Friday, March 26, 2010

Katz Kasting Group Cruise

Over the years I have had many conversations with Actors & Extras on set about my cruise experiences, and just my overall love for cruising. There is just something amazing about standing on the vacant top deck at night looking out into the vast expanse, seeing nothing on the horizon, but the moon reflecting on the water and hearing the soft sound of waves crashing against the ship. It's so peaceful. I remember one night I was standing out there in the late hours of the night, and off in the distance I could see a thunderstorm. It was beautiful where I was, but I could see the lightening crackeling across the sky. The clouds illuminated with each bolt. So beautiful! And you might ask, Where was everyone else on the ship? Good question... because when it gets late it seems the ship kinda clears out (except maybe the Casino & the Kareoke bar). Other than that I think most people actually head to their cabins. It's the perfect time to explore and feel like you are on a voyage by yourself! :)

I've taken several cruises with my family and have always thought it would be a new experience to go on a group cruise, so I began researching specific group cruises that I would like to be a part of, and realized they are somewhat pricey, considering I am taking a 12-day Eurpoean cruise for the same price as some of these group cruises! So I decided to see about organizing something like this myself, and how fun would it be to actually KNOW alot of these fellow cruisers! So hence the Katz Kasting Group Cruise idea was born!

How many of you have always thought of taking a cruise, but either thought it was too expensive, or just didn't want to go by yourself? Or perhaps you are a seasoned cruiser and would just like to explore a new experience on a group cruise.

Whatever the case may be, I hope that you will join my friend Adrienne & I on this group cruise! We are inviting some of our friends as well, and so you may feel free to invite yours. The more the merrier!

I was thinking of having a Meet & Greet on the first ship day after the ship sails, or before... so we can meet everyone we don't know and who knows what new friendships you may create out of the group!

So if you think you might be interested in going, I invite you to join our Facebook Group so that you can ask questions, and perhaps find a room mate (if you need one) or excursion partner.

I spent a bit of time getting together the page on the website to answer more basic questions, so please take time to read the entire page if you have never cruised before. It will definitely give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

I will be posting more about the cruise later.

Deadline.... I don' t know.... soon as you can. The deposit to lock in your room rate is $200 per person. You pay the rest out in increments or at one payment later on. I do know that the prices quoted won't last long, doesn't mean you have to book immediately, but you may be paying a little bit more, as through summer the prices usually rise, and to be a part of the group you must have a full paid booking by Aug 8. Or you will be cruising on your own with no group perks!

So if you are interested, EMAIL ME ASAP and let me know when you would be able to pay your deposit. You won't pay it to me, but to my PVP from Carnival when he books your room.

See ya on board!!
Katrina

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Listen MORE & Talk LESS

Acting Tip of the Day:

Listen MORE & Talk LESS.

Talking = Socializing = Networking

Talking is a key element to Networking. However, it's very important that you learn to recognize when you have said enough.

I'm trying to think of the nice way to say this.... and forgive me for being tactless, but I can't tell you how many actors have lost a callback or perhaps even a role because they talk too much. Or how many times an EXTRA leaves set and someone from crew says "Please don't have that person back, they are distractive because they TALK TOO MUCH."

From the Production point of view. You talk alot... you socialize.... you will probably end up costing us money if we put you on set, because you may end up socializing with the crew (instead of them working) or socializing with other actors (when they want to be studying) or you may be talking and miss an important cue. It's just basically disruptive, may cause the scene to run longer than expected, and it's ultimately costly to the production. You may get jobs, but they more than likely won't be ones that have you on set for many days. Some productions think they can "deal" with a big talker for a single day or two. But wouldn't it be nice to just avoid that "big talker" stigma altogether??

So here is a simple tip I offer you in regards to networking functions/events/on set ...

The 5-minute rule.
Meet someone. Talk 5 minutes. Make sure you have let them talk 3 of those 5 minutes. Unless the person is actively asking you genuine questions, then close the conversation and move on. Even when the person is seemingly interested in you and what you have to say, unless the other person keeps the conversation going, you should close the conversation and move on after 10 minutes max. Any amount of time after that you begin creating your negative impressions... so stop while you are ahead!

Remember, if you are at a networking event, people are there to meet lots of people, not just one.

How do you END the conversation? "I've enjoyed meeting you, I am going to let you visit with others, but look forward to seeing you again. "

And if you do see the person again throughout the evening don't ignore them, but give a friendly guesture of some sort and that will help create a positive impression. (That you are a pleasure to be around, talk to, and are respectful of my time)

AUDITION TIP:
Yes you may have a very interesting life story to share, but unless we ask, we probably don't have time to hear about it. Even if we ask, keep it short and sweet. When you end an audition, just say THANK YOU. That's all that's necessary. Don't hang around in the waiting room, and don't talk to everyone that's there.

CLASS TIP:
If you attend a class that allows you to ask questions, make a list of your most important key questions and ask those. Don't be a "question hog" but allow everyone else adequate opportunity to ask their questions. And perhaps they will voice one of your concerns. If you have a million questions, space them out over time, don't expect to get them all answered the first time. That can be overwhelming for the teacher as well as the other people who feel that they didn't get their own personal time to ask questions.


I have talked longer than 5 minutes so it's time to end this conversation and move on :)

~K

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Attend a NEW ACTORS Class

If you are New to Acting or still have lots of unanswered questions then perhaps you should consider attending one of my NEW ACTOR Classes.

Your goal is to become an Actor, let me help you get the basic questions answered so you can begin your journey!

These classes consist of basic lecture info and then a Q&A where you can ask any relevant questions and I will answer them to the best of my knowledge. Remember, I can only speak from my own personal experience, not the entire Casting world :)

Each class is $25 (in advance) or $35 at the door.

They are hosted at a Restaurant in Dallas, so you can grab dinner before or during the class.

LEVEL 1 CLASS: How to Get Started Acting In Film or TV
LEVEL 1 CLASS: Extras Meet & Greet / Q&A

LEVEL 2 CLASS: Audition Skills Class / Q&A
LEVEL 2 CLASS: Cold Reading Class (Participation Class)

Other classes may be created as time goes by. If you are interested in attending either of the above classes, please send me an email requesting info. I typically host 2 (of the 4) classes per month.

Email: katrina@katzkasting.com
Make sure you include which class(es) you want to attend, and don't forget your name.

Welcome to My Blog!

Thank you for stopping by my blog. Please click the link to "follow" the blog so that you can keep up with what's going on!

I will post various Acting Tips, Advice, Casting Info, Project info, etc as things come available or as thoughts pop into my mind!

Feel free to invite any of your other "Movie" friends to join the fun! :)

Katrina