Suzy Woltmann

San Diego

Writer and Editor at Backstage

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Articles

Masters of Malevolence: 9 Actors Who Play Villains Expertly

1 week ago | backstage.com | Suzy Woltmann |Lisa Iannucci

From Hannibal Lecter to Annie Wilkes, reprobates and wrongdoers throughout cinematic history have both terrified and intrigued audiences. These memorable characters exist thanks to the talented actors who breathe life into them—performers who have mastered the art of being bad. Check out nine actors who have perfected the art of portraying unforgettable villains, along with what makes their performances so wonderfully wicked. What makes a great villain actor?
Same Scene, New Take: ∞ Acting Lessons From 8 Time Loop Movies

Jan 31, 2025 | backstage.com | Suzy Woltmann

“Well, what if there is no tomorrow? There wasn’t one today!” proclaims Phil Connors (Bill Murray) in “Groundhog Day.” This moment of existential crisis marks Phil’s turning point as he realizes that even if he can’t alter his situational circumstances, he can change himself—a lesson that also applies to the craft of performance. Here are some of the top time loops from films and TV and what they can teach you about acting.
No Credits? No Problem! Your Guide to a Showstopping Novice Résumé

Jan 21, 2025 | backstage.com | Suzy Woltmann |David Green

Before becoming the household name (and EGOT!) she is today, Viola Davis was just an aspiring actor with a few school plays under her belt. Although her beginner acting résumé may have been less than auspicious, Davis kept building it by attending a state school theater program, making her stage debut, and enrolling at Juilliard, before finally moving on to Broadway and onscreen work.
Your Name Amongst the Stars: How to Get a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Jan 17, 2025 | backstage.com | Suzy Woltmann

Jude Law, Ralph Macchio, and Kerry Washington are just a few of the most recent names to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Although the honor is certainly a boast-worthy achievement, it’s important for up-and-comers with stars in their eyes to remember that all that glisters is not gold. Here’s what you need to know about the concrete cosmos, whether Hollywood stars really matter, and ways to get one in your orbit. What is the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
The 2024 Heller Awards: Honorees and Winners

Nov 25, 2024 | backstage.com | Suzy Woltmann

The Talent Managers Association’s Heller Awards came roaring back Nov. 14, following a brief hiatus due to last year’s historic double strikes. Hosted by Jeremy Holm (“House of Cards,” “Mr. Robot”), with Victoria Mojica Monroe, Lori Kay, and Tammy Wallace producing and Ryan Guess directing, the ceremony celebrated excellence in talent representation and casting. This year’s theme, “Resurgence,” served as a powerful reminder of the industry’s resilience.
Neurodiversity in Voiceover: Challenges, Access, and Authentic Representation

Oct 31, 2024 | backstage.com | Suzy Woltmann

For neurodivergent voice actors like Kellen Goff (“Five Nights at Freddy’s,” “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure”) and Analesa Fisher (“Yummiland,” “Craig of the Creek”), who both have autism, seeing (and hearing!) the world a little bit differently means bringing something special to the table… or the recording booth.
Fiction’s Familiar Faces: 12 Common Character Archetypes

Oct 9, 2024 | backstage.com | Byronic Hero |Suzy Woltmann

From the wise-cracking sidekick to the wily trickster, the just-out-of-reach love interest to the grizzled mentor, archetypal characters fit into age-old storytelling patterns. The most popular archetypes permeate literature, film, and TV, providing us with familiar faces that make us feel at home, even in the most innovative of narratives. What is a character archetype? A character archetype describes a fictional figure who is easily recognizable due to their major traits.
Fran Drescher Gives Advice to Aspiring Union Members + Talks ‘Huge Threat’ of AI

Sep 16, 2024 | backstage.com | Suzy Woltmann

SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher isn’t just a “millennial whisperer,” fashion icon, and famed rocker of a red lip; she’s also a fearless advocate for performers’ rights, a self-proclaimed “fierce beast,” and this year’s recipient of the Backstage Vanguard Award.
Short-Form Video 101: How to Make Content That Builds an Audience

Sep 10, 2024 | backstage.com | Suzy Woltmann |Maggie Bera

If you want to bear virtual witness to life’s many wonders and absurdities, short-form video is where it’s at. And for aspiring creators or performers, learning how to harness the power of this content is a great way to connect with your audience and grow your brand. Want to be the next viral sensation? Let’s dive into the short, sweet, and often silly world of short-form videos. What is short-form video content?
The 2024 Heller Awards: Full List of Honorees and Nominees

Sep 6, 2024 | backstage.com | Suzy Woltmann

After a brief hiatus due to last year’s double strike, the Heller Awards are back! The event will take place at the Taglyan Complex in Los Angeles on Nov. 14. Named after talent manager Seymour Heller, one of the founders of the Talent Managers Association, the Heller Awards honor the industry’s top talent representatives. This year, the ceremony’s theme is “Resurgence,” reflecting the industry-wide revival and the ways that representatives rallied around their talent.