How Actors can find Representation - by John Essay

Let’s consider for a moment that you are “ready” for a representative. (If you don’t know if you are ready, please read my Backstage article, “Are You Ready For Representation?”)

Finding the right representative for you is a lot like dating: they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with various strengths and weaknesses. Representatives sign people who inspire them, who they think will make them a lot of money, or those with whom their personalities “click.” That is why there are so many representatives— because we all have different tastes. If we all had the same tastes, there would be one representative to handle everyone. 

It is up to you to find out which agent or manager represents what part of the industry, and then find out which is the best fit for your strengths and interests. How do you do that? Dive into the Internet. Look up the names of representatives and find out which clients they handle. Use IMDB, IBDB, lortel.org (the Off Broadway database), etc.  Ask your actor friends and teachers if they could make an introduction to their representative. You could also try some general meetings.  Remember, all of these ideas have a better chance at producing a representative for you as long as you are “ready” for representation.

Interviewing with a representative who doesn't know you and who hasn't seen your work is difficult, because they are only judging you on your resume and your personality, and that is, in my opinion, a waste of time. I think the best scenario is when a representative approaches you, usually because they have seen your work, or you have come highly recommended by their client or colleague. That way half your work is done. This is where your friends and fellow actors who have representation can be put to use—ask them if they would recommend you to their agent or manager. If they do that, then that is when you will send their representative your photo and resume with a cover letter. Ask your teachers and mentors in the business for ideas. You could try some meet and greets, and perhaps find a representative that will work with you. This is sometimes a good way to find a representative because most junior agents who attend these events are required to bring in new talent. Since these junior agents will have a hard time enticing more established actors, the meet and greets provide them with opportunities to discover new talent like you.

Obtaining representation by an agent or manager isn’t the be-all and end-all. There is so much that you can do on your own without a representative—and plenty to do even with representation—that can help further your career. I encourage you to find opportunities for yourself, and I wish you success!

******************************

See what other Experts are saying! Backstage Experts

How Actors can Benefit from Therapy - by Robert Curtiss

When working in a business as insecure as acting, it can often be difficult to remain a secure person. It's incredibly important to be of good, sound body and mind, and to maintain mental and physical health. Keep your mind clear, healthy, and balanced. I believe in positive energies. I think going through life with a positive attitude promotes positive work.

We all have times, however, when it’s a struggle to maintain a good attitude and a healthy outlook. There are times when even friends can't help you fix what’s bothering you, and acting class is not the place to work out your troubles. 

If you’re having problems in a relationship, at work, or just having difficulties adjusting to your new life in the city, consider going to therapy. Many people try to work out their problems in their minds, but there is something to be said for talking out loud about your issues and hear them reflected back to you from a mental health professional. 

A therapist can help you identify problematic behavior patterns and help you to figure out why you do what you do, help you to cope and/or make necessary changes in your life to move forward, maintain your balance, and to help you deal with new challenges. This will only enhance your life and your career.

Some people believe that therapy is only for weak or "sick" people. This is untrue. In fact, it shows inner strength to ask for help. As for the cost, many therapists have a sliding scale to accommodate clients with limited resources, and most insurance plans offer some mental health coverage. If you need therapy and can truly benefit from it, find a way to afford it. Some people can't afford to not have therapy! 

Remember: If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got. Therapy can help you change that cycle, and can truly enhance and enrich your life.

**************************************

Read what other Experts are saying! Backstage Experts

How to do Business over the Phone - by John Essay

It has happened to all of us. Someone calls us on the phone and asks us to do something—a benefit concert, an acting job, attend an event—and before we know it, we say yes before we think carefully about whether or not we should do it. Sometimes we say yes before we learn all of the important details we need to know! After all, it is exciting and exhilarating to be sought after, and it feels like a confirmation of our self worth. We are so excited that we are barely listening, and all the while in our heads, we are hearing the same thing over and over again: Yes! Yes! Yes! We get off the phone and slowly dread begins to rear its ugly head. Thoughts begin to race through our heads: "What have I done? Have I accepted a job that, after some distance and contemplation, looks a lot less stellar than when I picked up the phone? Now what do I do? How can I prevent this from happening in the future?"

Preventing it from happening is really very simple. I tell my clients who are in the habit of accepting everything that comes to them on the phone, they better start using my little technique. Just follow these steps: Don't speak, don't commit, listen, and write down all that is being said. Then simply thank the caller and tell them that you will let them know as soon as possible. If you have a representative, this is particularly important. Remember that your representative needs to know all the information too, and if you have agreed to be in something then your rep has really no room to negotiate for you. (Not to mention that the non-paying gig you just agreed to do may prevent you from auditioning for and/or booking a conflicting paid job.)

