If you search the profiles on my website, you’ll see that some members have lots of experience, while others have very little or none. If you’re a new actor, it can be very frustrating the first time you sit down to create your resume. How do you create a resume if you don’t really have anything to put on it?
A great way to get experience that you can add to your resume is to audition for student projects. Student filmmakers are required to produce and direct several projects over the course of their program and they actively search for actors they can cast in various roles. While playing a role in a student-directed production may not sound glamorous there are several reasons why it could help your career.
Booking student-directed projects is a great way to build your resume. Have you ever compared your resume to samples you’ve seen on the internet and wondered if you’ll ever get that many credits? By submitting yourself for student projects, you have a great opportunity to play a variety of parts while getting valuable experience, and continually building your resume.
Secondly, it’s a great way to start building a reel. A reel is a collection of clips of your past work that you or your agent can create. A reel can be useful in many situations. You can send it to agents as an alternative to just sending a cover letter and headshot. Also if you want to audition for a part that’s out of state and you’re unable to travel, a reel can be a great way to get the attention of a casting director.
And lastly, participating in student-directed projects is a great way to network. You get to work with other creative individuals with an interest in your craft. And you never know which student director could be the next Scorsese or Coppola. Imagine being able to say that you knew an Academy award winning director when he was just starting his career. Not to mention that by keeping in touch you can establish great relationships that could very well benefit you later in your career.
We have tons of casting notices for student productions on our site. Take a look and start building your resume today. Another great way to land opportunities and start building your resume is The Best Talent Awards, Hollywood’s premier talent showcase. Join Star Search Casting and apply for a scholarship to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Tomorrow I’ll share more information about The Best Talent Awards. It’s an amazing opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Showing posts with label Star Search Casting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Star Search Casting. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
LOOK THE PART
One of our Star Search Casting members recently wrote in:
"I love this website! I just signed up, and in an hour I had found 10 auditions that would be perfect for me. Thanks, SSC!!!!!!!!"
Brianna Redding, Pennsylvania
I love that we can provide so many opportunities for talented people from so many different regions. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the auditions on our site, be sure to visit us today. There are lots of new opportunities posted.
While many of our members get an opportunity to audition for a variety of productions, quite a few are new to the industry and aren’t really sure what to expect on their first audition. Lots of people have questions like, What should I wear? Or How should I wear my hair?
If you’ve been called in by a casting director who’s seen your headshot (as opposed to an open call), try to look as much like your photo as possible. Don’t send in a picture and then change your hair color and hairstyle.
Be professional and neat in appearance. An audition is very much like an interview. You don’t want to wear anything that might be considered sloppy or inappropriate.
Make sure you’re age appropriate. If you’re auditioning for a Disney role, be sure to look fresh and youthful. If you’re going after a more mature role, make sure your hair, makeup and outfit reflect that.
Be trendy and fashionable, but don’t over do it. You don’t want to show up in anything that will distract from your audition.
Make sure you’re comfortable. You don’t want to inhibit your ability to perform because you’re insecure about what you’re wearing, or because your feet hurt.
Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. So one of the most important things you’ll need to wear is a winning, confident smile.
Check back on Monday for tips on how to launch your career as a singer. If you have questions about any topics in my blog, or any other questions about the entertainment industry, feel free to submit them in the comments section and I’ll be happy to address them.
"I love this website! I just signed up, and in an hour I had found 10 auditions that would be perfect for me. Thanks, SSC!!!!!!!!"
Brianna Redding, Pennsylvania
I love that we can provide so many opportunities for talented people from so many different regions. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the auditions on our site, be sure to visit us today. There are lots of new opportunities posted.
While many of our members get an opportunity to audition for a variety of productions, quite a few are new to the industry and aren’t really sure what to expect on their first audition. Lots of people have questions like, What should I wear? Or How should I wear my hair?
If you’ve been called in by a casting director who’s seen your headshot (as opposed to an open call), try to look as much like your photo as possible. Don’t send in a picture and then change your hair color and hairstyle.
Be professional and neat in appearance. An audition is very much like an interview. You don’t want to wear anything that might be considered sloppy or inappropriate.
Make sure you’re age appropriate. If you’re auditioning for a Disney role, be sure to look fresh and youthful. If you’re going after a more mature role, make sure your hair, makeup and outfit reflect that.
Be trendy and fashionable, but don’t over do it. You don’t want to show up in anything that will distract from your audition.
Make sure you’re comfortable. You don’t want to inhibit your ability to perform because you’re insecure about what you’re wearing, or because your feet hurt.
Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. So one of the most important things you’ll need to wear is a winning, confident smile.
Check back on Monday for tips on how to launch your career as a singer. If you have questions about any topics in my blog, or any other questions about the entertainment industry, feel free to submit them in the comments section and I’ll be happy to address them.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
ARE YOU A TRIPLE THREAT?
