MGM casting chief helps actors find a dream

By Larry Bonko
Correspondent

VIRGINIA BEACH

Among those seeking the wisdom, advice and guidance of the casting director from Hollywood on Saturday was 29-year-old Neath Williams, who in August left a 10-year career as a Navy corpsman to pursue the dream: making a living as an actor.

Williams' Navy hitch included three tours in Iraq in support of Marines engaged in combat.

"I loved taking care of those guys," he said. "But after 10 years I grew restless in the service. I gave it up to do my own thing."

And so there he was, tall and as husky as a lumberjack, listening intently to Paul Weber, a casting director for MGM.

Williams, who is enrolled at Old Dominion, was among 32 men and women gathered at The Actors' Place on Laskin Road. Starting at 9:30 a.m. today, 55 more people, including children, will take part.

Assembled in the folding chairs with Williams were high school students, middle-age folks, former real estate agents, college graduates, some who have dabbled in acting, and even a person or two - such as Terry Gau of Richmond - who actually earn decent wages as a working actor in Virginia.

All were there to learn from a master the best way to do their own thing.

Gau came to the workshop to sharpen her skills in scenes prepared by Weber. "And to make connections," she said.

Weber gave precisely such advice.

"Network with each other," said the man who was involved in the casting for the "Stargate" franchise, plus dozens of other TV shows, including "Dead Like Me" and "The Outer Limits." His imprint is on more than 300 episodes of prime-time television and several films. He also has co-producing credits and a turn or two as an actor.

He knows the biz, and he shared what he knows:

"Try to neutralize your accent."

"If you're a model, get acting skills and learn the acting craft. It could keep you working until you're 80."

"Take jobs as extras. See how actors work. "

"Upon meeting a casting director, show a nice smile, good energy. Be yourself."

Those there Saturday took the latter tip to heart.

Annie May Gay, 24, a college grad from Suffolk, told Weber, "I see myself as the Asian version of Tina Fey."

Franklin's Britteny Scalf, 19, told him, "I've been trying to get into acting since I was 15."

She could pass for 15 today, Weber said. "You play young."

To others he delivered similar quick, one-line impressions:

"You have a good commercial look."

"You have a good face."

Jacob Canon of Charlottes-ville said he was bored working as a real estate agent. Real life was getting in the way of what he really wanted to do - be an actor.

"Go for it," Weber said to those who are thinking of chucking their ordinary careers for the bright lights of stage and screen.

Weber said the folks he tutored Saturday were eager to learn.

"I was impressed to see so many naturally gifted actors here," he said. "I was also impressed by their passion for acting. It was a delight to work with them. They made the day fly by."

Larry Bonko, lbonko@cox.net