To audition or not to audition? That is the question

An actor friend of mine recently had a dilemma: she had a great-paying opportunity, but the audition location was 4+ hour drive away from her location. Normally, great paying + far away = perfect opportunity to submit a self-tape! (For more on self-taping, see previous post). However, this wasn't an option, and she was debating if she should go. Generally, if you have an audition, GO! You have nothing to lose! However, there are a few gray areas that might impact whether you chose to go or not.

#1 You are already booked

No matter the pay of the audition, you already made a commitment to your current production. Sorry, but ditching a role you have for a role you might get will only earn you bad karma. Now, depending on how you feel about your day job, being "booked" doesn't have to mean you are booked for an acting gig. In my friend's case, attending this audition required taking a personal day from work, a personal day she could save for a local, better paying, possibly union gig or audition. You will have to weigh the pros and cons, but, ultimately, my friend decided that driving to this audition was not worth a PTO day. However, if you want to make a career out of acting, your "day job" is secondary. Period. You might risk losing said job, but typically these are easy-come, easy-go, so do not sweat it. Priorities, people, priorities.

#2 You have a competing audition/callback

Like reason number one, another (read: better) audition will trump a less than desirable one. What makes a desirable audition? Well, aside from ANY audition, 1) it's a callback 2) it's union 3) if not union, it pays A LOT 4) it's for a reputable, prolific company 5) it will be distributed on at least a national level 6) it's for a principal role. If you check multiple boxes for one audition, and none for the other, yeah, go to the better audition. Also, if one is local and the other isn't, you might be better off choosing the local one considering the time commitment of traveling. Thankfully, my friend got a call for another audition on the same day, so, it became an easy decision. 

#3 You just signed with an agent

Give an agent any reason to not send you out to audition, and you are as good as blackballed. Agents have too many responsible actors to select before they waste their time with a wild card. If you do not have a long-standing relationship with your agent (read: they will understand if you have another commitment because you have proven your worth), then go to the audition. I do not care if it is in BFE, you go. These are the dues you must pay to demonstrate how hungry you are for this industry. 

#4 It's a cattle call

Now, I know most actors (including yours truly) have no true way of knowing this. Generally, if you have a specific audition time, fingers crossed it will be a proper audition (i.e. one where you WILL get seen by the director or casting director). However, the struggle is real. As hard as I try to avoid unprofessional auditions, I was still recently duped into attending a poorly managed, disorganized, "cattle call" style of an audition that I ended up having to leave early for reasons I might disclose in a later post. If it's a sacrifice to attend the audition, and the audition is a cattle call, the cons outweigh the pros on choosing to attend. 1) You are less likely to get seen 2) If you are seen, you are less likely to be remembered 3) Statistically, the odds are waaaaay against you. 

Anecdote time: I remember a specific audition I had for a particular theme park in Florida. They had a general call for "20-somethings" for a commercial. I had nothing going on that day, so I went. I waited all day in a giant warehouse in Orlando, with hundreds of other actors, only to get sent home without being seen. It happens. On my way to my car, one gentleman was irate. He began complaining/trying to commiserate with me about this epic waste of time. Get this: he had driven from the opposite coast, a 5+ hour drive, only to get sent back. Super bummer. I had a hunch this might have been a cattle-call. I chose to accept the risk. Had I been this actor? Heck no, I would not have attended this audition! Sorry bud, but this one is on you. Dig around. If you catch even a whiff of manure, chances are you're going to be stuck in a cattle call and you should politely decline the audition unless you get your kicks from watching paint dry. Side note: there are some cattle calls that are worth it, and as a rule of thumb for beginning actors, go to every audition you can! 

#5 Life-or-death emergency

Unfortunately, life happens. You will NOT be able to make every single audition available to you. Sometimes this is your decision, and sometimes the decision is made for you. Accidents happen. They are unavoidable and beyond your control. You have to deal with the issue, move on, and pray that it will not affect your acting career long-term. 

There many other aspects of choosing to audition or not (i.e. paying vs. non-paying, student vs. professional, extra vs. principal, big name casting director vs. no-name, etc.). However, auditions are like little gems the universe magically drops in your lap. The gems might be worth millions or zilch, but throwing them away is unadvisable. Meaning: if you have an audition, don't take it for granted! Go! The worst that can happen is you will learn from your experience and be better prepared for the next opportunity. 

Have you ever chosen to not audition? Or have you ever gone to an audition and wish you hadn't? Share your experience in the comments! 

Break a leg!

