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ONE Question You MUST Answer REALLY WELL in order to Get an Agent

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If you have been researching how to get an agent, you know it isn’t easy. There are HUNDREDS of tips and tools out there, but nothing is the magic juice. There are a lot of things that need to fall into place to finally obtain representation and get to the next level in your acting career.

There is no one size fits all tactic and everyone’s journey to finding a great professional rep is different. But there is ONE THING that is important in EVERY agent journey– and that is the ability to answer THIS QUESTION really well….

WHAT ROLES DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PLAYING?

Why is this question SO IMPORTANT?

Two main reasons…

Agents want to know you can book RIGHT NOW. Not 3 years from now or 5 years from now– but what you are right for RIGHT NOW.

This business is about making a profit. In order to have a profitable actor/agent relationship, you need to book jobs and there needs to be job opportunities out there for someone like you! In school, you often play characters that you wouldn’t play professionally until you are much older and that can throw a lot of actors off. Your agent wants you to focus on the age appropriate characters you can start making money playing right away.

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Agents want to know YOU UNDERSTAND HOW YOU CAN BOOK. So many actors just want to work but have done little to NO research on what they actually can book right now.

They don’t know the shows they are right for or the styles they can nail or at least they can’t articulate it. This screams LAZY ACTOR and it is not impressive to agents. You should be able to name theatre titles and characters, tv shows, writers and types of projects you are castable for at the drop of a dime. This shows an agent what you believe your type to be and that you are always aware of the opportunities you may be right for. This shows heart and hustle. It is SO important.

So ask yourself– can I answer this question? Can I answer it without an “um” or “uhhh”? Can I rattle off 5-10 quick titles or projects? If you can’t— this is your HOMEWORK!

Start researching and understanding what your money making opportunities are! Your career depends on it and there are lots of agents out there interested in hearing your answers!

Colleen Finnegan Kahl is an accomplished Theatre Arts Educator, author of this article, and President of Actors Connection. Colleen is an expert helping aspiring actors prepare for auditions and tryouts with Casting Directors and Talent Agents. Contact Colleen for more information. Photo provided by Towfiqu barbhuiya.

Stuart K. Robinson Actor & Teacher

Speak L.A. Podcast! Interview with Stuart K. Robinson

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Hey Actors!

In this week’s collaboration with Speak LA, we bring you a life-changing podcast episode. Meet Stuart Robinson – Teacher, Actor, Agent.

Stuart breaks down:

What does it REALLY mean to Be Yourself?
What is “The Thing That YOU Do?” (This is the key to everything!)
How can you get rid of your fear?
How can you not be waiting anymore?
What quality should your headshot absolutely have?

And so much more! Enjoy!

– Actors Connection

Prentice Miles Acting Website

Do Actors Need A Website?

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Let me start by asking you this: 

When you are writing up an email to a potential talent Agent, Manger or Casting Director that you recently connected with, do you feel like you are over-explaining yourself in your email pitch? 

Do you struggle making it sound impressive without sounding “braggy”?

Does it feel like you are pushing your personality to shine through while still keeping it brief and professional?

If you answered “YES” to any of this (or cringed while reading those questions… or had slight heart palpitations because writing a good cover letter is STRESSFUL) then Dear Actor, YES you need a website!

Do you need any ole website? NO!

DO NOT waste your money on a website if you are just going to basically make it like an Actors Access profile and have everything slapped up there boringly…

DO INVEST your money in designing a website if you are going to do it right. Take time to develop a brand based on research (or hire someone who can help you develop your brand) and optimize your website to function as a PREMIUM PITCH PACKAGE. Because at the end of the day, that’s what a GOOD Actor Website will do for you: It will function as your 3 Dimensional Cover Letter and do “The Humble Brag” for you so you don’t have to in your email pitches. 

Think about when you look at a show poster, let’s say Stranger Things for example, what does that poster tell you about the world? About the tone of the show? About the premise?

Well, your actor website is basically the show poster to who you are as an actor/human! A good website allows you to show more and say less, because your website does all the talking so you don’t have to when you pitch yourself!

So my advice to you when it comes to beginning your actor website journey is this:

Take the time to develop your brand first because good branding is what differentiates your website from functioning as a portfolio site (like Actors Access) to serving you as a Premium Pitch Package.

