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!

THE POWER OF NETWORKING

While landing a gig in the entertainment industry is one of the most fun and exciting opportunities one can have, it’s still important to treat it like any other job. Whether you’re an actor, dancer, singer or model, there are still valuable business strategies that must be applied to your chosen profession. One of those strategies is networking. I’ve met so many people in the industry over the course of my career. Establishing valuable relationships with other professionals in my industry has greatly contributed to my own professional success. If you’re determined to have a successful career in the entertainment industry, it’s important that you really get out there and network with others who can help you get your foot in the door.

Networking is defined several ways. One definition is the exchange of information and services between different individuals or businesses. Another is connecting with people with similar interests to uncover opportunities. Both of these are great definitions, and both describe actions you should be engaged in regularly in order to further your career.

If you’ve never networked before, it’s easy to do. If you’re an aspiring model, dancer, actor or singer, here are some great networking tips that will serve you well in your career:

-Meet and keep in touch with as many people in the industry as possible
-Find as many organizations and events as you can that are related to your chosen career. Be sure to attend them regularly.
-When you meet others in the industry, ask lots of questions. You never know what you’ll learn.
-Be able to communicate what types of opportunities you’re looking for so that others will know how to help you.
-Learn the art of following up. If someone gives you a business card, contact them the next day. -Never wait days or weeks, giving them the opportunity to forget who you are.
-Share information you’ve learned with others. When you help others, they are likely to help you when they know of opportunities that would benefit you.

If you’re not sure how to meet people in the industry or find information on opportunities and events that would be great for networking, visit our site for more information. Star Search Casting is a great resource for uncovering helpful information and maintaining a dialog with others in the industry with similar career goals and interests. And don’t forget to visit the message boards. You never know who you could meet!

HOW TO LAND A JOB IN HOLLYWOOD WITHOUT AN AGENT (PT 1)

Thousands of members on our site have booked exciting jobs in Hollywood without an agent. Often aspiring actors, models, singers and dancers think they don’t have a shot at making their dreams come true because they don’t have an agent. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are tons of opportunities available to you, even if you don’t have representation. Don’t let lack of an agent or manager stand in your way.

Melina Rochelle, a singer and actress living in Los Angeles, knows all about the challenges of looking for work without an agent. “I was worried that because I didn’t have an agent, I wouldn’t be able to audition for roles that I really wanted. Initially I was discouraged but I didn’t let it stop me.” Instead, she began doing her own research and was able to find lots of opportunities. And in no time she was landing great jobs.

This fall she will appear in the musical City Kid at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles in the role of Niki. “I’m so excited! It’s a great role and I get to showcase my singing and my acting in a really great show.” When asked how she’s managed to get such great opportunities without an agent or manager, Melina Rochelle offered this advice:

- “Just because you don’t have an agent doesn’t mean you can’t submit yourself. Do your research. There are lots of resources that list opportunities that you can submit yourself for without the assistance of representation.”

- “Make and keep in touch with contacts in the business. It’s a lot about who you know. There are lots of ways to meet people, for example taking classes to meet other actors, singers, dancers or models.”

Follow these tips from Melina Rochelle to help you get your career off the ground today! Need information on auditions, acting classes or other opportunities? Check out our site to access valuable resources you’ll need to help get your career off the ground.

And don’t forget to check out my blog tomorrow for more tips from Melina Rochelle on how to land a job in Hollywood without an agent!