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R. Astarte Piccione

Expert Guru
Writer and peace activist Rachel Astarte Piccione was born in DeKalb, Illinois and raised in Upstate New York. Primarily a screenwriter and journalist, Rachel was also the 1996 Poet Laureate of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She holds a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting from Emerson College in Boston and has studied acting at Loughborough University (UK) and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.

Rachel's work centers on the promotion of cultural unity through the performing arts, with a focus on the Indian film industry. Her feature script, “Little India” was a semi-finalist in the 2006 American Screenwriting Competition and a 2006 Gloria Film Festival Screenplay Competition selection.

In her recent development work, Rachel traveled to Udaipur, India to work with the Non-government Organization (NGO) Mahan Seva Sansthan, through the Foundation for Sustainable Development’s ProCorp volunteer program. During her two-month tenure, Rachel wrote a documentary film script, “Mahan Seva Sansthan: Educating for Empowerment,” about MSS’s work in rural Rajasthan over the past two decades. She also shot video footage in the villages and compiled film stills.

As part of her ongoing peace work, Rachel has given numerous readings across the country, and lectured at such venues as New York City’s New School on the topic of employing the arts as a means toward conflict resolution.

In 1996, Rachel founded gentlefish productions, inc., a company that offers full-service writing work for forward-thinking businesses and individuals. http://gentlefishproductions.com


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What is a working actor?


10 Tips from R. Astarte Piccione

Press and Publicity for Actors

If you're just starting out as an actor, is it worth it to hire a publicist? Probably not. Unless you've just completed a major project such as your first feature film, the best bet is to keep your publicity confined to mailings to industry professionals. However, if you do have a major announcement to make, it's not a bad idea to hire a PR writer to write up a press release. Press releases are a great way to get news out about advances in your career. Publicists who specialize in promoting actors are relatively easy to find on the Internet. There's a good chance, too, that your press releases will be distributed online as well, through such newswire services as PRWeb and iNewswire.

Back to School

Acting classes are not only a great way to hone your craft in between jobs, but they are a great way to meet other actors and network with industry professionals. Besides the obvious benefits of learning techniques to improve your acting skills, attending regular classes can be like attending a support group. By interacting with others in your field, you can share experiences (both good and bad!), exchange contacts, share creative ideas and delve deeper into the ins and outs of a career in acting.

Actors Pay Taxes, Too!

Once you start your acting career, one of the smartest things you can do for yourself is to hire an accountant. It may sound daunting, but a good accountant may be able to save you money year after year. S/he will be able to tell you which of your expenses are tax deductable. For example, did you know that your headshots, postage for mailings, trade magazines and newspapers, classes, and even transportation to and from school and/or auditions are all tax-deductable!

Avoiding Shady Agencies

When it comes to assessing agencies, it's wise to pay attention to your instincts. If you're unsure whether an agency is on the up-and-up, here is a general rule to follow: Agencies and management companies should never charge a fee to represent you. (That includes mailings!) Their job is to find you auditions and get paid in a percentage (generally 10%) from your earnings. Also beware of pressure to sign a contract right away. Don't be swayed by photos of celebrities on office walls; just because they are hanging there doesn't mean this agency represents them! Finally, search the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the agency you are interested in signing with has any reports filed against it.

Your Resume and Headshot

An acting resume should never be longer than one page. Since you'll be handing your resume over with your headshot, the idea is to have the resume attached to the back of the photo. Many photo printing companies offer the service of printing your resume directly to the back of your photo. If this option is in your budget, take it; it is the preferred method of casting directors. If not, try to glue your resume to your photo (neatly!). If you opt for stapling the resume, be sure to staple each corner to the photo. Never use paper clips, as they snag on other photos and resumes in a casting director's pile. Besides, the last thing you want is for your photo and resume to be separated; one without the other is useless!

Drama School Electives

So you've decided to go to drama school. Good for you! Now what courses should you take? Remember that your goal is to become a well-rounded performer. Don't shy away from classes that challenge you. For example, if you can't sing, take a singing course anyway. There's more to learn than carrying a tune. As an actor breath control is vital, and there's no better way to learn the tricks of this skill than a course in vocal music.

What is an Actor?

By definition, an actor is a person who plays a role in a dramatic production. But what makes an actor good at what s/he does? Actors have a deep sensitivity to the inner workings of the human psyche. They are able not only to ascertain the motivations and emotions of those around them (which might be considered research), but they are able to render these same motivations and emotions convincingly when they portray a character.

Don't Be a Diva

There are so many "rules" in acting, and one of the biggest is this: The director is god. In other words, if you're going to take on an acting job, be sure you share your director's vision of the role you've been given and of the production as a whole. Check your ego at the theater door (or studio gates, as the case may be). There will inevitably be points of disagreement between you and your director, but don't waste the director's, crew members', and other actors' time by getting into argument on stage (or set). The best way to handle conflicts is to ask to speak with the director after the day's work is done. In the end, however, remember that the director has final say.

Top Five Tips for New Auditioners

If you're new to the auditioning process, here are the five most important tips for a successful audition.

1. Show up on time. Lateness reflects badly on you as a professional. (How will you make rehearsals/shoot dates if you can't even arrive on time for the audition?)

2. Bring your headshot and resume. Have it readily available.

3. Be prepared. Whether you have to read a segment of the script (called "sides") or perform a monologue, be sure you are ready to go from the moment you step into the auditioning room.

4. Be respectful...even when the auditioners aren't. The fact is that some auditioners are downright rude. It may seem to you that you're not holding their interest or even you're being ignored. Do not let this affect your performance.

5. When you're finished, say thank you...and then leave. Do not linger and discuss your life, the piece, how much you enjoy the character, etc.

Your audition is your first impression. Make it a good one.

Warm-up Your Face!

Like a professional athlete, actors need to get their bodies warmed up before performing on stage or in front of a camera. Yoga and other types of stretching exercises work quite well for full body toning. However, don't neglect the most important areas: your mouth and jaw! Lip, tongue, and jaw exercises are vital to an actor. Here's a quick combination exercise you can practice anytime: Clasp your hands in front of you at chest level as though you are about to arm wrestle yourself. Relax all the muscles in your face. Begin to shake your clasped hands rapidly toward and away from your body. Your lips and jaw should move easily, and your tongue should flop around in your mouth. Stop shaking your hands, and finish off by opening your mouth wide and relaxing it shut again to release any further tension in your jaw.