gigs often present themselves at the last minute, requiring shoving everything else to the side in a sprint to prepare as best we can. Long days on set leave us with next to no energy to climb into bed, much less call a family member or stay awake for a few minutes of prayer. After wrap there is that confusing season of "set lag", where our bodies do their best to recalibrate immune systems and appetites and sleep cycles amid the inevitable catching up on a mountain of mundane chores. And if you are raising a family, that adds its own set of very valid priorities and pressures.

We can't afford to take time for God. After all, we are busy serving Him! And yet, we can't afford not to.

No Time To Chew

Then, when we do make the time to take in a soul-nourishing Word, we often approach it like a task on our obese checklist rather than as a sanctuary of stillness from the rush.

​A friend shared their experience of diligently going through their daily Bible reading plan. Ten chapters: check. One day, while only on chapter two, they came across a few verses that captured their heart, but resisted the temptation to stop and dwell on them before completing their allotment of chapters. Temptation? Or invitation? They hadn't gotten too much farther before the Holy Spirit convicted them of basically telling Him to "shush until they were done." If we go to God's Word to hear Him speak, why would we treat His quickening of those words as an interruption? Yet I find I relate all too well....

To be clear, I'm not dissing reading plans. Regular meals are essential to spiritual health! But if we don't chew our food, and savor the taste and textures, we won't be digesting all the nutrients from it that we could, nor grow to anticipate the feast, if we are intent on swallowing portions whole. 

These are the Words of Life! Just because we have them readily accessible at any moment does not mean they are to be treasured less. For where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also. (see Matthew 6:21)

Breaking The Cycle

​Listen, friends, we don't have to stay stuck in this crazy cycle. I know it's usually not our conscious choice to even be in it; it just "happens" and we get too caught up in the rat-race to notice. It's like if we get a headache, and rather than drink water to treat our dehydration, we pop a pill to mask the pain. But concealing the symptoms isn't a true solution!

How do we transition to a lifestyle of valuing time with God and increase our sensitivity to His voice?

One thing I know for sure, is that it doesn't happen by accident. Like with any relationship, intentionality is key for maintenance and growth. This is something I am working toward myself; I don't have all the answers, but I am "pressing on toward the goal." (see Philippians 3: 12-16) And if I were to articulate my New Year's resolution, it would be this: Pursue God's presence, heed His voice, and live how He loves. 

1. Pursue God's Presence
Unfortunately, the fact that God is omnipresent (present always and everywhere) doesn't automatically keep me from ignoring Him. I want to practice being more aware of Him with me, and do more of the things I know He takes pleasure in. This includes letting go of things I know are getting in the way of intimacy in my relationship with God. Choosing a verse to think on throughout my day, or getting a good truth-declaring song stuck in my head, are great ways to keep my focus in the right direction.

2. Heed His Voice
Scripture tells us that God's voice is recognized by His sheep (that includes me!), so I don't need to worry about that. The harder part is being still to listen for the gentle whisper (see 1 Kings 19). It's not necessary to be in a quiet environment physically (although it certainly doesn't hurt, right?). Being still is more of an internal quieting and perking up of our heart to hear. To heed is to "take notice of and pay careful attention to." It carries a sense of alertness, mindfulness, and high regard for who or what you are heeding. So, to hear clearly I need to listen with a willing heart that is ready to joyfully obey! 

3. Live How He Loves
God loves purely and extravagantly and sacrificially. 1 Corinthians 13 is commonly called "the Love chapter" because of how thoroughly it explores the nature and power of the Love of God. The first letter the apostle John wrote (aptly titled 1 John) explores even deeper how this Love affects the way we should live. The "new commandment" Jesus gave us was to love as He has loved us (see John 13:34). Because of how He loves and restores me, I can reach out to others with that same unconditional, grace-filled, healing love. 

Whether we are raising kids, making movies, or spreading kindness to friends and strangers alike, that's to be the core of our life's mission: serving as His ambassadors of reconciliation to a broken, hurting world that He died to restore. And I never want to be too busy for that!

And [Jesus] said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." - Mark 4:9

K.T. asks:

“I've done some acting but never received my clips to make a demo real. What do I do when I am asked to submit one?”

This is a common situation. Many aspiring actors are promised footage for their reel if they'll act for free in a student or other low-budget indie film, usually expressed as “copy & credit.”

