www.StarSearchCasting.com Delivers The Latest In Entertainment News & Gossip

HOLLYWOOD – Want to know what’s the latest episode in the Britney Spears saga, or how the Oscars faired in the television ratings game? From Lindsay Lohan to George Clooney, Star Search Casting has the scoop! While actors, dancers, singers and models log in to Star Search Casting to browse the most current casting notices, they also check out the website each day for the latest in entertainment news.

 

Star Search Casting (http://www.StarSearchCasting.com) has been the leading casting website for more than a decade and provides a comprehensive database of resources for aspiring dancers, actors, models and singers eager to break into the entertainment industry. In addition to being the industry’s #1 website for resources and tools for new and experienced performers, it’s also a great source for members who like to stay up to date on television ratings, award show winners, box office news and the latest on Hollywood stars.

 

“Everyday our website offers new casting notices that actors, dancers, models and singers at any stage of their career can take advantage of,” says Jonathan Parker, founder and CEO of Star Search Casting. “However, one of the reasons that people decide to explore careers in the entertainment industry is because it fascinates them. Therefore we make sure we satisfy our members’ cravings for both exciting job opportunities as well as hot entertainment industry gossip and compelling entertainment news stories.”

 

Each day Star Search Casting posts current entertainment news to its members’ delight. Star Search Casting is the only website where actors, models, singers and dancers can look for jobs in the entertainment industry as well as check out a full list of Oscar winners or see how Tina Fey (30 Rock) feels about Hillary Clinton. From one of the largest databases of agents and managers to music reviews of the latest pop stars, Star Search Casting has something for everyone.

 

For aspiring and experienced actors, dancers, singers and models who want to take advantage of this dynamic website and all it has to offer, membership is both easy and affordable. Just visit www.StarSearchCasting.comand click on the ‘Membership Levels’ link to join. New members who sign up for an annual Diamond membership will also receive a one-year Diamond membership at Elite Casting Network, another leading casting website.

 

For the leading website for casting notices, talent resources and entertainment news and gossip, visit Star Search Casting (www.StarSearchCasting.com) today!

A PERFECT FIT: Working as a fit model in the fashion industry

Elite Casting Network posts casting calls daily for a variety of modeling jobs. Whether you’re interested in runway, catalog or swimwear modeling, there’s something for everyone on our website. One of our most recent casting calls was for fit (also referred to as garment fitting) models. Fit models are critical to the fashion industry. They work with manufacturers and fashion designers so that the clothing companies can fit their designs to human frames. Have you ever put on a pair of jeans and they fit perfectly? There was probably a fit model with a body type similar to yours that helped the designer tailor the jeans for you and others like you!

There are several types of fit models, including sample, duplicate and showroom models. A sample model works with designers specifically to help them adjust and fit garments that will be used in an upcoming fashion show, typically debuting a new collection. A duplicate model is used after the fashion show to readjust the garments so that they can be designed for the ready-to-wear collection that will appear in stores for consumers to purchase. Showroom models work with designers and manufactures to model the garments for department store buyers and help them determine if they should purchase the styles for their stores.

One of the most attractive aspects of working as a fit model is that most fit models’ bodies must be similar to the bodies of the manufacturer’s target consumer. Most consumers don’t have the same body type as the models that you see on the runway; therefore while a runway model may be a size 0 or 2, fit models are more likely to be a size 4, 6 or 8. Accordingly, plus-sized clothing manufacturers often hire fit models that are sizes 14 and up. Fit models typically must adhere to specified height, bust-waist-hip circumference, arm and leg length and shoulder width measurements as well. These specifications are usually outlined in the casting call.

As a fit model, you’ll get priceless experience in the fashion industry, an opportunity to work with notable and up-and-coming designers and clothing manufacturers, and sometimes you may even get free clothes. You’ll also get to provide your own personal opinion about the fit of the design to help the designers modify the clothes to satisfy consumers just like you. They’ll ask you your opinion on how the design fits, how the fabric feels and if you’re able to move comfortably in the garment.

If you’re interested in becoming a fit model, or you’re curious about other types of modeling jobs that you might be suited for, visit Elite Casting Network (www.EliteCastingNetwork.com) and review our casting notices.

Step It Up: How To Pick Up Choreography Quickly

Often when dance auditions are posted, the casting notice will include a list of requirements. Requirements may be related to age or height and often you’ll have to know a particular style of dance like tap or hip-hop. One of the most common requirements included in dance casting notices is that the dancers must be able to pick up choreography quickly.
 

