Blog: Auditioning

How to Handle Rejection Without Losing Momentum

By Annie Chadwick, December 03, 2025

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A mindset guide with practical reset exercises for actors

Rejection is inseparable from the artistic journey. But for many developing artists, the real struggle isn’t the “no” — it’s the accumulated emotional exhaustion of constantly showing up with full commitment and rarely receiving feedback or explanation. After pouring your energy into preparing a character’s world, imagining the possibility of booking the job, and then hearing nothing or not moving forward, the audition process can understandably feel discouraging and demoralizing.

And yet, this discouragement often grows from a misunderstanding of the audition ecosystem itself.

Hundreds of actors are submitted for every role on a project breakdown. Out of those hundreds, maybe 15–30 are selected to audition. Getting an audition is already a win. It’s functionally a callback — the casting director has already screened your headshot, résumé, reels, and essence and believes you could serve the story.

This is why your attitude toward the day-to-day process of building an artist career matters. Too many actors walk into each audition hoping for validation rather than treating it as part of their ongoing creative work. A healthier, more sustainable mindset is not “I need to book this to feel talented,” but rather:

“Every audition leads to my next job.”

Let’s reshape how you respond to rejection so you never lose the momentum essential to a long, thriving career.

Networking in a Hybrid World: Online & In-Person Strategies

By Annie Chadwick, November 19, 2025

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A modern guide to building real relationships with casting directors, agents, and managers

Networking has always been part of an actor’s job, but in today’s hybrid industry—where doors open both online and in person—it’s more essential than ever. And yet, many actors still carry outdated beliefs about networking: “It feels fake.” “I’m not good at self-promotion.” “It never leads anywhere.”

That mindset stops careers cold.

The truth?
Networking isn’t self-promotion. It’s professional participation.
It’s showing up as a colleague in the entertainment industry with joy, gratitude, and the expectation that your relationships will evolve.

Actors who approach networking with preparation, curiosity, and consistency build reputations that lead to opportunities. Actors who approach networking casually or avoid it altogether often wonder why their career isn’t moving.

This blog will give you the practical tools AND the mindset reset needed to navigate networking in 2025.

Theatre Audition Rooms Post-2020: What’s Changed, What Hasn’t

By The Up-To-Date Actor, November 03, 2025

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A 2025 guide to navigating fall EPAs and regional theatre auditions

Every actor who lived through 2020 remembers how the world — and the audition room — changed overnight. The shutdown forced the theatre industry to rebuild its casting infrastructure, and even now, the aftershocks continue to shape how actors audition, connect, and book work.

As the fall 2025 Equity Principal Audition (EPA) season kicks off and regional theatres announce their new 2025/2026 or 2026 lineups, it’s worth taking a close look at what’s different in today’s audition landscape — and what remains timeless.

At Up-To-Date Actor, we’ve been tracking these shifts since day one. From the rise of self-taping to the hybrid callback process to new expectations for professionalism, here’s what actors need to know to walk into (or log into) the audition room ready to thrive.

Film & TV Production Growth in 2025

By The Up-To-Date Actor, September 12, 2025

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Where the Jobs Are

The cameras are rolling again—and the opportunities for actors are growing right along with them. While many actors believe that Film/TV production is still down, especially after pandemic disruptions and strike slowdowns, recent industry reports show a modest rebound in 2025—with spend and production starts trending upward compared to 2024. With opportunity expanding in new markets, now is the time to position yourself where the work is happening.

The State of Film & TV in 2025

Film and TV production has not only rebounded but surpassed pre-2020 levels in several markets. Streaming platforms continue to expand their content libraries, while traditional networks are investing heavily in scripted programming to compete. The result? More shows, more films, and more casting calls.

• Streaming Growth: Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, Amazon, and newer players are greenlighting diverse projects in comedy, drama, limited series, and docu-drama formats.
• Network TV Resurgence: Fall 2025 premieres are seeing a surge in episodic orders, especially in procedurals and family comedies.
• International Co-Productions: U.S. and global studios are teaming up more than ever, bringing opportunities to shoot abroad or in multi-national projects.

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.

Should I Take the Job: How the 5 Ps Formula Helps Actors Make Smart, Empowered Career Choices

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 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.

Can a Non-Union Actor Submit for Representation to a Talent Agency That is Union Franchised?

By The Up-To-Date Actor, January 08, 2024

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Acting is a competitive field, and many aspiring actors look for representation from talent agencies to help them land acting roles. However, some actors are non-union while others are union-affiliated. This distinction can create confusion and questions regarding which talent agencies non-union actors can submit to. Can a non-union actor submit for representation to a talent agency that is union franchised?

The short answer is yes, a non-union actor can submit for representation to a talent agency that is union franchised. However, the representation process can be different for union and non-union actors, and there are several important factors to consider.

Learn How To Self-Tape for Auditions

By The Up-To-Date Actor, October 27, 2022

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Since the pandemic, there have been some major transformations in the acting audition process, one of which being the rise in self-tapes. Knowing how to self-tape for online auditions and interviews is an essential skill every actor needs to have in this day and age, but getting it right can be a challenge in and of itself.

Self-tapes have opened up more opportunities for actors and furthermore, this trend isn't going anywhere.