But that doesn't mean great clips are easy to come by. Some of those films never get finished, or won't release footage until their festival run is complete. In other cases, the footage is of such poor quality you risk cutting a reel that is worse than having no reel at all.

So what are your options?

1) Face the facts

First, realize that it is perfectly fine to own the fact that you don't have a reel. Some casting sites ask for demos with initial submissions (before the phase of sending out audition invites), but you can submit for most roles without one. CDs will still look at submissions without media attached (Actors Access, I'm looking at you).

If asked for one specifically by a CD, explain that you do not have a reel available yet, and offer to record a clip of yourself doing a scene or monologue. It is NOT okay to send them a previous audition video, unless you have received written permission from the producers of that script.

2) Hunt down clips

Look back at your talent/image release, deal memo, or contract (you do have one, I hope) to refresh yourself on the details of the promised footage. If the clips are indeed “due,” I would certainly contact the producers and respectfully request that they do what is necessary to fulfill their obligations. If they cite delays for a release, do your best to get a quote of when they expect the footage to be ready (and don't be afraid to negotiate).

This won't always work, so be prepared for an unfavorable answer. I haven't gotten footage from my first role in a feature film, and probably never will, because my scene was cut along with several others during the assembly edit, and never got fully processed.

3) Produce your own!

If you have the funds and the friends to do so, consider producing some scenes on your own. Better yet—make it an actual short film. That way you get an extra film credit to boot. Creating your own footage puts the burden on you, but also provides all the creative freedom to play the roles you want, exactly how you choose. Not a terrible trade-off.

Do your best to get believable sets, costumes, props, good lighting, decent cinematography, good sound, etc. This is not the place for classroom theatrics. Mounting a full production isn't easy, but anything less is unlikely to get you quality footage.

Demo Reel Tips & Trends

If your acting blows me away, great. But I try to assume every actor can decently act unless I'm proven wrong (yeah, it's happened).

The main thing I usually need from a reel is to hear and see you how you normally look and sound. And most CDs don't have the time or luxury to watch reels in their entirety. So for at least your first clip, don't showcase an acquired accent, or rely on heavily stylized or overly emotional footage. After the first 10 seconds, feel free to move on to the rest of your “range.”

You don't need to put lines in context with long moments focused on your co-stars; keep the spotlight on you. A good length for a reel is between 1 and 3 minutes. If you really want to showcase more footage than that, try splitting it into Dramatic / Light-Comedic / Commercial genres. Another trend I've seen is having multiple “type” reels; I'd keep these short, 1 minute or less.

In our digital world of online submissions, we aren't sending physical reels off to casting offices, so it makes sense to have more customization in reels. Just as many actors now do with their headshots, if you have more than one reel to choose from, you can send the one/s that best fit each particular casting situation.

Happy editing!

This question is from G.C.:

“As a casting director, what do you look for when you review auditions?”

The casting director is on your team. They are rooting for each actor, hoping for them to blow their minds and be the obvious choice for a role. But it isn't often that easy.

For one thing, casting directors are not the reigning monarchs of the casting process. If the director is “President” then they would be the member of their cabinet in charge of finding the best casting choices, and presenting/pitching them for approval or veto. Some “presidents” like to be more involved in that hunt than others. Sometimes other “cabinet members” are asked for their opinions, too.

PLEASE NOTE: Much of the following will apply to live auditions as well, but will be phrased more specifically for taped submissions...which is getting more and more common anyway.

With parameters from the script, budget, and the director's vision in mind, here are some of the top things we look for:

1) Instincts & intelligence

Is the actor making bold, believable scene choices?
Do they follow an appropriate and engaging arc for the character/scene?
Are they using available space to play to the camera?
In callbacks, does the actor understand and take direction well?

2) Appropriate physicality

Does the actor's physicality (build, ethnicity/coloring, voice, mannerisms, etc.) fit the role?
Does their essence / vibe / personality add or detract to the character being portrayed?
If part of an on-screen family, or age-progressed character set, do they look related?
Do they balance and/or add texture to the ensemble, in their acting style, energy, and look?

3) Professionalism

Does the audition video have adequate lighting, sound, framing, background?
Does the talent look like their headshot, or does their photo misrepresent them?
Did the talent/agent submit the audition in a timely manner (and before the deadline)?
Did the talent/agent follow all the instructions for the submission?

