The Art of Specificity: An Actor’s Guide to Bringing Nuance to the Performance

Auditioning has changed over the last few years, and actors often wonder how they can make their self-tape or in-person audition stand out. But even with industrywide shifts, what leaves an impression on casting directors and productions aren’t flashy performances, but those that showcase an understanding of the character or role through subtle, specific actions.

The SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement invited SAG-AFTRA member, actor and acting coach Michael D. Cohen to speak about this topic at The Art of Specificity: An Actor’s Guide on March 14. Hosting the session was SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair. 

The presentation focused on the physical, mental and emotional motivations, or agendas, between a performer and their character. In addition to introducing techniques to better help determine their character’s agenda, he also gave advice on acting choices, overcoming a lack of feedback from casting directors for self-taped auditions and other subtle methods actors can employ to stand out.

Following the presentation was a Q&A session. 

Other videos on auditioning, including self-tape techniques and advice, can be found at sagaftra.org/videos.

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.