#beginningacting

Some of you fellow aspiring actors have messaged me questions this past few weeks (and I love it, please keep asking) that I feel are important for anyone starting to pursue their dream should know. Though I am just starting out, I do feel I have some advice to offer. So I'm gonna try something different here. If you find it valuable, please let me know and I'll post more blogs like this!

So today let's address this question: "Do you have to know people in LA or can you just fight it out in the audition room?" 

1. Let's start with addressing the fact that auditions for film actors are not like theater auditions. I read an article that said the audition is 60% how you look, 20% your script, and 20% your acting. This means that you may be the best actor in the world, but if you don't look the part, you won't get the part. 

2. Yes, it is HUGELY about WHO you know, not necessarily WHAT you know. That goes for production jobs (sigh) and acting. Networking is everything in this city. I personally found an acting teacher in Denver, who got me and audition with a manger here in LA, who is going to help me find an agent, who will help me get auditions. However, you can still submit for auditions through the casting websites. 

Which some of you may now be wondering HOW do I network when I'm not in LA yet? 

Well, it may be different for everyone. My advice would be find an acting coach who specializes in film. If they truly have experienced the business, odds are they will have a few connections. 

or...

Internships! These are amazing opportunities you should utilize. Yes, you will work for free. But you will MEET PEOPLE who know other people who know people you want to know.