4) Adequate experience

Do they have the confidence/maturity needed to pull off the role?
Do they have the practical skills needed, or can they learn them in time?
Do they have an existing affinity to a cause showcased in the film?
Will they elevate the marketability or reach of the film?

Most of the factors listed above are under some sphere of your control; others are not.

If you don't get a callback, and can think of something you can do better or work on for next time—great! Learn from the experience and carry on. If you don't get a callback, and can't think of anything you would/could change, rest in the fact that you did your best and and carry on. At least you got on their radar, right?

If you DO get a callback—congratulations! Unless instructed otherwise, keep as many of the presentation and portrayal choices you made in the initial audition. Do your thing, but remember to be flexible for unexpected direction, too.

Happy auditioning!

I received a question recently from A.S.:

“What are some acting exercises I can do at home?”

First, I'd like to define what an acting exercise is: a process or activity that develops strength, dexterity, or skill in the art and craft of acting. That still covers a broad area, so now I want to break it up into two categories. I call them Targeted Training (like a workout routine) and Functional Training (think a general active lifestyle without going to the gym). For optimal “fitness” you'll want to incorporate some of each.

There are tons of ways to target train, and most of these can be done solo or with a partner. Here are a just a few:

1. Internal-to-external exploration. Say a portion of dialogue out loud with different goals in mind for your moment before, changes in intensity, or posture of winning/losing in the scene or conversation. This increases your flexibility in taking direction, too.
2. External-to-internal drills. This time around, play with diction, placement, volume, pacing, and silence. Pay attention to how the meaning and interpretation of the words measurably changes with each variable. This helps you move outside your familiar rhythm of delivery to uncharted territories.
3. Memorize something. If you don't have a script, pick a poem or passage of scripture and commit it to memory. MemoryTyper.com and ScriptureTyper.com let you upload and format text to construct custom typing exercises that can be fun. Memory is a form of muscle, so start building up to your marathon!
4. Create your own blocking rehearsal. Go ahead and put tape marks (or a creative substitute) on your floor to mark spots you'll need to hit “for focus.” Practice walking to and landing on your mark without looking down to find it. For more of a challenge, add in props, actions, or lines to deliver on the way, or design a longer “choreography.”
5. Practice your eyeline. If looking at a person, focus on whichever eye is closer to the camera. Do your best not to blink or move your eyeline until a motivated moment. Try timing yourself, and see how many emotions you can believably move through before you need to blink. Build up to it, though, and rest your eyes (closed) between “takes.”

Functional Training relies more on your everyday life. You don't necessarily have to carve out a specific time and space, but it does require a level of intentionality:

1. Take an active interest in people...history...culture. As the saying goes, “context is everything.” Your grasp of characters and stories will improve directly in relation to your understanding of and appreciation for unique perspectives and settings. If you aren't comfortable striking up random conversations, basic people-watching can suffice.
2. Learn to listen. Listen to truly hear and understand not just the words, but the intentions, needs, and goals of the person you are talking to. Then respond appropriately (as you, not a character...let's not get crazy here!). Never underestimate the power of the “reaction shot” on screen or in real life.
3. Take off the mask. Daring to be vulnerable is a good habit to cultivate in daily life, not just on a film set. Why be “real” on screen if you won't do it with those you know and care about? Within the bounds of propriety, go ahead and let your feelings show a little more. Great acting is more about cultivating authenticity than managing a facade.
4. Make bold choices. I don't mean taking irresponsible risks, but to renounce a cycle of indecisiveness. Whether it's ordering a meal, choosing an outfit, or picking a movie to watch with friends, don't sweat it so much on the small stuff. Weigh your options, make the best informed and efficient choice you can, and commit to it!
5. Acquire a new skill. Expanding your range as an actor extends beyond emoting and speaking in an accent. If you have specific type goals (say, action hero roles), you can choose things to learn that will support that. But learning something -- anything – is better than nothing, so keep getting your next “expansion pack.”

One more bonus “exercise” for you: study Scripture like you would a script. Take a scene and break it down. Analyze the people (characters) in the passage, and what is going on (action). What is being said, and why? What is the subtext? Is there any cross-referencing to other “source material” you can do to construct a framework for the current moment in the story? The Bible is crammed full of amazing stories that really happened and people who really lived. Let them come alive to you!

Happy exercising! :)

Theories of how best to "land the role" are can be great and helpful and often very "clickable". That's not to say that they are effective for everyone (anyone?). Many are based on statistics and experience, others on mere conjecture. 

