Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training

Let’s face it, we actors LOVE to get the last word. But can YOU get the last word in before WE do?

The rules are simple:
The #Kahntest begins on TODAY 11/11 at 10:00AM PST.
All you have to do is be the last person to #Kahmment (comment) the words, "Dare to,” before we #Kahmment the word, “SUCK!”
The last person to #Kahmment "Dare to" before we #Kahmment "SUCK!" will win a one-day scholarship to The Actor’s Retreat! Easy!

Here’s the catch — you won't know when we’ll #Kahmment "SUCK!" So #Kahmment “Dare to” as often as possible to increase your chances to win!

On your mark…get set…GO!

*Official Kahntest Terms & Conditions:
Participants must be following @leslykahn and @thecastingdirectorscut .
Profiles must be public to enter and must remain so for the duration of the #Kahntest. Prizes have no redeemable cash value, and all conditions set forth by LK&Co. must be met to redeem any/all #Kahntest prizes.

You know why we love memes? Because they are visual Thoughts Out Loud! #IYKYK

We’re giving away TWO full scholarships to #TheActingRetreat for the most entertaining memes for the image provided on this post! The winners will be chosen by @thecastingdirectorscut . So get your thoughts together and show us how YOU meme!

RULES:

Make your own acting-themed meme using the image located on the second slide of this post.
Post it on your Instagram feed (not story). Profiles MUST be public to enter.
Tag @leslykahn and @thecastingdirectorscut
with the hashtags #Kahntest and #TheActingRetreat by THURSDAY 11/11 @11am !
We will select our favorite five memes and will share them on our InstaStory on FRIDAY 11/12 !
Casting directors from The Acting Retreat will choose the two winners from our top five to receive a full scholarship!
Winners will be announced on FRIDAY 11/13 via Instagram!

Official Kahntest Terms & Conditions:
Participants must be following @leslykahn and @thecastingdirectorscut .
Profiles must be public to enter and must remain so for the duration of the #Kahntest . Prizes have no redeemable cash value, and all conditions set forth by LK&Co. must be met to redeem any/all #Kahntest prizes.

We are THRILLED to be able to offer six scholarships to
The Acting Retreat this year!!
@thecastingdirectorscut generally gives to charity on behalf of instructors, but we have convinced them to make YOU our charity (because, let's face it, this is an expensive weekend). They have agreed to provide THREE full scholarships to actors who participate in our #TheActingRetreat #Kahntests!!!!

In addition, we're using my instructor fee to provide TWO ADDITIONAL full scholarships, and ONE single day scholarship (winners' choice of day) AS WELL!
That's SIX scholarships total! Wheeeeee!

We're running three different Kahntests this year, which means you have lots of chances to win big!

We have already awarded the first full scholarship to actor @raerockhold ! She's brand new to acting and can't wait to soak up all the knowledge.

Make sure your post notifications are ON! You don't want to miss out the chance to win your own!

XO,
Lesly

Official Kahntest Terms & Conditions:

☞ Participants must be following @leslykahn AND @thecastingdirectorscut .
☞ Profiles must be public to enter and must remain so for the duration of the #Kahntest.

Prizes have no redeemable cash value, and all conditions set forth by LK&Co. must be met to redeem any/all #Kahntest prizes.

#LeslyKahn #kahntesttime #TheActingRetreat #daretosuck #castingdirectorscut #kahntest #kahntestretreat

Simon Rex: the poster child for "Don't Quit Before The Miracle Happens."

Thinking about giving up? Read everything online about Simon Rex. He is our hero.

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

Lookit Mela Green all OVER @passionflix ! Listen, I have NO problem with Passionflix. Not that long ago @oliviaapplegate starred in a series of films for them and now she's on @davidekelleyproductions #LoveAndDeath for @hbo You GO Passionflix! You've got great taste! Please keep it up and keep hiring my actors! Mela, you're magnificent!

#Repost @melagreenh

BOOM BABY!
——————————————
Repost from @passionflix
•
Seduction & Snacks premieres Oct 28th. ONLY on Passionflix 🍫

Subscribe at passionflix.com or download the app today! #passionflix #SeductionAndSnacksMovie

#romcom #seductionandsnacks #bookstagram #comingsoon #femalefilmmakers
#latina #latinas #latinaactress #actrizlatina
#LeslyKahn #dontquituntilthemiraclehappens #LKactorsatlarge #daretosuck

I have no words to describe how immensely grateful I am. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it so my next post will be a love letter to all of you.
Thank you @passionflix for the best night ever. It was true magic.
—
How to watch #seductionandsnacks ?
Log on to @passionflix and get $2 discount for the first three months using the code CLAIRE 🖤 Valid until Nov 22nd!
Can’t wait to share this movie with all of you on Oct 28th ✨

Just fuh-REAKING out that both my beloved @jksaxer and adored @nadinahassan will be STARRING in the National Tour of MEAN GIRLS! @meangirlsbway Though I've yet to see the show (THAT will change; I'll see it the second it gets to LA), it's near and dear to my heart because it takes place verrrrrrry close to where I grew up on the North Shore of Chicago, and those girls, lemme tell ya', were freaking MEAN. As Jonalyn and Nadina are perhaps two of the nicest people I've ever met in my life, I dunno how they're gonna do it, but? I have faith in both of 'em.

