Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Carson.
Prior to dedicating her life exclusively to professional coaching, Crystal worked as an actress in 25 theatre repertory and summer stock companies; in several television programs, and had a recurring role on CBS’s award-winning show, “Jag”. But Crystal is best known for playing Julia Barrett for five years on “General Hospital”, when she was voted “Best New Female” by Soap Opera Digest and put on their cover as one of “Television’s Most Beautiful Women.” (March 17, 1992 Issue) In her young career, Crystal appeared for eight weeks on the mega-hit “Dallas”, booked several Television Pilots, and had guest-starring roles on “Ellen”, “Cheers”, “Charles In Charge”, “Midnight Caller”, “Thirtysomething”, “Simon & Simon” and “Night Court” to name a few. Crystal also appeared in several films, including “Who’s That Girl” with Madonna, and the female lead in “Killer Tomatoes Strikes Back” with John Astin. Crystal was scouted at the age of 22 by legendary agent Victor Perillo while showcasing in a college theater competition.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was actually a pretty smooth road for me which is actually quite rare (it didn’t feel that way at the time). I can credit this to my amazing agent at the time Victor Perillo. He scouted me at a theater competition in Nebraska and brought me out to LA where I booked my second audition, a movie with Madonna called Who’s that Girl. I was so new to LA and was so thrown off and felt lonely not knowing anyone. Quickly after the booking I was flown to New York where I fainted on set in front of Madonna. I felt embarrassed and overwhelmed. I thought I was going to get fired. Never before had I experienced anxiety. I think many actors who travel to LA from other states experience some form of this.
The being new, not knowing anyone, anxiety, and feeling like your world has been turned upside down. It’s important to make friends because on top of the anxiety of being so far from home, it’s essential to have a support system to help you stay motivated in such a difficult industry. Anxiety was something I had to overcome and my environment was something I had to adapt to. I also think many actors, myself at the time included, struggle with never being satisfied with where they are or what they’ve accomplished. Many successful actors don’t even know they’re successful because of a mentality of not meeting the standards or level of fame they’ve established in their head. The industry can play a lot of mind games with young you aren’t self-aware and practical.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Auditioning by Heart story. Tell us more about the business.
My company uses a unique approach to preparing roles for film that helps the actor connect to the character emotionally and imaginatively in order to give the most realistic and profound performance. Many actors claim that I am the secret within their careers that took them from an actor who struggled to book to a working actor and thats all due to my comprehensive approach. What makes me proudest is the legacy my clients have begun to build for themselves and the impressive amount of work they have booked. I think what sets me apart is the depth to which I dive into the script and the methods I use to get profound performances out of actors. I love hearing feedback from my clients. Here is an example:
“My career dreams are coming true. And that wouldn’t be possible – that’s only possible – because I went to Crystal Carson.” — Eaddy Mays (The Blindside, Teen Wolf)
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying before but luck is when an opportunity presents itself to you and you are prepared or prepare yourself to take one that opportunity. So in order to be lucky you need to be a hard worker because you won’t feel lucky if opportunities come your way but nothing ever comes out of them because you’re unprepared. The bottom line is you get into your career the effort you put out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crystalcarson.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActingCoachCrystal/
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