- 2 days ago
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00:00Can you guys read what's on my shirt?
00:04Hey!
00:06I am so happy to be here today with you guys,
00:09and I want to invite my sisters to come join us.
00:13First, we're going to have Vanessa Estelle Williams.
00:21And Anissa Williams.
00:24Now, before we tell you a little bit about ourselves,
00:33who's ready to work?
00:34Y'all been listening to these conversations.
00:36Who is ready to work in this room?
00:39So we need four actors, two guys and two girls.
00:43I recognize them.
00:45Don't rush, don't rush, let me pick.
00:47Let me pick.
00:47Let me pick you guys.
00:49This brother and this brother.
00:50Yes, yes, yes, those two.
00:52But wait, wait, no, no, no.
00:53Jackie, Jackie, and give me a woman to go with Jackie
00:57for the Candace Taylor.
00:59Oh, Jackie?
00:59Come here, come here.
01:00The Candace Taylor.
01:01I got one, I got one.
01:01Okay, all right, y'all pick.
01:02I got one.
01:03Come here.
01:04Go to, and get your sides.
01:06Oh.
01:06Go get your sides.
01:07This is cold reading.
01:08We need just one of you.
01:10We're doing a cold reading.
01:11Pick a number between, pick a number between one to ten.
01:14Go on that side.
01:16Okay, we have more volunteers.
01:17Wait, wait, wait, we have two people.
01:18You guys go over there.
01:19You're going.
01:21Hi!
01:22Hi!
01:22Hi!
01:23This is perfect.
01:25So, take a look at those scenes, gather what you can from the words on the page,
01:31and then we're going to come back.
01:33So, we're going to introduce ourselves now.
01:34But I want to know, Jackie, what scene do you have?
01:38What does it say?
01:40Candace, and, okay, and what's your name?
01:46Siobhan, you have the same scene, right?
01:48Perfect.
01:48So, you guys take three minutes.
01:50Okay, and everyone take three minutes.
01:52The guys, too.
01:53And then the guy, okay, so now we have one extra person.
01:56They can even, you guys, you might not be able to get to a third.
01:58So, the other young lady, you're on standby for the role.
02:04Okay?
02:05So, get used to these terms and ideas.
02:09So, we're going to have fun here tonight.
02:11So, thank you.
02:11I mean, well, today.
02:13So, thank y'all for hanging with us.
02:16So, I'll tell you a little bit about myself, and then I'll, Vanessa and Anissa will tell you a little bit.
02:21My name is Sidra Smith, and for those of you who don't know, I have an identical twin sister, and I am not the girl from the Tyler Perry movie.
02:33I'm a producer and head of Essence Studios, and I'm just excited to be here and see all you beautiful people.
02:42I'm Vanessa Estelle Williams.
02:44That's my rebrand, because I had all these extraneous letters floating around in the middle of my name.
02:49I'm an actor, a writer, a mother, a queen, a sister.
02:54Those are my pronouns, okay?
02:56If you want more information, go to my website.
02:59I'm Vanessa Williams, or hit me on IG or whatever like that.
03:03You know, I've done a couple of things on TV and theater and film.
03:06And this is my sister, Anissa Williams.
03:09My real sister.
03:10Yes.
03:11Sister from another mother and father.
03:13Exactly.
03:13But related nevertheless.
03:14Yes.
03:15I get her emails all the time, so.
03:18Hello, everybody.
03:19My name is Anissa Williams.
03:23I'm just kidding.
03:24I'm a casting director of 25 years.
03:28Woo!
03:28Woo!
03:29I might not have those names like all the other people, but I'm just, I'm doing my thing.
03:34I'm undercover.
03:35But I do good work.
03:36I'm grateful for that.
03:37And I'm also a producer as well.
03:39And I hope to work with all of you one day.
03:42You know, as we were talking about what we could do with you all today, we thought it would be fun to give you an opportunity to work.
03:51And, you know, a lot of you actors who are here, I don't know if you've had opportunities to do cold readings, but there is definitely a technique to that, you know?
04:04And Anissa auditions people all the time.
04:07And maybe you can just talk a little bit about how actors prepare for cold readings and what you're looking for as a casting director.
04:18The most, most important thing I will say, directors, producers, casting directors, we're looking for humanity.
04:24Humanity, humanity, humanity, write that on a post-it, on your window, on your bedroom, wherever, so you can remember that we're looking for you to bring something to life and for you to find who you are as an actor.
04:39You don't have to conform, but if you have to stand in yourself and who you are, and humanity is mostly what we are looking for.
04:47Very important.
04:47So, in the lobby, when you're waiting, before we had, we'll talk about virtual auditions today, hopefully, but the traditional way is like you go, you get the sides, you're waiting.
04:59Don't be in there getting people's phone numbers and chatting up.
05:01Do the work, put your head down, mark up your sides, and then know that you could be asked to do another role.
