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There’s a lyric to a song from the 80’s called “Hollywood Movie Girls” that refers to: “wearing my one good interview dress, the one showing my legs.”
Be a professional even in how you turn yourself out when opportunities may present themselves.  I guess this crosses over to a sort of self respect that you as an actor have to carry with you.  Since your big chance may come while you’re waiting tables…and happen to wait on a casting director looking for just your type…and that Lana Turner  stuff still happens…be aware of how you look, what you wear, how you carry yourself in your world.  All of those little things make up what you bring as an actor to any acting experience.
In one of our classes online, we talk about how you look at a role.  When you prepare for an audition, you don’t make up a new persona for each role, YOU are that persona.  How you look, your age, your hair color, your type and size…these things are what you bring that are unique to YOU, and may get you the job.  So developing yourself in your whole world is your goal.  Grooming, health, habits, turn out (even when going to the gym or to a movie) are things to think about and consciously decide on.  In this profession, YOU are the product, not a car or a toy or a service or a brand…YOU.

So give some thought to how you want to sell YOU, and start now to develop that.  Make it a habit.  Take care of yourself, your clothes, your car, your health, your outlook.  You never know who’s watching.

Be your best,

Beth

Before we start, I’d like to send you to both official actor union websites for further information on each.  www.SAG.org and  www.AFTRA.com.  It’s always a good idea to go to the source, and you will find valuable content, information on membership, services, and networking at each site.

There are varying opinions on whether or not to join a union unless you have to for a job.  This website does not endorse a formal position, but my intention here is to review the options.  If you are serious about being an actor, and working in the industry in a serious way, it will be necessary for you to join these two key unions.   AFTRA is for video tape contracts, on camera and radio, acting, voice over, singing, etc. under a very specific tape domain.  SAG is for film, on TV or on the big screen, the medium must be film for this union’s jurisdiction.  AFTRA is still an open union, which means you can just take your money down there and sign up.  Many feel this is a good way to start being serious about your field, and there are many programs, educational and networking, that AFTRA sponsors, which is a place for you to meet your peers.

SAG is closed, which means you cannot join unless you are required to for a job.  There is a difficult catch here, since you generally can’t get a job unless you are already in the union, but there are some special circumstances, like being hired for special skills under the Taft Hartley Act, that will allow membership.  Let’s say you are a sky diver…and an actor…and a movie needs a skydiver who can act, not just a stunt man for some reason.  This would be a reason for a casting director to hire you over someone else, and for you to have your chance to join SAG.  That is also why we recommend you put all your special skills on your resume under the categories of your actual acting experience.  These skills may take you over one of the biggest hurdles of a new actor.

As in all things that affect your success, be aware of fees, membership dues, rules of membership and initiation costs so when you can afford it, and when it becomes available to you, you are in a position to become a member of the unions that will allow you to work in your field.

Check it out!  You are in charge of your destiny.  Good luck!

Beth