| Acting Tips - page 6 |
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| Networking: Making a Genuine Connection with People Who Can Get You Acting Work "The pros, the champions, the ones who are determined to succeed (and you're one of them), do the little things right, consistently." - Bob Burg Something I've heard often is: "if you want to be a steadily working actor, it is imperative that you develop good networking skills." For me, the mere mention of the word "networking" made me squirm, conjuring images of crashing parties, being phony, and forcing myself to strike up awkward conversations. But after several years working in theatre and film, and booking a lot of my jobs from people who I already knew, I have come to learn that all networking really means is making a genuine connection with people who can get you acting work. And I don't mean only agents, managers, and professional casting directors (though those are the obvious sources). It can be acting teachers, voice coaches, writers, photographers, and artistic directors of theatres, theatre staff, and other actors. It can even be someone who is not in the industry, but they know someone who is looking for an actor just like you. You just never know. Networking is most effective when it is genuine, and I believe that if you get rid of all of the noise, and think of it simply as meeting people, staying in touch, and being sincere, then you will be on your way to reaping the rewards. Below are some guidelines: Meet, and stay on friendly terms with, as many people as you can who are involved in the arts and entertainment industry. When I first decided to pursue a career in acting, I was fortunate to have already been living in New York City and to have a group of fun and supportive friends. However, none of them were actors (or involved in theatre or film in any capacity). I was at square one in terms of getting acting experience. I also had a lot of questions about the business. My questions ranged from what certain abbreviations stood for (like EPA - Equity Principal Auditions), to how to join the unions (and if I even needed to join them), what acting schools were good, what day of the week Backstage came out with new auditions, and even where to find this information (I didn't even know about ActorTips.com!). I eventually began to meet other actors, as well as writers, directors, producers, photographers, acting coaches, and theatre production staff. Over the past couple of years, many of the theatre and film projects I have worked on came as a direct result of networking with these individuals. I met people slowly. Since I didn't have any referrals for a particular acting school or class, I tried different classes, with different teachers at different schools. I took dance classes at Broadway Dance center, and overheard one dancer telling another what day of the week Backstage came out with new audition notices (it was Thursday). I started auditioning for different theatre companies. After working with several, I finally found one where I felt like I fit in with the people there. I worked on as many projects as I could with that theatre company. I volunteered, and tried to see as many plays as I could. When I decided to transition into film and TV, I registered with NYCastings.com and submitted to a lot of the projects posted on that site. I got cast in an independent film as a result, and the director used me again in his next film. By keeping yourself busy, you are giving yourself the best possible chance to meet people in your industry who you may get a chance to work with one day. Try to see plays that your friends are in. Volunteer to work the box office, or usher for various theatre companies, and film festivals. You learn a lot about the business side of theatre, and it is a great way to meet people. A lot of actors send out mass emails inviting their contacts to see their upcoming theatre performances, or informing them of their latest TV appearance, or film project. That is fine, but if that is your only way of keeping in touch with someone, they will begin to lose interest. The mass email method alone is impersonal. If you truly enjoyed working with someone, keep in touch by sending them a brief message (through email, Facebook, Myspace, etc.) from time to time, asking how they are doing. Meet up from time to time over drinks or coffee. Talk about your latest projects face to face. Approach all those you meet as a human being, not as someone who can "do something for you." Let's say you are at party and you meet someone who tells you they are a producer or casting director. Do not immediately tell them you are an actor or actress. Get to know them first. Ask them questions about themselves that have nothing to do with their profession. If you talk to them right away about your acting career struggles and ask them for an audition, they will not want to see you. People like to help people who seem self sufficient and confident, not desperate. Do not ask a single favor of anyone in the business unless you know them on a more personal level first. Networking is building relationships - focus on building relationships, without worrying about the end result. LET GO OF EXPECTATIONS. In a career as competitive and unpredictable as acting, it is vital to focus on the few things you do have control over. You cannot control if the director who you've worked with in the past offers you a role in his latest project. However, you can control your expectations, as well as your reactions to disappointment. There are plenty of opportunities. The more you keep yourself busy and develop your talents, the more you will have to talk about with your acting colleagues, and the more they will be impressed by you, and want to work with you. Go into every encounter expecting nothing more then to make a connection. Just be friendly, nice, and ask them questions about themselves. It is tricky, but when you let go of any expectations (of getting work), that is when you are your most confident self. People in the industry will respond more positively to you, and therefore want to work with you. If you are professional, yet friendly, people in the industry will respect you. No one wants to feel like you are using them just for an acting job. You will not be respected if you seem too opportunistic. Don't put too much pressure on yourself You're not going to have a great rapport with everybody, and it is impossible to keep in touch with everyone who you meet, even if you got along with them. That's just the way it is. But if you are a friendly and courteous, and put yourself out there by taking classes, auditioning, performing, watching plays, and volunteering for arts organizations (like small local theatres) you will get to know enough people that you will begin to feel like a part of the artistic community in your city, and that is when opportunities will flow your way. 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 |
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| Why Do Actors Use Professional Stage Makeup?
A lot of people involved in the acting community wonder about the whole makeup issue. Men might wonder why they have to wear caked on makeup and women might wonder why their make up resembles a clown's. While if you were to see an actor offstage, you might wonder such things too, when he or she is on stage, it will all become clear. Professional stage makeup is used to make an actor look alive on stage. While a person might have normal coloring and look fine off stage, as soon as you place them under the lights, they'll look like a washed out zombie. Stage lights wash you out. It's as simple as that. Professional makeup also allows for the further creation of a character. Makeup can be used to define your character in some way. You could have a unibrow, or rosy red cheeks. You could look jaundiced or freckled. Stage makeup is all a part of getting into character. Okay, so I've got you on board with the whole need for makeup thing, but now you're probably wondering why you need stage makeup. Again, the answer is relatively simple. Stage makeup is built to last. It is made from special materials that do not have to look natural under normal light. The colors are meant to be bold and the application is meant to be thick. If you were to wear normal makeup, just in a heavy dose, on stage, it could possibly melt right off of your face. Those stage lights are bright and hot. Any sweating that you do (and will do) can cause normal makeup to sweat away or fade. Professional stage makeup has been tested and used for decades to hold up to the demands of performing. In short, if you don't use it, you'll look like a ghost. If you try to substitute, you'll look like a runny mess. Stick with the professional makeup and you'll look natural and vibrant on stage. |