In short, my definition of Branding is how to marry your essence with the industry. Branding IS NOT Typecasting OR putting you in a box to paint a 1 Dimensional picture of what “Archetype you play.” It is much more intricate and deeper than that. – – –  I will write another blog about my definition of an Actor Brand because there are so many controversial opinions about this and I PROMISE you my version of branding is MUCH different from what you’ve heard.

If you’re struggling with how to begin this Actor Website + Branding Development journey and are ready to take the leap and hire a professional, let’s connect! I help actors every day level up their actor websites to function as a Premium Pitch Package, and I can help you too. Schedule your Free 20 Minute Consultation to get started.

-Kristina Horan, Head Website Designer + Brand Developer at Kristina Horan Website Designs.

Sabra May

Speak L.A. Podcast! Voice Over Actress Sabra May

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Hi Actors!

In our collaboration with Speak L.A. the podcast, we bring you a V.O. actress who has recorded over 1000 commercials and shares the tricks of the trade with us in this 30 minute V.O. Master Class!
Hear answers to…
– How can you get started in the voiceover world?
– What does it mean to enter the V.O. world “sideways?”
– Can you have more than one agent for V.O. work?
– How can you create your own V.O studio at home?
– What are V.O agents looking for in a new client? 
– Should you start by making an expensive demo? (Spoiler alert – NO!).

We’re excited to share this with you!

Actors Connection

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Are You Ready to Take Online Classes with Casting Directors?

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Learning from people working in the business right now is a VERY POWERFUL way to get a leg up in this industry– but you NEED to be somewhat ready before you enter a class like that.

I am a big believer that educational opportunities should be readily available. If there are too many barriers to important knowledge, we can’t expect to have the diverse workforce we NEED to tell stories in the most impactful and authentic ways.

You’ll see in my checklist below– the things you ABSOLUTELY need to take a class taught by a casting director at Actors Connection are really very simple- but important if you would like to take one of our online acting classes right now.

  1. A Headshot. If you are BRAND new, a good picture just of your face will work as a placeholder for classroom purposes. If you are serious about being an actor, you do NEED to invest in a great headshot. The picture should look like YOU on a good day. No glamour shots or artsy pics. Just your fabulous face. In classes where you are being assigned material, this is EXTREMELY important.
  2. A Device with a Good Camera/Mic. For most people, this is their iPhone. Sometimes your laptop will suffice. Either way, you need to be seen and heard clearly. As you grow, you may want to invest in other equipment, but this is what you need to get started. If you are using your iPhone, you will need a stand to hold your device still while you participate in class.
  3. High Speed Internet. We are all on zoom right and you NEED to be sure you won’t be freezing in the middle of your big moment within your scene. Zoom with a friend before class to ensure that there are no glitches.
  4. A Quiet Place to Learn. It’s hard to do a powerful scene with lots of background noise and distractions. Make sure you can take class somewhere quiet with no interruptions.
  5. A basic understanding of the craft of acting. If you have never taken an acting class before in your life, do yourself a favor and try 101 or introductory level classes before considering a class with a casting director. After all, you only make 1 first impression and you want to be sure you know the basics. I suggest taking a class with Lorrie Odom if you are new or if you want to brush up your skills before taking class with CDs.

As you continue your training and professional development, you will want to be sure to level up and add to this list. You will want a professional backdrop, a ring light, a good microphone and many other things— but you don’t need to have absolutely everything ready and figured out to start learning!

Everyone starts somewhere and you will always be improving in your career. Don’t let perfectionism keep you from getting moving!

A great resource for new actors is our FREE New Client Orientation program! Join us to learn more about how our programs work and word out on the street– just by attending you could save money on your first Actors Connection Purchase!

Colleen Finnegan Kahl is an accomplished Theatre Arts Educator, author of this article, and President of Actors Connection. Colleen is an expert in online casting, and helping actors in New York (NYC) and around the world refine their craft, and expand their art. 

Katy McCaffery

Speak L.A. Podcast! Literary Agent Katy McCaffery

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Hi Actors!

In our latest collaboration with Speak L.A. the podcast, we bring you a unique opportunity… Learn straight from a head agent at The Gersh Agency as she addresses questions like:

What temp job gives you the best view of the entertainment industry?
What qualities do literary agencies look for in young writers?
Why is your personal backstory just as important (if not more so) as your art?
How can you differentiate yourself from other writers/actors?
Why should you pour yourself into everything you write?

This is 30 minutes packed full of the information you need to know,

Enjoy!

CHOICE

How to Choose Your Showcase Piece

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When preparing to showcase to agents, selecting material can be stressful! Should you use something from a role you’ve played? Should you sing the song you love to sing in the shower? Which piece do you pick? What do you stay away from?

