7 ways to
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Here are seven ways you can further your career, even if you don’t have an agent or manager
championing your talent:
1. Create your own work wherever possible. Find like-minded artistic collaborators and put on a
play; create a short film; do a web series. Many actors of whom I’m a passionate believer go this
route, and I admire them for it. Actors, you will gain the attention of casting directors and other
industry professionals if you put together well-crafted, intelligent work. It need not be costly or have
tremendous production values. It just needs to be compelling.
2. Read Backstage and other publications geared toward actors and those in the entertainment business. There are many listed auditions for theatrical productions, student films, larger films, etc. An
actor need not have representation in order to submit himself. Similarly, the Actors Access website
is another valuable tool: Actors can read breakdowns and submit themselves. Be certain your headshot and résumé are as realistically appealing/accurate as possible. The SAG Foundation and the
Actors Fund are also excellent resources for actors, as is Playbill.com.
3. Contact student filmmakers and student theater directors and let them know you are available
and eager to work with excellent collaborators. There are highly accomplished student films being
made—some of which go on to win Student Academy Awards. With my AMPAS colleagues, I participate in the judging of these films every year, and am floored by the high bar they set.
4. Attend EPAs if you’re trained to do theater and are passionate about it. I have auditioned, and
subsequently hired, brilliant actors whom I’ve met at these auditions. One sees both represented
and unrepresented actors in attendance.
5. Reach out to casting directors, directors, and producers whose work you admire. I can’t empha192/F-STYLE CHICAGO