J.D. Lewis, Author at The Actor's Lab

27Aug 2022 by J.D. Lewis No Comments

The Actor’s Lab – Online!

Uncategorized

Now you can study at The Actor's Lab from anywhere in the world! We offer an On-Going Online Master Class with renowned acting coach and founder/artistic director of The Actor's Lab, J.D. Lewis. J.D. has been coaching for 32 years and his credits include work on Friends, ER, Suddenly Susan, Midnight Caller, Oliver Beene, and L.A. Law. Join actors who study with J.D. Lewis from all over the world. The class includes Improv, Scene Study and Audition Prep. In addition, each actor is put on a business plan (getting a reel, targeting agents and casting directors, networking, creating original material and more). [clearfix] Read more about J.D. Our new schedule has been extended to international time zones Here is your opportunity to study with one of the top acting coaches…

25Mar 2021 by J.D. Lewis

Five For Friday – Terms Used On The Set

Five For Friday Series

[video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FiveForFriday-Session-07-480.mp4" poster="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FiveForFriday-07-Poster.png"][/video] TERMINOLOGY ON THE SET Here are some terms you will definitely hear on a Film, TV or Commercial set. It’s good to know, in advance, the terminology used while filming. It just makes your job and the director crew’s job a whole lot easier. So here are a few. There will be more to come in the following weeks. CRAFT SERVICES: A table with food and snacks, cared for by a caterer or production person. GRIPS: Crew that is responsible for moving the equipment around the set. DOLLY GRIP: The member of the crew responsible for working with the camera on a Dolly. ECU – Extreme Close Up – A very tight shot of an actor. HONEYWAGON: Truck trailer close to the set that hosts bathrooms, wardrobe, make-up and changing rooms. M.O.S:…

12Mar 2021 by J.D. Lewis

Five For Friday – Networking

Five For Friday Series, Networking, The Business of Acting

Being a good networker is essential in pursuing your career as a working actor [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FiveForFriday-Session-Six-720.mp4" poster="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Poster-Session-06.png"][/video] Remember, networking is not about asking for a favor, it’s about creating relationships. The quickest way to have people turn and walk away is instantly asking for a favor before you get to know them. Reach out and meet people because you are in the same industry and you have common interests and goals. Have something to offer! When pursuing a relationship with someone in the industry make sure that you don’t show up empty-handed. Have a great reel to give them, or an independent project you just finished… or offer them something they might like. For instance, tickets to a show or to a sporting event or concert, or…

12Feb 2021 by J.D. Lewis

Five Tips For Finding Good Training

Acting Pointers, Five For Friday Series

[video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FiveForFriday-Session-Four-480.mp4" poster="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/VideoPoster-5-4-Friday-Session4.png"][/video] 1. Research reputable coaches and studios. Anyone can hang a shingle up and claim to teach acting. Check IMDb and also ask for industry referrals. You can always reach out to agents and managers over the phone and ask their opinions. Google acting coaches and studios to make sure they are legit. 2. Interview the studio. It’s where you will be spending your time and money. Choose a studio where there are working actors training there. It’s important to surround yourself with other working actors who are serious in the pursuit of the craft. 3. Make sure they have a ‘tried and true’ approach to the craft. Learning a craft of acting is essential. It’s an approach to the work that you can apply…

29Jan 2021 by J.D. Lewis

5 For Friday | 01•28•2021

Acting Pointers, Finding an Agent, Five For Friday Series, Networking, Portfolio Suggestions

Five for Fridays – Tips for the Working Actor [video width="640" height="360" mp4="http://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/FiveForFriday-Session-Three-Smaller.mp4" poster="http://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Poster-03.png"][/video] Believe in Yourself – I know this seems basic but it is the cornerstone for working as an actor. Do everything you can to build strong self-worth as an artist. Suggested ways of strengthening your belief: affirmations, meditation, repetition, prayer, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, journaling, reading self-help books, positive self-talk. Find whatever makes you feel empowered as an actor, which includes working diligently on your craft, surrounding yourself with positive people, and taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Define Your Cast-ability – Defining who you are in the scheme of the industry is essential. That does not mean that you limit your scope as an actor, type-cast yourself or put yourself in a box. It…

15Jan 2021 by J.D. Lewis

5 For Friday | 01•15•2021

Finding an Agent, Five For Friday Series, Networking

5 for Friday | Targeting Agents [video class="video" mp4="http://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/FiveForFriday-Session-Two.mp4" poster="http://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/YouTubeIcon-Thumbnail.png"][/video] Before you begin targeting agents, make sure that you have all of your ducks in a row. To start, have a great, professional headshot (that looks like you!). Do your research and find a reputable headshot photographer. Your picture is your calling card. Also have a professional resume with credits. Finally, build a reel that highlights your best work (no longer than a minute to a minute and a half). Getting tape and a great reel is an ongoing activity. Super helpful to also have some professional credits that are listed on IMDB. https://www.imdb.com Solid work from independent projects are important and can help you land an agent as well. Don’t target every agent in town. Do your research and…

22Mar 2017 by J.D. Lewis

Defining Your Castability

Acting Pointers, Audition Pointers, Networking

Defining your castability, and a pinpoint on the horizon! One of the first questions I ask an actor is, “What do you think your castability is?” I’m always surprised when they aren’t sure. That’s like a door to door salesman arriving at your house and not knowing what he or she is selling. In my 28 years of coaching, one thing I know that is paramount in an actor’s career is knowing their castability. So often actors say that they’ll play anything… whatever comes their way. Knowing what you are selling is of the utmost importance. (more…)

09Aug 2006 by J.D. Lewis

AmerWrecka

Projects

AmerWrecka Written and directed by J.D. Lewis. AmerWrecka had its international premiere at the renowned Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August 2005. With five-star reviews and the buzz from the Festival, it became one of the most sought after plays for 2006. Fifteen members of The Actor's Lab traveled to Limerick, Ireland, where AmerWrecka headlined The Unfringed Limerick Festival. With sold-out houses and standing ovations, it continues its momentum by going into pre-production for the feature film version and also a theatrical run in New York City. Article from Creative Loafing » And another article from Creative Loafing Article from the Charlotte ViewPoint »