All posts by "Ilana Rapp"

Senior Writer
Ilana Rapp is a media-savvy Generation Xer with instinctive wit, quick humor and a taste for deep human emotions. As a former (child) actress with Broadway, film and television credits, she is adept at, well, lots of things. She currently blogs on The Huffington Post and writes entertainment pieces for NYCastings. She is a huge fan of the television show V. Ask her why her favorite number is 22. Follow Ilana on Twitter @LizardLadyNJ.
NYCastings-6-Tips-on-How-to-Prepare-for-an-Audition-Techniques-and-Strategies

Creating a strong, memorable impression during an acting audition is a no brainer for securing roles and advancing your career. This extensive manual aims to assist actors at any stage ...
NYCastings-Acting-for-the-Camera-Techniques-for-Film-and-Television

Acting for the camera, whether it’s in film or television, presents unique challenges and opportunities that differ significantly from stage acting. Actors transitioning from theater to film or television, as ...
NYCastings-The-SAG-AFTRA-Strike-Is-Over-Olivia-WIlde-Kevin-Bacon

After an eternity of uncertainty and countless negotiations, the long-awaited moment has finally arrived: the actors strike is over! Screens will be graced by talented actors, and the magic of ...
DirectSubmit - Circus and Acrobatic Skills - Enhancing an Actor's Performance Repertoire

The realm of acting is expansive and constantly changing, as actors persistently strive to improve their skills and mesmerize spectators. While traditional acting techniques and methods are indispensable, there’s an ...
Making-the-Most-of-the-SAG-AFTRA-Strike-A-Guide-for-Actors

Since July 14, 2023, the American actors’ union Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has been on strike over an ongoing labor dispute with the Alliance ...
Legal and Financial Aspects for Actors

In the acting space, where creativity and artistry are at the forefront, legal and financial matters often take a backstage. However, as actors navigate their careers, an understanding of contracts, ...
Senior-Actor-Monologues-How-to-Choose-a-Story-That-Resonates-Senior-Citizen

In show business, age is not just a number but a treasure trove of experiences, memories, and narratives waiting to be unveiled. For senior actors, the stage or screen is ...
NYCastings-Healthy-Self-Image-Nurturing-Confidence-On-and-Off-Screen

Every actor, regardless of age or experience level, knows the intrinsic challenges that accompany a career in the public eye. The constant scrutiny, the public’s opinions, and sometimes the harsh ...
Neb Chupin. Photo by Hrvoje Serdar.

Croatian-born Neb Chupin, an esteemed actor and producer, starred in Til Death Do Us Part, now streaming. A mechanical engineer by training, Neb transitioned from a successful engineering career at companies ...
NYCastings-The-Art-of-Cold-Reading-for-Actors-Tips-and-Tricks

Cold reading is the art of delivering a performance with minimal preparation, often reading directly from a script without having had the opportunity to study it in advance. For actors, ...
NYCastings-Medical-Simulations-The-Role-of-Actors-in-Shaping-Tomorrows-Doctors

In the world of medical education, there’s a unique crossover with the realm of theater. No, medical students aren’t being trained to take up the stage, but actors are stepping ...
Producers and Directors

The film and television industry is known for its complex hierarchy and multitude of roles. Producers and Directors are way up there on the ladder. Before we get into examples, ...
Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool

In today’s interconnected society, ahem, The Digital Age, acting has evolved into a multifaceted art that extends well beyond conventional stages and screens. Modern actors face the task of mastering ...
NYCastings-Navigating-High-School-Drama-Building-Your-Acting-Foundation

During the high school years, teenagers experience a whirlwind of emotions, embark on exciting journeys, and encounter countless opportunities. This period holds immense significance for many individuals, especially those who unearth their ...
Zurin Villanueva as Tina Turner.

NOTE: This interview was conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike. True New Yorker actress, Zurin Villanueva, plays Tina Turner in TINA: The Tina Turner Musical. But it wasn’t all cupcakes ...
Horizon Forbidden West

Virtual Reality (VR) has continued making waves across various sectors – from gaming to education to real estate. As the world steadily shifts from conventional experiences to digital encounters, the ...
Zoe Saldana and Chris Pratt in Guardians of the Galaxy

Being an actor requires an immense amount of skill, dedication, and persistence. While the allure of bright lights, acclaim, and artistic fulfillment draws many to the acting avenue, it’s equally ...
Astronomical Theater

The vast expanse of the cosmos, with its twinkling stars and celestial mysteries, has long captured the human imagination. Through art, literature, and now theater, we have endeavored to interpret ...
SAG-AFTRA Strike Demands, Impact, and Industry Reshaping

“In a perfect world, I would like someone on the other side to say, ‘We have to make this a more employee-friendly industry. It behooves us all to take that ...
How Actors are Revolutionizing Law Enforcement with Micro-Expression Training

Making a living as an actor is not easy. One solution to keep your chops up is Micro-Expression Training for Law Enforcement and Security. While traditionally we might think of ...