Worked as the 0wner/ Operator of a Talent Management business specializing in character actors.
Co Owned a successful recording studio for 7 seven years with well known recording engineer husband.
Loves to read with the actor.
Does not tape pre-read. Loves postcard from people I KNOW… with a personal note added.
Most mail gets opened.
Use Showfax and Castnet for online casting.
Don’t take phone calls and hard to chitchat.
See 2 people every 5 minutes… 5 to 10 minute wait.
Like doing workshop and helps actor be better prepared. Lots of basic information. Every group different so can repeat workshop because of group dynamics will change.
“Don’t know better way to get hands on experience and I can see your work and redirect—never going to get that in my office”. I comment with you in audition as reader trying to raise the stakes—giving you every moment—did our work to get you there so you do your work—can you match my energy… stakes are high and you expected to rise to the level.
Specialize in film.
Soap that Karen wrote may be picked up.
All years in business since age 9 – have writing background—do some TV… film; best known for—casting film…
Doing Mafia film based on reality… Donnie Brasco—undercover guy Joe Seeva (sp) ...real Mafia soap For Life is title just got promotion to Associate Producer not just courtesy very proud of film--celebrity being placed now
The independent taken on as low budget gaining momentum--
Want one decent fair human being representing you … not about money but the work—like mind and spirit not upsetting people. Key is quality representation by just your size… know where you are now and what will suit your needs.
Be original and create a relationship - well written notes - need your picture to correlate name and face and handwritten notes.
“Look at tapestry turned out—why you are here—not in vain—turn over the cloth and wow look how beautiful that is—all of life makes you stronger.” Don’t let experience be in vain—enjoy tonight for what it is, and not a wasted evening.
Going to Audition is like money in bank… someone is banking you will book… hold on to find a bigger role… each audition is an investment… be good while there… gifts are there.
Natural essence when you meet someone in person—go on just natural personality… own the room—natural personality—coaching you then you are in trouble. 1st rule... be completely confident and ready to work. 2nd rule... own the room. 3rd rule... no apology
Take moment or two of balance… that is all we are looking for.. you don’t know who I am, so tell me about you NOT RESUME. There is only one of you on the planet and your strength is what is unique or special about your life.
HATE playing it safe… this will carry you through… owing a room - I believe it misunderstood not being cocky - "owning" means doing your work that you rehearsed it and blocked it---subtle blocking – don’t want you to expect me to give your frames of script and character analysis - honor my intelligence and be responsible. Hold sides even if you know your lines.
Don’t choose one person on panel to deliver line to - not just center to casting direction coming up with conclusions… know where energy spots are. Professional knows how to own room— and are nicer, happy, secure… no one needs to be cocky or mean.
Give yourself 5 x 5 space to work – know energy source and casting director or both - full front is strongest body position but front profile lose 50% of power.
Headshots – woman I don’t want to see sexy. Love color pictures and for goodness sake don’t play safe with picture… find out who you are and let it come through your photo.
PET PEEVES 1. don’t play safe 2. no sexy pictures
Life is circles—journey tonight... Bring something new to script.
In every workshop a theme… tonight is be original —there is only one of you in the world BE ORIGINAL, and keep a secret in the scene.
1. Challenge you to read and choose your role to be played to your natural essence.
2. Blocking keep it simple as possible 2 chairs no table—get up.
3. Everyone wants to play safe, but if add secret it adds something no one else brings to the role
4. Actors should ask questions to help you do your best job.
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Karen Armstrong May 3, 2004 Associate Producter & Casting Director for Talent DeLaurentiis Production
Been in entertainment as long as can remember – always known blueprint. Grew up in Orange County. Began theatre acting at age 11, TV by age 13. On second series was a regular at age 21. At 23 was pregnant, and stopped acting. Pastor at church took aside and introduced her to private school that needed drama teacher. Worked with all ages for 6 years. Family had management company and meet Suzanne DeLaurentis from East Coast… Suzanne rented space when in LA and used Karen as consultant. Karen could answer legal questions. Suzanne took her out to dinner and told her want to hire you to find talent and Karen Jumped into bloody waters—smaller things do well and can then take on larger tasks… Karen quite after three months and came back to just do casting now 8 years of bills moving into producing. Hate rudeness. Sitting in all meeting and decide to delete roles and improve dialogue Love people, compassionate; love actors and looking out for people and integrity.
Shooting Sept 10th – True Stories of a mob family in Philadelphia, 10th & Wolf – kids take over secrets – one goes into FBI. One is a criminal as a grownup. The Laundry Room - Atlantic City internal affairs – was run by dirty cops. Senior citizen using laundry room as office. Just acquired in Atlantic City. Spin – into TV series
Love to get cards or postcards in envelopes…loves to open mail.
Does attend theatre with her daughter who is 14 so age appropriate plays because her daughter charges $1 for curse words.
Knowing actors gives me a 3-D--- it’s me learning about you, your excuses, whether you follow direction… Do you take and do and move it? That’s what I look for… choices, intention…
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