We’re gearing up for The Best Talent Awards which will take place this November in Los Angeles. We had so many talented participants last year and over 40% of them were hired for work! While I was blown away by how many really great actors, dancers, singers and models there were – I was really impressed to see how many people were multi-talented and had mastered more than one craft.
In the entertainment industry, a “triple threat” refers to someone who can act, dance and sing well. Take the cast of High School Musical for example. It’s a high energy production with an incredibly talented cast, many of whom had to act, dance and sing to land their roles.
While it’s great to be a really good actor or a really great singer, you never know when the role of a lifetime will call for you to have more than one skill. It’s important when you’re preparing for a career in the entertainment industry that you are versatile and well-rounded. Learning to do several things rather than mastering just one skill can greatly increase your chances of booking really great roles.
Many actors have a “Special Skills” category on their resume. While singing and dancing can be listed here, you can also include languages, dialects, sports, instruments, stunts or any other special skills you may have that make you unique. Having lots of talents can be really helpful when you’re going after a role.
Often people are tempted to fudge this section of the resume, but this is a big DON’T. Instead, take advantage of classes or training in your area to pick up additional skills that will make you more marketable.
We have lots of classes listed on the Star Search Casting website that you can check out. I think you’ll find that classes can be lots of fun and a great way to meet and network with others in the industry.
Be sure to check in tomorrow to learn more about how to look the part when you go on an audition!
In the entertainment industry, a “triple threat” refers to someone who can act, dance and sing well. Take the cast of High School Musical for example. It’s a high energy production with an incredibly talented cast, many of whom had to act, dance and sing to land their roles.
While it’s great to be a really good actor or a really great singer, you never know when the role of a lifetime will call for you to have more than one skill. It’s important when you’re preparing for a career in the entertainment industry that you are versatile and well-rounded. Learning to do several things rather than mastering just one skill can greatly increase your chances of booking really great roles.
Many actors have a “Special Skills” category on their resume. While singing and dancing can be listed here, you can also include languages, dialects, sports, instruments, stunts or any other special skills you may have that make you unique. Having lots of talents can be really helpful when you’re going after a role.
Often people are tempted to fudge this section of the resume, but this is a big DON’T. Instead, take advantage of classes or training in your area to pick up additional skills that will make you more marketable.
We have lots of classes listed on the Star Search Casting website that you can check out. I think you’ll find that classes can be lots of fun and a great way to meet and network with others in the industry.
Be sure to check in tomorrow to learn more about how to look the part when you go on an audition!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
ON SET ETIQUETTE
The staff at Star Search Casting has been extremely busy. We have nearly 1900 auditions posted this week and we’ve been getting more and more success stories from members who have booked jobs listed on the site. It’s an exciting time for both the staff and our members and we want to congratulate everyone on their recent success.
While a lot of members have been booking really great jobs, I’ve heard many say that while they’re excited about their newfound opportunities, it can be intimidating to go on set for a job for the first time.
First, I want to remind you to take the opportunity to enjoy your accomplishment. It’s a big deal and you should be excited that you’ve come this far and are taking steps towards making your dreams come true.
If you’re new to working on a set, keep the following tips in mind:
Approach your job on set with the same dedication and drive as you would any other job you’ve had or an important school assignment. Listen carefully to everyone on set, follow directions and be patient if you’re required to wait for long periods of time.
If there are celebrities on set that you’re not working with directly, it’s often best that you don’t approach them unless you’re directed to or have permission.
Although people often perceive the entertainment industry as being fun and laid back (which it can be), there are still rules that must be followed. Always arrive on time, or better yet early, even if you’ve heard that most productions don’t begin in a timely manner.
Don’t take it personally if members of the production crew are short with you. Working on set can mean long days at a hectic pace. Under these circumstances tension and stress levels often run high.
Make the most of it. This is a great opportunity to learn. Watch the pros and see how they do it. There’s nothing like firsthand, on-the-job experience. Soak it all in and you could be well on your way to mastering your craft.
If you haven’t booked anything yet, don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll land a great gig soon. Check the site today for new auditions. There are tons of opportunities out there just for you.
Be sure to check out tomorrow’s blog. I’ll be writing about ways you can increase your chances of getting the role of a lifetime. Thanks for visiting!
While a lot of members have been booking really great jobs, I’ve heard many say that while they’re excited about their newfound opportunities, it can be intimidating to go on set for a job for the first time.
First, I want to remind you to take the opportunity to enjoy your accomplishment. It’s a big deal and you should be excited that you’ve come this far and are taking steps towards making your dreams come true.
If you’re new to working on a set, keep the following tips in mind:
Approach your job on set with the same dedication and drive as you would any other job you’ve had or an important school assignment. Listen carefully to everyone on set, follow directions and be patient if you’re required to wait for long periods of time.
