So You Want to Be an Actor...And You're Over 30?

With the Do's and Dont's of the Entertainment Industry!!

Don't:

1. You should not have to pay for any agent.The agent will get paid only when they find you work and you get paid.

2. You don't have to trade any favors for representation. If someone even presents this option GET OUT!

Do's:

1. Embrace the fact that you are older and you have something much more valuable to bring to the screen or stage.

2. Keep yourself in good shape. Walk if you can! Hungry in between breakfast, lunch and dinner? Carry fruit to keep the edge off the growing rumble in your stomach.

Well first and foremost to enter a multi-faceted industry such as the entertainment arena will take more than moxie and desire. It will take a well laid plan that will cultivate an aspiring actor of any age. It is never too late for the distinguished adult to pursue that fulfilling art of play.

1. Find a photographer that has the right "stuff," meaning you make a connection with him or her and him and her make a connection with you. Definitely have a conversation with your photographer about how you want to be marketed and how you should be marketed. Come to agreement and be super prepared with wardrobe ideas, accessories and extra makeup.

2. Definitely invest in a makeup artist, believe me, it will be worth it! An appointment a week before or three day prior to your photo shoot is a must so you can settle into any alterations with your hair. Have the same conversation with both stylist about what look you and the photographer agreed to convey through your photos. Definitely get a manicure because when the big day comes you want to be comfortable and not self-conscious hiding yourself mid photo shoot.

3. After all the spectacular details of market materials are covered let your fingers do the walking. Walking across the keyboards or through a phone book. Find a list of Agencies and going by that list send a:

Self, addressed, stamped, envelop inside another envelop that can fit your 8x10 headshots, and cover letter with your greetings and intentions (basically what you want to do in this industry.)

Self, addressed stamped, envelop is to get a response from the agency so you can know if they have received you packet. They will send it back to and that indicates that it was received.

4. A resume is also important to have regardless of how much or how little experience you have. Everyone always says do some local theatre. Check the ads in the newspaper and see if there are any shows auditioning. Call and schedule, or write a letter with a headshot to your local theatres initiating interest and see what comes of it they will let you know when open auditions are.

5. Enroll in community college just for theatre so you can:

A. Stretch you acting chops,

B. Get into a production.

6. It is most important to be driven, stay motivated, acting is easy, and putting you in that arena takes work. I have a friend who name is so well known in the Chicago theatre because she is in play after play after play. The only person that doesn't know how a in demand actress she is, is herself because she is constantly working.

Next time we will take a look into how to Market oneself.

Remember, this is a business, you are the Product, let's get real, we are going to work at putting YOU out there under the Spotlight where you belong! Until next time Take Care!