Let's talk about self-taped auditions

Well, howdy, stranger! Yes, it's been awhile. Yes, I will address that in due time. First, I would like to talk about my loathing of having to self-tape. "But, wait," you say, "I love self-taping! Auditioning on my own time, no travel required, able to review and re-tape if necessary, less stress..." Yeah, well, I call B.S. on all of that. Yes, technology is a beautiful thing. However, I won't submit a self-tape for any low-budget project and here's why you shouldn't either.

#1 It's a Lose-Lose

Hear me out: self-taping takes time and resources. Time and resources cost money. If the project is not paying ("but! copy! Credit!" NO! JUST SAY NO! In my experience, these unpaid projects are the HARDEST to receive copy and rarely make it to IMDb...so...no) or low paying, you are essentially paying the director or CD for the audition. Here's why: calculate how much you're worth per hour, multiply that by how many hours it will take to get ready for the self-tape, film, color correct, edit, etc. Say you are a working actor who has booked one-day shoots or commercials for at least $500 (being conservative, some buy-outs pay more, of course). That's $60+ an hour. Some self-taped auditions can take at least an hour to set up (lighting, camera, background, reader, etc.) and require at least several takes to get a good one. Even more if you factor in a reader and the length of the sides/copy. Add in editing, processing, uploading to Vimeo or YouTube, sending the link, awaiting feedback before you tear everything down...the process can last at least five hours. At $60 (again, more or less depending on where you live, what type of work you book, etc.), that's $300. So, no, I will not spend my time, energy and resources doing your work for you when (even if I book the gig) it pays $150 for the day. Hard pass.

#2 It's a Red Flag 

Sure, even the busy pros are requested to self-tape. You might receive a self-tape request for any variety of reasons, and for the right project, I will ABSOLUTELY self-tape. Unfortunately, when you are self-submitting to breakdowns, usually a request for a self-tape is a red flag that the project is less than professional. Accepting "self-taped submissions only" means the production cannot afford to take a day or two off, rent out a space and manage the actors at a proper audition. If the project team cannot handle this very fundamental aspect of casting, how do you expect them to manage actual production? Not to mention providing a usable clip for your reel by skimping on post-production? In my experience, it's just a bad sign and an overall waste of time. Best case, the production team is just being lazy because budgetary reasons are no excuse for not having an in-person casting.  I've been to plenty of auditions hosted in inexpensive or free spaces (i.e churches, libraries, offices). If you take your work seriously, do not settle for anything less when it comes to auditions or what projects you choose. Now, if you have a TON of disposable time and income on your hands, sure, self-tape away. Most working actors do not have such a luxury.

#3 It's distracting

"Hold on a minute! Auditioning in person gives me waaaaay more anxiety." False. Even in the comfort of your own environment, self-taping will NEVER allow you to fully focus on your character and his/her objectives. Sorry. There are those rare creatures who can work from home without being distracted by pets/neighbors/kids/Netflix (you know, the ones with the willpower of a Buddhist monk?), but for the average actor, there are too many variables. Even the pros admit it's hard to play writer, director and actor in their productions. Similarly, it's hard to get into the flow of the character when your conscious mind has to worry about lighting, camera operation, your "reader's" jerky line delivery, and ...wait...what is that tacky lamp doing there?! You get the picture.

#4 It's limiting

On so many levels, it's impossible to demonstrate your best self, or range, in a self-taped audition. For starters, your equipment might be limited to a camera phone. Womp womp. Camera phone quality might be acceptable for some castings, but remember you might be competing with actors who own/have access to professional gear...then what should have been a simple casting turns into Battle of the Better Equipment. Camera phones, poor lighting, and busy backgrounds, unfortunately, do not scream "I belong on a network pilot!" Additionally, your reader can make or break your performance. While this can occur during in-person auditions, too, usually the in-person audition reader is someone the director is seriously considering casting, and they are testing chemistry. So, if you don't have the chemistry...no harm, no foul. But it's frustrating trying to convey any chemistry during a self-taped audition if you're playing opposite your mom, kid brother, or a bum you enticed off the street.

#5 It's isolating

Yes, the option to self-tape provides actors in remote locations access to bigger markets, allows NYC actors to audition for LA and vice versa, etc. However, how you are IRL is a big part of whether you will succeed on set. How you take direction, how much direction you need, how you learn, how you interact with the crew, your overall personality...these are all attributes that do not come across in a self-taped audition. Unless you personally know the director or CD, have worked with them before, or they are familiar with your demeanor on set, it's difficult to convey actual likability on camera alone. Yes, there are the exceptions who read as more likable on camera than in-person (I hate you, jk..jk..jk). Given an audition is, essentially, a job interview, it necessitates that connection between interviewer and interviewee. Self-taped auditions don't allow such connection.

