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We have written extensively about staying in acting class while establishing yourself in Los Angeles as an actor…important for many reasons.  The interaction with other actors, the developing of lasting friendships and support groups, the industry information, and the obvious work out as an actor, are only a few of the advantages.

But for every reputable, conscientious acting teacher or school, there are several not-so-reputable counterparts.   Do your research.  We can’t stress enough the value of word of mouth from other respected actors and friends, references from your agent or manager,  asking to audit so you can see at least a portion of a class to gauge the style and functionality of the teacher.  We also recommend considering the acting classes offered as members of theater companies, as they can actually result in castings in the company’s productions.  In addition, and especially if you have some acting experience, there may be an advantage to getting a private acting coach.  This can be a little more expensive, but in preparing for an audition or a performance, the one on one saves time and is intensive and productive. Read the rest of this entry »

There are a few things about auditioning for a Soap that are different than other types of dramatic auditions.  First of all, it is very important to know the material till it’s almost memorized.  Never read without a script, but always know your words exactly, and know the scene well.  In Daytime, there are no more cue cards or teleprompters as a rule, and you will be asked to learn an enormous amount of material per day if you are hired.  The producers and casting directors need to see that you are up for the job.  They need to see in your audition that you can get sides or the scene material and absorb the character and intent of the scene quickly and effectively.  They need to see more than anything else that you can digest lots of material with confidence. Read the rest of this entry »

There are no set rules for finding an agent in Los Angeles.  In addition, there is no real way to know what agent will be right for you.  It is important to remember that they work for YOU.  As you might expect, there are lots of egos and power structure in every aspect of show business, and the hierarchy of agencies is no exception.  A good small or medium sized agency is a good place to start.

The agent may require seeing you perform before setting a meeting, so it’s good to be in a play or showcase where you can invite people to come and watch you perform.  Remember though, that these agents have put in long hours and may not always show up.  Don’t be disappointed, be persistent. Read the rest of this entry »

Casting in Hollywood is unlike acting auditions in most other parts of the country.  Because it is mostly a television and film industry (as opposed to theatre) most potential agents, managers, casting agents, producers, directors want to see what you would look like on film or tape or digitaly captured in some way.  They want to see how you come across on the medium they will be hiring you for.  
Actors in L.A. all have a demo reel.  It is a five minute or so DVD of their past work that shows highlights of what they can do.  It should be varied and show a range of parts that will encourage people to hire that actor again. It should be edited well and show the actor to his/her best advantage.  If you are not the featured player, if it’s not really good content, people will take a look and pass on that actor.  Most people judging those reels make up their minds about you in the first minute.  Important – I’ll repeat that – you will be judged by your first minute of video.  That’s not to say they won’t view the whole thing, but if they are not interested they will stop after about a minute. Read the rest of this entry »