| Acting Tips - page 5 |
| Thanx for visiting this new page It has been constructed for your pleasure and edification Please Enjoy & let the webmaster know how you feel about this section |
 |
| Visits to this page: |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Find Acting Work in Hot Cities Outside LA or NYC Are you looking for a city that offers amazing theatrical ventures as well as year-round sunshine? Well look no further! It's so important to remember that there is artistic life outside of New York and Los Angeles. Check out these cities where you can always depend on being a part of great theatre and pleasant weather year round. San Francisco, CA - The bay area is known for its liberal citizens and unique arts scene. San Francisco's reputation as a burgeoning comedy scene has attracted thousands of young improv, sketch and stand up artists to the area. In addition to the many comedy clubs in this area, San Francisco also boasts more than 25 equity, non-equity and repertory theatres, an annual Fringe Festival and theatre events specifically geared toward the gay and lesbian population. San Francisco is also a hub known for alternative work. Check out the Magic Theatre for productions you won't see anywhere else. Orlando, FL - Mickey Mouse might rule the Magic Kingdom, but you'll find plenty of other performers in Orlando, FL. Orlando is home to more than 10 regional theatres, in addition to a diverse selection of murder mystery and dinner theatres. Play a scallywag at the Pirates Dinner Adventure, or if you're looking to class it up a bit, get cast in a show at one of America's top Shakespeare companies, the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre Festival. Either way, don't think you'll get stuck playing Cinderella. If you choose to move to Orlando, there is plenty of theatre to go around. Dallas/Fort Worth, TX - Granted the state of Texas is enormous, but you have to give them props (and I mean recognition, not objects to be used on a stage) for being home to more than 350 operating theatres. The state is rich in arts and culture, and has become a hotbed for small and growing companies. Audition for new productions of shows coming right off of their runs on Broadway at Casa Manana Theatre in Ft. Worth, or if you're looking for something a little edgier participate in some new works to be performed as part of the Annual Festival of Independent Theatres which takes place every July. The Echo Theatre and Wingspan Theatre Company are known for producing alternative works and often participate in the festival. New Orleans, LA - Hurricane Katrina may have shaken things up in 2006, but that hasn't kept theatre companies from popping up all over the city of New Orleans. More than 25 theatre companies operate in the heart of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, which has been operating for 87 years, has been recognized as one of the leading community theatres in the nation. For more professional works, visit the Saenger Theatre, featuring popular Broadway plays, or the New Orleans Opera with a season that runs October through March. The city is also home to one of America's newest Fringe Festivals, the New Orleans Fringe, which ran its second year in August. Thanx and a tip of the hat to: Chad Gracia www.actortips.com ActorTips / The Gracia Group 360 West 43rd Street, Suite N9D New York, NY 10036 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
| How to Get an Extra Part in a Blockbuster Movie For many, the dream of being in a film may seem far away. However, if you just want the movie experience, why not be an extra? The pay isn't fantastic, but all you're really going to do is stand around all day in the background, right? Plus, it can give you an excellent look at the behind-the-scenes of movie making. Now, in order to get an extra role in a big film like Harry Potter, you are going to have to complete some basic steps. Step 1: Familiarize Yourself With Casting Services You will not audition to be an extra. You won't be saying anything, so what's the point? Rather, most extra roles are filled by means of casting agencies. You will need to go in and physically register with such a company. A small fee is usually involved. If this fee is outrageous, run, don't walk in the other direction. However, a nominal fee is to be expected. Step 2: Make An Effort For extras, most of the time, work will not fall in your lap. You have to actively pursue it. This means calling the casting service regularly and inquiring if any work is available for you. You should also try to acquire as much clothing as you possibly can. Now, I know this might sound funny, but it could really help you get jobs. For instance, if you are asked to show up on set looking like a punk rocker, you need to have the appropriate clothes, otherwise--no job for you! Step 3: Join the Union--Maybe It can be difficult for an extra to become a part of the union, SAG, but it is possible. A lot of the time you become a member of the union by default. For instance, if you work three times on a union voucher, because a union extra failed to show up, you can get in the union. Or, if you speak a line, you may be able to get in the union. It comes down to luck as well and your overall appeal. If the assistant director likes you, your chances of getting in the union are even better. Step 4: Do What You're Told I know this might sound unpleasant, but you really better keep quiet on the set. Talking out of turn, moving around or just being noisy in general is a surefire way to get yourself fired. Do what you're told, walk where you're told to walk, and everything should be fine. It can be exciting to be on a film set and see all of the actors and the production in full swing. But you can't act like a star-crazed lunatic, either. There's work that has to be done and you need to respect that. Another important thing to remember is to only speak when spoken to. There is a rule of thumb to follow on set and that is to not speak to the actors. They are there to do a job--as are you. This is not the time to socialize. Unless an actor comes up to you to speak, zip it! Thanx and a tip of the hat to: Chad Gracia www.actortips.com ActorTips / The Gracia Group 360 West 43rd Street, Suite N9D New York, NY 10036 |
|
| There absolutely is a right time and wrong time to go to LA.
Pilot season starts in the early spring so you want to be in LA, situated with your evening job (so that you can audition during the day) by February or March. Things slow down in LA around November and December. More importantly, you want to go with enough money to survive for a while, pay rent, take lessons, etc. It is a horrible myth that once you arrive in LA, things take off. You need an Agent, all your business tools in place (headshots, daytimer, cell phone, etc), you need to know the city (Thomas Guide Maps are great), a car and you need to be signed up with excellent classes to help you continue your education in this field. Showing up in LA with the idea that being cute is enough will kill you. This is a job and you need to approach it like a job. Sandy Clemons President - Ain't It Good Productions - Talent Development Company |
