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From Hobby Actor to Professional: Here's 5 Tips to Help you Get There

From Hobby Actor to Professional: 5 Tips to Help you Get There

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From Hobby Actor to Professional: Here’s 5 Tips to Help you Get There

So many people begin their love of the industry thru school or community theatre and it just blossoms from there… but making the jump from hobbyist to professional is not an easy step for many actors. Enjoy these 5 helpful tips when making the leap into paid performance opportunities as an actor.

 

#1- KEEP TRAINING

The work of an actor is NEVER done. You need to constantly expand your skills and practice what you have learned time and time again. A series of community theatre or school productions does not equivalent real training with experienced educators. Find a teacher who is passionate about the craft that challenges you to be better. And don’t be the best person in your acting class… aggressive learning and training doesn’t happen when things are easy. Allow yourself to be in a classroom where it feels HARD!

 

#2- HOLD OFFICE HOURS FOR RESEARCH and MARKETING

Professional actors spend hours each day working on moving their career forward. I suggest protecting hours each day to do this. During this time, you should be researching industry trends, opportunities, potential partners, learning new materials, marketing yourself, tending to emails and more. You need to be an expert in what types of opportunities are out there for you, who you need to know to get them, and how to start building those relationships. This requires a daily commitment.

 

#3- DRAW THE LINE and PHASE OUT OF FREE WORK

In order to be seen as a professional and get paid for your work, you’ll need to get REALLY picky on what work you decide to do for free. You can’t expect others to value your work if you don’t. Giving things away constantly does not create a sense of value. I’ve seen this be a hard step for actors– but it is very important. Only take on free projects that could have MAJOR impact on your career thru connections or big resume credits— and even then— be really really picky. Do you need another role like this on your resume? Or does your resume already show you can do that type of part? Will the time you put in be worth what YOU receive for doing the project? Draw a line for yourself and hold yourself to valuing your contributions and performances. If YOU don’t do this for yourself, NO ONE ELSE WILL.

 

#4- GET PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS

Maybe your sister-in-law is a good photographer and does a fabulous job at your family photos– but that doesn’t always make her a good choice for a headshot photographer. It is very worthwhile to select a photographer who is experienced in this area. Notable headshot photographers have an understanding of what types of shots help actors get work and how to creatively obtain an organic shot from you. You should have a photographer who understands characters and storytelling so they can help you achieve pictures that clearly broadcast the emotions of the most common characters you can play. Headshot photographers also know the difference between a good picture of you and a good HEADSHOT of you. Just because a picture is flattering doesn’t make it a good headshot. You need to look just like you on a good day– not an over airbrushed magazine cover model.

 

#5 FIND A MENTOR

There are tons of information on how to go about the path of becoming a working actor and it can feel overwhelming at times. I strongly suggest that all actors find a mentor in the business; someone who is working professionally who has learned the ropes and can help you avoid mistakes and missteps along the way. As you go about your journey you’ll have questions about unions, contracts, pay rates and representation. It is enormously helpful to have a go-to person (or people) to help you learn professional protocols and standards along the way.

 

Looking for more help getting started along your career path from hobby actor to professional actor? Actors Connection is here to help you access the training and information you need to get to the next level. Sign-up here for a completely FREE program consultation to learn more about what we suggest as your personal next steps.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel, and learn how to take yourself from from hobby actor to professional, by watching our InterAct Q&A Webinars series with industry professionals. 

Skill-Adjacent Income Ideas for Actors

Skill-Adjacent Income Ideas for Actors

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Skill-Adjacent Income Ideas for Actors 

Even though the entertainment industry is working hard on adjusting to the health requirements of a pandemic, we are still seeing so many actors out of work.  Now, more than ever, is it important for performers to utilize their creative capabilities in new ways to build income generating opportunities for themselves. Skill-Adjacent Income Ideas for Actors

There have always been locally driven opportunities to make money from your entertainment skillset in your community— and it doesn’t even have to be an actor gig– just skill adjacent.

As a performer, you have cultivated MANY skillsets in both arenas of creativity and interpersonal relationships.  Don’t underestimate YOUR VALUE when using these secondary skills out in the world.

