5 answers
Shannon
Student
Durham, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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How should acting students network and handle the pressure of eventual graduation and job searching?
I am majoring in acting in theatre, and although I am so excited, I am scared for graduation because I know it's a competitive field. Going into the "real" world and industry is especially daunting. A lot of actors say that most of their careers are spent auditioning. I was wondering if there's more hope than people say, or even just the reality of it.
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5 answers
April Lee Uzarski
Business Manager
3
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
April Lee’s Answer
I agree with everyone else's advice! As soon as you start working professionally, there will be ups and downs, but you have to snag those first few professional jobs to get the ball rolling.
But to do so, you have to audition!
If auditioning on a daily/weekly basis sound exhausting to you, and you ate early in career, I would suggest going to regional theater auditions. You can audition for a lot of companies at once, and if you can book up to a year of work if you are lucky. This is how I started out my career, and after I made connections in the theater world I didn't have to audition as much as I did in my early career.
This is specific feedback for theater and not film/TV.
But to do so, you have to audition!
If auditioning on a daily/weekly basis sound exhausting to you, and you ate early in career, I would suggest going to regional theater auditions. You can audition for a lot of companies at once, and if you can book up to a year of work if you are lucky. This is how I started out my career, and after I made connections in the theater world I didn't have to audition as much as I did in my early career.
This is specific feedback for theater and not film/TV.
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
193
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
As a former performer, stage, television, and video, I can honestly advise: one day at a time, one audition at a time, one cattle call at a time.
You must never hold what other actors say because let's face it, many love it, many hate it, but they do it for the ultimate prize, which is fame.
What makes a person in this business a viable part of the industry is what functions they are willing to learn to grasp the constructive interaction of a production. Who will they get to know while learning all these facets of the business? What pains are they prepared for i.e. rejection, compensation, sleep, location, time crunches, etc. Thick skin is not insulting, it's a badge of learning, so fear will dissolve quickly because the production comes first.
What you do from this point on does not require hope. It requires faith! Faith in God, Faith in your abilities in whatever venue you step into, Faith that once in, your combined training, talent, personality, and ability to interact with people will make you stand out. The real stars are always called back, always making friends in the business, always keeping their ears to the ground, and always getting paid.
Enjoy yourself while young, because once you get older, you must use everything you learned to make a mark in these industries. That's Earned Respect.
Break A Leg Kiddo!
Volunteer at Community Television & Theater because in down time directors hang out producing shows for public TV
You must never hold what other actors say because let's face it, many love it, many hate it, but they do it for the ultimate prize, which is fame.
What makes a person in this business a viable part of the industry is what functions they are willing to learn to grasp the constructive interaction of a production. Who will they get to know while learning all these facets of the business? What pains are they prepared for i.e. rejection, compensation, sleep, location, time crunches, etc. Thick skin is not insulting, it's a badge of learning, so fear will dissolve quickly because the production comes first.
What you do from this point on does not require hope. It requires faith! Faith in God, Faith in your abilities in whatever venue you step into, Faith that once in, your combined training, talent, personality, and ability to interact with people will make you stand out. The real stars are always called back, always making friends in the business, always keeping their ears to the ground, and always getting paid.
Enjoy yourself while young, because once you get older, you must use everything you learned to make a mark in these industries. That's Earned Respect.
Break A Leg Kiddo!
Steward "Tony" recommends the following next steps:
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
193
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
As a former performer, stage, television, and video, I can honestly advise: one day at a time, one audition at a time, one cattle call at a time.
You must never hold what other actors say because lets face it, many love it, many hate it, but they do it for the ultimate prize, which is fame.
What makes a person in this business a viable part of the industry is what functions they are willing to learn to grasp the constructive interaction of a production. Who will they get to know while learning all these facets of the business? What pains are they prepared for i.e. rejection, compensation, sleep, location, time crunches, etc. Thick skin is not insulting, it's a badge of learning, so fear will dissolve quickly because the production comes first.
What you do from this point on does not require hope. It requires faith! Faith in God, Faith in your abilities in whatever venue you step into, Faith that once in, your combined traing, talent, personality and ability to inteact with people will make you stand out. The real stars are always called back, always making friends in the business, always keeping their ears to the ground and always getting paid.
Enjoy while young, because once you get older, you must use eveything you learned to make a mark in these industries. Thats Earned Respect.
Volunteer at Community Television & Theater because in down time directors hang out producing shows for public TV
You must never hold what other actors say because lets face it, many love it, many hate it, but they do it for the ultimate prize, which is fame.