If there are celebrities on set that you’re not working with directly, it’s often best that you don’t approach them unless you’re directed to or have permission.
Although people often perceive the entertainment industry as being fun and laid back (which it can be), there are still rules that must be followed. Always arrive on time, or better yet early, even if you’ve heard that most productions don’t begin in a timely manner.
Don’t take it personally if members of the production crew are short with you. Working on set can mean long days at a hectic pace. Under these circumstances tension and stress levels often run high.
Make the most of it. This is a great opportunity to learn. Watch the pros and see how they do it. There’s nothing like firsthand, on-the-job experience. Soak it all in and you could be well on your way to mastering your craft.
If you haven’t booked anything yet, don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll land a great gig soon. Check the site today for new auditions. There are tons of opportunities out there just for you.
Be sure to check out tomorrow’s blog. I’ll be writing about ways you can increase your chances of getting the role of a lifetime. Thanks for visiting!
Monday, October 1, 2007
How To Ace Your Audition
So many members on our website are getting the opportunity to go out on auditions. And what’s more exciting is that they’re booking them! Thousands of Star Search Casting members are getting incredible results, many within the first month of joining the site.
Whether it’s your first audition or your fifteenth, it’s always exciting to be on the brink of a new job. However, one of the biggest barriers to succeeding in an audition is nerves. While going on an audition is exciting, it can also be nerve wracking. Will they like you? Will you be able to perform as well as you’ve rehearsed once you get in the room? Tons of questions and insecurities begin to take over and can cause you to lose focus. And we all know that if your nerves get the best of you, it’s very possible that you might ruin your chances of getting a role that you’re perfect for.
So how do you get over your audition jitters so that you’re able to shine? One of the best ways to get rid of nervous energy is by being prepared, and knowing the secrets to a great audition. One working actor who’s been on lots of auditions and who’s booked roles on shows like Monk, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Sleeper Cell offers the following advice:
-Try to memorize your lines so. It’s okay to keep your sides* in your hand, but don’t be held hostage by the script.
(Note: “Sides” is an industry term that refers to the 2 or 3 pages of the script that you will be asked to read from during your audition.)
-ALWAYS read over your lines with another ACTOR before you go to your audition.
-Try wearing clothing that suggests the character, but don’t over do it. If you’re playing a cop don’t audition in a police uniform, but something like a blue polo shirt might do the trick.
-While in the waiting room, don’t feel obliged to chat. If you need time to study your lines or take a few deep breaths to prepare, feel comfortable doing that.
-Engage the casting director when you enter the room. Often the conversation that you have with the casting director before you do your scene is what gets you the part.
-Once you leave your audition, let it go. Don’t overanalyze how you could have done it better. Celebrate your efforts!
Ready to practice some of these tips and book your next job? Log on to http://www.starsearchcasting.com today for upcoming auditions near you!
And be sure to visit my blog tomorrow for advice on choosing the best photographer for your headshots!
Whether it’s your first audition or your fifteenth, it’s always exciting to be on the brink of a new job. However, one of the biggest barriers to succeeding in an audition is nerves. While going on an audition is exciting, it can also be nerve wracking. Will they like you? Will you be able to perform as well as you’ve rehearsed once you get in the room? Tons of questions and insecurities begin to take over and can cause you to lose focus. And we all know that if your nerves get the best of you, it’s very possible that you might ruin your chances of getting a role that you’re perfect for.
So how do you get over your audition jitters so that you’re able to shine? One of the best ways to get rid of nervous energy is by being prepared, and knowing the secrets to a great audition. One working actor who’s been on lots of auditions and who’s booked roles on shows like Monk, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Sleeper Cell offers the following advice:
-Try to memorize your lines so. It’s okay to keep your sides* in your hand, but don’t be held hostage by the script.
(Note: “Sides” is an industry term that refers to the 2 or 3 pages of the script that you will be asked to read from during your audition.)
-ALWAYS read over your lines with another ACTOR before you go to your audition.
-Try wearing clothing that suggests the character, but don’t over do it. If you’re playing a cop don’t audition in a police uniform, but something like a blue polo shirt might do the trick.
-While in the waiting room, don’t feel obliged to chat. If you need time to study your lines or take a few deep breaths to prepare, feel comfortable doing that.
-Engage the casting director when you enter the room. Often the conversation that you have with the casting director before you do your scene is what gets you the part.
-Once you leave your audition, let it go. Don’t overanalyze how you could have done it better. Celebrate your efforts!
Ready to practice some of these tips and book your next job? Log on to http://www.starsearchcasting.com today for upcoming auditions near you!
And be sure to visit my blog tomorrow for advice on choosing the best photographer for your headshots!
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