Here are some examples of services you can offer for extra income at this time using your actor skillset– but don’t limit yourself to these ones!  Use them as a jumping off point for your own ideas during this time!

Authenticity Help for A Sales Team  

Did you know that many sales organizations use scripts?  There are many teams out there with their lines, improv-ing when necessary.  As a performer, maybe you could help them adjust their scripts to their audience, bring more authenticity to individual presentations and show how salespersons can employ “intention”  and “actions” to be more riveting in their performances.. I mean, sales pitches!

Social Media Video Consultant

Everyone has local neighborhood brands they love.  Is your brand doing a good job educating the public about their product and generating excitement?  Do you have commercial training that can help them fine tune their language and messaging?  Maybe you would be willing to self-produce a few videos or a podcast on your own for their page (and for an appropriate fee!)?  How can you partner with local businesses you love so you both can reach new goals?

Online Storyteller

Schools, non-profits and families are looking for safe new ways to engage kids right now. If you are a tremendous story-teller (especially one that can improvise) maybe you can connect with schools, YMCA’s or even local families as a new service to engage kids in stories that have a goal or an impact point.  Can you creatively teach about bullying thru a story?  About kindness?  About Math?  Can you do a Q&A as a famous literary character for a local school?  Can you adapt a story to your exact audience so a group feels like the whole thing was just for them?  How can you use your story-telling skills to support local individuals who are struggling to find fun new ways for their kids to learn right

I hope these ideas got you thinking about how you can use your years of experience to bring in additional income at this time.  You are valuable… and so is what you bring to the world. Think about your skills outside of the confinements of plays and tv shows and enjoy what doors may open up for you.

Hopefully this gave you inspiration around skill-adjacent income ideas for actors . Be sure to check out our online acting classes, intensives, and special events! 

Photo Kindly by Randy Fath on Unsplash.

Acting Career | 5 Important Questions Every Actor Should Ask Themselves Right Now

5 Important Questions Every Actor Should Ask Themselves

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5 Important Questions Every Actor Should Ask Themselves Right Now

Staying focused and positive during this pandemic can make a big difference when you get back in the running for great acting opportunities.  Fall also has this special way of inspiring us to get back to work and back to the goals we have in our heart– So if you have been craving a RE-FOCUS sorta Fall— then this blog is for you!

When it comes to your acting career, I find that there are some BIG questions that you can answer for yourself that can help you get clearer on the type of work and opportunities you should be focused on.  There is a lot of information out there in the inter-webs on things you should be doing as an actor, and without a few guiding principles, it is REALLY EASY to work yourself into the ground.  Don’t be busy for the sake of being busy– get busy doing the RIGHT THINGS FOR YOU– which newsflash… may be different RIGHT things for someone else.

To help actors get focused on who they are meant to be in this industry, I have a few guiding questions that they can answer themselves to help set the stage for tasks and priorities for Fall 2020.  Check them out and answer them for yourself below.  I hope they help you hone in on the type of artist you want to be this year.

What three words describe your career right now?

Think 3 descriptive words and be honest with yourself on how you would describe the current state of your career.  Don’t over edit, go with your instincts.  You need to really understand where you are at right now.

What three words describe the career you want to have?

When you imagine yourself having the acting career that fulfills you, what descriptive words come to mind?  Let these words be varied and joyous.  Compare your answers from question 1 and question 2.  Think about what steps you need to take and thoughts you need to think to start feeling the energy of your question two answers in your everyday life in your NOW moments.

What are the types of stories you feel most inspired to tell?

Surprisingly, so many actors don’t have an answer ready for this one.  You should ALWAYS have an answer here.  What are the stories and the character types that you feel attracted to?  Do you like portraying young women who can go against the odds and win?  Do you love stories about men discovering a deeply hidden softer side?  Do you like stories that depict a battle of good and evil?  Or stories that prove the importance of love?  Do you particularly enjoy historical pieces?  Sci-fi that challenges human perception?  Note all your tastes as a storyteller.  Explore what makes your most desired characters the ones you most like to play.  Understand those reoccurring themes.

