Annie Grindlay Studio

05/07/2025

Casting directors only watching 10 seconds of a self-tape audition to decide whether to book an actor or not? It’s a hot topic, but here's why that’s unlikely and, frankly, impractical.

Each audition is an opportunity for you to network with casting professionals, which furthers your career. Make the most out of each audition submission. The CDs we know are rooting for you to succeed.

05/06/2025

Congratulations, Shon Middlebrooks, for booking a commercial with Citizens Trust Bank!!! This is such a beautiful spot and looks so good! WOW!!! Check it out, everyone!

Looking for a standout talent for your next campaign? Shon’s charisma, professionalism, and on-screen presence make him the perfect choice to bring your vision to life. Book Shon for your next project today!

The campaign draws inspiration from CTB’s founding in 1921 when Heman Perry was denied the ability to buy socks from a white-owned Atlanta store. That moment of racial discrimination led Perry to create a Black-owned bank that would provide equal access to wealth – a mission that remains central to CTB today.

05/05/2025

Using a pre-recorded voice as your reader? It shows. Instead, grab a reader on Zoom, FaceTime, or in person. Your self-tapes need real connection. If you are not connecting with a real person, we see that in your eyes. The spark is missing, which doesn't help tell the story for your auditions. That is the most important thing of a self-tape, to be present and available while performing. ✨ 💎

I hope this helps!

Do you need a reader? Team up with fellow actors in your class or community! We encourage students to network with each other and find a few students to assist you as a reader when you audition. Doing this will ensure your reader is aligned with your training, which makes it easier to record your self-tape.

05/05/2025

05/03/2025

The key to booking work as an actor is learning to act without acting - which means having a human experience and getting out of the "actor head".

AGS teaches the art of auditioning because that is something that is not often taught in a four-year BFA program or a scene study class. The audition is a completely different animal and it can be daunting at first.
We teach our actors how to experience the conversation as a human being, not as an actor. It is amazing what happens when you, as the actor, feel the truth of your work. You stop acting and you start having an honest human experience. This is key to booking work as an actor.

We have a complete suite of On-Camera Audition Classes with professional teachers ready to help you book the job and work toward your desired career. To enroll in classes or take a free audition class, visit anniegrindlay.com.

05/02/2025

Carla’s 1-Day Commercial Intensive is now fully booked! 🎉 The response has been absolutely incredible, and we’re so grateful for the energy and support from our community. From referrals to email forwards and shared promos, you’ve made this event a big success. Thank you for being a part of it!

The next 1-Day Commercial Intensive will be held on Wednesday, September 17th, from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. In this 1 Day Commercial Intensive, you'll master the art of making each commercial audition memorable and tailored to YOUR individual casting type.

🔗 To find out more and sign up, visit anniegrindlay.com/commercial-acting-class-intensive.

We're excited to see you there!

05/01/2025

Heading to a wardrobe fitting for your next booked job? Don’t forget to pack the outfit you wore to the audition! ☺️❤️

Directors, producers, or ad executives might just love that look, and if they decide to use it, with union gigs it could mean a pay bump 💰. Also, if it’s out of town, double-check it’s in your suitcase! 👍☺️❤️

-Carla Rosati

04/30/2025

Bravo to my Fundamental Intensive students! ☺️❤️
This month, it was a lot of fun coaching these incredibly talented actors. We focused on discovering specifics within the sides. How to not take things in the script for granted, and that all the clues you need to tell a compelling story are on the page. You have to learn how to find all those gems, which they definitely started to master by the end of the Intensive!

Keep shining, everyone. I’m so proud of you all! 👍☺️❤️

- Carla Rosati

04/29/2025

Last week, we shared Annie's Audition Prep Checklist, and the response from all of you has been incredible! Some of you reached out with questions about step 2, which states, “Reread the sides focusing only on the unstated experiences.”

Now, let's break this down. What exactly are unstated experiences? Think of them as the moments in between the lines (the pauses, the subtext) that breathe life into your storytelling. These are the subtle yet powerful choices that elevate your performance.

Here’s a closer look at how to uncover those moments and use them to bring truth and depth to your work. Enjoy!

04/28/2025

🎭 You’ve got the talent. You’ve got the marketable look. You’ve got the intelligence. So what's your real job as an actor? Talent can only take you halfway. What's next? That’s where studying the craft comes in.

The job of an actor is to take what’s on the page and bring it to life. It’s about telling stories that move people, that inspire, that ignite something within them.

At Annie Grindlay Studio, we teach you not only how to do the work but also how to love doing it. Every week, we focus on the art of storytelling, on refining your skills, on learning to love the process. It’s about becoming a true storyteller. If you’re ready to take your craft to the next level, we’re here for you. The question is, are you ready to do the work? ✨ 💎

I hope this helps!

Send this message to a fellow actor friend who needs this reminder. 🌟

04/25/2025

Costume for you, not casting. Wear what empowers you to embody the story. ✨💎I hope this helps!

Send this message to a fellow actor friend who needs this reminder. 🌟

04/25/2025

Feeling unmotivated? 📝 Our wonderful teacher, Jo-Ann Pantoja, has shared advice in her video messages about how to boost your confidence: write down ALL your wins! 🎉

Big or small, each success matters:
➡️ Got an audition? Win!
➡️ Landed a callback? Win!
➡️ Attended acting class? Win!
➡️ Watched a film this week to learn & study other actors? Win!

This week, take some time to list out all your achievements in a journal. You'll be amazed at how far you've come and how resilient you are. You're more badass than you think! 💪