#Repost @nadinahassan

A very happy October 3rd! Catch me traveling the country as Regina George in the Mean Girls National Tour 💝

TRUE STORY: Mean Girls was the first movie I ever ordered on Netflix to get DELIVERED to my home.

The BIGGEST thank you to the entire Mean Girls team for bringing me into this family and for being so welcoming (I have such big pink shoes to fill @mrahstagram 😘), my amazinggg agent @jesseyoung24 and team at Buchwald, and most importantly my incredible incredible family for giving me everything.

So so grateful, man ✨

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

Ummmm ... hello? Isn't about time SOMEBODY recognized #MattCzuchry with an Emmy? We've loved him in #YoungAmericans (with @edwardquinn ), worshipped him in @gilmoregirls (with the brilliant @LaurenGraham), died over him for all those years in @TheGoodWife - and now he's KILLING it in @TheResident on @Fox. Did you see the episode below?! The guy can ACT a little. Emmy? Emmy???? You listening???? Here's what @tvfanatic had to say:

The hour was packed with so many stunning performances from [Matt] Czuchry . . . Hell, when exactly is Czuchry going to get his [Emmy?] ... Czuchry knocked it out of the park. ... He was the clear standout … - tvfanatic.com

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

Ummmm ... hello? Isn't about time SOMEBODY recognized #MattCzuchry with an Emmy? We've loved him in #YoungAmericans (with @edwardquinn ), worshipped him in @gilmoregirls (with the brilliant @LaurenGraham), died over him for all those years in @TheGoodWife - and now he's KILLING it in @TheResident on @Fox. Did you see the episode below?! The guy can ACT a little. Emmy? Emmy???? You listening???? Here's what @tvfanatic had to say:

The hour was packed with so many stunning performances from [Matt] Czuchry . . . Hell, when exactly is Czuchry going to get his [Emmy?] ... Czuchry knocked it out of the park. ... He was the clear standout … - tvfanatic.com

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

Cannot wait to see @ericbalfour in this! What I love about Eric is that he's like this super-serious, super-hardworking actor, but he doesn't take himself so seriously that you wanna hurl, you know? He has a sense of humor about himself. He's also super-smart, super-sexy, super-warm, caring, creative and loving. He's the whole package. Oh, and really inspiring too!

#Repost @ericbalfour erikbalfour

I'm so stoked and honored to get to be part of this project and to get to work with all of these incredible artists...

@nikkitoscano22 is one of my favorite people and writers on the planet. I've been pitching her ideas for years at the chance to work together! And Michael Tolkin wrote 2 out of my top 3 movies ever!!! Just wow!

DEADLINE EXCLUSIVE: Former Haven star Eric Balfour has been tapped to play production designer Dean Tavoularis opposite Miles Teller and Matthew Goode in The Offer, Paramount+’s upcoming limited series about the making of The Godfather.

The Offer is based on two-time Oscar-winning producer Al Ruddy’s (Teller) experience of making the iconic 1972 film The Godfather that Francis Ford Coppola directed and adapted with Mario Puzo from Puzo’s bestselling novel. The movie starred Marlon Brando, Pacino, James Caan, John Cazale, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton and Talia Shire; it was nominated for 11 Oscars and won three — including Best Picture for Ruddy.

Balfour will play Dean Tavoularis, the production designer who created cinematic magic on a very limited budget.

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

Cannot wait to see @ericbalfour in this! What I love about Eric is that he's like this super-serious, super-hardworking actor, but he doesn't take himself so seriously that you wanna hurl, you know? He has a sense of humor about himself. He's also super-smart, super-sexy, super-warm, caring, creative and loving. He's the whole package. Oh, and really inspiring too!

#Repost @ericbalfour erikbalfour

I'm so stoked and honored to get to be part of this project and to get to work with all of these incredible artists...

@nikkitoscano22 is one of my favorite people and writers on the planet. I've been pitching her ideas for years at the chance to work together! And Michael Tolkin wrote 2 out of my top 3 movies ever!!! Just wow!

DEADLINE EXCLUSIVE: Former Haven star Eric Balfour has been tapped to play production designer Dean Tavoularis opposite Miles Teller and Matthew Goode in The Offer, Paramount+’s upcoming limited series about the making of The Godfather.

The Offer is based on two-time Oscar-winning producer Al Ruddy’s (Teller) experience of making the iconic 1972 film The Godfather that Francis Ford Coppola directed and adapted with Mario Puzo from Puzo’s bestselling novel. The movie starred Marlon Brando, Pacino, James Caan, John Cazale, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton and Talia Shire; it was nominated for 11 Oscars and won three — including Best Picture for Ruddy.

