Author Archives: Michael Schreiber

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Q and A: Do You Need to be SAG or AFTRA?

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Since writing this post, SAG and AFTRA have merged into SAG-AFTRA.  It’s one union…

Q: [Our son] has been doing some work as an extra and we have been asked if we are members of SAG of AFTRA. Do you recommend one and do you need to be a member of both to be able to work on a SAG project or AFTRA?

A: To simplify as best I can: if a production is signed under a union agreement, you need to be part of the union to work on that production.

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7 Simple Ways for Actors to Jumpstart Momentum

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  1. Set a new goal. Choose an action you can take that you are in control of, and can work towards…big or small.  And then begin.
  2. Read.  Read plays, novels, short stories, the newspaper…acting is storytelling.  Let yourself be affected and inspired by stories and how they are told.
  3. Watch a movie…but watch it with intention.  Don’t just veg out in front of the TV.  Is there an actor you like?  A character you’d like to play?  Study the performances; develop a critical eye…what did you like, and why? Continue reading →

Fear of Falling: Acting Lessons from Rock Climbers

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A friend of mine (thanks Ben!) recently told me about a rock climbing coach who teaches that when you are in the gym on a rock-climbing wall, you have to fall.  Especially if you are afraid of it.  Having a fear of falling dictates your technique.

I immediately thought of actors as I am constantly encouraging them to take risks…so I found the post…

The language (by Dave MacLeod, link to the post here) is very technical in relation to rock climbing, but struck me as very relevant to the actor.  He writes:

Adam Hill and Brad Garrett – “Stages”

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Ladies and gentlemen…here is the first teaser for Stages, an educational documentary, coming soon.

A little history: working on “Stages” was the spark that eventually led to this website.  The 3 founding members of StageSuccess.com are also the team behind the film: Michael Schreiber, producer; David Stott, director; and Adam Hill…

Success is Easy

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Commentary:  I am a huge believer that to be truly successful in any endeavor you must be constantly working on yourself as a person.  Especially as an actor: you are the product that you are marketing.  Doesn’t it make sense that it would be easier to market a product at it’s best, and getting better?

Obviously, I recommend doing the activities that are spoken about in this video: exercise, meditation, being on time, etc…everyday.  I understand that consistency is difficult, and I work on it constantly.  I also know that these positive habits will help your energy, creativity, and thus your career.  More acting specific habits: reading, seeing live theatre, staying in touch with your industry contacts, taking classes, auditioning…simple things, done consistently, over time: how could that not lead to success?

For more information on T. Harv Eker and Peak Potentials, please see our reviews page, or go directly to their site here.

23 Benefits of Taking Acting Classes (and Commentary)

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23 benefits of taking acting classes:

1. They give you a base to work from…

2. They give you a solid technique that you can fall back on and recreate time after time in different situations…

3. They will help you to be able to access your emotions…

4. They will help you to see where you need to improve… Continue reading →

Yourself at Your Best

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In a recent Entertainment Weekly, actress Greta Gerwig had some great perspective:

“I remember sitting at my kitchen table and my mom saying, ‘Do you really think you’re as good as Meryl Streep?” she laughs. “I said, ‘Mom, I just have to be as good as me.”

It’s so simple.  Focus on being yourself at your best.  That is what people want to see.  Meryl Streep is already doing a great job being Meryl Streep, and she is not likely to need help at it any time soon.

What makes her statement even better is that her own mom got caught up in comparing her to someone else–possibly the greatest living actress we have, no less.  On any kind of creative path, it can only lead to frustration to compare yourself to others.  Yes, you can analyze  their strengths and weaknesses, search for inspiration and the like, but you should also recognize that their path is different from yours, and that difference is to be embraced and celebrated.

If you are going to compare yourself to someone else, ask yourself if you are better today than you were yesterday, and if you are working to be better tomorrow than you are today.  If you can answer yes to these questions, that should be all you need to know.

The Wisdom of Will Smith

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I wanted to kick-off our blog with this video, which I’ve taken the time to consume now on multiple occasions.  Will Smith’s message is at the foundation of what we intend this site to be about.

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