05:09So, today, that's why we thought it would be fun to do an exercise about cold reading.
05:13So, as an actor, this is your gift.
05:15You should be able to adjust and shift at any moment's notice, and I tell you, if you can't do that, I'm not, I'm, I don't know, most likely that casting director might not bring you back.
05:26So, you really want to, if you are, this is your craft, you have to be ready all the time, even for a cold read.
05:32Absolutely.
05:33It's about, and this is said, bring your authentic self, because that's what you're selling.
05:36You're selling nobody is quite like you.
05:38No other actor is like you is going to give to these same words what you're going to give to it.
05:42We had a lot of that when we were doing Soul Food, because there had been a movie that had come before, and so we were jumping into these roles that had already been established.
05:49But, like with any great piece of music, we want to hear Ella sing it, we want to hear Dinah Washington sing it, and everyone brings their own magic to it.
05:57So, with that, let's bring up the first group of actors, the first two actors.
06:02Y'all ready?
06:03Come on.
06:04Let's have, who, the guys or the girls?
06:07You guys ready?
06:08Whoever jumps out here first is ready.
06:10Oh!
06:11Right, it's a sister.
06:13Woo-woo.
06:15Okay.
06:17So, Vanessa, tell them a little bit about the moment before this scene.
06:21Let me just say this, by the way.
06:23This is a scene of one of our shows.
06:28It's an Essence Studios original series called A Love Tale.
06:32Written and produced by Sissy Smell.
06:35And it's on BET Plus.
06:36And Vanessa's one of the stars.
06:38And so we figured it would be fun to demonstrate one of the scenes from the show.
06:45So, in order to see what else happens, y'all got to go to BET Plus and look at the whole show.
06:52Who's playing Candace and who's Taylor?
06:54Candace.
06:54Candace and Taylor.
06:56So, stand a little bit with your back to us.
07:00Yeah, yeah.
07:00So, you're talking to each other and talking to the audience.
07:04And, like, great.
07:05Okay.
07:09Begin.
07:10Hi.
07:11I hope this isn't a bad time.
07:12No, not at all.
07:13Come in.
07:15You call me at dinner.
07:17Smells good.
07:18What is that?
07:19A sweet and spicy tofu stir-fry with a wine reduction sauce.
07:23I know, right?
07:24I'd offer you some, but I only ever make enough for one.
07:27You must be the only New Yorker who actually uses their stove.
07:31Well, I'm what you call a survival chef.
07:33Dining out adds up, and this adult and shit ain't easy.
07:37I never did get a chance to buy one of your paintings the other night.
07:40And when I called the gallery, they said you sold out.
07:44I did.
07:45Congratulations.
07:46I guess I'll have to surprise you with something special.
07:49I'd love that.
07:52Woo-hoo!
07:53Here we go.
07:53All right.
07:54Give me my hand.
07:54They ready.
07:56They ready.
08:01The thing about audition technique is that you get the line,
08:04and then you make contact with the actor.
08:06And these actors are already ready to do it.
08:08So, this is advanced classes.
08:09I am so impressed.
08:10I don't have a note.
08:12No notes.
08:13You lifted it.
08:14I don't have a note.
08:15Yeah, yeah.
08:15I thought I was going to have to get notes and have y'all do it again.
08:19Wow.
08:20Thank you, ladies.
08:22Oh, wow.
08:24That was really nice.
08:25That was amazing, right?
08:25Yeah.
08:26Okay, let's bring another, let's bring another, the next group.
08:30Come on out, gentlemen.
08:31And then I think we have room for one more, because I think we might be.
08:36Yeah, with the other lady who's up there.
08:38So, all right.
08:40What's up?
08:41Got the boot on.
08:42Okay, you guys decided who was going to, you decided who was going to be who?
08:45Okay, great.
08:46And?
08:47I am Kim.
08:48Perfect.
08:49And I'm Jake.
08:50Okay.
08:50And action.
08:53Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, hold up.
08:55Stay by the mic.
08:56Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, hold up.
08:58Taylor is smashing your mom?
09:00Damn, son!
09:02All right, man.
09:03No, no, no, like, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Candace are like, fuck it.
09:08Stop, Candace, that's gross.
09:10Oh, all right, bud.
09:11But nothing, bro.
09:13This has my mind going crazy.
09:14I don't know what to think.
09:18This is crazy.
09:20You know, I was going over there to tell Taylor how much I feel about her, and I brought her
09:24coffee.
09:25Of all the people that she's got to be sleeping with, my moms?
09:29And when did my mother turn into a lesbian?
09:31I know my pops made a lot of mistakes, but dang.
09:34Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
09:36So when you saw them in bed, you just walked out.
09:40What was I supposed to do, pull a chair?
09:42I would have put up a seat and saw the show.
09:44Stop, shut up.
09:47Listen, listen, bro.
09:48We go way back.
09:49And I know you're mad right now, but you love your moms.
09:52Seriously.