Balfour will play Dean Tavoularis, the production designer who created cinematic magic on a very limited budget.

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

The thing about @michaelaconlin is that she's just fabulous. At everything. I've never seen her not be amazing at anything! Did you see her in @ericf**kingandre 's movie @badtripthemovie ? All of them were great, not the least of which were Eric @ericf**kingandre and Tiffany Haddish @tiffanyhaddish , but Michaela @michaelaconlin was a revelation. After what, 11 years on #BONES @officialbones , who knew she was funny?! (I did. So did Eric Andre.) The #OneTrueLoves film script is super moving (and stars Philippa Soo from @hamiltonmusical !) - thank God we'll have Michaela there to keep us from sobbing the whole time.

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

Dear @Devious_6 (aka Mark Volk, Retired Army Colonel, President Emeritus of Lackawanna College and 9/11 survivor), I don't know you but I feel awfully lucky to have you on my side. Many thanks for this, and yaaaaaay, @_robparks !

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

Dear @Devious_6 (aka Mark Volk, Retired Army Colonel, President Emeritus of Lackawanna College and 9/11 survivor), I don't know you but I feel awfully lucky to have you on my side. Many thanks for this, and yaaaaaay, @_robparks !

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

❤️❤️❤️❤️ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#Repost @atylerritter

Insta! So happy you’re back and feeling better after this morning’s scare. So here’s what I’ve been working on and these are some of the people I’ve been truly honored to work with. It’s a special one for for all of us and the responsibility is deeply understood. Much love to all! ❤️

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

This guy – he’s like a bunny. He just hops from amazing show to amazing show. Remember @Scandal? Yup.

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

The problem is that we have been taught to look at the result and emulate it. If it says we have to cry in our script, we think of something sad that will make us cry. Because they want that result. And don’t we fail? A lot? Yup. And why? Because you don’t get to the result by attempting to produce the result. You have to go through a PROCESS, a series of steps, to get to that result.

If I want to make an amazing asparagus dish, I don’t put. The asparagus. On a dish. I trim the stems, I wash it, I soak it, I make the marinade, I marinate it for x number of hours, I light the grill, I put the veggies ON the grill. I turn ‘em. I turn ‘em again. I close the grill. I open the grill. I turn ‘em again, I plate ‘em, I spoon sauce over ‘em. Maybe throw a little cheese or chives on top.

So much goes into getting that great result and most people don’t know about all those steps because those of you who are GREAT at it are SO great at it that we don’t see the work that went into it. It looks effortless. But that doesn’t mean the work didn’t happen.

“But, Les!” You say. “My friend stepped off the bus from Nebraska and booked that series! Acting is easy!”

Sigh. Your friend booked that series because your friend looked perfect for the part, had the right essence for the part, was in the right place at the right time, and was extreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeemely lucky. Good for your friend! Because that is NOT the NORM. The NORM is you get off that bus and you get hit by another one and are shipped back to Nebraska in parts.

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

Piece by @meganjherbert (reposted with permission, thank you Megan! ❤️ And if you repost it, please credit/follow her, she’s wonderful).

The problem is that we have been taught to look at the result and emulate it. If it says we have to cry in our script, we think of something sad that will make us cry. Because they want that result. And don’t we fail? A lot? Yup. And why? Because you don’t get to the result by attempting to produce the result. You have to go through a PROCESS, a series of steps, to get to that result.

If I want to make an amazing asparagus dish, I don’t put. The asparagus. On a dish. I trim the stems, I wash it, I soak it, I make the marinade, I marinate it for x number of hours, I light the grill, I put the veggies ON the grill. I turn ‘em. I turn ‘em again. I close the grill. I open the grill. I turn ‘em again, I plate ‘em, I spoon sauce over ‘em. Maybe throw a little cheese or chives on top.

So much goes into getting that great result and most people don’t know about all those steps because those of you who are GREAT at it are SO great at it that we don’t see the work that went into it. It looks effortless. But that doesn’t mean the work didn’t happen.

“But, Les!” You say. “My friend stepped off the bus from Nebraska and booked that series! Acting is easy!”

Sigh. Your friend booked that series because your friend looked perfect for the part, had the right essence for the part, was in the right place at the right time, and was extreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeemely lucky. Good for your friend! Because that is NOT the NORM. The NORM is you get off that bus and you get hit by another one and are shipped back to Nebraska in parts.

#leslykahn #LKactorsatlarge #onset #havingfun #livingthedream #actortraining #motivation #think #listen
#itsthethoughtthatcounts #daretosuck #teacher #actor #teacherslife #proudteacher #craft #workhard #rehearsemore #itshardwork #workonit #create #write #act #everyday #themiraclewillhappen

Piece by @meganjherbert (reposted with permission, thank you Megan! ❤️ And if you repost it, please credit/follow her, she’s wonderful).