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

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.
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