Whew, end rant. What are some of your frustrations with self-taped auditions? What do you love about them? Tell me your experiences! Comment below!

Big things afoot...

Hellooooo!
Yes, yes, I know I've been hardcore slacking with regard to my promise of one post a day. But my life might be changing big time in the coming months, and I'm super excited to share with you when I know more. Unfortunately, I need to put my posts on hold for a bit until everything gets sorted, but once it does, I'm back at it full force!

How a job interview is like an audition (and vice versa)

Like a few other industries, summer is considered the "off" season for actors.

Granted, I've booked some awesome stuff in the dead of June, but typically things go quiet during the awkward time between pilot season and the commercial high holidays. If you don't believe me, here is a great article about it from Backstage.

This inevitably leads to panic and dumpster diving. Well, maybe not the dumpster diving, but I can't say I haven't considered it to score a free meal.

It also leads to resignation that a survival job is in order.

Now, I have a "survival" job of sorts: babysitting. However, my core families seem to have left on vacation for most of the summer, and no, they didn't have the good sense to take me with them.

That leaves me...broke. What's a girl to do? Hit those job boards, of course.

Of course, after meeting with a few difference hiring managers, I've concluded that interviews are just glorified auditions. Sure, you might be overqualified, under qualified, not qualified at all, but at the end of the day, it's a performance, plain and simple. You rehearse (research the company, possible interview questions), you dress up (designer suit, check!), you struggle with nerves (shaky hands, sweaty palms), etc.

So what can the best actors teach the best job candidates, and vice versa? Here are a few crossover tidbits:

Look the part

You wouldn't show up to an audition for a face wash dressed in a gorilla suit, so why would you look like you're going on a Sunday stroll when you roll into a job interview? Research the company's culture. If they're traditional, stick to darker colors. However, I would still avoid black as a) it doesn't stand out b) appears too somber and c) it's a cat hair/lint/deodorant magnet. If it's a young, edgy design firm, you might be able to express your fashion sense a bit more.

Know your "lines"

Practice common interview questions and know how you're going to respond to some curveballs. Also, research job-specific questions you might get asked. For example, I was just asked about analytics and API for a digital marketing position, and it threw me because that's not my wheelhouse. However, API is fundamental in today's digital marketing.

Also, research the company/position and know the position enough to have a set of questions. Same goes for auditions - if a casting director opens the floor for questions, at the very least have one thoughtful question.

Of course, it's important to always convey sincerity and truth. You don't want to come across as fake or rehearsed.

Improv is your friend

Being able to think on your feet and read others is crucial during a job interview. It's also crucial in an improv scene. Really listen to what the interviewer has to say. Take notes if necessary. Have thoughtful responses in your mental grab bag. It's okay to play into the situation a bit, i.e. if the interviewer is jokey and laid back, mimic a more laid back demeanor. Have anecdotes ready. Always stick to your "character."

Stay positive

Also like in improv, it's important to always stay positive during an interview. Always phrase things in a positive manner. Never leave a question of a comment just hanging. Always have something to bring to the "scene."

You'll probably get the dreaded, "what's your biggest weakness?" or "what did you hate about your last job." They're trying to trick you into a negative answer. Don't be fooled! Get creative and come up with clever responses before you're caught off guard, mouth open, drool dripping down your chin...

Just breathe

Every actor knows the importance of breath. I've found it helps calm my nerves and makes me appear more confident in my actions. Same goes for a job interview. Make sure you have enough air to complete a sentence clearly, audibly, and without pause. Every answer, or question, should reveal a little bit about you as a person, your "character" if you will.

Do you have any interview/audition crossover stories? What about the annoying "interview audition?" Share your experience in the comments below!

My day as a casting director

Sometimes, I get the chance to wear a different hat and play casting director. I recently had the opportunity to request submissions for the male lead in a short, comedic film.

"Do you know anyone?"

"Sure! I can find someone." (Not really, but I'll just put out a casting call. How hard can it be?)

Ha! So, you want to hear about some of the pitfalls I encountered? Sure you do.

You get what you pay for

Since this was an unpaid project, I had to go through Facebook to find suitable candidates. Unfortunately, those just starting out are the ones who can afford to take unpaid work, while the more serious actors have either left for greener pastures, can't take non-union work, or just won't take anything unpaid.

Open ethnicity, but...

Being in Florida, I got a ton of submissions from hispanics. That might sound racist, but demographically speaking, it makes sense. I didn't want to limit myself on any talent, so I left ethnicity open in the casting.

Unfortunately, the director really was looking for a more plain-jane/everyman type and the majority of submissions I received, well, they read very, very exotic.

