Category Archives: Insider tips

Regarding Class Attendance

MAX Agency prides itself on its ability to provide full training for its models and actors. All talent on our roster receive full training that focuses on audition techniques, modeling, monologues, runway, confidence and much more.

The best thing about those classes is that our talent dont have to pay for them, because MAX Agency covers all the costs. However, Suzanna, our booking agent, has raised some concerns regarding talent not attending their classes.

“We pay for our talents training to help with their development and therefore attendance is mandatory,” said Suzanna. And shes right. All talent that are represented by our agency sign a contract that clearly states that talent are required to attend all classes paid for by MAX Agency and that failure to do so will result in their termination from the agency. “We expect a certain level of professionalism from all of our talent,” said Suzanna. “The lack of professional behavior by some of you that have not been acting in accordance with the agreement, will not be tolerated.”

So, you heard her. Please attend all classes that you are signed up for, or notify us in advance if you are unable to attend any classes.

For more info, visit our FAQ page here.

Also, stay updated with our latest announcements by following us on twitter and facebook.

MAX Agency Toronto Tip: How to Memorize Lines

How do those actors and actresses memorize hundreds of lines? Memorizing lines takes practice and constant repetition. However, there are a few ways to make the memorization process run smoothly and quickly.

Read Out Loud (And Repeat, Repeat, Repeat):
For most performers, there is no short cut to memorizing lines. To learn lines, an actor must recite the play out loud, over and over again. Most rehearsals encourage this by running through the lines or having a read through.
Record Your Lines:
Because there is often not enough rehearsal time, many performers find
ways to listen to the plays dialogue during everyday activities. Turn your work-outs, chores, and recreational activities into a read through with the help of your headphones or your i-pod. Aside from constant rehearsals, this method seems to be the most popular way to memorize lines. Use a tape recorder or better yet an MP3 player to capture the lines from each relevant scene. Others opt for recording the lines of fellow cast members, but they leave a blank space so that they can insert their dialogue while listening to the recording.

Think Positively and Dont Panic!
Dont let the butterflies in your stomach torment you too much. Most people  experience stage fright minutes, hours, even weeks before opening night. While a certain amount of nervousness can get the adrenaline going, too much anxiety over lines might hinder an actors performance.

Take solace in the fact that if you forget a line once, you will probably never forget that line ever again! Sometimes embarrassment is the strongest and toughest method of memorization!

MAX Agency Toronto: Insider Modeling Posing Tips

It’s a common misconception that naturally beautiful models take naturally beautiful photographs. The truth is—without modeling poses and modeling tips, perfect photographs are harder than you think.

If you are a professional model, a photographer will most likely guide you through a variety of model poses throughout the photo shoot. But if you are an inspiring model and are still working your way up to the top—you may have to control your poses to ensure great headshots and sample modeling photographs.

Live show models, promo models, photographic models, and runway models all rely on professional model poses to succeed. Whether you aspire to appear in print magazines or fashion shows and Hollywood movies; if you want to be a model, pay special attention to this insider guide to modeling poses.

Breathe
Although sometimes concentration enhances a good photograph, obvious concentration can distract and often ruin a good photograph as well. Do not hold your breath for a modeling pose; always remember to breathe and appear at ease.

Posture
Bad posture is an unrecognized flaw in many people. However, for models, posture is a harmful flaw. Always remember to keep your back straight and your shoulders up. Slouching affects the mood of the photograph and enlarges the appearances of your stomach. In addition to your back and shoulders, always remember to flex your stomach muscles. Despite your weight or state of shape, your abdomen will appear more toned if you flex.

Limbs
Symmetry is officially out in the modeling world. When posing, make sure to differentiate your arms and legs with asymmetrical poses. If you have one arm long and straight by your side, make sure the other arm is bent. Whether a big or small angle, the bend will make the modeling pose look more real and less artificial. Continue the asymmetry to your legs. If one leg is locked straight, give the other leg a casual bend.

Camera
Although the camera is the ultimate focal point of a modeling photo shoot, great models do not look directly into the camera. To enhance the quality of your photo shoot, look away from the camera with a mix of head and eye poses. Looking off to the right or left side, or tiling your neck to either side can help you avoid direct eye contact with the camera. In many cases, your head and neck can remain stationary in your modeling pose—and your eyes can do all the work. Head and eye positions, coupled with personable facial expressions make for great model poses.

Sitting Poses
If you are sitting down during your photo shoot—don’t think it’s ok to slack off. In fact, sitting photo shoots require a lot of extra work. If you are sitting down or reclining, it’s important to put your eight on the back of one thigh, rather than distributing your weight equally on both thighs. If you roll one hip up from the ground or surface, shifting your weight will be simple. This pose results in a slimming effect that you don’t want to miss out on.

Smile
If you have a naturally beautiful smile—show your pearly whites with pride, just not every time. If you smile in each modeling pose, modeling agents will notice your lack of versatility, not your smile. To add variety to your modeling poses, try switching up your smile with a cute frown, a bratty bout, a friendly laugh, or even an edgy scowl. Your facial expressions can make or break your modeling poses. Let your smile show, but make sure to show what else you can do.

Keep these insider model posing tips in mind during your next professional model photo shoot to ensure you blow the photographer away. Whether you’re a trained expert or an ambitious beginner, all models have the ability to excel in photo shoots. Focus on your posture, attitude, and facial expressions to succeed beyond your wildest expectations.