Search

A well-dressed tourist walks up to a street vendor on 52^nd and Seventh in NYC and asks him “How do I get to Carnegie Hall?” The vendor looks up and says “Practice.”

It’s an old joke, to be sure, but the concept is timeless. The more you practice your craft, the better you’ll be at it. Auditioning is no exception. When most actors come to Los Angeles they have taken Acting classes, Dance classes, singing classes, and a host of other workshops trying to hone their craft. What they don’t realize is that in order to get a job to actually use that craft, they first have to audition – a separate craft unto itself. The only way to figure out that craft is to experience the audition process and figure out how best you can negotiate those waters. What specific skills, what tools, what exercises an actor needs to book the job. Read the rest of this entry »

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 »

When an actor is new in town, and just starting out, it’s hard to know where to turn for marketing materials (headshots, photos, demo reels, etc.) and acting class.  Where there are beginners with money to spend, there are scam artists hatching ways to take that money from the unsuspecting.  Please start all inquiries by checking on the acting school, photographer, videographer, coach, or manager as completely as possible.  Ask around. Get referrals from actor friends for these services when possible.  Look companies or individuals up on the Internet.  Call the offices or headquarters and ask questions about refund policies, dissatisfaction policies and what exact services are provided for what fees.  Call the Better Business Bureau if possible, call the unions if this applies (in the case of agents that are not franchised by Screen Actors Guild or AFTRA), take whatever reasonable precautions you can.  Be proactive in the choices you make about your money, your career, and your future. Read the rest of this entry »