Again, it sucks because I know what it's like to be judged by your appearance, but it further proves my point that not every role is meant for every actor. As they say in the car business, "There's an ass for every seat." Can't take casting personally.

I'm really 35, but I look 22

So, while I actually have the opposite problem (and it's not just in my head because I get told this constantly), some people only think they can play younger.

I received a submission from a gentleman, allegedly in his 30s, who said he could play a twenty-something. Unfortunately, while he had a great character face, it reads much older than thirty. In fact, I would have placed him at forty. He also had a much older-sounding, albeit marvelous, deep voice with a hint of a southern drawl. I watched his reel, and he had some really nice moments on camera. Still, he was paired with women in their mid-late thirties, early forties.

There's no reason why I shouldn't cast him at some point in something - he's fabulous! It just won't be for this project because the character will be playing opposite me as my husband, and well, I look like I'm eighteen apparently.

Saying "no"

Some people don't take rejection very well at all. Some people, including yours truly, don't do well doling out bad news. There's a ton of great talent out there, and I love diverse, nuanced roles. The best I can offer is that I'll keep you in mind for future work. And I will, I promise you that.

Are you a casting director? Have you ever had to cast for your own film projects? Tell me about your experience in the comments below!

But you said...or five things to include in your actor's website

So, I made a goal for a post a day and I already missed my deadline. I feel rotten about it, I really do, but here's the thing: there's no excuse.

So, I'm sorry and I promise to do better. Now, back to business.

Here are five things to include in your website, should you choose to create one.

#1 Headshots

This should be obvious. I recommend incorporating your headshots into your title page in some manner.

#2 Resume

Ideally, this should be dynamic so you can update easily. I also recommend including a link to download a PDF because agents like this sort of thing.

#3 Reel

If you don't have a reel, try to include some sort of visual material to show agents and casting directors what you look like on camera.

#4 Clips

See number three. This is also excellent to provide BTS (behind-the-scenes) clips from production before a finished product lands in your lap.

#5 Social 

This is critical. If you could incorporate a stream of social media posts to your page, even better. I also recommend creating designated Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts just for your acting endeavors.

So, that's about it. Short and sweet. Have a subject you want some insight into? Let me know in the comments below.

Reasons NOT to pursue acting

So many young hopefuls leap into this industry each year for any number of reasons. Some approach the biz very pragmatically, some have delusions of grandeur. Here are five of the wrong reasons:

#1 Money

Did you read my last post where I included a link about how much a true "working" theater actor makes annually? It's less than $8,000 a year. That's more than some people's bills in a month. If you're looking for some extra cash, try picking up an actual part time job with benefits.

#2 Fame

Seeking fame is the ultimate worst reason to pursue a career in acting. Those who do achieve moderate success (i.e. enough to pay their bills and then some), are character actors or a what's-his-face/what's-her-face. Chances are, you'll go to your grave without ever winning any major award or achieving any name recognition. If you are willing to work hard in another field, your odds of success and recognition are much, much higher.

#3 Talent

I hear a lot of people who get into acting because they "love" acting, or they're a "great actor." Introspective fallacy. Talent plays a very minor role in any casting decision, so even if you fancy yourself the next Marlon Brando or Meryl Streep, actual talent will only get you so far. Oh, so many actresses are so "talented" and talk themselves up ad nauseum, but humility goes a long way in the entertainment business.

#4 No other options

So, you've reached a point in your life where you have tried everything else and you happened to land on acting, because "how hard can it be?" Maybe you don't have any professional experience or technical know-how to pursue something else. Maybe you jumped into acting straight out of high school, or maybe you never even finished high school. 

My advice? Find something else. Find anything else. I don't care if it's dolphin training. Pick something else, and research the steps to achieving your goals. I guarantee it will be much more feasible and rewarding than trying to be a working actor.

#5 Desire

This wishy-washy, post modern "you can do anything you set your mind to" is a load of hogwash. 

You know what has always been a dream of mine? To be a cartoon character. No, not to be the voice of a cartoon character, but an actual cartoon character. Yeah, not gonna happen. 

Every little boy or girl dreams of being a princess, a movie star, a firefighter or an astronaut. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is the world can't survive solely on movie stars, astronauts, firefighters and princesses. We need all sorts. 

At some point you need to really look at yourself and your skills and evaluate, is acting really the best path for me? 

So, why should you choose to pursue acting? 

Well, it comes down to whether or not you have evaluated the risks. If so, are you willing to make the sacrifice? If yes, who am I to stop you? 

But, you've been warned. 

Break a leg out there!