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The blog I did recently on whether or not to join a union reminded me of the importance of networking with other actors and industry professionals and warrants a reminder and gentle nudge to those of you taking your careers in show business seriously.  I can’t stress enough how important it is to meet and greet your peers on a regular basis.

Eventually you will have a friendship base of those also in the industry in a position to help each other as well as share common interests and discussions that keep you grounded and up to date in your field.

Go to acting classes.  Go to seminars.  Go online to union sites like SAG and AFTRA and take advantage of their programs and symposiums whenever possible.  If you are not yet a member, find someone in class who is and who will take you as their guest.  Do plays, join theater groups.  Use every opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

I don’t think it needs to be said, but for the record, this should not be a completely self-serving approach.  Expect to give back, help others, share, trade, and return those favors.  This is an industry of ego, but also of great heart and generosity.  Be a part of the latter, pay forward and you will not regret it.  You never know where a job may be hiding, or a learning experience, or a chance to meet people you will never forget.  Be a part of what makes show business one of the most charismatic and rewarding fields in which to express your creativity, hone your skills, use your talent, and display your unique essence.

Put it out there.

Beth

When I came to Los Angeles, I came from New York where I already had an agent and had been working for a few years. I came to Los Angeles for a week and stayed 30 years.  
Not everyone who arrives in Hollywood has an agent or manager – quite the contrary – most don’t have either an agent or manager.  So how does an actor get an agent?  It will be the easiest or the most difficult thing in the world – sometimes both at the same time. Read the rest of this entry »

It is very important to look at your career as a marathon race and not a sprint.  It is something you invest in and nurture, something that takes patience and hard work.
Beth Maitland and I have written a great deal about having yourself set up to weather your first year in Hollywood.  Good planning will take care of most problems. Read the rest of this entry »

Beth Maitland and I have an online seminar on “Marketing For The Actor” and one of the things we discuss is: The resume.
Your resume is your calling card along with your photo.  We will discuss the photo is other articles, but let’s concentrate on your resume.
Do not lie.  Never.  Do not exaggerate.  If you say you can play the trumpet and ride a horse, you’d better be able to play Dixie at a gallop because you might get hired to do just that. Read the rest of this entry »