Acting Tips

What to Wear for an Audition

One of the biggest stresses of auditioning is not what to prepare, but how to prepare. What you say or do during an audition is just as important as how you present yourself. If you're uncertain about what to wear or how to look for an audition, consider these points:

• What is the type of role for which I'm auditioning? You don't need to wear a nurse's uniform if you're playing a nurse, but a simple suit that mimics a uniform would work just fine.
• If you're not sure which role you're there to read, simply find out the age range of the character. Dress age-appropriately.
  
• If there's no information about the role, dress simply and neatly. Avoid garish colors or accessories.

How to Find an Agent

Here are the top three most common ways of how to find an acting agent:

1. Word of mouth. If your actor friends have agents, talk to them. Find out who represents them, then see if he or she can put in a good word for you. This will allow you to get your foot in the door for an interview.
2. Be seen. Every time you're in a show or even a showcase, send agents postcards inviting them to come to see you perform. These postcards should ideally be miniature postcard versions of your headshots, but you can also send theatrical postcards from the show itself. (Be sure they get comped!)
3. Attend talent agent seminars. Check Backstage newspaper on a weekly basis to see where there are seminars in your area.
4. Check listings of local agents in the yellow pages or in publications like Backstage. Send blind mailings to agencies with a cover letter, headshot, and resume.

Preparing for a Headshot Session

Once you've booked your headshot session with a professional photographer, you may be wondering how to prepare for your session. Here are a few key pointers for how to get ready for your headshot session:

• Call to confirm your appointment 24 hours ahead of time.
• Don't drink alcohol the night before, which can make you puffy. Get a good amount of sleep the night before.
• Show up to the studio 15 minutes early. Never arrive late.
• Keep colors basic. Blue is best. Your headshots should be shot in black and white, so stay away from white colors, as they tend to wash you out.
• Bring at least three changes of clothing: casual, business, and business casual.
• If you wear any jewelry, keep it small and simple. Remove any facial piercings or be prepared to have them airbrushed out.
• Get a professional hair and makeup artist to do your hair and face. Yes, men, too.

What is an Actor?

Your mail goal as an actor is to be the face (and body) of the human condition. Think of yourself as a diplomat for all mankind. The beauty of acting is the ability to "play" in the role of another human being, representing him/her to the best and most natural of our ability. Acting is communication. You, as an actor, have the honored task of creating (or recreating) life on the stage or in front of a camera. You must be able to reflect all sorts of characters, some of whom may even seem odd or distasteful to you. That's the challenge and the reward of acting!

Voice Acting

A great way to supplement your income between acting gigs is by doing some voice-over work. It's so great, in fact, that it's extremely competitive and tough to break into. But if you'd like to try it, here are some steps to follow:

Take a voice acting class. Voice acting takes special skills, and you'll have to learn specific techniques.

Voice acting is real acting. Whether you're doing a voice-over for a commercial or bringing an animated character to life, your skills as an actor will be challenged. There's more to this field than simply making funny voices.

Put together your demo tape. Ask a voice acting coach to help you. Keep your demo tape short — one and a half to two minutes maximum. Record a few commercial segments. Is your voice deep and rich? Try an ad for ice cream. Can you play it sexy? Try a perfume spot. Does your voice ring with authority? Do a medical ad. Then do a line or two of a couple of different character voices.

Don't repeat a voice on your tape and make clear distinctions between each character and scene. Casting directors want to see how well you can vary your own voice, so give them plenty of contrast.

Voice actors need agents, too. Casting directors won't consider you if you don't have representation.

Voice actors must audition. If a casting director likes your tape, you'll be called in for a voice acting audition. Be prepared to be rejected a lot. But if you keep working on your skills and you audition persistently, your chances of landing lucrative voice acting jobs increase exponentially.