Jump Start the New Year!

It's 2009. It's a new year and time for new acting tools! Here are some ways to invigorate your career by focusing energy and time into your daily activities:

1. Re-edit your reel. Add all new work and try a different approach to your reel's format. If you don't have any new work, then shoot some monologues or sketches. Chances are, you know someone who has a camera and access to iMovie or some other basic editing program to help you do this for free.

2. Get new headshots! These are your calling card. They should be colorful, current and accurate. If you can't afford a professional photographer, find a photography student at a local school who wants to add to a portfolio.

3. Re-connect with your representation. Let them know in a brief email or phone call about your current projects and writing endeavors. Express interest in certain aspects of your career, such as hosting or voiceover work. This can help you diversify your opportunities for work.

4. Get a mentor. Find someone who's doing what you want to do and ask them to mentor you. This can be invaluable in helping you think of new ways to approach your career.

5. Update all resumes online (LA Casting, Now Casting, Actor's Access, iActor, etc.) and on your headshots. Remove old credits and streamline your resume with your only your best work. Casting directors don't want to sift through a bunch of credits that are no longer relevant.

Good Luck!