We recently connected with Sam Stiglitz and have shared our conversation below.
Sam, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I haven’t! I think most people face a level of imposter syndrome. All my clients (yes even the most famous ones) have moments of feeling as though they are complete frauds. I think the trick to stand strong and remember what you and you alone can bring to a project. Ask yourself what do you do better than anyone else?
There are just about as many acting coaches as there are actors, and let’s be real – we’re not reinventing the wheel when it comes to acting process. I, for one, did not make up the fundamentals of acting. So, when I start with a new client or am brought on to a set to troubleshoot a role, it’s not because my acting process is so revolutionary, it’s because of ME: how I treat actors, how I dive into material. I explore the humanity of not only the character but the actor. I treat everyone with kindness and respect, and I believe evert actor is capable of greatness and disruptive work. I bring out the best in each client by finding their unique entry point to the project and character. When I remind myself of those skills, I feel less like a fraud….(for the moment).
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a casting director turned acting & audition coach. I coach actors, athletes, social media influencers, musicians, and CEO’s. For the longest time, my business was referral only. Clients had to be professionally referred by agents, managers producers etc. Then the pandemic hit, and I noticed something – actors were suffering. At that time TikTok reached out to me and asked if I’d post educational content for a short while. I enjoyed it and planned on leaving social media once my short stint ended, but once I started a deep dive into the world of TikTok, I found something terrifying: MISINFORMATION (and a lot of it). I felt awful for new actors starting out and navigating this sea of misinformation, so I started stitching the incorrect information with correct information and poof! an account was born! Since then, I’ve been looking for ways to open my still private business to the public. While coaching is still by professional referral only, I now have a few more public options:
1) Social media – I post tips almost daily on Instagram and TikTok @auditionprola
2) Industry class every Thursday – which explores the business of acting
3) Acting & audition class every Wednesday (actors must audition to gain a slot)
4) Private career consultations
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think listening has been the most important quality in my career. My name (Samantha) means “The Listener.” In acting, you’re taught above all else to listen. In casting, I was a go-between for producers, writers, executives, actors, and I had to hear everyone’s needs and execute a strategy. As a coach, I listen to my clients and find the right path and process for them. So overall my career has been guided by listening.
Second, I’ve trusted my intuition and instincts. Casting directors don’t go to casting school. They let their instincts and intuition guide them. As a coach I rely on my gut reaction to a scene, to an actor. I never quiet that instinct. My instincts with my career have always guided me through.
Finally, the willingness to fall flat on my face! To help actors I’m willing to looks as stupid as is necessary. I do not care what people think of me. I think this has helped as I’ve gained the trust of strangers across the globe on social media.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents supported me in every dream I’ve ever had. I recognize how rare that is. When I was growing up, I was a singer and knew I wanted to perform on Broadway. Instead of insisting I pursue a “real career,” my parents threw their weight behind me and came to every voice lesson, recital, and school play. When I decided to leave acting for casting, my parents supported me 100%. Having that support allowed me to pursue my dreams full force.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.auditionprola.com
- Instagram: @auditionprola
- Other: tiktok @auditionprola
Image Credits
Dana Patrick
