Hey World,
Multitudinous inquiries on the topic of Acting have led me to begin a new "Actors' Corner" of my EVERYDAY ENTOURAGE called Wanna Be An Actor?
Also, Random SideBar: I have re-designed my website !! Check it out!
Chapter One: The Beginning
So you want to be an actor? Are you sure? Before you can make that decision, you need to ask yourself: WHY?!!!??? Would you like a lifetime of disappointment? Are you prepared for an uphill battle? Are you an excruciatingly strong person with a deep sense of self, integrity, character and most importantly, discipline? If not...please stop reading and go on with a career in anything else. In fact, can you see yourself happy doing anything other than acting? Unless you LITERALLY cannot visualize yourself in any other pursuit...well...then, maybe you should give acting a shot.
How old are you? Just kidding. Contrary to popular belief, your age doesn't matter. Patricia Clarkson, a wonderfully talented, graduate of the Yale School of Drama, did not "make it" until she was 39 years old. However, she had studied and worked her entire life in order to build a solid foundation.
Are you willing to work through 10,20,or 30 years? Are you seeking recognition? Hopefully not! This is not a glamorous endeavor, in the beginning. Malheureusement (unfortunately), the life of a serious, committed, working actor is not what it seems. Although many successful stars shine in the light, what goes on off set, backstage, and in their own personal lives, often continues to be quite dark, depressing and pitié. (pitiful)
Where shall we begin?
HEADSHOTS Every actor needs a sharp headshot. Your headshot is key since it represents YOU. Not only that, but it is the first impression that an industry professional will have of you.
Do
☆Look exactly like your headshot
☆Have a Commercial and Theatrical Headshot
☆Wear a similar shirt or same-colored shirt as your headshot to an audition
☆Spend $200-400 on your headshots
☆Book a Consulation with a photographer to discuss in advance
☆Make sure your hair and makeup are clean and have someone on site to monitor this
☆Present yourself the way you normally do
☆Find a photographer who you feel comfortable with
*I recommend: Brian McConkey (Chicago) and Scott Miller (Los Angeles)
Do NOT
^Have a "friend" do your headshots for you
^Wear Excessive Makeup
^Do anything to your hair that you wouldn't be able to do yourself
^Get new headshots without a consultation
What I love about Brian McConkey, is that throughout the years, I have developed a comfortable relationship with him. I love shooting with him because I am myself. It is easy for us to work together since we are both comfortable. You will find that when you build a good relationship with your photographer, you will be comfortable and take great photos!
I hope that this has been helpful to many of you who have asked me, "What is the first step in acting?" My first response would be: Know yourself. Know who you are and begin the process of self-discovery. I think that the first proactive step in pursuing Acting has two parts: 1) Begin Acting Class 2) Begin Headshot Consultations
Love,
Alex
