strong>Q: I am ready to break into show business and get famous! But there are a lot of beginners like me, and I want to stand out. What can I do to get my name in front of casting professionals and my peers?
A: When starting out in the entertainment business, it's important to get out there and promote yourself. And while you may not need an agent as an actor starting out, you still need to find a way to become a familiar name with a familiar face. If an agent isn't selling your talents, someone has to.
But you're right. This world is brimming with talented up-and-comers like you. Beginning actors sit next to you at auditions, go to the same industry parties, and have gigs at the same venues. There's no question the entertainment business is extremely competitive and teeming with people like you who are looking for their big break. So how would anyone separate your face from the thousands of others?
To stand out in the crowd, you have to work hard to perfect your craft and to promote your talents. Other than using services like InstantCast, where you can be accessed by hundreds of casting directors, you should keep in mind a few other ideas:
- Carry your headshots, resume, and business cards with you at all times.
- Join an actor's union to network with fellow actors and affiliate yourself with a larger professional entity.
- Attend a lot of auditions. You're bound to see the same casting directors and leave a lasting impression.
- Create a personal Web site or blog to showcase your experience.
- Attend industry networking functions, parties, and events.
- Write and star in a stage play or a one-man show.
- Participate in acting showcases where casting directors can attend.
The more you do to get involved in your own career, the more casting professionals and agents will show an interest in seeing you succeed. Be your own billboard, and get the word out that you're not a talent to pass up.
Break a Leg,
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