Top 10 Tips for Professional Actors in 2011, Pt. 1

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By Tony Nation

2011 is almost here and there’s no better time than right now before the turn of the new year to get yourself ready for what looks to be a very busy audition season! Word from the networks is that there are going to be more pilots than ever being produced and cast—plus summerstock auditions and the spring audition season will be here before you know it. So if you want to perform in NYC this year, here are some ideas to get you into tip-top show business shape:
  1. Update your headshot
    This might seem obvious but every time you get a new headshot that is better than your old one you re-introduce your product of “you the actor” into the marketplace. If your picture is eye-catching, tells a story and says you have to meet me, you’ll be amazed at how many more auditions come your way with a new look! Plus it’s a tax write-off. If your picture is 2-3 years old or is black and white, it’s time to update!
  2. Refresh your resume
    Again obvious but if you haven’t spruced it up lately or have been writing in credits, now is the time to make sure your resume is selling you. Remember, it’s your list of referrals as well as what you do as an actor. Make sure your name is the easy to read and stands out!
  3. Update your listing on Actors Access
    When’s the last time you did this? Updated your headshots? Resume credits? Make sure your agency representation listing(s) are correct? Help yourself and your agent get you more auditions by maintaining an up-to-date listing.
  4. If you have credits on IMDB, fill out your profile and add pictures
    If you have a listing on IMDB and have never added pictures, resume or representation, do it NOW! Yeah, it costs a subscription fee but everyone in the business uses it as a resource and it’s a tax write off. Also, make sure that ALL of your movie and TV credits are listed. If they are not the process can be time consuming but it’s important that you show your body of work to everyone who might bring you in for an audition or hire you.
  5. Update or create your casting director list
    Every time you meet an agent in an interview, you will be asked who are the casting directors who know your work. Instead of having to pull it off the top of your head, here’s a fantastic tool to present to them. It shows you know how agents work and that you are a TRUE PRO! After you’ve secured representation, it’s also a handy way to keep your agent updated with the casting directors who have recently seen your work.

What are some things that actors can do
to put their time and efforts to better use?

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By Brian O’Neil

Performers acting in New York City think in a very linear way.  They subscribe to online casting services (which is fine), but aren’t learning to create quality audition opportunities for themselves, which is an important step towards your goal to perform in NYC.

One very important thing that actors need to do more of, especially in New York, is to be going on to the websites of the top off-Broadway theaters and learning when these theaters will be presenting readings of new plays and attending them.

To gain access to actually taking part in a reading, volunteer to read stage directions for any upcoming “developmental projects” as these readings are frequently called. (None of this is to be confused with being a “reader” in an actual audition situation which is an entirely different thing altogether).

Be a Reader for New Plays

I am speaking here of being in a reading of a new play which a given theater may be considering for their mainstage.  These readings are usually open to the public and are presented for the theater’s artistic director, the theater’s staff, and potential backers as well.

Being in a reading is a wonderful way to network and get to know the serious players in the New York theater scene—some of whom are also in the  process of developing independent film works as well. Plan on making your attendance regular, saying hello to those involved (often refreshments are served) and staying in touch with the staff by mail.

In my files, I have many photos and resumes of actors who are signed with major agencies who have placed a reading at a good theater on their resumes.  So if they can, you can.  I say the latter because some actors have been told not to put readings on their resumes, but if the reading was at a good theater, you really should. Over and over, I’ve seen one or two such readings on a resume  change the entire perception of an actor when those credits are viewed by an industry professional.

Brian O’Neil will be teaching the six-week course I HATE MONOLOGUES, beginning January 15 at Actors Connection.