What makes a person in this business a viable part of the industry is what functions they are willing to learn to grasp the constructive interaction of a production. Who will they get to know while learning all these facets of the business? What pains are they prepared for i.e. rejection, compensation, sleep, location, time crunches, etc. Thick skin is not insulting, it's a badge of learning, so fear will dissolve quickly because the production comes first.
What you do from this point on does not require hope. It requires faith! Faith in God, Faith in your abilities in whatever venue you step into, Faith that once in, your combined traing, talent, personality and ability to inteact with people will make you stand out. The real stars are always called back, always making friends in the business, always keeping their ears to the ground and always getting paid.
Enjoy while young, because once you get older, you must use eveything you learned to make a mark in these industries. Thats Earned Respect.
Steward "Tony" recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Shannon !
Yes, the hope is within you and it will gradually make itself known to you. This is a time to relax, not overthink your path, focus on obtaining education, skills and meeting new people. Worrying will only create a barrier, hold you back and form an unproductive mindset that will cause you to not recognize opportunities.
Obtaining acting work depends on so many things - your "type", your age range, where you live - how much acting opportunity is in the city you pursue your career in, your experience, and chemistry with the other actors that are cast. You probably already know this, but realizing this will help put things into perspective. The usual mindset is that sure it's competitive, but who cares. Can you get to that mindset ? I think you will.
Also remember that you can't compare yourself with other actresses because everyone's career for this field goes differently. Gain a sense of independence and appreciate your unique talents because that is what will matter most. Savannah may have some acting possibilities for after you graduate, but you'll also have to decide if you'd want to move to either New York City or Los Angeles. These are the actual hubs for this work and no matter what year or time of history, there's still more production in these cities. Lots of casting agents and studios, too. Most graduates either deal with these two cities first but it is fine to stay in Savannah for more experience after graduation.
Remember that you can always obtain a professional, non-acting job in professional Theatre after college. This will provide the opportunity to meet so many people and work in an administrative capacity, while you audition for theatre and film projects. It'll keep you in the swing of things. No one can tell you what will be happening in Savannah, New York City or Los Angeles. You'll see the opportunities after you graduate.
Your strongest bet for networking right now is going to be right there on campus. Be aware of on campus and off campus auditions. Your classmates may direct plays and cast you in it. Stick with your Theatre Department because additional networking opportunities and contacts will stem from there. Develop a strong sense of the Savannah theatre and film community.
I hope this helps. You can and will do this. Think positive and don't let anything stop you !
Yes, the hope is within you and it will gradually make itself known to you. This is a time to relax, not overthink your path, focus on obtaining education, skills and meeting new people. Worrying will only create a barrier, hold you back and form an unproductive mindset that will cause you to not recognize opportunities.
Obtaining acting work depends on so many things - your "type", your age range, where you live - how much acting opportunity is in the city you pursue your career in, your experience, and chemistry with the other actors that are cast. You probably already know this, but realizing this will help put things into perspective. The usual mindset is that sure it's competitive, but who cares. Can you get to that mindset ? I think you will.
Also remember that you can't compare yourself with other actresses because everyone's career for this field goes differently. Gain a sense of independence and appreciate your unique talents because that is what will matter most. Savannah may have some acting possibilities for after you graduate, but you'll also have to decide if you'd want to move to either New York City or Los Angeles. These are the actual hubs for this work and no matter what year or time of history, there's still more production in these cities. Lots of casting agents and studios, too. Most graduates either deal with these two cities first but it is fine to stay in Savannah for more experience after graduation.
Remember that you can always obtain a professional, non-acting job in professional Theatre after college. This will provide the opportunity to meet so many people and work in an administrative capacity, while you audition for theatre and film projects. It'll keep you in the swing of things. No one can tell you what will be happening in Savannah, New York City or Los Angeles. You'll see the opportunities after you graduate.
Your strongest bet for networking right now is going to be right there on campus. Be aware of on campus and off campus auditions. Your classmates may direct plays and cast you in it. Stick with your Theatre Department because additional networking opportunities and contacts will stem from there. Develop a strong sense of the Savannah theatre and film community.
I hope this helps. You can and will do this. Think positive and don't let anything stop you !
Alexis Camins
IT Manager at Los Angeles County - Professional Actor
42
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
There’s a few things I wish I had done more of after graduating that I’d love to share:
1. Go to everything. This is of course, impossible, but as best you can, try to see every show you’re invited to, whether it’s a play or dance or screening. As an artist, you want to feel like you’re in the mix, as a creator and as a consumer of performance. It’s also a great place to be seen and connect with people you may not know. Look for discount tickets and say yes when friends offer tickets. The after party is just as important - try to go to those as much as you can. It’s not just about having a good time. It should be part of the job.
