Artios Awards: An Opportunity to Evolve Your Relationship with Casting Directors
By , March 04, 2024
Casting director relationships are the backbone of a successful performance career. Whether you are just starting to build a professional career or continuing to rejuvenate an already flourishing career, casting directors are your most valuable friends. Professional updates to casting directors that you have already met or those that you have targeted to introduce your talent to are a valuable PR tool to enhance your career momentum. You are your first Press Agent!
Until your career has reached name recognition or you book a high-profile starring role, you are your best publicist. You have 3 desirable press agent qualities - you are passionate about your work, are your number one client and you are affordable. As an aspiring actor, this is one of the most important practices to commit to doing. Being your own press agent from the very start of your career will not only accelerate your success but will keep you feeling in the game when auditions and work are on a low cycle. Making follow-up notes and project research a part of your weekly career work is a habit to cultivate and grow.
There are many ways to professionally follow up with casting directors after auditions, meetings, and career news and bookings. Up-To-Date Actor members have access to our extensive resource section with tips, advice, and examples for cover letters, follow-ups, and more. One opportunity that is often overlooked is sending a congratulations email to casting directors for an Artios Award Nomination and Win.
Read MoreCan a Non-Union Actor Submit for Union Film, TV, or Theatre Projects?
By , January 21, 2024
In the world of acting, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, one question that often arises is whether a non-union actor can submit for union film, TV, or theatre projects. It's a topic that has sparked debates and discussions in the entertainment industry for years. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll explore the intricacies of this issue, examining the pros and cons, and provide guidance for non-union actors aspiring to break into the world of union productions.
Read MoreHow, Why & When to Join Actor’s Equity Association
By 2, February 13, 2023
Whether or not to join the main acting unions - AEA and SAG-AFTRA - is a burning question many new actors face, akin to signing with a talent agent. One of the first questions that I get asked by performers at the beginning of their careers is, “How do I join the unions?†They are aware that being in the union is a desirable goal but do not know much more about what joining it entails. My response has always been to start with these four steps:
- Believe in your talent and that you will be successful
- Make a commitment to daily work
- Train with the best to advance your skills
- Go after getting your own performance work
How to Reach Out to Theatre Casting Directors
By , July 01, 2022
The process of reaching out to casting directors for theatre project submissions differs slightly from that of general Film/TV project submissions.
One similarity is your ability to research and get specific! Like television, there is a lot of information available prior to a theatre production. As a theatre performer, you should be prepared with a list of 5-10 roles in specific plays that you are right for. Look to the roles you have already worked on in acting class.
For most theatre audition notices the roles and storyline will already be available, which makes it easier to be more specific in the submission for a particular role. Up-To-Date Actor lists public EPA and audition notices for union regional theatre projects. EPAs and audition notices are great, but don’t let that be your only option! If you don’t see an upcoming audition but are interested in a certain production, call the producing company or regional theatre directly.
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