Who is producing work surrounding those types of stories?

Now that you understand the work that you LOVE on a deeper level, you need to find EVERYONE in the industry who also LOVES that type of work.  Who writes those stories?  Produces them?  Casts them?  Finances them?  What types of audiences support them?  Learn the entire ins and outs of that type of work.  Compile bios and begin understanding how the most successful people making those stories started their careers.  Notice certain things show up more than once.  Use this research to make a list of people you should network with, places you should train, festivals or conferences you should attend and more.  The more you can find ways to surround yourself with this network, the better.

What can you be doing to have more JOY in your career right now?

Bad energy can repel new relationships and opportunities from developing in your life.  How do you stay away from that career-killing vibe?  One word- JOY.  Bring as much JOY into your acting career as possible.  There are so many ways to do this.  Surround yourself with joyful artists and create opportunities for you to joyfully play in the craft (do mini readings, have an online improv night with friends– get creative).  Find an online acting class that makes your heart feel powerful.  Protect time to discover non-acting related activities that give you joy.  Think you don’t have any?.. ALERT ALERT– make this a PRIORITY.  Don’t be an actor/robot…. You are a human being.  Discover hiking, painting, learning about marine life, tae kwon do– whatever.  The more you enjoy and learn about your world, the more FULL your craft becomes.  Other ways to find joy?  Audit your inner circle.  Spend time with people who ENERGIZE you and not those that leave you feeling exhausted.  Make a HAPPY list of things that make you smile each morning.  Find your inner kid and give them a chance to PLAY within the world in a small way everyday.  By doing these things, you are tending to your energy– and that energy is the IT FACTOR that opens you up to greater success and happiness.

I hope these questions have helped you get some clarity on some changes you should make in order to be the type of actor you WANT to be this Fall and beyond.  Feel free to revisit them anytime you feel stuck in your career.  We change, and sometimes some fresh answers will be all we need to make sure our sails are taking us in the right direction.

Want to do more learning about what can help you in your career right now?  Check us out at ActorsConnection.com.  Our varied classes and free program consultations are designed with YOU in mind.  We are ready to support you as you discover the career path that was always meant for you!

Check out our YouTube channel and Subscribe today!

Making It Happen: Build Your Inspiration

Making It Happen: Build Your Inspiration

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If you had a magic wand, and you could create the exact life and inspiration you want, what would be in it? Who would be in it? Where would it be?

Once you have that answer in your head, work backwards from that goal and write out the staircase to get there.

What actions “lead-up” to that life? What kind of person do you need to become to live at that level? How does the person you are now compare? Which of your habits would change? How would your thinking be different? How can you start living more like that person in action and thought TODAY?

It’s easy to forget your road map, inspiration and your target destination when you are getting stuck in the daily grind, listening to the nay-sayers, or comparing yourself to others.

The only one who determines the success you achieve is YOU. Not your competition. Nor your partner. Not your agent. YOU.

Write those goals out. Make that action plan. Think those positive thoughts. Take the necessary steps.

Become the person you dream you can be— one step at a time.

In the words of a cult musical….

“Don’t dream it….BE IT”

Make it happen–I’m looking forward to your acceptance speech already.

-Colleen

 

[Photo kindly by Sharon McCutcheon]

Pre-Audition Mantras

Pre-Audition Mantras

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Have you been struggling with your positive thoughts in your pre-audition time?  Especially thinking positively about your auditions?  We’ve all gotten stuck in a bad thinking pattern at one time or another.

It is SO IMPORTANT to stay focused and aware of your thoughts.  In our industry, your energy in the room is an enormously important factor for booking work.  If you are feeling not good enough, it WILL shine thru.  So– KNOCK IT OFF 🙂 and sit with these pre-audition mantras instead.

1) This audition is just another opportunity to do what I love, and I’m going to have fun and be creative with it.  (and then after the audition, let it be. Don’t pull it apart, don’t analyze every choice– let it GOOOOO)

I’m here for a reason, might as well bring my A-game (getting appointments, learning about opportunities and having someone believe in you is not an accident.  The world made it happen so you could be here— so show up with your best self!)

