What's my next step?

Tue, 18 Apr 2006, 01:33 pm

Hi all. I have just found this website and it's been great reading your 'real and honest' questions and replies. It gives me the confidence to ask one myself.

I'm wondering about what pathways people have taken to move their careers forward? I have just completed 6 months of a year long part-time drama course at VCA and want to know what I could be doing in conjunction to the acting classes. My ultimate destination is being paid for something that I love doing!

Eager to hear from you.

Columbina

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Columbina DenisTue, 18 Apr 2006, 01:33 pm

Hi all. I have just found this website and it's been great reading your 'real and honest' questions and replies. It gives me the confidence to ask one myself.

Eager to hear from you.

Columbina

NaTue, 18 Apr 2006, 02:07 pm

What to do?

This is such a great question - As an actor, you should be attending more classes, performances (especially opening or closing nights, where cast and crew generally schmooze), signing up with an agent, reading about the latest funding and arts news, keeping contact with local companies (fringe), and of course, auditioning for parts. There's no guarantee this will get you long term work in the performing arts, and you should be prepared to volunteer/work in different areas of theatre. I have gotten much of my work by being willing to a) volunteer with companies to get my foot in and b) being able to do many different roles in theatre. You will find that where you end up is not where you wanted to go, or where you started. Be prepared and willing to try different mediums, go with the flow (which is often where the money is), and to never pin yourself into 'actor', 'crew', etc. pigeon holes. You'll find that these labels mean nothing later on, as you take on different roles. And also be prepared to explore - a 6 month course is great, but it doesn't mean much when other VCA students do three years, and you'll find that even they have to compete with NIDA students! Perhaps do another course, one which adds more skills, or new skills. Always, always, keep in contact with friends and colleagues. These people will be your lifeline! Na The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

LabrugTue, 18 Apr 2006, 03:23 pm

Who you know

I agree with Na. While being talented and well trained is certainly helpful, you will get no-where without some sort of exposure.

This is a case of it's not just what you but who you know. Get in contact with an agent and be careful not to be conned. Get involved with as many projects that will increase your exposure and experience. Take on extra parts without pay. Get involved in student film projects. Build up a comprehensive show reel. Keep hassling your agent (once you have one). Check out appropriate mags and web sites. Be prepared to spend a little money up front on courses, training, photo shoots for your portfolio, etc but not for application/audition fees etc.

Play the field with caution and only go with those that have a provable reputation.

If you're interested in theatre, do get involved with community theatre. Many actors/director/crew start here, build up a contacts base then move into professional theatre based on their contacts list alone. It is also great for experience.

Most importantly keep up your skills, and stay in contact with others in the industry.

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Paul MclaughlinWed, 19 Apr 2006, 11:29 am

Tips

The greatest advice i ever got was that its 99%confidence and 1% talent. When you say you want to be paid for what you love doing does that encopmpass ANY acting work in the realm of acting? Generally 80% of a professional actors income comes from screen acting. So whether or not thats what your after it needs to be a focus. Along with what NA said you need to become a triple threat. Performers who can sing dance and act stand a better chance of survivng in this game, becuse you have many pools to draw on. So start singing lessons, and dancing too because if youa re serious about it then being a multi-skilled performer will keep you afloat. First thing though, you cant generally get any paid professional work without an agent (unless your freelance, but for someone just starting out you havent got such a great contact base). So go to the MEAA (http://www.alliance.org.au/docman/Itemid,28/ its at the bottom of the page) website and check out their list of agents for the state your in. However as was evidenced from the Black Box post even dodgy ones can make it on. Its good to make calls arrange interviews send letters. Persistency is the key. Just like it is the key with being a long termer. Ever hear of all those people who took years to make it overnight?? Acting is 1 learning 2 doing 3 seeeing. You can learn as much from watching believable truthful acting. Get out there and HAve fun, that usually gets someone where they want to go. Paul.

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