Showcase Your Work to Get Representation

I've been working with an all-female sketch group (www.elitedeltaforce3.com) for a few months now, creating shows and putting them up around Los Angeles. The work feels so good because I'm writing, acting, improvising and learning.

What are you doing for your career? Are you writing? Are you in a show? Are you in a play reading group? Find a creative outlet without breaking the bank. Then turn it into something that casting directors, agents and managers will want to come support.

So many people ask me how to get an agent -- my new answer is: SHOW THEM WHAT YOU DO. Get a group of people together who are as good as you or BETTER (this is key) and put up a showcase of dramatic, comedic or futuristic work. Keep it 45 minutes or less and serve refreshments (or alcohol!). Make sure it's free or you have comp tickets for industry -- otherwise they won't come.

Lastly, work with people WHO ALREADY HAVE AGENTS. That way, when they come to see their client, they will also be impressed with you and may approach you about representation! Make them come to you! Be sure to have press kits at the ticket office with your headshot/resume and contact information on it so they can reach you.

Good luck!

Step Up Your Game in 2009

Stepping up your game will put you ahead of the thousands of actors who are just sitting around, complaining about a possible strike. Here are some things you can do RIGHT now:

1. Update your headshots. If it's been six months or you aren't going out -- RESHOOT. www.hypnoticheadshots.com is a great new photographer I just started using.

2. Send out postcards to casting directors who love you. Let them know what you're doing.

3. Call SAG about missing residuals. You never know what might be waiting for you!

4. WRITE SOMETHING. Creating your own one-person show, monologue or sketch comedy scene will help you stay fresh and put your work out in the public. Even if you perform it at a coffee shop, it's SOMETHING!

5. Reconnect with other actors. Start an actor's reading group and review current TV or movie scripts. Do character research and really rehearse as if the role were yours. That way, you'll be ready when the opportunity comes.

It's rough out there for all of us, but stick it out!

Recession Job Ideas for Actors

This week's entry is geared towards those actors who are really struggling with paying the bills! The recession is hitting all of hard, even those of us who thought we were safe! Here are some jobs you can work and still have audition flexibility:

1. Substitute Teaching (You'll need a college degree and you have to pass the CBEST test)
2. After-School Tutoring (Check Craigslist for constant listings!)
3. Freelance Writer (Demand Studios, Associated Content, etc.)
4. Babysitting
5. Bartending/Waitressing (I know, obvious, but some people forget!)
6. Notary Public (doesn't cost that much to get certified and you can create your own rates!)
7. Sell Proprietary Products (Avon, Mona Vie, etc.)
8. House Cleaning (Ask your friends! You'd be surprised how much they'd pay you!)
9. Catering (Your own or for a company)
10. Sell your old CDs and clothes (Buffalo Exchange or Crossroads in LA) -- you'd be surprised how much you can get!

Good luck and keep your head up!

Stay Busy EVERY Day! Here are some ideas...

Instead of sending out a million mailings to commercial and theatrical casting directors (which I think is a HUGE waste of time).... try this list of productive tasks to help you boost your preparation and opportunities as an actor:

1. Watch commercials and popular TV shows daily. Study what the actors do and compare it to your audition style.

2. Work at night or on the weekends. You've got to be available for auditions/meetings.

3. Sign up for LA Casting and Actor's Access. Submit yourself for work daily.

4. Shoot scenes with your friends, edit them together in iMovie with some music and titles and post them online (facebook, youtube,etc.). That way, when a casting director asks you for a reel, you can send and instant link (no more wasting money on editing and burning DVDs!) -- even if you've never worked a "real" acting job!

5. Read scenes OUT LOUD daily. Even if only for 15 minutes, this will help you get more comfortable in cold reading and audition situations.