Take It Seriously

As actors, we have to ask ourselves a critical question:

WHY am I an actor?

The answer to this is crucially important, primarily for actors just starting out. There is no wrong answer, by the way. Even if you say "To be famous" or "To be rich," your answer is valid. You don't have to say "Because I want to perfect the craft" or "To heal the world through performance." Let's get real, these answers truly don't apply to many of us.

The reason I bring this up is because I think some of us simply stay in the business because we made it a goal but it no longer applies. In a recent visit to my commercial and theatrical agents, both teams expressed that they were "trimming the fat" -- letting go of actors who didn't work or (more prevalently) who didn't WANT to work. They said that they had actors on the roster who would literally complain when called about auditions -- they would say "Oh, I don't want to go on that" or "I have something else to do at that time" -- WHAT?! Why would you ever sabotage your career that way?

If you can answer the question "Why am I am actor?" then you can prioritize your work opportunities. I know we all have to work jobs and we have to make a living, but there should NEVER be a reason that you turn down an audition or complain about getting them. If your agent isn't submitting you for the type of jobs you're comfortable with, that's a different conversation. But if you're simply being lazy, that's another. I challenge all of us to regularly evaluate how seriously we take our careers and dedicate ourselves anew to "being famous" or "perfecting the craft." Whatever your reason, make it work and you will work.

The Basics of Agents (for young/new actors)

I had the privilege of working on an NBC sitcom this week, and a young lady who was working as an extra asked me how I got the job. I told her that I had auditioned for the part and then been hired by the producers. She asked me how she could get an agent. So, I'll list here the advice I gave her on "the basics" of acting and getting work:

1. Build up your resume. Audition for local short films or readings at local colleges or theatres. Get everything on tape for your reel (a dvd montage of scenes of your work).

2. Once you've got this, take headshots. These are COLOR, 8x10 photographs that represent you in a natural, yet attractive way.

3. Submit to agents by sending your headshot (with a link to your reel online -- don't send DVDs, they are too expensive!) to agents in your area. The Screen Actors Guild provides a list of these in most major markets (http://www.sag.org).

- You can also be referred to an agent by another actor, so always ask actors who they are represented by and if they would refer you.

- Submit to commercial agents first. It can be easier to get a commercial agent than a theatrical (TV/FILM) agent in most markets.

4. Participate in industry showcases to attract agents to you with your work. NBC, CBS and other networks all do big showcases every year to which you can submit yourself online or by mail.

5. Sign up for LA Casting, Now Casting, and/or Actor's Access. On these sites, you can submit yourself for jobs and be your own agent in the meantime.

Break legs!

Creating Your Own Work

Is essential. Whether you write, shoot, edit or improvise, you have to put yourself out there. No agent or casting director is sitting around trying to find ways to make you famous (unless you're REALLY lucky), and even then the parts may not reflect what you really want. Find out who you are and team up with those artists around you to create work you're proud of. Here are some ideas:

* Start a play reading group that meets/performs monthly.
* Meet with fellow writers 2x a month to discuss new ideas.
* Attend plays with the same group of actors and post a blog of your critiques.
* Meet with improvisers once a month at your house and just play.
* Shoot a short film with your digital camera or your phone and put it on YouTube.

Have fun!

Save Money and Get More From Your Career

In these rough economic times, many of us are looking for ways to cut corners. Headshots, reproductions, costumes, websites and reels can be hugely expensive, but are necessary tools for actors. We spend thousands of dollars a year on these items and while they may be nice write-offs at tax time, they can be large burdens during slim financial times. Here are some tips for stretching your dollar (or not spending any money!) on the things you must have for your career:

Headshots: Post an ad at a local photography class or school advertising your "modeling" services. Advertise that you are an actor looking for shots in exchange for use in portfolios. Many photographers start out looking for free models in exchange for photos and you can take advantage of this. If you're worried about quality, bring samples of headshots that you like and have the photographer mirror the looks as best as possible. Come with tons of ideas and locations so you make sure to get a product you can use. If the pictures are horrible, at least you've lost nothing!

Barter your services: Do you have any CDs or DVDs sitting around? What about computer software or an external hard drive? An editor may trade you reel editing services in exchange for your eqiupment. If you don't have any material items to offer, how about your acting services? You could perform at a corporate get-together, bartend at the editing company's holiday party or give the editor's kids acting lessons in exchange for your reel. Be creative!

Reproductions: Order lithographs, they are much cheaper than photo reproductions and they are much sturdier as well, since they are printed on card stock instead of photo paper. Glossy finish is better than matte. Shop around among web suppliers if you can't find a great deal in your town. www.isgophoto.com is the service I use and you can save even more by skipping proofs and setting up your name yourself in the online kiosk on this site (save $30!).

Cut back: Order 25 headshots instead of 100. Order 1 reel instead of 25 and get a friend with iDVD to duplicate it for you with their computer and the DVDs you buy yourself from Office Depot. When you have an audition, go run all your errands right after so you have less trips to make during the week and you can save on gas. Offer to help a friend run lines for an audition in exchange for dinner. Shop at thrift stores for costumes and sell your old clothes at consignment shops. Above all else, put yourself on a budget but don't stop working every day toward your goals!

Reality Shows...Are they acting jobs?

Hmm, I've managed to avoid them in my career, although I've been asked to participate in a few. Hidden camera shows, sketch comedy/man on the street shows and shows like "Punk'd" are not reality to me, since they are actor-heavy and plot-driven. Even shows like "The Hills" are scripted to a certain point, but I do think this is where serious actors have to draw the line. What reality show star do you know who has made a real transition into acting? The only one I can even think of is Greg Kinnear. He was a host on "Talk Soup" and made an amazing transition into a stunning film career. But he was more of a host, not a reality star.

I guess my opinion, then, is to avoid reality shows as a serious actor. If you want to be a celebrity or to just forge out a career in the new world of reality (which can be very lucrative!), then go for it! But if you are concerned about doing the best work you can and not just about being in the spotlight, then stay away from "unscripted" (yeah, right) TV or web projects. I think it can be harder to dig out of that hole than to create a name for yourself from the start.