Today we’d like to introduce you to Helene Galek.
Hi Helene, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m delighted to be here!
I had always wanted to be a performer since my first dance recital in a huge auditorium when I was five years old. At first, I wanted to do sitcoms like my idols, Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, or perform in comedy films like Shirley MacLaine. In high school, influenced by our society in the late 60’s and early 70’s, I felt that I should pursue “relevant” drama. However, much to my dismay, upon my arrival to New York City, musical theater seemed to be my path as I was a triple threat (actor/singer/dancer) and considered “cute”! I began embracing this path and followed the musical jobs, especially tap dance shows. One of my biggest thrills was working with Maya Angelou on a musical based on her poetry. I still loved comedy and joined a sketch comedy group and went on to do interactive theater and improvisation. I joined a theater company several years later and that is where I developed my casting skills and began a parallel career. I not only began acting in films but began casting them as well. I started getting involved in web series and short films as an actor and an associate producer. I was on an all-female producing team of the award winning short film, “The Kids Menu” starring Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy on The Sopranos). I put on my associate producer’s hat and also co-starred in a new comedy series, “That Reminds Me”, which featured TV veteran, Greg Mullavey. This series made it to Amazon Prime last year during the shutdown. I could finally answer that age old question, “Have I seen you on TV?!”
I began to write again; something I had done since childhood as well but had always put it off until I “had the time”. Well, now I did! I wrote my first monologue which was featured in a fundraiser event for the Nuyorican Poets Cafe with celebrated playwrights like Neil LaBute. I also wrote my first play, a ten minute comedy, specifically for the over 50 actors and open to all racial, ethnic and gender groups. It won Honorable Mention at a festival this spring and a live encore of this play will be presented in Spring 2022, at the re-opened Nuyorican Poets Cafe in the East Village! I’m writing my first book on revisiting a childhood love of a 60’s icon that set the stage for the supernatural (Dark Shadows, if you haven’t already guessed!). I also have several essays in the works, including one on age shaming. I recently filmed the beginning episodes of a new indie series, “Peri Street” starring women on the other side of 40, who are dealing with their “life changes”. I just finished casting a short musical film, a new musical staged reading and a musical for young audiences. So you could say, my musical theater background still looms large! I will be casting an indie feature and a screenplay reading in early winter. I love the possibilities that come with each day and I continue to be grateful to be part of the artistic community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of my struggles had to do with the fact that years ago, no one talked about the casting process and taught mindset work the way they do now. Many times I would beat myself up or didn’t think I was good enough when I didn’t book a role. At one time, all my friends were doing “Grease” and “Godspell”. I was always up for multiple roles and kept losing out to one other person. It was very frustrating and I would go over and over what I did wrong. Although I worked often enough, I hit a snag midway when I was no longer the cute musical theater soubrette but I did not have the gravitas to look like the leading woman or even the mom. But friends came to the rescue and after going back to studying acting, I was invited to be part of a theater company and even co-produced my first play a month after 9/11. I know I’m probably a minority in the biz but I am working more as I age and the roles are the meaty, serious, textured, zany and “everything in between” roles that I always dreamed of doing! Because I am now aware of how the casting process works and I have a more varied life, I don’t sink into frustration like I used to. Becoming older, one also gets more comfortable in their own skin and learns not to sweat the small stuff. And now I’m the one who counsels actors about the biz, including embracing who you are.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am proud that I found a niche for myself in the casting business. I specialize in the low-budget indie market and have worked in a variety of areas. My first job is to assure the producer and/or director that I will find wonderful actors and work within their budget. Because I am an actor as well, I make sure I give the actor everything that I want or appreciate when I am auditioning such as scheduling, giving complete details and making the actor feel great. It also works in the reverse; I make sure the casting director feels taken care of when I am an actor by responding quickly, being enthusiastic and always being prepared. I have built up a reputation from word of mouth and now, referrals continually pop up. And I get repeat work from clients which says it all! The majority of my acting work comes from the relationships I have nurtured in this business. I also believe in acknowledging and supporting others both privately and on social media. No matter how successful you become, how much work you get, how many credits you amass, everyone wants to be appreciated and applauded. Sally Field got it right!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Self-tapes are here to stay and we all need to keep perfecting our craft within the technical necessities. Creating new works, even low budget ones, are still going to be in demand with all the streaming platforms that will continue to multiply. I also see more diversity and inclusivity as voices continue to be raised. There is definitely more room for everyone and more stories to be told as well as putting a new twist on the old ones.
Thanks so much for having me as your guest!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.helenegalek.com
