The Self-respecting Actor

Get as much screen time as you can no matter what size the role. John Wayne played an extra for four years among bit parts and he was in the studio system. It would be a full ten years before he got the break that would eventually turn him into a legend.  Don't be impatient. You are on a path...you're own path. You can't compare yourself to others. Take your time and study. Don't be so anxious to get ahead you sell your soul or your conscience. It's not worth it. You are a human being. You feel, you think, you have compassion. When you forget these things it affects who you are, and that affects your craft. Now is the time to decide what you will and will not do.  Draw a line in the sand and be determined not to cross it.  Don't defile your conscience.  If you do, at some point and time you will look back and regret it. It's the same as selling yourself.  Why is it we are so appalled when we hear of men buying and selling women, but we sell ourselves so short? I can't give you self respect.  That is something you have to have for yourself and exercise it. Don't let anyone push you into doing anything you are not comfortable with.  Many actresses and actors keep their self-respect. If your motivation is fame you will likely do anything to achieve it. If your motivation is to be the best actor you can be, you will recognize that it is a process that culminates over many years of hard work. Surround yourself with people who uplift you. That's one reason why it's important for you to have a support group, because sometimes the people around you are not so kind when it comes to your dreams.  They don't realize how important they are to you. Maybe it's because they don't have dreams of their own. So seek out people who value you...and recognize your own self worth. 

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Basic Audition Protocol

Many times we walk into an audition with a multitude of emotions. Sometimes we're nervous, sometimes we are not in our element...and other times we may be extremely excited. Whatever the case casting agents are looking for people who not only can act, but can handle themselves in a business situation. Because really that's what entertainment is, a business. So though the folks sitting behind the table may be in "very casual" attire it is important to put your best foot forward so to speak. Please shower, fix your hair, brush your teeth, and dress in clean nice clothes. I know it sounds elementary, but you would be surprised what some actors show up to audition in at times. Greet the casting agent...producer(s) with a warm smile, look them in the eye, and if someone extends their hand take it with a firm handshake. NEVER show how excited you are to get the part. What you may perceive a shear excitement may come off to the casting agent as obnoxious, so keep your emotions in check. Show this excitement to your friends and family, but not to the agent.

Another NEVER is...never call a casting agent to see if you got the part. The old cliche, don't call us, we'll call you is correct procedure. If you got the part you will be notified...if you didn't you "won't" be notified. Yes, that is part of the business. Most casting agents are extremely busy and will perceive your persistence of calling everyday to see if you got the part as unprofessional (Many will not call you back in to audition next time they need your type). This is called self-control...please exercise a bit so that agents will look forward doing business with you. I hope you will check back to this blog for other insightful information.

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