Dancers who are able to pick up choreography quickly are most likely to be hired for jobs. Directors and choreographers prefer to save time (and money) by working with dancers who are fast learners. Both new and experienced dancers often struggle with choreography, so if this is a problem for you, don’t feel that you’re alone.
 

Here are a few tips that dancers often use to help them overcome this common problem:
 

-Visualize yourself performing the movements as the choreographer runs through them. Repetition is the key to learning new moves, and doing them in your head repeatedly can be just as effective as physically performing the routine over and over again.
 

-Give each step a name. Creating a name for each move often helps dancers remember the steps more easily as well as anticipate the next move as they’re going through a routine.
 

-Imitate the choreographer using small movements as he or she goes through the routine. By imitating the movements as soon as you are shown the steps, you begin acclimating your body to the moves, which can also help you remember them better when it’s time to perform them.
 

-Pay close attention to how the choreography relates to the music.  If the choreographer inserts a jump at a point in the song when the singer sings, “jump back” or something similar, those keywords can be a big help.
 

Lots of dancers create their own techniques for helping them pick up choreography. By talking with other dancers, as well as teachers and choreographers, you can find out lots of creative ways to help you learn choreography more quickly as well as become a better dancer overall.
 

To discuss techniques with other Star Search Casting members who are pursuing careers in the field of dance, log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com. Our community forum is a great place to trade tips and get great insights into the industry. Don’t forget to check out our auditions for upcoming dance opportunities near you.

Interviewing A Potential Acting Coach

Not everyone who professes to be an acting coach is actually qualified to teach you to become a better actor or actress. Therefore it’s important that before you pay for acting classes that you interview your acting coach to determine that they are: 1) trained and experienced and 2) capable of and excited about helping you reach your personal performance goals. A great acting coach will not only help you become the phenomenal actor or actress that you’d always dreamed of being, but also help guide you as you navigate the early stages of your acting career.

Once you’ve generated a list of acting coaches in your area, determine if they have a website. You may find much of the information you need to make a decision based on details provided on their webpage. If not, give them a call and be sure you ask the following:

-        Do you have a list of your credentials?

-        Can I sit in on one of our classes for free before I make my decision?

-        How many students do you instruct in each class?

-        Have any of your former students landed major theatre, television or film roles?

-        Do you offer private instruction?

-        Do you offer a refund policy if I’m unable to attend the remainder of my sessions due to unforeseen circumstances?

It’s very important that you get a list of your teacher’s credentials. There are many teachers who have worked in the industry and have many years of experience, but they don’t necessarily have formal training.

Additionally, many actors find that they get far more out of classes when the teacher limits the size of the classes. While private instruction on a regular basis isn’t necessary, it can be beneficial to have the option of private instruction in cases where you need to work one on one with your teacher or coach to prepare for an important audition, or work on material before your first day on set for a big role.

Elite Casting Network offers an extensive list of acting coaches and teachers on our website. You can also visit our community forum and ask other members for recommendations and referrals. Visit us today at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com.

Putting Yourself In The Character’s Shoes… Literally

If there was such a thing as an actor’s toolkit, what do you think would be in it? Of course all actors need a headshot and resume. A Star Search Casting membership is another essential item that every actor should also have. Some might say that every actor should prepare and have committed to memory a song that they can sing well to audition for roles that require both acting and singing. And for actors who are interested in musical theater and audition frequently, a pair of character shoes is a must.

When auditioning for musical theater, many casting notices specify that actors must bring character shoes for their audition. Character shoes are named for their use in theater because they are worn when actresses and actors are performing “in character.” They look very similar to tap shoes, and some actually can be ordered with taps. Character shoes typically come in tan or black, with leather soles, and are designed for rigorous movement and dancing for long periods of time. Directors and casting professionals also prefer character shoes for actors because they provide a sense of uniformity. Character shoes, especially for men, may also be referred to as jazz shoes.

If you’re purchasing a pair of character shoes for the first time, here are a few tips you may find useful:

-        Although character shoes are sold widely online, you may consider visiting a retail establishment to try on a few pairs to determine which style you prefer. You can then comparison shop for the same brand and style online. 

-        Character shoes for women are made with varying heel heights. Be sure to pick a height that you’ll be comfortable with.

-        Break your character shoes in by wearing them around the house.

