I have been asked to write an article about stereotypes but where do I start? I guess the best place to start would be to define or explain what a stereotype is without baffling everyone with psychological terminology.
A stereotype is a belief that can be held by anybody about specific types of individuals or certain ways of doing things, although the belief may or may not accurately reflect reality. As a psychology student, we learnt that there are different concepts and theories of stereotyping within different Psychological disciplines and many more across those disciplines. There may be common aspects but each definition also has unique aspects that may complement or contradict the other definitions. I started to wonder, what the most common types of stereotyping were, maybe that American policeman always eat doughnuts, or that single old ladies have many cats?
I am starting to think that writing this article may not be as straight forward as I originally anticipated when I first agreed to this subject matter. (more…)
I have been truly blessed to speak to yet another actor Eric Carroll from the new web based series Buffering. For those of you whom have not yet seen it, I truly recommend watching it. The cast are adorable and very funny, the writing and ideas within the show are true genius. I apologise in advance to you all as it appears that Eric and I were rather chatty which has produced a long interview. Actually, I am not sorry, scratch that, it was fun!
Hi Eric, please tell me a little about yourself.
I am from Garland, Texas originally. I started acting in high school theatre in an advanced class. I went to the University of North Texas for college, I studied film and communications. After 2 years I became a little disillusioned with film study and wanted to go back to acting. I auditioned for a musical called ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ and was cast. I’ve never looked back from that point. I did theatre in and around the Dallas Metroplex for years after.
What was it about film studies that disillusioned you?
The idea of directing film was intriguing to me at first but I found out that I’m more of an actor and needed to be in front of the camera.
It was in college that I met Mike Tobias (writer of Buffering) and Stephanie Stuart (Cindy) we all became good friends there. I made a crazy road trip out to Los Angeles during Spring Break of my senior year of college; one of those trips that would make a great movie someday. Anyway, while standing on the side of Mulholland Drive looking out at the city, I told myself that this is where I wanted to be and where I would live my life.
A couple of years later (and numerous trips back and forth) I moved out to Los Angeles.
Care to elaborate on your crazy road trip? (more…)
After talking to an online friend, I realised how different people’s ideas are. In relationship to an actor’s success there appears to be a misconception that once an actor has appeared on a popular television show that they have suddenly made it big and can find any role they desire.
Personally speaking, after watching an actor on a show for over a year, I assume that they would be reasonably well off financially, quite secure in finding other roles and content that they can support themselves and their loved ones. Apparently I was wrong, although I am grateful that from what others have said I am not the only one with misconceptions of others. However, are our misconceptions about the actors themselves or about what it means to be famous? So what is fame? Is it being known by a few thousand people for being on a show or a film? Is it having walked down many a red carpet for film premieres and galas? Do you have to have a mansion and be known wherever you go in order to be seen as famous or are you famous if it is only people that watch you on the screen that recognise you? According to a dictionary definition, fame is ‘The condition of being known or talked about by many people, especially on account of notable achievements.’ So according to this, being on a show for over a year and having people know you and talk about you on places such as Twitter or Tumblr means that you are famous. I would love to hear the readers opinions on this!
I would also love to know how actors view themselves? Being me, I just had to ask!
‘I think that there is definitely a misconception of what “fame” means. For example, seeing someone of TV and assuming what that may mean their life is like when in reality it’s quite like everyone else’s. Just trying to get by and balance that with pursuing what you love. I think people sometimes tend to assume it’s all red carpets and premieres when in reality it’s working side jobs and going to class and competing with thousands of others for one or two available jobs which, to me, is part of the process. It’s earned. But there’s definitely an idea that if you were ever on TV, you’ve basically “made it” which is not the case. There’s much work to be done before you get to a level of complete stability with your craft’. I assumed that having a solid role would help to get new ones but according to Curt ‘it does help but it doesn’t guarantee anything and most productions want big names to be attached to their projects so it’s about being persistent and patient enough to earn the trust to finally be given bigger opportunities. The thing with acting is that while you’re working, it’s great but then that job goes away, you have to fill in the gap until the next job or the same job comes back.’ Curt Mega
Therefore, although I knew that actors still have to audition and I guess I was vaguely aware that many would still have other projects to work on, I guess that I did not fully understand that although I personally may be a huge fan and know many other people are their fans too but they would still have to hold down a normal day job even after appearing as a regular on a show or staring in a big film. So next time you are in Starbucks or Tesco, look around, you never know who may be working there!
This discussion made me wonder what other misconceptions we may have of people, I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts, maybe even your own experiences of seeing differently to others.
I recently had the great pleasure to speak to the lovely Chase Edmondson, what a fun, down to earth young man! I first noticed Chase pushing a piano on the auditorium stage of Glee and have recently watched his mad-cap exploits on the latest web based Buffering Series.
If you have not seen him yet, maybe now is the time to change that!
Hi Chase, how about you tell me a little about yourself?
About myself…hmmm…well, I’m an aspiring actor from Amarillo, Texas, home of The Big Texan with its 72 oz. steak challenge and also home of the Cadillac Ranch. Currently I’m on different movie and TV show sets everyday as a background actor while auditioning. It’s the most flexible job I’ve ever had and it pays decently, which is perfect for auditioning. I’ve also made some really great friends on sets that are really inspiring to be around since they too are aiming their sights on the same career.
Which shows are you currently working on?
Recently, I’ve been on MTV’s Awkward, ABC Family’s Secret Life of an American Teenager, and a new show which I’m not allowed to talk about yet, but I can say I’ve gotten some good screen time on it.
I see you were also on Kicking It, Glee and the new Buffering series, which was the most fun?
I’m going to have to say Buffering is the most fun I’ve had on a set. Not only because I’m a principal actor in the show with lines but the cast and crew are all fun to be around. We are all friends on and off set. (more…)
I have been asked to write an article about stereotypes but where do I start? I guess the best place to start would be to define or explain what a stereotype is without baffling everyone with psychological terminology.