Use the tips below to help you determine the best Showcase Pieces for YOU!

  1. Find something that showcases your natural essence. This is their first experience of you! Let your personality out. Embrace who YOU are in this piece so they can see an authentic performance AND get a glimpse of who YOU really are.
  2. Pick material that allows you to have fun making specific choices. Specificity is KEY! You should enjoy playing with your choices and getting them more and more specific. You should be able to identify who you are talking to and what you want. The more clarity the better.
  3. Make sure the character/role is something you can play RIGHT NOW. Showcasing material that you can’t actually be cast in right now is a waste of time. Agents want to know how you can start working right now and what roles they can book you in TOMORROW– not 5 or 10 years from now. Think of the popular movie line– “Show me the money!”– show them the money! The money they can be making right now with YOU on their roster! In order to effectively do this– you need to make sure you are well aware of the types of roles that are out there for you.
  4. Avoid anything very overdone or currently super popular. Something popular or overdone comes with lots of preferences or could cause you to be unfairly compared to another performer. It is always better to do something that will feel refreshing to your agent panel.
  5. Use material that allows you to show range in both voice and emotion. Your piece should have a journey. Make sure it has levels. Showing one emotion gives off one trick pony vibes. Show emotional depth and creativity. When singing, make sure the piece shows good range– but be careful not to select a piece that has a note that you can’t always reach. You need to be confident that you can always hit the top or bottom notes.
  6. Remember that the piece will never show EVERYTHING you can do. And that is ok. No one expects it to. You couldn’t ever possibly show everything in your tool kit in a single showcase piece and ALL INDUSTRY KNOW THAT. You are leading with your wheelhouse and with what you are best at.
  7. If doing two pieces– make sure they really CONTRAST. They should show two very different styles, emotions, characters or vibes.
  8. It should leave the audience wanting more of you. It never has to be long. It just needs to be good!

Hope these tips help you pick the piece that is best for you and that you enter your showcase with confidence!

Colleen Finnegan Kahl is an accomplished Theatre Arts Educator, author of this article, and President of Actors Connection. Colleen is an expert helping aspiring actors prepare for auditions and tryouts with Casting Directors and Talent Agents. Contact Colleen for more information. Photo provided by @jcruzweb.

actors connection collage

10 Adjustments We Have Heard CDs Give Actors

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There are some common notes and adjustments that we hear time and again in classes. Set yourself up for success by prepping your material with these notes in mind.

  1. Know who you are talking to. Have a strong understanding of who your character is talking to in the scene and what your relationship is with them. You should be able to firmly visualize them.
  2. Raise the stakes. Make this feel even more important to the character. Understand WHY it is important.
  3. Find different levels in the material. Play different intentions throughout the piece so we see and feel the different levels.
  4. Make strong choices. Playing safe isn’t memorable. Make a smart choice.
  5. Be mindful of your focus/eyeline. Where is your scene partner? Stay focused on them.
  6. Be as specific as possible. Generalizations don’t tell a good story.
  7. Know what your character wants in the scene. If the scene ended the way your character wants it to– what would happen? How do they try to get to that goal in different ways?
  8. Know what happens in the moment before. Embrace that moment before you begin the performance. Understand the background leading to this scene.
  9. Stay honest and authentic. Don’t push.
  10. Keep training! A good actor works out that muscle like you would work in the gym.

Colleen Finnegan Kahl is an accomplished Theatre Arts Educator, author of this article, and President of Actors Connection. Colleen is an expert helping aspiring actors with online casting, New York casting, and how to meet casting directors. 

bring something to the room

tea cup reading faith, hope and joy

Stop Judging Yourself for Where You are in Your Acting Career

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I was going to write a different blog today– but recently I have seen a huge increase in the need to say this.

ACTORS: YOU NEED TO STOP JUDGING YOURSELF

Wish you felt like you were further along in your acting career? Miss a job booking goal deadline you gave yourself? Think you are behind your peers in credits? Concerned that you had a life detour and are just beginning your dreams now? Thought that because other people have succeeded by now that you can’t? Just plain ole expected everything to move faster than it has?

I OFFICIALLY GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO STOP APOLOGIZING FOR IT AND JUDGING YOURSELF FOR IT.

This is a weird industry. One success formula just doesn’t work universally. One road to success will work for one person but not for the next. You need to bob and weave time and time again to find out what works for you.