-        Wipe the bottoms of your character shoes (if worn outside) before dancing on wooden floors

Character shoes are available at a variety of price points and can range from $30 – $130. One of the most popular brands of character shoes is Capezio, however there are lots of consumer reviews online that can also help you decide which brand would be best for you.

Feel free to discuss brands, prices and the best retail stores and websites to purchase character shoes on our community forum. Log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today to talk to other singers, dancers, actors and models about career related apparel, supplies and more!

Star Search Casting Members Audition To Help Advertise Regional & National Brands In Televised Commercials

www.StarSearchCasting.com is quickly becoming the leading website casting directors use to scout talent for commercials across the United States.

HOLLYWOOD – An increasing number of casting directors are using Star Search Casting (www.StarSearchCasting.com) to cast commercials for leading brands across the United States. Commercial casting directors find thousands of fresh faces and new talent each year on the website perfect for playing enthusiastic, likeable characters that advertising executives think will most effectively represent and sell their brands. Whether searching for actors, dancers, singers or models for commercials, casting directors know that Star Search Casting members have the look and the talent to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Star Search Casting has been the leading casting website for a decade. Casting directors and other entertainment industry professionals consistently use Star Search Casting to scout dancers, actors, singers and models for film, television, theater, music videos, commercials and many other types of productions. Casting directors have discovered thousands of energetic and expressive actors, dancers, singers and models for major motion pictures, network television shows and other major projects.

“Star Search Casting members have booked tons of commercials through our website,” says Jonathan Parker, founder and CEO of Star Search Casting. “There are thousands of commercials produced each year, so the market for commercials offers actors, dancers, singers and models lots of opportunities.”

Star Search Casting has provided numerous opportunities for actors, singers, dancers and models to audition for commercials for major consumer brands such as Nintendo as well as popular regional business like TZ Family Food and Fun. The website offers both union and non-union roles and the commercials posted on the site offer great opportunities for talent with all-American looks as well as unique and quirky looks. There’s no website with more casting notices for talent of all ethnicities, body types and levels of experience.

Star Search Casting has thousands of current casting notices online daily perfect for aspiring entertainers who think they’ve got what it takes to take the industry by storm. Actors, dancers, singers and models interested in auditioning for commercials, or other types of productions, can log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com to submit their headshots, full body photos and resumes today.

SCAM Alert – Elite Casting Network Members Use Community Forums to Investigate Modeling Agencies

www.EliteCastingNetwork.com members are becoming increasingly diligent about researching agents, managers and other entertainment industry professionals before establishing business relationships with them. In cases where Elite Casting Network members are uncertain about the legitimacy of an agent or manager, they often post their questions to the community forum where the Elite Casting Network staff and other members are quick to assist.

Most recently, a Elite Casting Network member was invited to an audition by Model Management Inc. in Los Angeles. While the member reviewed the company’s website, she still wasn’t sure if the company was a legitimate business. So she posted the name and address of the agency to the community forum to get feedback from the Elite Casting Network staff and other members.

When we researched Model Management Inc. we discovered that there were no complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau against this company, nor were there any complaints on the web. However, there was not much information available about the company at all, other than the company’s website, Myspace.com profile and posts on sites like Craigslist.org.

When we called the company’s Los Angeles office number, we got their voicemail. When we called their toll-free number, we also got a recorded message. In researching the Los Angeles address that the company included in their email to the Elite Casting Network member, we found that the company rents an HQ Global suite. HQ Global is a leading provider of virtual offices and small business suites. According to the company’s website, they have offices in San Diego, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.

None of the information we uncovered indicates that the company is engaged in fraudulent activity. However, we always recommend that if you’ve diligently researched a company and you still have reservations, feel free to call and ask a few questions if it will make you feel more comfortable.

Not every agency or management company will be a huge enterprise with a full staff and a fancy office. That doesn’t mean that the company isn’t capable of helping you to reach your goals as a model, singer, dancer or actress. In fact many smaller agencies are able to provide their clients with more personalized service. Explore all of your options, both small and large agencies, and then based on the information they provide, decide which option is best for you.

For more information on entertainment industry scams, or to ask questions related to companies that have contacted you, log in each day to http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and review our community forum and our Scam Alert section.

Star Search Casting Members Audition To Help Advertise Regional & National Brands In Televised Commercials

www.StarSearchCasting.com is quickly becoming the leading website casting directors use to scout talent for commercials across the United States.