The following recollection is not meant to be fashioned into a formula, as a thread of events rarely repeats an exact pattern. Still, whether to satisfy simple curiosity, or to reassure irrational worries, perhaps it's constructive (if not always instructive) to share. So here is the story of "How I Got Cast In:"

Alone Yet Not Alone

This was my first full feature film experience, and my combined involvement in pre-production and production was a total of six months! In addition to my two older siblings, some of my very, very best friends now were fellow cast and crew on Alone. Shout out and hugs to all you wonderful people! :)

Back in 2010, I was apprenticing with director George Escobar of Advent Film Group. Even before the project was officially green-lit, I was assisting with the screenplay revisions, proofreading, and breakdowns, etc. Because of my familiarity with the script and source material, as well as an expressed interest in acting, I was soon officially brought on within the casting department, given the responsibility of writing the full character profiles as well as assisting with the character descriptions in the breakdown. ​

Finding an audition is easy; a simple Google search will turn up thousands. What's harder is finding one that's a good fit for YOU. It can be a daunting and never-ending task. It takes digging, and patience, and discernment, too (plenty of scams out there!). While it's not often a fast find, what it doesn't have to be is a mysterious process.

What are You looking for?

All too often enthusiasm gets spent too soon in the audition room, and the first impression is wasted before the actor knows how to effectively communicate their strengths and their goals. 

Do you know which type of stories you are passionate about? Do you know where and how you'd best fit into them? Each project you are a part of is a part of your acting career, so it's worth it to find the ones that matter to you. 

Don't let the industry define you or shape you or bully you into what (you think) they think you should be. Be honest with yourself and embrace who God has and is making you to be. BE you. KNOW you. Write out as many varied descriptions of roles you know you could believably portray (in stories you'd have peace/joy about being in and representing), then condense them into different "types"; those are the character descriptions to look for in the breakdown.

Here is a message I got recently:

So you want to act in Christian films? I heartily welcome you to the growing ranks!

If you haven't done so yet, I'd suggest listening to the two interviews whose links are at the top of this page. 
They provide a good overview of how I got into acting, with some advice interwoven throughout for aspiring actors/actresses. 

My Top 10 Tips would boil down to:

• 1) Seek God to know if this is a calling to a career or hobby level endeavor for you. Be open to his guidance on this; don't assume it has to be all or nothing. Purpose to obey, in spite of your fears or doubts, and trust Him for wisdom each step of the way.

• 2) Anchor your identity in Christ, not in what culture tells you it should be. This will give you the needed foundation before diving into different roles. Also, settle in your heart what your performance boundaries will be, and inform your family/support network so that they can help remind you when the pressure's on to compromise.

• 3) Treat acting as both a craft (to develop your skills) and a business (to promote those skills) -- because it is. Read great books about acting. One I highly recommend is "Acting And How To Be Good At It" by Basil Hoffman. Educate yourself about actor business tools (headshot, resume, etc.).

• 4) Educate yourself about as many facets of the industry as you can. Don't ignore "non-performance" opportunities. They could be the key God is providing to unlock some doors.

• 5) Watch Christian movies. Not only does this support the industry you desire to become a part of, but you'll develop your taste, and get to know what sort of stories you want to help tell. 

• 6) Watch mainstream movies (with caution, and filters as necessary). Most of these are made with much higher budgets than independent films are made for, and so can afford to do "bigger" scale stories and pay more experienced/recognized actors (whom we can often learn from).

• 7) Get to know who's who in the Christian side of the industry. Watch the credits of those Christian films and see which names pop up a lot. Research the various production companies around; a fairly comprehensive list can be found here: http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/production-companies-3/

• 8) Check out the great tips and articles to be found on CFDB.com: http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/christian-actor-actress-resources/ 

• 9) Follow Christian actors/actresses on social media to find out about new films and possibly auditions (I often share casting calls on my Facebook page, for example). Finding the similarities and differences you have from these actors also helps you discover the "twist" you alone can bring to the table.

• 10) Start developing your own online presence, through casting profiles, social media, and your own actor website (even if you don't publish it quite yet). Keep your branding, or unique look/flavor true to you, consistent across all platforms. 

Comment below if you have any questions, or have any tips you'd like to share! 

Also, don't forget that I offer individual actor coaching/mentoring, which you can apply for at any time. 

Stay tuned for my next post, about FINDING AUDITIONS. :)