The Importance of Feedback

If you have an agent and/or manager, one of the most important roles I believe they can serve is to be the follow-up. After an audition, it's vital that you learn what the casting director thought of you, particularly if it's the first time you've been in for him/her. Many times, you won't land a job because of circumstances that have NOTHING to do with you or your performance (They wanted a redhead, the director's girlfriend got the role, etc.), but then there are times where you can use feedback to improve every audition you go on.

For instance, maybe you didn't appear confident, maybe you misinterpreted the context of the scene, or maybe the casting director thought your look was messy or too sexy. Either way, this is vital information that your representative can get for you. And make it clear that you don't want them to mince their words. Honest criticism is the only kind that will help you get better every time. Take the feedback with a grain of salt, but pay close attention to those pieces of advice that hit home.

Use Internet Work to Your Advantage

For those of us in the comedy world, the Internet is a grand tool for getting work out there fast. You can shoot a sketch and post it instantly. Sites like Funnyordie.com and others are giving us venues that were never available even three years ago.

Now, even the most serious thespian can use the web to post projects that Network Execs might be wary of taking a chance on in traditional TV formats. For instance, I was recently priveleged enough to be a part of a new web series called "BUPPIES" (see trailer below) which is a fascinating look into the lives of up and coming Hollywood types who are struggling to make their dreams come true in the toughest biz around.

Maybe you've got a clip you want to post or a short you want to shoot? Do it! It's a great resource to have and the next time someone asks you where they can see your work, you don't have to tell them to wait for a re-run of "CSI," you can send a direct link to current work!

Enjoy!

Enjoy Your Work

It's hard to enjoy the craft of acting when we as actors are rarely actually acting! Think about it, you spend most of your time waiting for an audition or prepping for one, but very little time actually doing it (unless you're very lucky). To discourage stagnation, I recommend that you find ways to exercise your acting muscles. Get together weekly with a group of likeminded actors and improv or play games. Even if they are simple things, getting workouts with others can help keep you fresh and energized about your career! Not to mention it can remind you that we're all in the same boat, even in hard times. :-)

Do Your Homework!

You'll often hear me say (or read me write!) that IMDB.com is a helpful resource. Well, this is an understatement! When you go to an audition, you should know everything you can about the writer, the director, the producers, and the other actors already working on the show. This will help you gain a well rounded idea of the types of projects the staff and cast have worked on before, as well as what you can expect from the room once you go in. And, this site allows you one-stop researching, which is always a plus. Who knows? The director may have been a grip on another show you worked on in the past or an actor you've worked with may now be the show's writer... stay one step ahead at all times!