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How to Start Your Acting Career with Background Work

By The Up-To-Date Actor, August 14, 2025

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Breaking into the entertainment industry doesn’t always begin with a starring role or a major audition. For many professional actors, the first paycheck—and first day on a real set—comes through background work.

Also known as being an “extra,” background acting is one of the most accessible ways to gain on-set experience, observe how productions operate, and start building your reputation and connections. Here’s everything you need to know about getting started.

Start Here: How Commercial Print Can Launch Your Acting Career

By The Up-To-Date Actor, July 31, 2025

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When you think of launching your acting career, you might imagine landing a big agent or scoring your first TV role. But what if your breakthrough actually begins with something simpler—and much more accessible?

Enter: commercial print work.

Often overlooked, commercial print is one of the most realistic and empowering ways for new actors to start building momentum in the entertainment industry. It pays, it builds your confidence in front of the camera, and best of all—it doesn’t require an agent or union affiliation to begin.

In this blog, we’ll break down what commercial print work really is, who it’s for, how much you can earn, and why it could be your smartest first step into a professional performance career.

Who Do I Submit To for a Project That’s Already Casting — Even Without a Breakdown?

By The Up-To-Date Actor, July 28, 2025

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You’ve done your research.
You know a project is in production.
You’re the right type for the world.
There’s no breakdown posted... but you don’t want to sit around and wait for one.

So what do you do?

Welcome to the art of the “Specific General Submission.”

It’s one of the smartest — and most underused — tools in an actor’s marketing kit. It’s proactive, it’s professional, and when done well, it can open doors before a role even becomes available.

But the #1 question actors ask when sending one is:

“Who is the best person to submit to? The casting director? An associate? The assistant? All of them?”

Let’s break it down.

Should I Take the Job?

By Annie Chadwick, July 23, 2025

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How the 5 Ps Formula Helps Actors Make Smart, Empowered Career Choices

There’s no better feeling than hearing those words: “You booked it!”

Whether it's a short film, a regional theater play, or your first co-star role on TV, getting cast feels like a jolt of recognition—a tangible “yes” to all your hard work, training, and talent. And that feeling? It’s real. You should celebrate it.

But once the applause in your head settles, a deeper question arises—one that every actor, from beginner to seasoned pro, needs to learn to ask:

Is this job actually right for me and my career?

Saying yes to work just because it’s offered is something many actors do, especially early on. You may feel pressure to always stay “busy,” to prove yourself, or to be seen as easygoing and grateful. But here’s the truth:

You are the CEO of your career.
Every yes you give is an investment of your time, energy, and reputation.

It’s not just about getting work—it’s about getting the right work.

To help you make those decisions with clarity and confidence, I created a framework I call The 5 Ps Formula. It’s a practical, empowering tool that helps you evaluate offers from all angles—so you can say yes to roles that support your growth, goals, and artistic voice.

Summer Challenge - Production & Tax Incentives - Colbert Cancellation - Emmy Noms

By Abigail Hardin, July 18, 2025

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In this week's entertainment industry update, we discuss Production & Tax Incentives; Political; Film & TV - Business Roundup; TV Awards; Streaming; Theatre Talk; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Actors on Acting; Quick Bites; Shop Directories

Summer Reading List for Actors

By Annie Chadwick, July 16, 2025

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Curated for artists ready to deepen their craft, expand their perspective, and step into a more powerful creative life.

Summer is the perfect time to reset, recharge, and reignite your passion for performance. Whether you're between gigs, in rehearsals, or traveling for a shoot, a great book can keep your creative fire alive. We’ve curated a robust summer reading list—categorized for clarity—that includes actor-favorite classics, inspirational reads, and mindset shifters to strengthen both your craft and confidence.

When It's Time to Walk Away: Warning Signs You Should Leave Your Agent or Manager

By The Up-To-Date Actor, July 10, 2025

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In an ideal world, your relationship with your agent or manager is a powerful partnership—rooted in mutual respect, strategic growth, and open communication. But sometimes, that partnership hits a wall. And when it does, holding on too long can stall your momentum.

If you've been questioning whether your current rep situation is still serving you, here are the top warning signs that it might be time to move on:

What Is a Talent Report? Should I Be Asking for One? And How Do I Best Use It?

By Annie Chadwick, June 21, 2025

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In an industry where knowledge is power, having insight into how you’re seen by casting professionals can help you make smarter decisions about your career. That’s where a talent report comes in.

But what exactly is a talent report, when should you ask for one, and how can you use it to advance your career strategically? Let’s break it down.

Nail Your Agent Interview: How to Prepare and What to Expect

By Annie Chadwick, June 20, 2025

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So you’ve secured a meeting with a talent agent—congratulations! This is a major step in your career. But before you walk through the door (or log on to Zoom), preparation is key. Agent interviews are part conversation, part audition, and part business meeting. They’re not just assessing your talent—they’re assessing your readiness.

Here’s how to prepare for your interview—and the questions you should be ready to answer with confidence and clarity.

A Summer Reset: Build Relationships, Strengthen Your Strategy, and Let Us Celebrate You

By Abigail Hardin, June 18, 2025

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In this week's entertainment industry update, we discuss Film & TV - Business Roundup; Film & TV - Production; Theatre Talk; Casting Tid Bits; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Actors on Acting; Quick Bites