09:53You can't be mad forever.
09:55You're going to have to get over there.
09:56Is this what your mom's going to do?
09:58Whatever, Jake.
09:59Listen, bro.
10:00Talk to your moms.
10:02She's the only one you have.
10:03You got to holler at Taylor.
10:04You know that's your girl.
10:07I have nothing to say to either of them.
10:10Jake, you know you don't got a front around me.
10:14You just bad, Miss Candace, but you to the coochie.
10:19Man, forget you.
10:21What?
10:21Well, dang.
10:22Let me just say, your comedy timing was so fun.
10:34I don't know if you're doing improv classes or not, but I swear you can exercise that tool
10:40by taking some improv classes and having fun, and you were just so much fun.
10:45And I love the vulnerability that you also showed, because this is a very tricky scene,
10:49because this brother is really, really upset.
10:51It's hit him in a really severe place.
10:53And for his boy to be joking about something as serious as this to him, you know, it's
10:59that fine line, and you both did a really wonderful job.
11:01She did.
11:03Yeah, so amazing.
11:05Put the scripts here, and let's get one more volunteer.
11:09One more volunteer.
11:11She's going to be ice cold.
11:12This is right here.
11:13This is right here.
11:14Yes, yes.
11:15So she's going to be ice cold.
11:17You're going to be ice cold, but you saw it, so you know what the side is.
11:25Who are you playing?
11:26I'll be Candace.
11:26Okay, she'll be Candace.
11:32She's taking a moment.
11:33We're giving her a moment.
11:34So was that fun, you guys?
11:37Switch it up a little bit.
11:39The thing is to really, like, you know, they did such a great job because it's so in the
11:43moment, right?
11:44And that's all you can do.
11:45You haven't, like, had time to flesh out a whole character, but you definitely are bringing
11:48what you see from the word, the timing, all of that.
11:51So it's fun.
11:53Let me know when you're ready.
11:56She's ready.
11:57And action.
11:58I hope this isn't a bad time.
12:02No, not at all.
12:05Come on in.
12:08You call me at dinner.
12:11This smells good.
12:13What is it?
12:14It's just a little sweet and spicy tofu stir-fry with a little rind reduction sauce.
12:21Oh, okay.
12:25I know, right?
12:26Um, I'd offer you some, but I only ever eat, you know, just making up for me.
12:32Oh, you must be the only New Yorker who actually uses their souls.
12:38I'm what I like to call a survival chef.
12:41Okay.
12:41You know, dining out.
12:43That adds up.
12:44And, um, this, this, this ain't easy.
12:46This ain't easy, okay?
12:47Listen, I never did get a chance to buy one of your paintings the other night.
12:53And when I called the gallery, they said you sold out.
12:56I do.
12:57Oh, congratulations.
13:00Guess I'll have to surprise you with something a little bit more special.
13:04I would love that.
13:06Okay.
13:09Okay, okay.
13:11Let's give it up for these actors.
13:13Tell us your name again.
13:16Say it again.
13:16Me, Randa.
13:18Yes.
13:18Me, Randa.
13:19Me, Randa.
13:21There's an apostrophe.
13:22Me, Randa.
13:23Me, Randa.
13:24Me, Randa.
13:24She, Randa.
13:25Me, Randa.
13:26Me, Randa.
13:26And your name?
13:27That was incredible.
13:28Rashida Diva.
13:29Rashida Diva.
13:30Yes, Rashida Diva.
13:32Beautiful.
13:33Take your seats.
13:34And, oh, no, I just want to give you a little feedback before you sit down.
13:36I love that you gave it your essence.
13:39You had it for one minute, and you took the time to process it, give it your own style,
13:45your own uniqueness, and you brought it to life.
13:48Just in those moments, you found little beats here and there to give it some spice, and then
13:53the very end, that button of the flirtation, you know, the little subtlety, you did a really
13:57great job for just grabbing it.
13:59Amazing.
14:00You too, of course, Ms. Diva.
14:02This was amazing, you guys.
14:05Give everyone a hand, you guys.
14:08It also helps that the writing was so lovely.
14:13Yes.
14:13Okay, you can jump right in.
14:15And what were the other actors' names?
14:16We're sorry we didn't get you to Slate first.
14:18So tell us your names really quickly.
14:21Jackie Bouchette.
14:22Bouchette.
14:23Bouchette, of course.
14:24I knew that.
14:25Touche.
14:25Bouchette.
14:26And?
14:29Siobhan Amigu.
14:31Amidia.
14:32I still didn't do it all right.
14:34Amidia.
14:35And the two men?
14:39Jamal.
14:41Jamal.
14:41He's one name, like Prince.
14:43Jamal.
14:45Jamal Ingrid.
14:47Ingrid.
14:49Okay, y'all know him.
14:51Okay.
14:52Hey.
14:54I'm sorry.
14:56Thank you all so much for being here today.
15:00We'll see you next time.
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