3) They want to see MY version.  And I am 100% qualified to do that.  (Bring your honest authentic deliciously unique self into that room!  That is what you are there for!)

The make it or break it for your life is NEVER one individual audition.  EVER.  The make it or break it are your thoughts.  If your outer world is broken, check out your inner world first.

Love ’em or leave ’em.  Just some thoughts if you need ’em!

Crush it today!
-Colleen

Handling Disappointment as an Actor

Handling Disappointment As An Actor

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Let’s talk about DISAPPOINTMENT.

I know…it hurts our hearts.  I don’t know of a single actor that hasn’t felt it at one point or another.

Especially when you KNOW you got close to the desired result, and at the last moment, things change and you are dealt with the task of handling your emotions.

Handling disappointment with grace is a talent we ALL need in our tool kit—and in this industry more than most!

So if you have been feeling a little sad and a little frustrated over not getting the callback or not booking the role– know we are sending you ALL the good vibes.  Take a min to pull your thoughts together and go thru this check-list.

AC’s FEEL BETTER CHECK-LIST FOR ACTORS

1) Remember that you are a fantastic human being and receiving or not receiving an opportunity is no measure of how fabulous of a person you really are.  There is no role or job on the planet that showcases how gosh darn beautiful that heart of yours REALLY is and that is the real measure of you as a person!

2) There are things in this life that are MEANT for us– and sometimes our life makes room for them in ways we don’t understand.  Think about what new opportunities could be available to you now that you have room for them.

3) Release those feelings of disappointment with ACTION.  This is important.  It’s ok to take a moment to feel what you feel, but holding onto those negative thoughts and feelings don’t create lives of joy and excitement.  Let those feelings go and start doing things that can lift your spirit again!

Here Are Some Thoughts for You

A) MOVE.  Not where you live– move your body!  Take a walk, go to the gym.  Take a dance class.  Those endorphins are your friends and really do help when you need a mind shift.

B) CREATE.  We are ARTISTS.  We thrive off of telling stories, creating stories, contributing stories.  Get in a class.  Go sing at Karaoke.  MAKE SOMETHING!  Start creating your youtube show.  Build your podcasting channel.  Paint.  Write a poem.  Sculpt.  Write a monologue– create using any method that brings you joy.

C) LEARN.  Don’t let ANY disappointment rattle your confidence in yourself.  A great way to make sure you feel stronger next time is to learn another skill to help you reach your goals.  We’ve got some great options below!  Empower yourself by growing and strengthening your craft everyday.

I hope this helps you.  At AC we are here for your craft AND here for your hearts.

And now…..::::WHISTLE::::

Time to get off the bench and get back in that game!

🙂 Colleen

 

[Photo Kindly by Nathan Dumlao]

Be the Change You Want to See in the Industry

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A little note inspired by some convos yesterday….

How cool is our industry!  I don’t know of any other jobs where you can feel like family with your coworkers the way we do when we work on a project.  There is so much LOVE that we have for the people we have worked with.  I see actors LIGHT UP all the time talking about past colleagues, favorite directors, inspiring scene partners and so on.

SO really… everyone you come to find in auditions including the people you feel like you are “up against”— they are just one project away from being FAMILY.

YOUR FAMILY.

What does that thought do for you?

You will get the roles that are meant for you

if you bring your whole self into the room, continue to grow your craftand stay grounded and authentic through it all.

And you can do this like you are FIGHTING the other artists, or you can do it with LOVE AND RESPECT for the other artists.

WE are in control of how our industry feels.  WE ARE the industry.  If you feel like the audition scene has been feeling tough and beating you down, the guy or gal going in the room after you may be feeling that too.  BUT WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THAT.  We need to start radiating the love we want to feel in our audition scene to ONE ANOTHER.

What is meant for us is meant for us.  How we pass the time is up to us.

Our world today showcases ways that we are at odds with one another, and living that way is exhausting.  Let’s show other industries how it is done starting with each other.

There are 45,000+ New York actors that will receive this email.  If you want to make our competitive audition scene a more wonderful place…

it’s going to start with you.

We got this.

Much love,
Colleen