1. Always look for Work- Agents hold huge potential for enhancing an actors' career, but unfortunately, many actors become stagnant once they have an agent. Whether you have an agent or you are flying solo, always take the initiative to look for acting work! You may just find the audition to boost your career that your agent wouldn't have! Audition as much as possible!
2. Take Advantage of the Actor's Union- If you belong to a union, contact your local branch by going to their website and see if there are any acting opportunities for you. (Depending on your union, your website may be, www.sag.org, www.aftra.org, or www.actorsequity.org)3. Network with other Actors- Staying connected with other actors allows you to have multiple ears out in the industry for auditions, classes, learning opportunities, etc. By creating a Twitter, Facebook, Google +, etc. you are guaranteed to make those connections and hear of upcoming possibilities.
4. Acting Websites- www.Backstage.com and Playbill.com are some of the most well known sites that offer both union and non-union, opportunities in film, television, and theater available all over the world. (Los Angeles and New York, especially.) www.hollywoodreporter.com and www.variety.com are two great sites that handle the business aspect of the industry and hold information worth browsing through.
5. Contact Casting Directors Yourself- Don't wait for your next audition to leave an impression with your casting director. You can take initiative by mailing your head shot and resume, or calling and asking for a general interview. A cover letter should be sent with your head shot and resume, explaining who you are, your credibility and your desire. You can also cater your cover letters to fit the type of shows the casting directors casts. For example, if it is a comedy, then consider adding some humor to your cover letter. However, remember, you always want to portray yourself as a "professional, serious actor." By mailing your resumes to casting directors who have not cast you in the past, you keep your face and name always fresh in their mind. You can also try personally delivering your materials, even though it rarely happens, but be prepared, you may have to perform on the spot. Make sure to respect the people and their time. When you are casts for a role, break out the thank you cards.
6. Always carry your head shot, resume, business cards, etc., since you never know who you will meet on the street! Create your own website with photos of you performing, acting reels, biography, resume, head shot, etc., and perhaps put it on your business card. When you are performing in a show, send postcards informing casting directors in the neighborhood to drop by.
7. Take Every Opportunity to Showcase Yourself- Now is not a time to be shy. You want to perform, so get out there and perform! Get involved with the following:
- Acting Showcase-Acting classes and workshops often end with showcases where casting directors attend! Sign up!
- One-Man Show- Become the Producer, Writer, Director, Actor and take control of your own work! You will get to showcase yourself as the only one on stage, leaving the casting directors eyes on you!
- Produce your own Screenplay-Many actors have exceeded expectations after performing in and writing their own screenplay.
- Write your own Play-Get involved with a group of actors, produce and write a play that you and them can be showcased in!
- Perform in a stand-up-comedy act-Comedy clubs are a hot spot for casting directors. Build up that courage, and perform! Any criticism you receive will be beneficial towards acting!
It doesn't matter how long it takes, it just matters that you are doing everything in your power to promote yourself! Never wonder if you could have done more! Don't let the years roll by. Take control of your career, your life, get out there and promote yourself! -Actors Nook Team
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