Brette Goldstein, CSA

Casting Director for film, TV, commercials and theatre. Coach for actors, professionals and teams. My superpower is helping people understand theirs.

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

My happy place is being a catalyst for change in people’s lives.

#brettegoldsteincoaching #coach #coachingnyc #corporatecoaching #corporatecoach #executivecoaching #presentationskills #strategymaven #specialsauce #wheelhousemeetswishlist #damnchampion #dangunicorn

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

Go with your gut. Not your idea of what “we” think the character “is” as YOU bring your character to life. You do. You, with all of your fabulous and fascinating [INSERT NAME HERE]-isms that make you you. Your intrinsic way of being and behaving in the world. Your POV.

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

There are only so many hours in the day.

Are you spending at least one of them in a way that gets you closer to where you want to be?

#auditioncoach #actingcoach #actingtips #auditionhelp #castingdirector #selftape
#selftapeaudition #casting #specialsauce

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

Make sure your resume is aligned with your goals. And that it looks good. :)

#auditioncoach #actingcoach #actingtips #auditionhelp #castingdirector #selftape
#selftapeaudition #casting #specialsauce

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

Getting clear on what you want is step 1.

#auditioncoach #actingcoach #actingtips #auditionhelp #castingdirector #selftape
#selftapeaudition #casting #specialsauce

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

I receive self-tapes that definitely weren’t watched before being sent to me. Are you sure your tape looks and sounds good? Watch before sending. Make a checklist for setup. How's your audio/lighting/eyeline/focus/editing? Have you followed uploading instructions? Double check.

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

I love looking at my clients' recent self-tapes to detect patterns of what could be standing in the way of them booking. Embodying the feel of where a character is in space and time moves the needle, adding dimension and truth to the scene. First, you have clarity around this.

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

Avoid making assumptions about the relationship in the scene. Read the full breakdown & script if possible. Get confirmation if need be by asking the question with your best guess in the body of the question. (For a quick "yes" if you're right on.) And try another pair of eyes!

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

When coaching, I make sure we both take a pause in order to make sure that we’re not making any assumptions regarding objective and given circumstances. What is actually going on here? What does my character want? How do I want the other character to feel? What do I care about?

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

Don’t assume that we are necessarily "locked in" when it comes to a vision of a character. If you receive a self-tape request we really want to see you for the role. We want you to fully own it. Have confidence in your performance. Bring yourself and your innate "'isms" to it.

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

There is no one right way to play a role. Are you assuming that your character sounds/behaves a certain way? Are you directing yourself? Trying to be an idea/assumption about what “they” want? Pause and ask yourself if you’re making any assumptions. Challenge those assumptions

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

This one’s about the allure of you doing your own thing…it makes us curious and draws us to you, especially when it doesn’t feel like you need us so much. Kind of like dating.

#auditioncoach #actingcoach #actingtips #auditionhelp #castingdirector #selftape #selftapeaudition

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

Stuck in a rut? No great self-tape requests coming in? Watch @greginlaseries created by Gregory Lay for content creation inspiration. Continue building relationships. You'll end up on request lists. Create your own momentum. Keep it going. You've got this.

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

It’s easy to put other people’s needs above our own. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to get s%&t done. Writing the top 3 things we can do today that can help move the needle – and having someone to be accountable to in order to get it done – helps. #auditioncoach

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

I can’t fix diabolically fast self-tape turnarounds. They suck. What I can do is help you organize your prep. Don’t forget to answer the 6 questions in this video. #auditioncoach #actingtips #auditionhelp #castingdirector #selftape #selftapeaudition #casting #specialsauce

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

I want to see the character through your eyes. Trust your own voice and POV. I am drawn in by YOUR perspective, YOUR defense mechanisms, YOUR way of being in the world. Your little ‘isms create authentic micro-expressions and behaviors that are so f-ing believable and beautiful.

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

Who’s up in your earholes? Are they helpful? Do you feel empowered and inspired after conversations? Or do you sometimes need to shake it off, take a shower, or eat a cheesecake? Cast people in your life that put truth & good words/vibes/messages/a smart POV in the ol’ earholes.

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

Spending time with the people/places, doing things/being a part of projects/practicing rituals/habits, and making choices that bring good health/wellness/joy/fuel our creative fires/make us say "Hell Yeah!" protect us from burnout & keeps us healthy and strong for the long haul.

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

Does this role/project/ask make you say “Hell yeah!”? If not, offer yourself some space in your calendar where you can spend your time and creative energies in ways that get you closer to your goal… or free up time to just be guilt-free. Thank you, @dorieclark, for #thelonggame

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

If it doesn’t feel right, listen to your gut. You don't need to submit for every project, nor do you need to say yes to everything. Protect yourself -- and your health -- from burnout. Think about the kind of roles you want to play and stories you want to tell. It's ok to pass.

[Brette Goldstein, CSA @BretteGoldstein]

If you want to pop more on screen, avoid neutral wardrobe (black, white, beige, some browns, gray) when shooting on a neutral wall, or adjust the lighting. Bolder colors work well on a neutral wall. Shoot straight on, lens at eye level. Claim/use the frame. Good sound/lighting