ACTING TIPS

Action

“Don’t wait for your BIG break, create it!” Be proactive with your career and do something productive everyday.
You MUST go to “meet & greet” events and introduce yourself to Casting Directors. If you don’t, how are they ever going to get to know you and your work. Casting Directors are the main reason we get called in to an audition! They are an actor’s friend… they need us.
Market yourself and network as much as you can.
Continuously train: take classes, intensives, seminars, etc. Never stop exercising your instrument (voice and body).
Create your own work — write a screenplay, perform a one man/one woman show, write a book, get a theater group together and do a showcase — especially if the business is slow and you haven’t been auditioning a lot.

It’s not about who’s the BETTER actor, it’s about who’s more INTERESTING to watch. Make strong choices, and commit to them.
There is no such thing as rejection in this business. How can you be rejected if you were called in to audition? Just because you didn’t book the role, doesn’t mean you didn’t give a great audition. There are many variables beyond an actor’s control as to why they will or will not book a role. DON’T DWELL ON IT. Keep moving forward to your next audition.
Don’t try to give the CD (Casting Director) what you think they are looking for in the character. If you do this, it will most likely come across as bad acting. Just bring yourself to the role: let them see YOUR true personality.
I’ve always been told to have 2 monologues prepared and ready, in case you are asked to perform them on the spot. You should have a dramatic monologue and a comedic monologue. It’s important to make sure the monologues you choose are good for your type/product.
Learn from every audition, and most importantly: HAVE FUN!!!

Know your type/product — make sure your headshot TRULY represents you. The photographer I went with was Jeremy Folmer. When searching for your photographer, be sure you are comfortable with whomever you choose, and that you both work together to create photos that clearly show your type.
Market yourself and network as much as possible. Yes, I repeated this because it’s vital.
Always carry several headshots/resumes AND a good amount of business cards. Remember — YOU ARE YOUR OWN COMPANY — always be prepared and professional.
After meeting an industry professional, send them a thank you postcard, and continue to keep them updated with your career. Maintain that relationship.
Even if you obtain an agent, a manager, or both, as an actor you should continue working hard. Don’t just sit on your ass and wait for your Agent/Manager to call you — it’s a partnership — WORK TOGETHER!!
In the beginning of an actor’s career, they will get cast for roles they are perfect for. But don’t worry about being typecast, once you get some clout in this industry, they (industry professionals) will then feel comfortable enough to allow you to stretch your acting ability and play a role outside your type.
When you run into a CD, Agent or Manager, casually treat them as a person first, not as a business opportunity.

Continue to believe in yourself and others will too.
Remember, you are already successful because you are doing what you love. You are an actor no matter what happens in your life. You will always be an artist regardless of what ups and/or downs you go through: no one can take that away from you.
NEVER EVER LISTEN TO ANYONE THAT SAYS “YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME,” OR “YOU’LL NEVER MAKE IT.” THAT IS A PERSON WHO DOES NOT BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES.
Don’t forget this is also a business, so you must not only work on your craft and know the technical side, but you also have to have a great understanding of how this business works.
When you audition, know what you are auditioning for, know who you are auditioning for. Research the director, producers, writers. Have positive energy, be open, friendly, take the adjustments well, take a risk and be memorable!!! IT’S ABOUT WINNING THE ROOM, NOT BOOKING THE JOB. IF YOU WIN THE ROOM AND YOU ARE NOT RIGHT FOR THE ROLE, BASED ON YOUR TYPE, YOUR WORK AND PERSONALITY IN THE ROOM WILL GET YOU CALLED BACK IN FOR ANOTHER ROLE.

To sign up for acting classes and to meet with acting coach Michelle Danner in person at her Los Angeles Acting School please RSVP for the free informational session in the contact form on the left. You may also call 310-392-0815 or email us at [email protected] for up-to-date information on all acting classes and workshops. ACTING SCHOOL IN LA, THE MEISNER TECHNIQUE ACTING CLASS.