Ilia Volok’s Advice on Improving your Acting Skills

<p>If you want to be an actor, your passion for the craft must be bulletproof.&nbsp;</p><br><p>When you’re first starting out, it doesn’t matter how good or bad you are as long as you have the passion, perseverance, and willingness to work hard. You can learn the skills, but the passion must have a stronghold on your heart.&nbsp;</p><br><p>In this episode, I talk with Ilia Volok. He’s a lifetime member of the Actor’s Studio, faculty at Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, and has appeared in over 150 films, television shows and video games. In other words, he’s the actor’s actor.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Throughout our conversation, Ilia details his experience of moving from Russia to Hollywood with only $300 in his pocket and without speaking a word of English. All he had was the passion and dream to become a successful actor. He shares some of his favorite acting exercises, resources, and strategies for landing roles, working on yourself, and showing up in a way that will make the casting director remember who you are.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p><strong>Some Questions I Ask:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>When did you know that you wanted to become an actor? (4:48)</li><li>How did you get an agent? (10:59)</li><li>What was the first job you booked? (13:09)</li><li>What is your approach to the craft of acting? (20:30)</li><li>What is your approach to auditioning? (47:01)</li><li>How Ilia handles self-doubt. (51:15)</li><li>What advice do you have for young, aspiring actors? (57:45)</li><li>What’s your favorite Hollywood story? (1:02:12)</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>In This Episode You Will Learn:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>How Ilia Volok’s acting career began. (3:46)</li><li>Why Ilia became an actor. (19:32)</li><li>What book Ilia recommends for young actors looking to enhance their craft. (23:00)</li><li>How Ilia overcome stage fright. (28:14)</li><li>The exercises Ilia practices to work on his craft. (35:10)</li><li>How auditioning off-book allows you to feel free and make bold choices. (47:07)</li><li>How to create a self-tape tha