HOLLYWOOD – An increasing number of casting directors are using Star Search Casting (www.StarSearchCasting.com) to cast commercials for leading brands across the United States. Commercial casting directors find thousands of fresh faces and new talent each year on the website perfect for playing enthusiastic, likeable characters that advertising executives think will most effectively represent and sell their brands. Whether searching for actors, dancers, singers or models for commercials, casting directors know that Star Search Casting members have the look and the talent to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Star Search Casting has been the leading casting website for a decade. Casting directors and other entertainment industry professionals consistently use Star Search Casting to scout dancers, actors, singers and models for film, television, theater, music videos, commercials and many other types of productions. Casting directors have discovered thousands of energetic and expressive actors, dancers, singers and models for major motion pictures, network television shows and other major projects.

“Star Search Casting members have booked tons of commercials through our website,” says Jonathan Parker, founder and CEO of Star Search Casting. “There are thousands of commercials produced each year, so the market for commercials offers actors, dancers, singers and models lots of opportunities.”

Star Search Casting has provided numerous opportunities for actors, singers, dancers and models to audition for commercials for major consumer brands such as Nintendo as well as popular regional business like TZ Family Food and Fun. The website offers both union and non-union roles and the commercials posted on the site offer great opportunities for talent with all-American looks as well as unique and quirky looks. There’s no website with more casting notices for talent of all ethnicities, body types and levels of experience.

Star Search Casting has thousands of current casting notices online daily perfect for aspiring entertainers who think they’ve got what it takes to take the industry by storm.  Actors, dancers, singers and models interested in auditioning for commercials, or other types of productions, can log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com to submit their headshots, full body photos and resumes today.

Should You Go To Modeling School?

Many aspiring models have signed up for modeling classes only to discover they’ve been the victims of a scam. This is unfortunate because there are actually a number of reputable modeling schools that have successfully helped many new models sharpen their skills and approach the industry with confidence. While modeling school does not guarantee your success in the industry, it can be a helpful stepping-stone for many aspiring models who are new to the industry.

In addition to researching the modeling school before you sign up or pay any fees, it’s also important that you learn about the school’s curriculum. To make sure that you benefit from the experience, you want to be sure that you’ll learn valuable information about the industry and helpful tips that can help you secure jobs in the future.

A reputable modeling school should help you to:

-        Develop good posture

-        Learn the fundamentals of walking on the runway

-        Learn how to apply makeup and take care of your skin

-        Develop poise and self confidence

-        Adopt good nutritional habits

-        Learn how to model for the camera

Modeling schools can be extremely helpful for models who are new to the industry and want an opportunity to learn about the industry in a comfortable, nurturing environment.

You should not sign up for modeling schools that require you to pay for photo shoots with specific photographers. Additionally, you should not sign up for modeling schools as a requirement for being signed to an agency. These are common tactics used by disreputable agencies.

Additionally, a reputable modeling school should give you a realistic assessment of your modeling potential. If a modeling school promises you work based on enrolling in their school – it may be a scam. 

Are you interested in talking to other aspiring models who have enrolled in modeling schools? Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and post your questions in our community forum to learn more about other Star Search Casting members’ experiences in the modeling industry.

Practice Makes Perfect – Tips For Singers

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “practice makes perfect.” And no, singing in the shower doesn’t count. If you’ve decided to pursue singing as a career, then it’s time you develop a consistent practice regimen to prepare yourself for the road ahead. To develop a successful practice regimen you’ll need to:

-        Make a schedule of the days and times you will reserve for practicing

-        Research vocal exercises that you can use during your scheduled practice

-        Develop a system for charting your growth

Whether you’ve set aside 20 minutes to practice, or two hours, be sure to begin with a warm up. It’s also important that you prepare the exercises you’ll be working on before your scheduled practice time. If you spend your practice time searching for exercises, or trying to comprehend the instructions, that’s less time that you’re actually working on your voice.

In addition to helping you improve the tone of your voice, committing to a practice schedule will also help you to…

…build endurance. If you’re considering becoming a professional singer, then much like an athlete, you will need to train your voice so that you can sing for long periods of time without your voice fatiguing which can result in pitch problems. 

…become a well-rounded singer. Longer practice sessions not only help improve vocal quality, but also help you become a better sight reader, memorize more material, and develop your poise and stage presence.

…gauge your progress. As you practice more often, you will begin to see marked differences in your voice, and begin to note how you’re improving. It’s also advisable to chart your progress on paper so that you can visually see how you’re developing.

Curious to learn more about how other Elite Casting Network members improve their vocal technique? Visit our community forum at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com to network with other singers. And be sure to check out singing auditions in your area!