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On-Set Survival Guide: Professional Etiquette & Insider Tips

By The Up-To-Date Actor, October 27, 2025

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Stepping onto a film, TV, or commercial set for the first—or fiftieth—time can feel like entering a different world. The pace is fast, the stakes are high, and every person has a role to play in bringing the project to life. Whether you’re background, a day player, or in a recurring role, your professionalism and conduct on set are just as important as your talent.

This guide will walk you through the essentials of on-set etiquette — the unspoken rules that can make or break your reputation — and provide insider tips to help you thrive in any production environment.

The 2026 Artios Awards Nominations: A Hidden Gold Mine for Actors

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

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The 2026 (41st) Artios Awards nominations are here — or at least, part one of them. On October 8, 2025, the Casting Society of America (CSA) announced the first wave of nominations, celebrating excellence in television, theatre, commercials, short films, and short-form series.

(Phase 2 — including theatrical film and London theatre — will be announced later this season, so keep your radar on.)

For most people, the Artios Awards are industry headlines that pass by quickly. But for actors who treat their careers like a business, these nominations are a strategic opportunity — a time to connect, observe, and align yourself with the casting directors shaping today’s storytelling.

If you haven’t yet, read our earlier post, “Artios Awards: An Opportunity to Evolve Your Relationship with Casting Directors”, where we outlined how this season offers a perfect excuse to strengthen professional relationships. This post builds on that idea — with fresh examples from the 2026 nominees.

This Week in the Biz: Free Workshop, Artios Noms, AI Buzz & Film/TV Momentum

By Abigail Hardin, October 14, 2025

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In this week's entertainment industry update, we discuss Potential Broadway Strike; AI Buzz; Production Momentum; Casting Commentary & Nominations; Film & TV Business; Theatre Talk; Opportunities & Development

13 Essential Marketing Tools Every Actor Needs to Build a Professional Career

By Annie Chadwick, October 11, 2025

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The performing arts industry has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when a headshot and résumé alone were enough. Today’s actor must treat their career like a small business—with clear branding, strong marketing materials, and a digital presence that matches the pace of the industry.

Here are the 13 essential marketing tools every professional actor should have in place to build credibility, secure auditions, and position themselves as a serious contender.

Should You Self-Submit a Specific General Submission When You Already Have Representation?

By The Up-To-Date Actor, October 11, 2025

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Landing an agent or manager is a huge milestone — validation that your work is marketable and that someone is out there pitching you. But even with strong representation, one big question often arises:

Should you still self-submit a Specific General Submission to casting directors or production offices?

The short answer: Yes — if done professionally, with purpose, and in partnership with your rep.

The Most Produced Plays & Musicals of the 2025/2026 Regional Theatre Season

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

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Every year, the most produced plays and musicals across professional regional theatres give us a snapshot of the American theatre landscape—what audiences are connecting with, what theatres feel confident producing, and which playwrights’ voices are resonating across the country.

For the 2025/2026 season, the lineup is a vibrant mix of contemporary storytelling, beloved classics, and bold reinterpretations. If you’re an actor, dramaturg, or theatre-lover, this list offers insight into where the artistic energy is flowing—and where opportunities might be waiting.

One-Sheet vs. Pitch Deck: Two PR Tools Every Actor Should Have in Their Career Toolkit

By Annie Chadwick, October 08, 2025

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As an actor, you are not just a performer—you’re also the CEO of your own small business. That means marketing yourself with clarity, confidence, and professionalism. Two of the most powerful tools to help you do that are the One-Sheet PR Document and the Pitch Deck. While they share some overlap, each serves a different purpose in telling your story, and knowing when and how to use them can open doors for your career.

Film & TV Casting Directors You Should Know: 2025 Regional & National Spotlight

By The Up-To-Date Actor, October 06, 2025

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If you want to consistently book work in film and television, there’s one truth you can’t ignore: casting directors are the gatekeepers. They decide which actors get in the room (or on the self-tape list), and which performances make it in front of producers and directors.

For actors building a professional career, it’s not enough to only know the handful of big-name CDs in Los Angeles and New York — you also need to understand the regional markets where production is active, and the casting directors who call the shots there.

Your Fall Industry Update – Film/TV Production • Tariffs • A.I. Acting

By Abigail Hardin, October 01, 2025

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In this week's entertainment industry update, we discuss Film & TV Production; Jimmy Kimmel Censorship; Political; A.I. Acting; Film/TV Business & Content; Theatre Talk; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Actors on Acting; Quick Bites

Why Actors Must Pair Words With Visual Examples When Describing Their Type

By Annie Chadwick, September 26, 2025

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One of the most common questions actors hear in workshops, meetings, or networking events is:

“So, what’s your type?”

It sounds simple, but the way you answer this question can either open a door or close it. Casting directors, agents, and industry professionals don’t just want to hear a vague idea of who you are on screen or stage—they need to see it. That’s why combining your words with visual proof is one of the most powerful tools you can use to communicate your castable type.