First Steps to Becoming an Actor
by Aimee Mitchell
(continued from part 1)
Even when you are on a job, don't quit looking for your next one. You can find out about up coming auditions just by being around others on-set or backstage.
You'll meet interesting people on each job and when taking a break or after the day's work you'll have time to talk and network. There is a very good chance you'll
get some valuable information about other jobs and roles from the people you work with.
Self-Promote to Talent Agents
As a beginning actor you won't need an agent. But as you progress in your acting career, you'll find a time when it will help to have an agent. To find an agent, you'll
have to self-promote. In this case, you'll have to introduce yourself to talent agents by mailing them your professional headshot, well rounded acting resume, and concise
cover letter.
To begin, do your homework and research exactly where the offices of talent agents and agencies are located. You can search online for talent agents and agencies but
if you have difficulties locating any in your area, the web site I recommended above (Actingland.com) provides
the complete list of all SAG talent agents in the United States and hundreds of AFTRA and extras casting agents and agencies.
After you've found several agents or agencies in your area, try to find out who is and isn't accepting submission materials. When possible, don't send any materials until
you know that the agent is accepting them. This step can save you lots of time and money.
For those talent agents that are accepting submission materials, find out if they actually want to see your resume; at this point they may only be interested in receiving
postcards with a little detail. Ask what they need from you and send it.
Also, a talent agent doesn't want to see too much information crammed onto your resume - it needs to look neat and professional, plus has to be easy to read (think of how
many they'll have to read!). If you have too much information, your resume may be tossed out and replaced by another which is far more pleasing to the eye. Send your
materials in a neat, large envelope, anything grubby will look like you don't care what image of yourself you present.
Another point; make sure that everything you send out has no spelling errors, is grammatically correct, and most importantly has your headshot attached to the back of
it. Add your contact details including your telephone, mobile number and email address. Do not include your social security details as this info will not be required
until you get the job.
Finally, don't forget to include a short cover letter to introduce yourself. Keep it brief, all your work history and skills and abilities lists are already on your resume.
But although it's brief, try to personalize each cover letter you send. This may be difficult to do, but if you happened to attend the same school as the agent or are
friends with one of their other clients, mention this in your letter. Try to be friendly and casual but also professional, too.
Follow up those resumes you've sent out by calling the agents or sending out chasing postcards. Once you are up to around forty to fifty follow-ups per week, you really
are focusing properly and are more likely to be seen by your next potential talent agent.
However, keep in mind that very often, after you've sent your materials, you may never hear back from those agents. Many agents receive so many resumes they just can't
respond to everyone. If you aren't getting responses then it may just be that it's the wrong time for certain talent agents. Don't let this stop you. Keep going.
Rejection is all part of building your experience.
Whatever form of self-promotion you decide to do, remember to keep with it and follow through. Treat your acting efforts as if you were running your own home business
because ultimately, you are. You're in a high-stakes business to sell yourself. So go out there and get some customers!
Aimee Mitchell is an acting coach, short story author, community theater director and playwright. She has spent the better part of her adult life working
with young actors and actresses.
Copyright © Aimee Mitchell. All rights reserved. Used with permission of the author. Not to be reproduced or distributed.
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