I think it helps to put a sticker on your phone—yes a sticker. Any sticker would do—just make sure it is something that you will notice. Every time the phone rings, as you begin to answer it, the sticker you placed on your phone should trigger you to remember: Don't commit to anything. In the event the phone call is actually an offer to do something, you are prepared.

Here is another trick you can use when being pushed to commit to something. (Especially if it is someone you know, and they really want you to do this job for little or no pay.) Use an excuse to call them back later. This can be a little white lie—i.e. "an often trivial, diplomatic or well-intentioned untruth" that harms no one. You can say that you are crazy busy now, your significant other is on the other line, you need to check with your agent or manager to make sure the schedule works for you, or say that your apartment is on fire. (OK, this is a bit extreme, but I think you get the picture.) Just say you will call them back later. That way you can slowly and methodically process all the information that was presented to you.

This trick works with just about any phone call. A "friend" who you don't really like that calls to ask you to a party. Your mother calls to check up on you and wonders when you will be coming home to visit. Your "day" job wants you to cover a shift. Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes saying you won a million dollars. (OK people, this call you may take!)

So take control, get a sticker, place it on your phone, and never commit until you have all the information and are fully comfortable doing so.

****************************************************

Read what other Experts are saying! Backstage Experts

Don't Compare Yourself to Other Actors - by Robert Curtiss

Actors can be supportive and encourage each other in this business, but actors can also feel competitive with each other. Some actors will get breaks that you did not, and others may become quite successful while you are still slogging away in a restaurant job or just trying to make ends meet while taking classes. These situations may feel bittersweet. You may want to feel happy for them, but you may also feel envious and frustrated that you have not been as fortunate. Try to resist the urge to compare yourself to them, and instead be happy for their success, as you would want others to be happy for you if you were in their place. The fact is that only one person gets cast in a role. So make peace with that fact and continue honing your craft. Hopefully sooner than later you will be cast.

Although it can be hard not to compare yourself to others, remember that comparing yourself to someone else is an inaccurate measuring stick, and it can erode your self-esteem and send you into depression. When you compare yourself to others—whether in regards to a relationship, a career, or other achievement—you are only comparing yourself to your perception of others. Everyone has different life circumstances and different paths. You are on your own unique journey, and it may take longer or go in a different direction. However, it will never be the same as anyone else's, and it has just as many opportunities and possibilities.

It is understandable to feel envious of others’ successes, but remember that envy is usually just a good indicator of your own insecurities. When you can figure out why you are feeling insecure, you can start to overcome it. A good psychotherapist can come in handy for these situations, and help you focus instead on your own strengths.

When you find yourself comparing yourself to others, stop for a minute and ask yourself: What am I grateful for in my life? What relationships have I made that are important to me? What accomplishments have I made in my life? What have I done recently that I am proud of? In what ways have I grown and improved? What steps am I taking to keep growing?

After all, these are the things that really matter.

*************************************************************

Read what other Experts are saying! Backstage Experts

4 Steps to Taking Criticism as an Actor - by John Essay

As a manager, I advise clients on career choices, groom them for the industry with guidance on new headshots, resumes, classes, and type choices. I also make professional introductions, and personally advise them on every step of their business, which includes some aspects of life coaching. 

Presumably, actors know this—and want this—when they are seeking a personal manager, or other forms of representation. Yet some actors come into my office thinking I am going to be amazed at how talented, professional, and on top of things they are, and they seem to think I will simply agree to represent them with no advice to offer. When they hear my suggestions, they look stunned and uncomfortable. I can't tell you how many times I have met with an actor for the first time—for our "interview"—and started to tell them something they didn't want to hear—that I was unable to represent them, or that they needed to get new pictures—and watched them "tune out." I can watch it happen before my eyes. Their eyes glaze over. They nod like they are listening, but I can tell they just want to get out of my office as soon as they can.

I wonder how well these actors take direction on stage or on screen. I wonder what is going to happen if we decide to work together and we encounter a crisis. How can I help someone who can't listen to my advice, or accept anything they feel is critical of them?

A happy life and a fulfilling career require personal growth, and understanding criticism is essential to personal growth. Criticism is everywhere so try to use it to your advantage.

Here are some simple steps to constructively deal with criticism: Hear it, evaluate it, learn from it, and take action.

1. Hear the criticism. Just listen. Resist the urge to justify, excuse, or defend yourself. If you're not ready to analyze the critique, analyze it later.

2. Evaluate the criticism. Does this criticism apply to you? Is the critic speaking truth or are they off the mark? If you are unsure if the critique is true, ask someone close to you that you trust.

3. Learn from it. If the criticism is justified, you have been made aware of something you need to adjust, change, or do. Accept this knowledge.

4. Take action. Once you have figured out what action you should take, do it. This is a typical time for procrastination, but I urge you to make the changes instead.

This process of handling with criticism will be a tremendous advantage to you as an actor. I wish you much success!
***********************************************************
Read what other Experts are saying! Backstage Experts