Now I need to warn you…

fast track adThere is ONE thing that WILL hurt your progress, your mindset and your heart every single time— and that is all that gross self judgment brew-ha-ha you have kicking around in that head of yours.

Those thoughts of self doubt, bogus comparisons and lack of time is funneling your brilliance & your energy BACKWARDS.

Your circumstances have artfully crafted a fabulous human. A human with intellectual and emotional depth. A human with heart. With insight. With originality.

You can not expect to succeed until you acknowledge the evolving perfection that is YOU.

You’ve heard it before—-This business needs your uniqueness…not your sameness. Your auditions crave your radical creativity, not hum drum predictability.

Your life has carved and crafted an expert at being YOU. Thank yourself for the incredible training that only YOU received to be this current and growing version of yourself and start bringing that in the room. Bring that into your emails. Bring that into your work.

Your future needs you to stop yelling at your past— stand on it’s shoulders and climb to the next rung of the ladder already!

Colleen Finnegan Kahl is an accomplished Theatre Arts Educator, author of this article, and President of Actors Connection. Colleen is an expert helping aspiring actors find their path through acting classes, workshops, and seminars. 

actors behind a camera

How to Create Your Film/TV Demo Reel: An Actor’s Guide by Tony Nation

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If you’re a film/TV actor, your demo reel is one of the most powerful tools that you have besides your headshots and resume to market yourself to agents and casting directors. By choosing the right scenes for your demo reel and ordering them correctly, they can help you to find representation, auditions and even bookings.

What is a Demo Reel?

actors behind a cameraAn actor demo reel or sizzle reel is a 1-3 minute edited video collection of your best performances. Talent agents, managers, casting directors and producers, view demo reels when searching for new acting talent for representation or their projects.

Once you’ve landed representation, your talent agent and/or manager will submit your demo reel to casting when submitting via Breakdown Services, Casting Networks or when pitching a casting director.

Casting directors will view demo reels to get a sense of an actor’s range and abilities and if they are right for the projects they are casting. Your demo can help or hurt you based on how you’ve created it.

Creating your Demo Reel

When you start compiling your demo reel, there are some things you want to think about.

First, it’s a compilation of your best on-screen work. This is your time to be selfish and your demo needs to showcase your acting abilities, not other actors.

You will start with your graphic title card with your name and headshot. (5 seconds)

Then your BEST SCENE FIRST. It might be all that is watched so make sure we get 5 seconds of your graphic title card and then right into you speaking/acting.

No montages, no MOS (motion omitting sound), no video of you dancing, no soundtracks unless it was edited in with the piece you were doing and lends itself to the credibility of your scene.

filming your demo reelAll notable work should be titled as we go into each scene.

From there, your scenes should show acting range. If you are repeating the same type of character in the same situations, stick with one scene.

Your demo should be no longer than 3 minutes and preferably around 2 minutes. It can even be as short as 1 minute with just two scenes.

End your demo with your Graphic Title card with your name, headshot and contact/agent info etc.

In creating your demo, I’d recommend that you hire a demo reel editor to help you look your very best. If you are technically skilled, iMovie is one of the simplest editing programs to work in.

If you’re missing certain types of roles, you can always create a short film and then edit out the best part for your demo.

  • Don’t use scenes from classes, taped monologues or auditions that you’ve self-taped.
  • No outdated or low quality footage. If the sound quality is an issue in a scene, don’t use it.
  • Also, don’t use any stage work in your film/TV demo. Create that as a separate demo or as a clip.

Speaking of clips, you should also have all scenes from your demo clipped out and titled i.e.

  • Lead in Indie Rom Com
  • Villain in Horror feature
  • Lawyer in Indie Drama etc.

Sometimes you will find that you or your representation will only want to submit a specific scene/clip for a project. When casting directors don’t have a lot of time, it helps to narrow what they want to watch from what you are offering online via Actors Access, Casting Networks, your website etc.

All clips should be 1 minute or less.

As you build your credits and role work over time, you’ll want to keep improving and updating your demo reel so that it currently represents you.

Don’t forget that your demo reel is one of the most powerful tools you and your representation have to get you in the door. Make sure that it’s your best!

Here are some good examples of quality demo reels:

James L. Ward | Lori Hammel | Roger Hervas | Regina Schneider

This article was written by Tony Nation, a partner at the Actors Connection.  Tony is a professional Actor, Acting Coach, expert in Demo Reels, and helping aspiring actors succeed at their craft.