2. Take every job you’re offered. I don’t mean do something you don’t want to do. But I know that work begets more work. A small thing that isn’t very good could lead to something better. In fact, if you give your best, it often does.
3. Start writing. This is a content driven world. Don’t wait for something amazing that you should be cast in. Write it now. You don’t have to be a writer. Write a short film, a pilot, a play that you would be right for. Start today. It will also help you see how the industry might see you and maybe how you’d like to be seen. It will help form your ‘brand’, as yucky as that word can be.
4. Live an interesting life. Don’t wait for the phone to ping. Go learn an instrument or a foreign language, check out the national parks in your area, go camping with friends, read books that interest you, watch movies. Don’t let your life be about waiting for a call. The richer, fuller and happier you are, the better actor you’ll be when your time comes.
5. Don’t compare. This is hard and something I’m still struggling with. Everyone has their own journey, and things come at different times. There’s really no point in comparing. Don’t worry that someone’s ‘ahead’ of you. The trick is really finding your unique path. Listening to what life is telling you. Focus on the work, the story you are telling and what you want to get better at doing.
6. Be nice to everyone. Not just because it’s an excellent career rule - it’s just a good human being rule.
7. Find joy in your day job. I know some lucky friends that didn’t have to work a day job. I wasn’t one of them and struggled paycheck to paycheck for years. And while that’s tough, it can also be a source of pride and fun. I met a lot of great people wherever I worked, and had some really awesome times working. Find something you enjoy doing if possible, but there’s a way to find joy in almost anything and to me, it’s the people that make the difference. I love the saying “Do what you love. Love what you do.”
Finally, be patient and kind to yourself. What you hope for may not come at the time you want. Or a new path you didn’t expect may reveal itself. Be willing to adapt, be flexible and take it as it comes. You are entering a very exciting period in your life. Don’t let worry dampen your enthusiasm and energy. There is so much adventure to be had out there. All good things to you!
1. Go to everything. This is of course, impossible, but as best you can, try to see every show you’re invited to, whether it’s a play or dance or screening. As an artist, you want to feel like you’re in the mix, as a creator and as a consumer of performance. It’s also a great place to be seen and connect with people you may not know. Look for discount tickets and say yes when friends offer tickets. The after party is just as important - try to go to those as much as you can. It’s not just about having a good time. It should be part of the job.
2. Take every job you’re offered. I don’t mean do something you don’t want to do. But I know that work begets more work. A small thing that isn’t very good could lead to something better. In fact, if you give your best, it often does.
3. Start writing. This is a content driven world. Don’t wait for something amazing that you should be cast in. Write it now. You don’t have to be a writer. Write a short film, a pilot, a play that you would be right for. Start today. It will also help you see how the industry might see you and maybe how you’d like to be seen. It will help form your ‘brand’, as yucky as that word can be.
4. Live an interesting life. Don’t wait for the phone to ping. Go learn an instrument or a foreign language, check out the national parks in your area, go camping with friends, read books that interest you, watch movies. Don’t let your life be about waiting for a call. The richer, fuller and happier you are, the better actor you’ll be when your time comes.
5. Don’t compare. This is hard and something I’m still struggling with. Everyone has their own journey, and things come at different times. There’s really no point in comparing. Don’t worry that someone’s ‘ahead’ of you. The trick is really finding your unique path. Listening to what life is telling you. Focus on the work, the story you are telling and what you want to get better at doing.
6. Be nice to everyone. Not just because it’s an excellent career rule - it’s just a good human being rule.
7. Find joy in your day job. I know some lucky friends that didn’t have to work a day job. I wasn’t one of them and struggled paycheck to paycheck for years. And while that’s tough, it can also be a source of pride and fun. I met a lot of great people wherever I worked, and had some really awesome times working. Find something you enjoy doing if possible, but there’s a way to find joy in almost anything and to me, it’s the people that make the difference. I love the saying “Do what you love. Love what you do.”
Finally, be patient and kind to yourself. What you hope for may not come at the time you want. Or a new path you didn’t expect may reveal itself. Be willing to adapt, be flexible and take it as it comes. You are entering a very exciting period in your life. Don’t let worry dampen your enthusiasm and energy. There is so much adventure to be had out there. All good things to you!