Question — Signed: WORRIED

How do I know if I have what it takes to be an actor?

Answer

Dear WORRIED, The first thing I would say to you is don't be, WORRIED. Negative energy will only serve to interfere with your commitment to your craft. Potential actors always ask me the same question, which is really your question. DO I HAVE THE TALENT? I do not believe that anyone has the right to make that value judgement. And furthermore, it has been my experience that those who really want to be actors will find their way.

However, it is important for anyone considering the acting profession to understand that learning to act is a process that involves dedication. One has to be willing to invest the time, emotional energy, and money, to seek this goal; knowing, of course, that this business offers no guarantees. This takes fortitude, determination, courage, and a desire that knows no boundaries. This is why few make it to the top.

I always tell my students that there are not thousands of actors out of work, as is always reported. All those many bodies claiming to be actors are really not focused on their careers each and every day. They may get a headshot, take a class here and there, go to a few auditions, but they do not eat, sleep, and breathe the road to acting success. ONLY A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE MAKE THE MANY SACRIFICES NECESSARY TO GIVE FULL TIME TO THEIR CAREERS.

TRY TO CONCENTRATE ON THE PROCESS AND NOT BE CONCERNED WITH THE FINAL RESULT. In doing so, your ability and ambition will become self-evident. If you think of your heart's wish as a special journey, and trust that you will learn much from your search, you will reap the full benefit from your acting experience. And know this. Where and how far that inner voice will take you is really up to YOU!

Question — Signed: PICTURE ME

I'm just starting out. Could you talk about PROFESSIONAL PICTURES and everything that's involved with getting a good HEADSHOT?

Answer

Dear PICTURE ME, The first thing new actors do is run out and have pictures taken. They do this because they are told they need one in order to audition, and because having said 'picture' makes them feel that they are really 'doing it!' Unfortunately, investing in a photo session is NOT the first thing the novice actor should be doing. Why? Because you do not want to spend money on pictures before you have any idea what you are selling.

In essence, an actor is like a perfume or cologne. Just as each scent is different and must be marketed according to its specialness, so each actor is unique and must be photographed with individual effectiveness. The most efficient way to discover your marketable quality is to begin acting classes.

It is imperative you understand that going to a photo shoot is an important acting experience, one for which you MUST PREPARE. It is the ACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITY to arrive at the shoot well-rehearsed and ready to deliver a PERFORMANCE.

WHATEVER YOUR EXPRESSION IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, MAKE SURE IT HAS INTENSITY AND COMES FROM THE HEART.

Question — Signed: NEW KID TO SLATING

How important is SLATING? I just learned about it in an introductory acting workshop. I felt uncomfortable doing it. Help!

Answer

Dear NEW KID TO SLATING, First, let's define SLATING. It is looking into the camera, giving your name, your agent, and any other information requested at an audition. This is your file identification, so to speak.

Practice SLATING. Because it is the first impression you establish on camera and you want to make sure that your effort is effective and memorable. Use a mirror or your own camera set-up at home. REMEMBER TO MAINTAIN INTENSITY AND TAKE YOUR TIME TO MAKE YOUR IMPRESSION.

THE CAMERA WILL BE YOUR FRIEND IF YOU BEFRIEND THE CAMERA. LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE CAMERA, CHALLENGING IT TO CAPTURE YOUR MAGIC. And if you do just that, I assure you, the camera will embrace you. AND THEN, THE POWERS THAT BE WILL REMEMBER YOU.

Question — Signed: PIE-IN-THE-SKY GUY

HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING AN AGENT? I'm a middle-aged person who has done some community theatre and would like to see if I could start getting some professional work.

Answer

Dear PIE-IN-THE-SKY GUY, There is a line in the movie, FLASHDANCE, which comes to my mind for you. "Don't you understand? When you give up your dream, you die." In other words, ignore the world and follow your heart.

The most efficient way for you to proceed is to make sure you involve yourself in a professional acting class. Solid training, while you are stepping out into the audition arena, is extremely important. It keeps you focused on acting technique, and can be a supportive experience as well.

Armed with a super HEADSHOT and RESUME, you are now ready to enter the world of AGENT HUNTING. First mail your photo and resume along with an INTRODUCTORY LETTER. Follow this with a PHONE CALL. DO NOT RELY ON E-MAIL BECAUSE IT ALL TOO OFTEN ENDS UP IN SPAM. Remember, persistence is the key. DO NOT GIVE UP!

ONCE YOU HAVE REPRESENTATION DO NOT LET UP. Be a healthy pest. Remember, YOU ARE THE TALENT. YOU BRING IN THE MONEY. Keep your face and your voice in the consciousness of your agent consistently. Remember, they only oil the wheels that SQUEAK. — by Pamela Sparrow Childs